Magna Carta Hotel Barge - River Thames England - 2017 Season, European Waterways River Cruises

Sunday, Day 1 - London to Hampton Court
Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. On arrival receive your 'Champagne Welcome' aboard the Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Hampton Court to Runnymede
This morning we have ample time to really explore Hampton Court Palace, the most fabulous Tudor home of Henry VIII! Though used as a Royal home until Victorian times. We walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens, the world’s oldest growing grape vine and the famous maze! After lunch we enjoy our first cruise, up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river through Sunbury, Chertsey, and Shepperton to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Runnymede to Windsor
After breakfast we have the option to use the spa facilities of the newly refurbished Runnymede on Thames hotel including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Our river journey takes us through Runnymede where King John faced the barons in 1215 and was forced to put his seal on the Magna Carta, the document which was the very first Bill of Rights and from which our vessel takes its name. From the boat we see the Magna Carta memorial and Magna Carta Island where the sealing took place. Our afternoon excursion is to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in for over 900 years by the Royal Family. This is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the State Apartments, See Queen Mary's Dolls House and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. Dinner on board

Wednesday, Day 4 - Windsor to Cookham
Windsor to Cliveden leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise up to Boveney Lock and take a walk to Dorney Court. This very special home has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years passing from father to son through 13 generations. King Henry VIII has stayed here and the manor is regularly used for filming including “Poirot” and most recently “The other Boleyn girl” We are lucky to enjoy a private tour of the house. Our cruise continues past the fabulous waterside homes of Bray and Maidenhead, Boulters Lock (made famous in Victorian times) and into the spectacular Clivedon reach where we have special permission to moor at the house itself. Cliveden was once owned by the Astor family, though the original house dates back to 1666. The gardens are simply amazing and include a Parterre, Chinese water garden and topiary. We discuss the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous!!. A late afternoon cruise takes us to a stunning mooring at Cookham Lock. Artist Sir Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, once described Cookham as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Much of his work was painted in and around Cookham. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Cookham to Hurley
After breakfast we visit Stanley Spencer’s gallery and take a walk around the village before cruising through Bourne End and Marlow to Hurley. We tour Peter Freebody’s boatyard and watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work, building and restoring wooden boats as they have done for generations. We have time to explore the ancient 11th century village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country before returning to the barge. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Hurley to Henley on Thames
A morning cruise to Henley on Thames through fabulous countryside to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. An earlier lunch followed by a 40 minute drive to Oxford. A fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college, founded twice, once by Cardinal Wolsey and then by King Henry VIII. The magnificent surroundings were where Lewis Carrol wrote Alice in Wonderland. For our final night we enjoy the Captains’ Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Antiques" Cruise - Hampton Court to Henley on Thames

Sunday, Day 1 - Kingston on Thames to Hampton Court Palace
Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. En-route we stop in Twickenham at the Phelps Antique Centre. Phelps' 20 vast showrooms of well over 12000 square feet contain one of the largest and finest collections of antiques for sale in the south of England. On arrival enjoy a 'Champagne Welcome' by the Captain and an early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 - Hampton Court Palace to Shepperton
Morning excursion to Antiquarius, another superb center in fashionable Kings Rd Chelsea. Here are a collection of dealers offering silver, jewelry, period costumes, art, glass, sporting memorabilia and much more. Back at Hampton Court Palace, we have time to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall of this, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. This evening we will invite a Guest Speaker from a London centre to entertain and stay for dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Shepperton to Runnymede
Morning cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, The Runnymede, where we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. We then cruise past Runnymede, where King John faced the powerful barons and signed the 'Magna Carta" in 1215 as well as viewing the J F Kennedy Memorial. Optional visit into nearby Wraysbury where we visit Clive Rodgers, a premier dealer of antique oriental rugs. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Runnymede to Windsor
This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. After lunch we have an afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Moor on a private island with a unique view of the Castle. Walking across the bridge into Eton High Street, we have time to explore the numerous antique furniture and art dealers. We may also view Eton College, England's most famous school. Dinner aboard. Thursday, Magna Carta Antique furniture cruise.

Thursday, Day 5 - Windsor to Cookham
Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters, whose gallery we visit. Tonight, Willie and Sally Clegg from 'The Country Seat' will give an entertaining presentation of antique police truncheons before joining us for dinner aboard. Friday, Magna Carta Antique furniture cruise.

