For the Best English Food, I Took a Barge Cruise on the Magna Carta - By Rose Palmer

There was a time when English food was the butt of late-night television talk show humor. But now, gone are the days of jokes about mushy peas, bangers and mash, and spotted dick. As I recently discovered on a cruise on the Magna Carta on the River Thames, English food was anything but dull or boring. 

When my husband and I discussed how to celebrate our 40th milestone anniversary, there was really only one choice – a European Waterways barge cruise. After three other cruises with European Waterways, this mindful way of traveling has become our favorite holiday experience. 

Beginning Our Thames River Cruise with Afternoon Tea in London

We loved our cruises in France and Italy and knew how good the food and overall experiences were. This time, however, we chose a week on the River Thames in England, with a few days in London beforehand. London is one of my favorite cities to visit because who doesn’t love a decadent afternoon tea followed by a good West End show? 

I always look forward to afternoon tea in London, so I was thrilled that our Magna Carta adventure began with a delicious afternoon tea at the Stafford Hotel. The three-tiered tray presented scones and delicate finger pastries….and a little white mouse. The mouse pastry is a signature dessert at the Stafford, and the flavors change with the season. Mine was blueberry and vanilla and it was delicious. 

So, what keeps drawing us back to a European Waterways barge cruise? The intimate, small group environment feels like a private tour while the slow travel experience provides the perfect balance between relaxing cruising and interesting sightseeing. Top that off with a genial crew combined with excellent service, along with exceptional food and wine, and we have the perfect recipe for a perfect vacation.

Life Aboard a Magna Carta Barge Cruise

Our week on the Magna Carta gave us everything we looked forward to on a European Waterways cruise, starting with comfortable spaces. Common areas and guest rooms were spread out over two levels. The main lounge had a charming manor house feel with comfy leather loungers and a well-stocked book case on one end and a beautiful custom-made epoxy- and-oak dining table on the other end. Outside on the deck, another table and lounge chairs made it easy to relax while sailing slowly down the river. 

On the lower level, four well-appointed suits accommodated a total of eight guests. The rooms were appropriately named after notable English figures from different historic periods: Winston Churchill, Shakespeare, Christopher Wren, and our room, Henry VIII. Our room had everything we needed: more than enough storage, convenient outlets for charging, and heating and air conditioning for temperature control. If we wanted to, we could also watch TV or movies via a DVD player. 

The tiled en-suite bathroom had a walk-in shower, sink, toilet, and luxurious under floor heating and a heated towel holder. There were also robes for our use and all the toiletries we needed. The maritime blue and white color scheme in the bathroom and in our room was classy and timeless. 

Exploring the Historic River Thames

I learned that the Thames River has been referred to as “liquid history.” From Neolithic times, to the Bronze age, through the Roman period and then the subsequent 2000 years to the present, the river has been an important resource for the settlements along its bank. It provided a source of water, acted as a means of transport, and during the Middle Ages, functioned as London’s sewer.  

The river has been cleaned up, and its 215 miles now supports plenty of recreation and wildlife. Over the course of the 40 or so miles that we cruised the Thames, we were often accompanied by rowers, ducks, and lots, and lots of swans. Our trip started at Henley, home of the famous Henley Royal Regatta and the Henley Rowing Club. On my first morning on the boat, I enjoyed my cup of coffee out on deck as I watched rowers doing their early morning workouts on the misty river.

Charming Villages Along the Thames

Our cruise down the Thames took us though charming villages like Marlow, Bray, and Shepperton where we caught glimpses into the backyards of manor houses that included immaculate landscaped gardens with boathouses and beautiful, custom made wooden boats. In between there were stretches of parkland and rural countryside. Owner and captain Dominic drove us expertly through the many locks and under the low bridges. 

Historic Sites Visited During the Cruise

The sights we visited throughout the week were not far from the Thames and spanned 1000 years of history. The oldest site, Windsor Castle, was built in the 11th century, but the state apartments that we toured were from the more recent 19th century. At Oxford University we walked through Christchurch College which was founded by King Henry VIII in 1546. At the end of the week we also toured Henry VIII’s part time palace, Hampton Court, whose décor he kept altering in keeping with the wife of the moment. 

My favorite stop though was Dorney Court, a very well-preserved Tudor Manor House. A private tour took us through the house while our guide recounted entertaining tales of 450 years of inhabitants. When we reached the great hall, I realized why the house and the rooms looked somewhat familiar. Both the inside and the outside of Dorney Court have been used as filming locations for many of the British period dramas I like to watch. 

Exceptional English Food and Wine on Board

When we weren’t sightseeing, we were being very well taken care of by the crew aboard the Magna Carta, especially the chef. From the starters to the main courses to the desserts, the dishes were inventive and presented with a flourish. Traditional dishes like the Sunday roast with two veg, fish and chips, or Victoria Sponge Cake contributed to the English feel of our cruise without being stodgy.

Internationally inspired flavors like Moroccan chicken risotto or black garlic venison raised the bar on traditional dishes with creative flavors that were delicious. And as is customary on a European Waterways barge cruise, meals at lunch and dinner were paired with a global selection of white and red wines. 

Why a Luxury Thames River Barge Cruise Is Perfect for a Special Celebration

All too soon, our week on the Magan Carta came to an end and we were back at Heathrow waiting to fly home. This trip had been the perfect 40th anniversary celebration we had hoped for. The food, the wine, the sights, and the wonderful crew all created a blend of memories we will never forget. 

Experience the Best of England Aboard the Magna Carta

From the historic grandeur of Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace to the picturesque villages that line the River Thames, Rose’s journey aboard the Magna Carta demonstrates why a European Waterways luxury barge cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to experience England.

Combining exceptional cuisine, fascinating history, exclusive excursions, intimate small-group travel, and the relaxed pace of slow cruising, this voyage offered the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and unforgettable memories—making it a truly special way to celebrate a milestone occasion.

If Rose’s story has inspired you to discover England from the unique perspective of a luxury hotel barge, Contact Us today to learn more about Magna Carta itineraries and start planning your own unforgettable European Waterways cruise.