Where is the meeting point?

Check in at Cafe LUXE at The Relais Hotel, Hart Street. The address is The Old Smithy, 19B Hart St, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AR, UK; please arrive 15 minutes early.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is not wheelchair accessible; ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome. Contact the operator to discuss accommodations.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Complimentary bottled water is provided. Food and drinks can be arranged in advance; Afternoon Tea is an available extra.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund with 7 days notice or in the case of extreme weather.

Can I bring pets or service animals?

Service animals are welcome and the operation is Blind/Deaf-friendly. Policies for pets should be confirmed with the operator.

How many people can the launch hold?

Maximum group size is 12 people per private charter.

Edwardian Launch Cruise on the Thames: Private Charters from Henley-on-Thames

PATRICIA offers a low, elegant Edwardian-style river launch that carries a dozen guests past riverbank houses and willow-fringed meadows on the Thames. In the hands of a professional skipper this private charter is an ideal way to unwind on the water around Henley-on-Thames in England. Meet at Cafe LUXE at The Relais Hotel on Hart Street (The Old Smithy, 19B Hart St, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AR, UK) and step aboard for anything from a short sightseeing cruise to a half-day escape.

The trip starts with a gentle push away from Henley’s boatyards, through the shallow, slow-moving reach where the river cuts through the town’s alluvial floodplain. Key scene features include Henley Bridge, Mill Meadows and the long towpath lined with pollarded willows; further out, manicured riverside estates give way to grazing fields and reed beds. The launch’s varnished wood, brass fittings and low freeboard harken back to the Edwardian era, creating a visual counterpoint to the modern leisure boats that share the Thames here.

Birdlife is a highlight: expect mute swans that float like white sculptures, busy gray herons, and the flash of a kingfisher darting past river reeds. Geology matters too — the reach sits below the chalk of the Chiltern Hills, and the contrast between the chalk slope and the river’s peaty banks shapes local vegetation and light. Bring a camera for reflections on calm water and the architectural details of riverside boathouses.

Practicalities are straightforward: charters are private for up to 12 people, include a professional skipper, fuel and insurance, and complimentary bottled water. Food and drinks can be arranged in advance (afternoon tea is offered as an extra), but are not included by default. The meeting point and check-in instructions are precise, so arrive 15 minutes early with the QR code emailed on booking.

Why choose this over a walk? A launch like PATRICIA allows you to thread the river at eye level, slowing the view and giving access to stretches of bank and boathouses you can’t see from the road. For visitors timed around the Henley Royal Regatta (dating to 1839), a private charter provides a calm counterpoint to regatta crowds. Accessibility is limited — the boat is not wheelchair accessible—so plan accordingly.

This offering feels both historic and immediate: a living slice of river travel that connects Henley’s sporting heritage, its river ecology, and the simple pleasure of moving on water. Bookings include a cancellation policy: full refund with 7 days notice or in extreme weather. The operation is Blind/Deaf-friendly and welcomes service animals; ask about accommodations for neurodivergence. Small groups and celebrations work well aboard — from anniversaries to corporate escapes — because the launch’s scale keeps experiences intimate while the river keeps conversation moving. Enjoy.

About Luxe Boating

Luxe Boating operates from Henley-on-Thames, England, offering a curated fleet of restored classic launches and electric self-drive boats for river cruises and private events. Guests can choose from hands-on electric self-drive launches or book restored vintage vessels such as Venetian water taxis, 1930s American launches, Edwardian-style launches and celebrated yachts with cinematic provenance. Trips range from short scenic cruises to private celebrations, romantic evenings, and special-event charters along calm British waterways.

Luxe Boating maintains a focus on authenticity, restoration quality and quiet electric propulsion. Each vessel is presented fully restored or undergoing meticulous restoration where noted, with attention to mahogany finishes, period detailing and comfortable layouts for small groups. Safety standards and local licencing are observed for public and private operations on the River Thames and nearby waters.

Bookings accommodate private hire, special occasions and experiential outings, with optional on-board services such as Champagne, canapés and professional stewarding on select vessels. The fleet includes named boats like Sophia, Gatsby, La Serenissima, Patricia, Christina, Miti and the legendary Atlantis, alongside electric self-drive options for independent exploration.

Luxe Boating features on The Adventure Collective, providing added visibility and third-party recognition. Photographic views, seasonal cruising and tailored itineraries help guests create memorable river experiences. Reservations are managed through the operator’s booking channels with clear trip summaries, ensuring customers select the right vessel and duration for their needs.

Customer enquiries commonly request flexible start times, tailored routes and photography-focused cruises, enabling personalised itineraries that suit celebrations, proposals and relaxed weekend escapes along the Thames.