Overview
From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley, with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore as we follow this old Viking trading route through some of England’s prettiest counties. There are also good cycling and walking opportunities along the ever-present Thames Towpath.
Hotel barge Magna Carta accommodates 8 guests and is one of the finest vessels cruising the waters of the British Isles today. Originally built in the 1930’s, today she is a luxurious and spacious ‘floating country hotel’ boasting a combination of traditional and contemporary features that create a very inviting ambience on board.
The large saloon and dining area feature picture windows and stylish furnishings, and the sense of refined space continues in the four very generous, air-conditioned twin/double suites, with their combination of period furniture and contemporary en-suite shower rooms. Outside you can unwind in the heated spa pool, or enjoy a mouth-watering alfresco lunch prepared by your onboard master chef as you get admiring glances from passers-by.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Magna Carta
Deluxe | 8 Passengers | 5 Crew
- 117 Feet Long
- 3 Twin/Double Suites (200sq ft incl. en suite)
- 1 Double Suite (200sq ft incl. en suite)
- Centrally Heated / Air-Conditioned
- TV / DVD in Suites
- Spa Pool
Day 1 London Hampton Court Palace
Guests are met at the Stafford Hotel in central London** for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Magna Carta in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Hampton Court Palace Shepperton
This morning, explore the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. You will tour Henry VIII’s apartments and the Royal Chapel, feel the chill in the haunted gallery and wonder at the Tudor kitchens. Outside, the gardens are breathtaking with The Great Vine, the oldest in the country still producing grapes and the famous maze. After lunch aboard, we cruise through Molesey, Sunbury and Shepperton Locks to your private mooring. Optional pub visit before dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Magna Carta in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 Shepperton Windsor
After breakfast, cruise through Runnymede to Windsor, past the Magna Carta Memorial and Magna Carta Island where in 1215, King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal the historic document.
Your afternoon excursion is to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and a royal home 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, St George’s Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Magna Carta in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 Windsor Cliveden
This morning, take a short drive to the Tudor manor house of Dorney Court, a very special home that has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years and used regularly as a film location. Later, you will cruise upstream past the fabulous waterside houses of Bray and through the spectacular Cliveden Reach to our exclusive mooring on the Cliveden estate. Once home to the Astor family, it has amazing gardens and was, of course, the scene of much political scandal and intrigue. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Magna Carta in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Cliveden Hurley
After breakfast, tour the grounds of Cliveden and learn about the history of the house and stories of intrigue and scandal! You will take a short drive to Cookham to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery and enjoy a walk around the village he once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’. After lunch tou will cruise through Cookham and Marlow and up to the 11th century village of Hurley. You will tour Peter Freebody’s boatyard and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft. There is an optional visit to the Olde Belle, one of the oldest inns in the country before dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Magna Carta in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Hurley Henley-on-Thames
After breakfast, walk the village of Hurley and visit Peter Freebody’s boatyard. Here you will see craftsmen build and restore wooden boats at a yard that is family owned and has been for centuries. A morning cruise to Henley-on-Thames through fabulous countryside to our final mooring along the famous Henley Regatta rowing course. Then, an earlier lunch, followed by a fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college, founded by Cardinal Wolsey and then again by King Henry VIII. The magnificent surroundings were also where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Magna Carta in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Henley-on-Thames London
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to central London.