Friday, Day 6 - Cookham to Henley on Thames
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody's boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, along the famous Henley Regatta Course. This afternoon we visit the Nettlebed antique merchants and 'The Country Seat', a tithe barn full of the most interesting collection of fine antiques. Architect designed furniture from 19th and 20th centuries and related art, pottery, metalwork and glass. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard. Saturday, Magna Carta Antique furniture cruise.

Saturday, Day 7 - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Family" Cruise - London to Hampton Court

Monday, Day 2 - Henley on Thames to Hurley
Henley on Thames is surely one of the most picturesque riverside towns and famous for the annual regatta, the most important amateur rowing tournament in the world. We have time this morning to explore the fantastic River and Rowing Museum. Learn in a "hands on" environment, see the story of Henley, its people and history and experience the thrills of rowing and its quest for speed. This afternoon we cruise down the famous Regatta mile, through spectacular countryside and to the ancient village of Hurley where we tie to mature trees adjacent to a field and stay overnight. Plenty of time for a cycle ride or a game of boules by the riverside. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Hurley to Cookham
We start the day with a walk around the village Hurley. We visit Peter Freebody's boatyard where craftsmen build and restore wooden launches, the men will lay down their tools for a moment to share with us their love of their trade. Within the village we discover the church (1067) and Ye Olde Bell (1135), the oldest inn in the country. Back aboard Magna Carta we cruise down through Marlow and Bourne End to Cookham. This afternoon we are taken to Bekonscot, an unforgettable day out for everyone. This unique piece of our heritage is just waiting to be explored by children and adults alike. The world famous model villages and model railway continue to delight. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Cookham to Windsor
Our morning cruise to Windsor takes us through some of the most spectacular river scenery in existence. Below Maidenhead some fine riverside dwellings are home to the rich and famous, while the approaches to Windsor give the finest views of the Castle. This afternoon we have two options: A tour of Eton College. Founded by King Henry VI in 1440 Eton now educates 1270 boys between the ages of 13 and 18. The history is tangible as we explore the Chapel, Cloisters, Museum and other fascinating areas OR A visit to Legoland. This award winning park has every thing needed for a magical afternoon. Educational attractions, fantastic rides, 4D Theatre, Stunt shows, Boat driving schools etc. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Windsor to Runnymede
Again this morning we have two options: A chance to visit Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror soon after 1066, the castle is the largest inhabited in the world, and one of the present Queen's favourite homes. We see the State Apartments, St George's chapel, Queen Mary's dolls house and the grounds OR Ice Skating at a local rink. In the afternoon we cruise to Runnymede. The river forms a natural mote around the castle and our view of it keeps changing as we cruise through Datchet and Old Windsor. We pass Magna Carta Island where in 1215 the powerful barons confronted King John and forced him to sign the document from which our barge takes her name. Moored outside the Runnymede hotel we can visit the luxurious spa and make use of the pool. Sauna and steam rooms. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Runnymede to Hampton Court
Morning cruise via Shepperton and Sunbury to Hampton Ct Palace. This afternoon once again we have a choice. Hampton Court Palace is best known through its connection with King Henry VIII between 1528 and 1547 but it has seen 500 years of royal occupation. Adults will be enthralled by the history, architecture and gardens while the younger guests may get lost in the world famous maze or enjoy a tour with an expert guide in full historical costume; OR Thorpe Park, a fabulous theme park! Here are just a sample of the rides. Feel the heat on the Nemesis Inferno, fall through time on the Quantum, ride Colossus the world's first ten looping roller coaster, defy gravity and plummet 100ft on Detonator. Captain's gala dinner aboard Magna Carta.

Saturday, Day 7 - Hampton Court to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Chelsea Flower" Cruise - Cookham to Teddington

