Fall in love… with the River Thames
“I thank Old Father Thames for many happy days. We spent our honeymoon, my wife and I, in a little boat. I knew the river well, its deep pools, and hidden ways, its quiet backwaters, its sleepy towns and villages…”, wrote Jerome K Jerome in 1889.
Escape with your loved one and make the River Thames part of your memories this autumn. With so much to see and do it’s the perfect place for couples to fall in love, with food, art, history and of course each other!
Fanatical about food
Tantalise your taste buds with some of the finest food and wine around the River Thames region, from Heston Blumenthal’s renowned Fat Duck restaurant in Bray to the Windsor Farm Shop and the Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery. The 2009 Henley Food Festival, 17 - 18 May, is a must for foodies and for a different eating experience why not try ‘fine dining and cruising’? Hobbs of Henley regularly team up with local restaurateurs so you can enjoy your meal while cruising the famous Henley Royal Regatta stretch.
A passion for art
Art lovers will find plenty to tempt them along the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning, an 18th century converted flour mill, puts on regular theatre performances and jazz concerts in its intimate 215-seated auditorium. Snuggle up with your loved one afterwards at the luxurious French Horn, just over the road from the Mill. In Cookham, visit the Stanley Spencer Art Gallery - the artist’s work is displayed in the recently refurbished Victorian Methodist Chapel.
Besotted with history and heritage
Step back in time with your loved on and visit some of the most beautifully kept gardens and houses in the UK. 17th century Ham House in Richmond with its sumptuous interiors is open until 2 November while the formal gardens with the lavender parterres and wilderness maze are open all year. Visit the gardens and estate of Cliveden House, originally the haunt of the rich and famous. Take in the spectacular views and enchanting walks through the woodlands before stopping off for a meal at Cliveden’s exclusive Waldo’s restaurant (open weekends only from 8 November – 21 December).
Head over heels about honeymoons
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to get married or spend that special honeymoon, the River Thames is the perfect romantic setting. The Swan at Streatley, with its stunning riverside location, offers pre-wedding treatments in its first class Venus Spa. You can even get married on a beautifully restored barge moored outside the hotel. The Compleat Angler in Marlow offers a personal boat for the bridal couple’s use whilst the striking 18th century Palladian mansion set in the extensive parkland of Basildon Park offers an imposing yet intimate venue for a wedding.
For more information and details on all of the above see http://www.visitthames.co.uk/timetogether
