Idyllic experiences and days out on and along the River Thames
Step back in time and join us to enjoy memorable experiences and days out aboard our beautifully restored vintage boats and elegant pre-war Rolls Royces as we take you out on one of the most idyllic stretches of the River Thames through Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
This stretch of the river is linked with the timeless classic ‘Wind in the Willows’ and Jerome K. Jerome’s 1889 ‘Three Men in a Boat’, and you’ll pass by, or visit on a private tour, stately homes, centuries-old riverside restaurants, historic bridges and locks.
While the river is the focus of our experiences and days out, our Rolls Royce fleet means that a diversion inland to a place of interest is also an option.
Overview
- 3-hour to full-day bespoke cruises available
- From 2 to 12 guests.
- Flexible itineraries with vintage boat/car transportation
- A range of on-board catering options
- Child friendly
Let us inspire you: Seven Vintage Days Out to enjoy
1. A classic Vintage Day Out
Laze about on the river with friends
Relax aboard one of our vintage boats as you cruise along the river, taking in historic sites and the beautiful countryside, enjoying the company of friends and family, and even business guests or colleagues.
Depending on the boat chosen, catering options can include Brunch, Lunch, Picnics, Afternoon Tea and Dinner. Whichever option you choose, you can be assured your meal will be served on vintage tableware with crystal glassware.
2. A gourmet cruise
Cruise to a selected restaurant on the river
What better way to arrive at one of the Thames’s most celebrated river-front restaurants than by vintage cruiser? Make a day of it with canapés en route, then perhaps Afternoon Tea on the return trip – if you have room for it.
Vintage Days Out will arrange your reservation as part of your day’s experience.
Danesfield House
Enjoy the truly stunning surrounds of Danesfield House, learn the secrets of the house and the history of RAF Medmenham which was stationed at Danesfield House during World War II and played a critical role in the war effort.
The experience includes a private tour, a wonderful 2 course lunch and the opportunity to enjoy the 65-acre grounds, with tea and coffee served.
Blenheim Palace
Enjoy a private tour of The Private Apartments of Blenheim Palace with the Duke of Marlborough’s own Butler.
Blenheim Palace is the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace.
Blenheim Palace is nestled in over 90 acres of formal gardens and is truly stunning.
- Tea/coffee and pastries on arrival
- Tour of the Private Apartments
- Guide book presented
- Chance to view other areas of the palace and gardens if desired
- Can be combined with lunch or afternoon tea served in the Orangery
4. A celebration
An extraordinary venue for an anniversary, reunion, special celebration or even a proposal
We love nothing more than celebrations on the River Thames during the day or evening. Our team will ensure that your cruise is more than special. We will happily dovetail our river cruise into your extended celebration plans but we like to think our private charter along the Thames will be the highlight of your day.
If we need to transport you from to and from the mooring, you only have to ask, and our vintage Rolls Royce will be there to meet you.
5. A traditional English country pastime
Experience the country life and history of Oxfordshire and Berkshire
For those looking for a bit more action on their Vintage Day Out, we recommend combining a boat cruise with an traditional experience to learn more about country life and the history of the area.
Clay pigeon shooting
Step right into country life by learning to shoot at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School. Recognised as the finest shooting school in the country, our guests enjoy their lesson in one of the most beautiful shooting grounds in Britain.
Walking in Oxford tours
Walk through the streets and university quadrangles of Oxford with your esteemed Blue Badge guide who will introduce you to the city known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ and worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Your tour will include a visit to one of the top three colleges in the city. Depending on college availability, you may even be able to view the iconic ‘Harry Potter dining room’ in the Great Hall at Christ Church.
7. A classic river event
What could be more prestigious and exciting than experiencing one of England’s historic events on the River Thames?
Britain is renowned for its pageantry and summer social events and the Thames does not disappoint. The following events are extremely popular and early booking is recommended.
Henley Royal Regatta
Founded in 1839 Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best-known rowing regatta in the world, and is famous both as a great sporting event and as a social occasion.
Vintage Days Out offers you an exclusive opportunity to experience Henley Royal Regatta 2023 in a style that embodies the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s.
We also arrange Vintage Days Out for Henley Women’s Regatta, the UK’s premier women’s rowing event.
Thames Traditional Boat Festival – usually July
This popular event features the largest display of traditional boats in Europe, a WWI air display, a gathering of ‘Dunkirk Little Ships’ who sailed to Dunkirk, amphibious vehicles and, in the past, highlights have included Her Majesty’s ‘Rowbarge Gloriana’ and Duncan Campbell’s Blue Bird to name just a few. A perfect family day out on the river!
Royal Swan Upping – usually mid July
Follow the journey of the traditional rowing skiffs of the Royal Swan Uppers and Swan Uppers from the Vintners’ and Dyers’ livery companies for a day as they carry out their annual conservation survey of Her Majesty The Queen’s swans and cygnets in the Royal Swan Upping.
Onboard catering
An essential component of your Vintage Day Out is the pleasure of eating out on the river.
Depending on the time of day, the occasion and the boat, we offer a range of dining options.
