Magna Carta

Sunday, Day 1 London to Hampton Court Palace

Meet the Captain or a crewmember at the designated meeting point for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. On arrival enjoy a ‘Champagne Welcome’ by the Captain. Early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

 

Monday, Day 2 Hampton Court Palace to Shepperton

Morning excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy Tennis at the private Lensbury Club grass courts at Teddington. Return to Magna Carta as we meander upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

 

Tuesday, Day 3 Shepperton to Runnymede

Morning cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, The Runnymede, where we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. Time for tennis at the Runnymede Hotel’s outdoor hard courts before another cruise past Runnymede, where King John faced the powerful barons and signed the ‘Magna Carta” in 1215 as well as viewing the J F Kennedy Memorial. Dinner aboard.

 

Wednesday, Day 4 Runnymede to Windsor

This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. After lunch we have an afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Moor on a private island with a unique view of the Castle. Tennis this afternoon at Windsor Lawn Tennis Club. Dinner aboard.

 

Thursday, Day 5 Windsor to Cookham

Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, whose gallery we visit. Tennis this afternoon at the Royal Berkshire. This private club has fabulous indoor courts and outdoor grass courts. Dinner aboard.

 

Friday, Day 6 Cookham to Henley on Thames

A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody’s boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley there is plenty of time to explore the town for shopping opportunities and browsing in antique shops before returning to Magna Carta for the Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

 

Saturday, Day 7 Henley on Thames to London

Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point.

 

*Tennis themed cruises are charter only. This sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. **Various pick up and drop off points are avaiable for charter groups.