Where to stay, visit, eat and drink, by Ben Lerwill
STAY
The Mitre Hampton Court
A mere stone’s throw from Hampton Court Palace is this newly renovated boutique hotel. It dates back to the 1660s but has been given the full 21st-century treatment – expect fizz on arrival, riverside terraces and luxurious rooms; from £188 for a double. mitrehamptoncourt.com
The Swan at Streatley
Taking its name from the archetypal Thames waterbird, The Swan sits a few miles downstream from Wallingford Castle. It’s relaxed and stylish – splash out on a river-view room if you really want to make a night of it; from £120 for a small double. theswanatstreatley.com
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel
Standing next to the Eton Bridge in Windsor, this enjoyable four-star hotel is spread across a cluster of different buildings, meaning its rooms range from beamed Tudor-style affairs to modern riverside suites; from £170 for a double. sirchristopherwren.co.uk
MUSEUMS
River and Rowing Museum
Opened in 1998 by the Queen herself, this Henley museum focuses on both the sport of rowing and the history of the river, with a permanent Wind in the Willows gallery as well as a café and shop. rrm.co.uk
Thames Museum
Currently “in the early stages of conception”, this London attraction will be dedicated to the archaeology and history of the Thames, centred on artefacts found in the river. thamesmuseum.org
THAMES CRUISES
There are various options for river cruises in central London, with Thames River Sightseeing one of the most established.
thamesriversightseeing.com
New for 2022 is the Terrible Thames tour from Horrible Histories, an entertaining 45-minute journey departing from Tower Bridge Quay. terriblethames.com
Thames Rivercruise is based in Caversham near Reading, and offers boat trips and charters along the Upper Thames. thamesrivercruise.co.uk
HERITAGE PROPERTIES WITH ROYAL LINKS
Hardwick House
This property (above left), set on a private Oxfordshire estate, dates to the early 16th century. Charles I was reportedly allowed to play bowls on the lawn while being kept prisoner nearby. Riverside camping available. hardwickestate.co.uk
Cliveden House
Now a luxury hotel (clivedenhouse. co.uk), this grand house (top right) was built in 1666 for the Duke of Buckingham. It played host to the first performance of Rule Britannia at a party in 1741. A decade later, the Prince of Wales died here after being hit by a cricket ball. The National Trust gardens and parkland are open to the public.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
Monkey Island Estate
Set on an island close to Bray, and now also a high-end hotel, the estate (above right) has wel
