Family fun for all on the rural River Thames!

Flowing all the way from the beautiful Cotswolds through the historic towns of Oxford, Henley, Windsor and on to the outskirts of London, the River Thames is full of places to take the family for a great day out. With 135 miles to explore, why not start now? 

You could make a start at Wallingford Museum where their ‘In touch with our Ancestors’ gives families a chance to touch, see and even smell the past! The kids can even have a go at being a time detective by digging up the past in museum’s ‘Discover It’ sandpits. If that’s not enough why not step back in time with Project Timescape, a new education and visitor centre in Wittenham Clumps  where you can discover life in the past as well handle ancient artefacts, get scientific in the Earth Lab, handle a mammoth's tooth and even see Iron Age skeletons!

Continuing your adventures, you could all spend the night under the stars, camping besides Day’s Lock right by the side of the river! It’s a great way to experience the Thames as well as having the excitement of sleeping under canvas.

If the kids are wild on wildlife, why not visit Beale Park Wildlife Park also sitting right on the banks of the river. The park has its very own deer park as well as lots of exotic animals and birds to encounter including their new Capybara’s, Peggy-Sue and Borris. For budding train drivers, you can even make your way around the park on the narrow gauge steam and diesel railway train! There is even a new accessible carriage for those in wheelchairs or buggies. For the younger visitor, the park also has plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas to choose from.

Continuing downstream take a trip to visit the River and Rowing Museum, and meet Mr Toad, Ratty and their friends in the permanent ‘Wind in the Willows’ gallery? As you make your way through the exhibition, interactive exhibits and specially developed audio guides will help visitors young and old really feel a part of the story….! Why not take a boat trip to discover Mr Toad and Mr Mole in their home surroundings by joining Hobbs of Henley (link to www.hobbs-of-henley.co.uk) on one of their scheduled trips along the river?

If you’d like the family to rediscover the past, there’s plenty to discover at Hampton Court Palace. Kids will love exploring the worlds largest maze as well as learning all about the past with tales of the Haunted Gallery and Henry VIII as a young prince! At the end of the day, families are welcomed to the Tiltyard Café where there are plenty of good value meal deals.

With so much to choose from on the River Thames, you’ll find yourself coming back for more! Bring the family for a day trip or a longer stay, there are plenty of good-value family friendly places to stay wherever you choose to visit.

Fact Box

For more ideas for things to do with the family of all ages, see www.visitthames.co.uk/familyfun