Sunday, Day 1 - London to Cookham
Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta moored at Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters. Champagne welcome on arrival with time to take a stroll before Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Cookham to Cliveden
A morning cruise, which brings us to one of the most beautiful reaches on the river and our mooring at Cliveden Estate and Gardens. This magnificent estate, former home of Lord and Lady Astor, boasts amazing views and incredible gardens. First laid out in the 18th century they include a formal parterre, a wonderful water garden with a restored Pagoda made for the Paris Exhibition of 1867, a long garden with topiary and 18th century Venetian statues. Truly stunning. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Cliveden to Windsor
A morning cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular open English countryside. After lunch we make a visit to Eton College, founded in 1440 and currently school to Prince Harry. Here a beautiful new footbridge not only allows splendid views of the collect and river but takes you to Luxmore's Garden, an island garden created by an Eton Housemaster in 1880. There is also time to view the Provost's and Fellow's Gardens. Return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Windsor to Runnymede
Today commences with a cruise to Runnymede followed by a visit and morning coffee at stunning Saville Gardens. Saville Gardens comprises of over 1,500 hectares of Windsor Great Park and is maintained by the Crown Estate and contains a diverse range of land uses. Over 60% of the Great Park is open to the public and it is estimated that more than 3 million visits are made each year. The Gardens Department is responsible for 600 hectares of the Great Park including the Savill Garden. There is also an optional visit to the nearby Wisley Gardens which is 200 acres of botanic gardens, famous for their trials of new varieties. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Runnymede to Hampton Court
Early morning cruise to Hampton Court. An early morning start takes us to the Chelsea Flower Show, the most famous flower show in the world. Here nurseries, societies and charities create colour filled stands and amazing arrangements in a huge marquee outside the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. In addition to this there are wonderful and innovative display gardens, both traditional and contemporary, created by the brightest and best of Britain¹s garden designers. Months of work goes into these beautifully staged displays which only last a week. After this heady and colourful assault on your senses we return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Hampton Court to Teddington
This morning we visit the famous Kew Gardens. With the new Bonsai collection, Palm House where all the plants have their first flush of new growth and tropical water lilies are opening their exotic blooms in the nearby Waterlily House. Plants of a smaller stature or scale can be seen in the Rock Garden and here plants from the world's mountain ranges are grown alongside Mediterranean species, both enjoying the open, sunny position and free-draining soil. Return to Magna Carta and continue our cruise to our final mooring at St Katharines Dock in London. Farewell Captains Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 - Teddington to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Hampton Court Flower" Cruise - Cookham to Teddington

Thursday, Day 5 - Runnymede to Hampton Court
Early morning cruise to Hampton Court which takes us to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, set in 25 acres of Royal parkland, where ingenious design, original ideas and creative flair, combine to inspire. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, nurseries, societies and charities create 25 colour filled traditional and contemporary gardens in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, including spectacular water gardens. There are also stunning floral displays in 8 huge marquees, including the British Rose Festival, plus much, much more. After this heady and colourful assault on your senses we return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Hampton Court to Teddington
This morning we visit the famous Kew Gardens. With the new Bonsai collection, Palm House where all the plants have their first flush of new growth and tropical water lilies are opening their exotic blooms in the nearby Waterlily House. Plants of a smaller stature or scale can be seen in the Rock Garden and here plants from the world's mountain ranges are grown alongside Mediterranean species, both enjoying the open, sunny position and free-draining soil. Return to Magna Carta and continue our cruise to our final mooring at St Katharines Dock in London. Farewell Captains Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 - Teddington to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Golf" Cruise - Hampton Court to Henley on Thames

Sunday, Day 1 - London to Hampton Court Palace
Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. On arrival guests receive their 'Champagne Welcome' by the Captain followed by an early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 - Hampton Court to Shepperton
This morning we leave the barge by foot and take the very short walk to Hampton Court Palace Golf Course situated on the River Thames. This is the only golf course in Great Britain where you can play golf in the grounds of a royal palace. This unique inland links design is a deceptively challenging test for golfers of all abilities. The course has a wide variety of flora and fauna including a magnificent herd of 300 fallow deer and an oak tree, probably over a thousand years old. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard. (18 holes Par 71 5953m).

Tuesday, Day 3 - Shepperton to Runnymede
Today's golf is at the famous Walton Heath Golf Club. Famous for staging the Ryder Cup and European Open Championships. Once owned by the News of the World, Sir Elmsley Carr would invite Mp's, Lords and members of the press to Walton heath. Designed by Herbert Fowler in 1903. Afternoon cruise to Runnymede hotel where we have use of the excellent spa facilities including swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and beauty treatments. Dinner aboard. (18 holes Par 72 6198m).

