Paddle a scenic 14-mile stretch of the Thames from Wallingford Bridge to Reading with Thames Canoe Hire. This all-day trip offers wildlife sightings, picnic stops, and a refreshing swim at Purley Beach.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for paddlers in good physical shape with endurance for a full day on the water
Wildlife
History
The River Thames has long been central to English commerce and community life, with Wallingford itself housing a historic medieval castle site nearby.
Conservation
Thames Canoe Hire promotes low-impact paddling to help preserve local wildlife habitats and maintains clean waterways along their routes.
Thames Canoe Hire
Paddle a scenic 14-mile stretch of the Thames from Wallingford Bridge to Reading with Thames Canoe Hire. This all-day trip offers wildlife sightings, picnic stops, and a refreshing swim at Purley Beach.
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.
Plan for an 8-hour day trip
This 14-mile paddle typically takes around 8 hours, so start early to enjoy stops without rushing.
Bring water and snacks
Though there are picnic spots along the river, packing your own food and water ensures you stay fueled.
Prepare for multiple locks
You’ll navigate four locks on the downstream section; be ready to portage canoes carefully as instructed.
Swim stop at Purley Beach
A great chance to cool off mid-journey—bring swimwear and towel if you plan to take a dip.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Safety first—always wear a properly fitted PFD while on the river.
Waterproof dry bag
Keep essential items dry and secure during your paddle.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Shield yourself from sun exposure during long stretches on open water.
summer
Quick-dry clothing
Wear moisture-wicking layers suitable for variable river temperatures and potential swims.