Popular Charter Routes
We operate from Bisham Abbey frequently travelling upstream to Henley and downstream to Bray. Extended or one way routes can be arranged as required.
Temple Lock - 20mins upstream from Bisham.
The lock was first built by the Thames Navigation Commissioners in 1773, although there are records of a flash lock here as long ago as the 16th Century. Adjacent to the lock is Temple Mill Island, former home to three Mills beating brass and copper for kettles and pans.
Harleyford Manor House - 45 mins upstream from Bisham.
A grade I listed building, owned by the Clayton Family between 1753 and 1950 and in private ownership. The Manor was visited by the Royal family in 1780.
Hurley Lock - 45 mins upstream from Bisham.
The lock was first built by the Thames Navigation Commissioners in 1773, with records showing the flash lock in use still in the 17th Century. The timber weir winch, looking like a capstan, which was used to pull boats through the Flash Lock is still visible upstream of the lock and weir, on the left hand bank.
Medmenham Abbey - 1 hour 40mins upstream from Bisham
A Cistercian Abbey was founded in Medmenham in the 12th century, though it was not officially recognised by royal charter until 1200. It was dedicated to St. Mary but closed in 1536. In 1547, at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Abbey was seized and given to the Moore family and then sold privately to the Duffields. Whilst in the possession of the Duffields the Abbey became infamous as the location of The Hellfire Club, formerly called the Monks of Medmenham. Headed by Sir Francis Dashwood, it was used for ‘obscene parodies of religious rites’
Hambleden Lock - 2 hours upstream from Bisham
Situated 2 miles downstream of Henley the lock was built in 1773. The mill (now visible on the upstream side of the weir) at Hambleden is mentioned in the Domesday book, which implies there was also a weir or pound here . There is reference to the weir, with a winch (for pulling boats through the flash lock) in 1338. The pound lock was the fourth downstream in the series of locks built after the 1770 Navigation Act. In 1777 a small brick house was built and Caleb Gould became lock keeper.
Henley Royal Regatta course - 2hrs 20mins upstream from Bisham
Henley Royal Regatta (or Henley Regatta, its original name pre-dating Royal patronage) is a rowing event held annually on the River Thames by the town of Henley-on-Thames. It was established on 26 March 1839. Also home to Henley Women's Regatta, Henley Masters Regatta, Henley Town and Visitors' Regatta.
The Royal Regatta lasts for six days (Tuesday to Sunday) ending on the first weekend in July. Races are head-to-head knock out competitions, raced over a course of 1 mile 550 yards (2,112 m). The regatta regularly attracts international crews. The most prestigious event at the regatta is the Grand Challenge Cup or Men's Eights, which has been awarded since the regatta was first staged.
The Royal Regatta is regarded as part of the English social season. As with other events in the season, certain enclosures at the regatta have strict dress codes.
Bisham Church - 10mins downstream from Bisham
12th Century All Saints church featured in the novel “Three Men in a Boat” and the BBC TV detective series ‘Pie in the Sky’.
Marlow - 20mins downstream from Bisham.
Marlow Town - A bustling town popular with foodie tourists with many fine dining locations. We are able to pickup/drop off at St Peters Street public slipway. Listed in the Doomsday book as Merlaue the town was important as a link road from High Wycombe to Reading crossing Marlow Bridge. The first bridge being built in the 13th Century, the current suspension bridge designed by William Tierney opened in 1832
Marlow Lock - 25 mins downstream from Bisham.
Marlow lock was first built in 1773, its weir is recorded in the Domesday book
Quarry Wood Hall (Cardboard Castle) 55mins downstream from Bisham.
Allegedly designed by graphic art illustrator Aubrey Beardsley and occupied by Dame Nellie Melba the Australian operatic soprano. This is known by the locals as “Cardboard Castle”. Dame Kiri Te Kenawa played Dame Nellie Melba in the hit series Downton Abbey
Spade Oak reach - 1 hour 20mins downstream from Bisham
A wide reach flowing past Gibraltar Island, Winter Hill, to Upper Thames Sailing Club. This stretch was used for the filming location for The Marlow Murder Club written by local author Robert Thorogood
Bourne End - 1 hour 40mins downstream from Bisham
Home to Andrews Boat Yard from 1925 manufacturers of the Andrews Slipper launch, synonymous in past times the Thames Riviera. We can arrange to drop you at both the Bounty Inn or El Cerdo Tapas Bar, riverside locations.
Cookham - 1 hour 50mins downstream from Bisham
An historic Thames side village closely associated with one of the greatest British painters of the 20th Century Sir Stanley Spencer, who lived in the village until 1959.
Cookham Lock - 2 hours downstream from Bisham
After building Marlow Lock in 1773 Cookham was a notoriously shallow reach and was considered to be one of the most dangerous sections of the Thames, with Cookham lock being built in 1830 to resolve the depth issues and then rebuilt in 1957.
Cliveden Deep - 2 hours 30mins downstream from Bisham
This reach is visible from Cliveden House home to the Astor family (now owned by the National Trust) where Rule Britannia was first performed, also the location of the Profumo affair, a major scandal in British Politics in the early 1960’s, involving John Profumo and 19 year old model Christine Keeler