Wednesday, Day 4 - Runnymede to Windsor
This morning we have an option. We can take a short drive to view the Magna Carta memorial where King John faced the powerful barons and was made to sign the document from which our barge takes her name. We also visit the commonwealth air force memorial, opened by the queen to commemorate those 20000 airmen who have no known grave. (Or Optional Golf at Wentworth to be paid for by guests directly to the club. Wentworth is considered one of Europe's finest clubs and almost needs no introduction. Famous for the PGA and World Match Play Tournaments as well as many other events. Afternoon cruise through beautiful countryside to Windsor. We see Windsor Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Our mooring is on a private island with a unique view of the Castle. Dinner aboard. (18 holes, Par 73 6142m).

Thursday, Day 5 - Windsor to Cookham
Today's golf is at Sunningdale Golf Club, established in 1901 and ranked as one of the top 20 courses in the world. The Old Course founded in 1901 was designed by Willie Park. It is classic course with gorse and pine trees, silver birch, heather and immaculate turf. This afternoon we leave Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters. Dinner aboard. (18 hole Par 70 5526m).

Friday, Day 6 - Cookham to Henley on Thames
This morning we cruise to Henley on Thames, and along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Golf this afternoon is at Temple Golf Club. This gently undulating course has panoramic views of the Thames valley and is noted for its firm, fast greens. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard. (18 hole Par 70 5697m).

Saturday, Day 7 - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Tennis" Cruise - Hampton Court to Henley on Thames

Monday, Day 2 - Hampton Court to Shepperton
Morning excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy Tennis at the private Lensbury Club grass courts at Teddington. Return to Magna Carta as we meander upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Shepperton to Runnymede
Morning cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, The Runnymede, where we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. Time for tennis at the Runnymede Hotel’s outdoor hard courts before another cruise past Runnymede, where King John faced the powerful barons and signed the ‘Magna Carta” in 1215 as well as viewing the J F Kennedy Memorial. Dinner aboard

Thursday, Day 5 - Windsor to Cookham
Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, whose gallery we visit. Tennis this afternoon at the Royal Berkshire. This private club has fabulous indoor courts and outdoor grass courts. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 - Cookham to Henley on Thames
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody’s boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley there is plenty of time to explore the town for shopping opportunities and browsing in antique shops before returning to Magna Carta for the Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Walking" Cruise - Hampton Court to Henley on Thames

Monday, Day 2 - Hampton Court to Shepperton
This morning we walk in Richmond Park. Here at the top of Richmond Hill we find 2500 acres of undulating grassland and bracken, dotted with coppiced woodland and wilder than anything for miles around. Eight miles across at its widest point, it is famed for its red and fallow deer, which roam freely, and for its ancient oaks. For the most part untamed, the park does have a couple of deliberately landscaped plantations. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Shepperton to Runnymede
Morning cruise to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, where we have the opportunity to visit and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. After lunch we visit Windsor Great Park. Comprising about 4800 acres of wooded parkland and gardens, we walk around Virginia Water Lake, a large ornamental lake fringed by trees, paths and rides. This glorious walk perfectly reflects the changing seasons and never strays far from the water's edge. Virginia Water covers about 160 acres and was developed in the middle of the 18th century for the Duke of Cumberland after his victory at Culloden. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Runnymede to Windsor
Walk the Runnymede Memorials and the Playing Fields of Eton. After breakfast we take a short cruise to the Runnymede pleasure grounds and then stroll across the meadows to theMagna Carta memorial. This commemorates the place where in 1215, King John faced the powerful barons and was forced to seal the Magna Carta. We then start climbing towards the JFK Memorial and continue up Coopers Hill to the Commonwealth Airforces Memorial, a most fitting site to remember the 20,000 or so commonwealth airmen who have no known grave. We then continue back to the boat before a spectacular cruise to Windsor. After lunch we walk the Playing Fields of Eton. Beginning with a worthy stroll along the Thames path we soon head for the famous playing fields where, according to Wellington, the battle of Waterloo was won. For the duration of this walk we are aware of Windsor Castle, its high defensive position dominating the view. After walking we take a late afternoon cruise to our private mooring. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 - Windsor to Cookham
Walk Cookham Dean and Winter Hill. Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters. This afternoon we take you for a ramble up the old packhorse way to Cookham Dean, where Kenneth Graham lived and was inspired to write 'The Wind in the Willows'. Look out for muntjac deer and other wildlife in this beautiful setting, and then climb to Winter Hill for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 - Cookham to Henley on Thames
Walk the Ridgeway, Kingston Lisle to Ashbury. A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody's boatyard and watch in wonder at the traditional craftsmen at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, our final approach being along the famous Henley Regatta Course. This afternoon we finish with a truly magnificent walk along the Ridge. Between Kingston Lisle and Ashbury are the undisputed highlights of the entire Ridgeway. Iron Age Uffington 'Castle', the White Horse of Uffington and the Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow. The countryside surrounding the Ridgeway is rich in wild flowers and bird life, and traces of early man are everywhere. As if what we have done is not enough, our return walk is along footpaths linking three of the lovely settlements that lie at the foot of the downs: Ashbury, Compton Beauchamp and Woolstone. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "Christmas" Cruise - St Katherine's Dock to Shepperton

