Spend a full day paddling the River Thames with Thames Canoe Hire, navigating scenic locks, charming villages, and quiet riverbanks. Ideal for families and adventurers alike, the rentals come with all safety gear and expert support.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with moderate fitness who can paddle continuously for several hours with breaks.
Wildlife
History
Mapledurham Lock and Caversham Lock are historic river locks, integral to Thames navigation since the 18th century.
Conservation
Thames Canoe Hire promotes responsible river use with guidelines to minimize environmental impact and protect local wildlife habitats.
Thames Canoe Hire
Spend a full day paddling the River Thames with Thames Canoe Hire, navigating scenic locks, charming villages, and quiet riverbanks. Ideal for families and adventurers alike, the rentals come with all safety gear and expert support.
Thames Canoe Hire is a river activity provider based in Reading, England, operating from The Boat Yard at Reading Marine Services. The business offers canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and motor boat hire for half-day, full-day, multi-day and seven-day trips on the River Thames.
Trips range from short half-day outings to single-day journeys like The Boat Yard to Henley and extended multi-day adventures such as Oxford to Reading (35 miles, 11 locks) and Maidenhead to Windsor (four-day, 32.5 miles, 12 locks). Hire options include two-day SUP hire, two-day canoe or kayak weekends without drop-off, one-way itineraries with collection, and seven-day packages with or without drop and collection.
All hires include safety briefings, necessary gear and practical guidance on locks, navigation and landing points. Multi-day routes reference typical overnight stops at riverside towns and B&Bs, and individual trip summaries note distances, durations and lock counts where applicable. Motor boat hire is available for groups of up to six people for shorter outings.
Thames Canoe Hire serves families, groups and individual paddlers seeking scenic river experiences through Caversham, Sonning, Mapledurham, Wargrave, Pangbourne, Henley, Windsor and other Thames towns. Customers should consult the business directly for current availability, seasonal river conditions and specific logistics including collection and drop-off arrangements.
Location
Reading, England
Based at The Boat Yard on the Thames
Boat Types
Canoes, Kayaks, SUPs, Motorboats
Multiple craft for all skill levels
Group Capacity
Motor boats up to 6
Family and group friendly options
Trip Range
Half-day to seven-day
Short hires to multi-day adventures
Book canoes, kayaks, SUPs or motor boats — check availability for Henley, Windsor, Oxford and multi-day routes.
Arrive Early for Orientation
Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes ahead to complete a safety briefing and get fully outfitted with gear.
Check Tide and Weather Conditions
River currents and weather can change rapidly; monitor conditions before and during your trip.
Wear Quick-Dry Clothing
Opt for moisture-wicking layers and swimwear to stay comfortable on the water.
Bring Packed Lunch and Snacks
Although stops at local villages are possible, packing food ensures flexibility and maximizes time on the river.
Buoyancy Aid
Provided by Thames Canoe Hire and crucial for water safety throughout your trip.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keep your belongings dry and secure during your river adventure.
Quick-Dry Clothing
Lightweight materials prevent discomfort from sweat or splashes.
summer
Sun Protection
Sunscreen and a hat guard against prolonged exposure on open water.
summer