Spend a full week on the River Thames with Thames Canoe Hire’s seven-day boat rental. Perfect for families and adventurers wanting a flexible, safe way to experience iconic stretches near Mapledurham and Caversham.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling endurance recommended.
Wildlife
History
The Thames has served as a vital artery for transport and trade in England for centuries, with landmarks like Mapledurham Mill dating back to the 18th century.
Conservation
Thames Canoe Hire promotes low-impact river use by providing education on respecting habitats and minimizing pollution during paddling trips.
Thames Canoe Hire
Spend a full week on the River Thames with Thames Canoe Hire’s seven-day boat rental. Perfect for families and adventurers wanting a flexible, safe way to experience iconic stretches near Mapledurham and Caversham.
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.
Start with a safety briefing
Take advantage of the comprehensive safety session at The Boat Yard to familiarize yourself with river conditions and equipment.
Mind the tides and currents
The Thames has varying currents that can affect paddling effort; plan your daily routes accordingly, especially near locks and bends.
Bring waterproof storage
Use dry bags provided or bring your own to keep valuables and electronics safe from splashes and unexpected rain.
Book in advance for weekend slots
Popular hire periods fill up quickly, so secure your canoe or kayak early, especially if aiming for weekend starts.
Buoyancy aid
Mandatory safety equipment that aids flotation in case of capsizing.
Dry bag
Keeps personal items protected from water during the trip.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against sun exposure during longer paddling days.
summer
Layered clothing
Adjustable layers help manage temperature changes throughout the day.
fall|spring|winter