Christmas Eve, Day 1 - Central London to St Katherine's Dock
Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea and mince pies, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. moored in the spectacular setting of St Katharine’s Dock London. Meet the crew and discover your cabin before a festive Champagne welcome. Dinner on board. This evening after dinner aboard, we have a guest actor to read from A Christmas Carol while the saloon is candlelit and presents can be put around the Christmas tree. Optional midnight mass.

Christmas Day, Day 2 - St Katherine's Dock to Chiswick
After breakfast a choice of Christmas Day services including Westminster Abbey. We cruise today from Chelsea to Chiswick with mulled wine at hand and enjoy a wonderful Christmas feast in the afternoon. Present opening follows and the festivities continue into the evening which include a traditional English Christmas Tea.

Boxing Day, Day 3 - Chiswick to Hampton Court Palace
For Boxing Day, we once again start with a morning cruise through beautiful Richmond, past the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and on through Teddington and up to Hampton Court Palace. After lunch we have a chance to continue a great British tradition and embark on a refreshing Boxing Day walk around nearby Bushy Park followed by a visit to a local English pub for a pint or two of beer. Dinner on board.

27th December, Day 4 - Hampton Court Palace to Shepperton
This morning we have a chance to discover Hampton Court, the palace most famous as home to King Henry VIII and haunted by his fifth wife, Catharine Howard. After lunch we continue our cruising through the beautiful locks, which are a regular feature of the non-tidal Thames, and ever changing scenery to Shepperton, where we moor overnight. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.

28th December, Day 5 - Shepperton to Central London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Classic England "New Year" Cruise - Shepperton to Henley on Thames

28th December, Day 1 - London to Shepperton
Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta moored in Shepperton. Afternoon cruise through the countryside to our mooring at Runnymede. It was here in 1215 that King John sealed the document that was the first ever Bill of Rights and from where our barge got its name. Dinner on board.

29th December, Day 2 - Shepperton to Windsor
Above Runnymede the scenery becomes quite breathtaking as we continue on towards Windsor. The Thames forms a natural moat around the castle and so our view of this mighty fortress and royal home keeps changing. Our afternoon visit is the castle itself. The largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor has been a royal home for 900 years. Dinner on board.

30th December, Day 3 - Windsor to Cookham
The river just keeps on getting better! We leave Windsor and cruise through Bray and Maidenhead and into the spectacular Cliveden Reach. High on the wooded hill top we can see the magnificent former home of the Astor family and now one of the world’s finest hotels. We continue cruising into Cookham, which the late artist Stanley Spencer called a village “made in heaven”, and then we visit Stanley Spencer’s gallery by special arrangement. Dinner on board.

New Years Eve, Day 4 - Cookham to Hurley
A morning cruise as the Thames meanders through the open countryside of Bourne End and the delightful riverside town of Marlow where we can take time to stop and explore before continuing on to Hurley. In the afternoon the secrets of this tiny 11th century village reveal themselves and then there is time to rest before the New Year’s Eve celebrations begin. New Years Eve Celebration dinner followed by either a party aboard Magna Carta or we can join the villagers in one of their historic pubs. For charter groups other options can be made available.

New Years Day, Day 5 - Hurley to Henley on Thames
Welcome in the New Year” Perhaps a slightly later start this morning! And a riverside walk before our chef provides a substantial brunch. Our final cruise takes us through unspoilt beauty into Henley on Thames, the last mile and a quarter being the actual regatta course for which Henley is so famous. Time to discover the town and the River and Rowing Museum before preparing for the Gala Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

2nd January, Day 6 - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.