7nt Benson RETURN via Windsor

9am - 1pm

Approx. 4hrs | 5 locks

2pm - 3pm

You might have time after lunch to hop into Reading for a bit of shopping. Or you may wish to visit Reading Museum to view the British replica of the world-famous Bayeaux Tapestry which chronicles the Norman conquest of England. It is 70 meters long and was painstakingly recreated by a group of Victorian embroiderers in 1885. Entry is free. readingmuseum.org.uk

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Housed in a 14th century building bursting with character and history, this charming, cozy, old pub has classic wood décor, exposed beams and open fires. Its food is highly-rated and made with locally-sourced, seasonal produce alongside a selection of real ales. Take a pleasant stroll into the heart of Henley and you’ll find the Three Tuns on Market Place.

9am - 12:30pm

Approx. 3hrs 30mins | 5 locks

As you exit Cookham Locks, the Cliveden Estate is ahead of you... but it's obscured by trees so you won't see it. About 1km after the lock - you'll see Spring Cottage on the left-hand side - its an unassuming building with magnificant stones steps leading to the water's edge. You can moor just after the cottage on the towpath. Then follow the towpath in an upstream direction - all paths eventually lead to the house and gardens where you should proceed to the information center to pay your entry fee.

2pm - 5pm

Cliveden House and its surrounding estate have been home to earls, countesses, dukes, a prince of Wales and Viscounts. The house is now owned by the National Trust, and its gardens and grounds are open to the public to be enjoyed by all. The grade I listed gardens include the Rose Garden, the fantastical topiary in the Long Garden and the tranquil escape of the water gardens. And not forgetting the impressive 6 acre Parterre, with colorful displays of flowers in symmetrical designs. You might also have time to find your way to the middle of Cliveden’s deceptively difficult yew-tree maze.

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Nestled on an island right next door to Boulter's Lock, with their own private moorings, this beautiful venue offers superb, elevated river views and top-notch grub. Enjoy fresh, seasonal and ethically-sourced food on their al-fresco terrace, accompanied by a drink from their extensive wine list and cocktail menu.  01628 621291 | boathouseboulterslock.co.uk

9am - 10:45am

Approx. 1hr 45mins | 3 locks

1pm - 2:30pm

Conveniently located at the entrance/exit to the Long Walk, this cozy little pub has been trading since 1792. It is full of atmosphere and serves excellent pub food - perfect for a lunch time pit-stop. There is outside seating, and only 9 tables inside, so we recommend booking ahead. As they advise - the best table is a booked table. 01753 855 426 | twobrewerswindsor.co.uk

Unfortunately, children are not allowed inside so, if you can't get a table outside, we'd recommend the Long Walk Grill. It's just a 3 minute walk, back towards the castle.

7:30pm - 9:30pm

The Brasserie at the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel offers a weekly menu that includes British classics such as steak & ale pie and traditional desserts like homemade fruit crumble and Eton mess. Booking recommended. +44 (0)1753 442400 | sirchristopherwren.co.uk/food-drink/the-brasserie

9am - 12noon

Approx. 3hrs | 4 locks

1:30pm - 4pm

There are some particularly lovely walks in and around Cookham - some of the prettiest in the whole of the Thames Valley region in fact. There's a short 2.5km walk around the village - or a longer 7.5km walk that joins up with the Thames Path National Trail. You can download details from visitthames.co.uk. Afterwards, rehydrate at the Bel and The Dragon which was built in 1417 and claims to be one of the oldest pubs in England.

Cookham is also the former home to both Kenneth Grahame, author of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ and Sir Stanley Spencer, an artist who depicted biblical scenes as if they were occurring in Cookham. The Stanley Spencer Gallery on the High Street houses more than 120 of his artworks.

7pm - 7:30pm

Marlow is a very pretty Georgian town that has produced many British Olympic rowers. On the way to dinner, walk through Higginson Park to see Sir Steve Redgrave’s statue and find the gold post box in the High Street, which marks Naomi Riches’ 2012 Paralympic gold in the mixed rowing.

9am - 11:30am

Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 3 locks

12:30pm - 2:30pm

After lunch, you should stay and visit the River & Rowing Museum's excellent exhibits. The Rowing Gallery covers the history of rowing, from its roots in ancient warfare to its current recreational use, including exhibits from recent Olympic events. The River Gallery gives a fascinating insight into many aspects of the river including environmental issues, natural history, river & water management and even swan upping! A third gallery delves into the history of Henley, while the Wind in the Willows exhibition is a delight for the little ones. rrm.co.uk

8pm - 10pm

This beautiful 17th century listed building has been lovingly decorated with a contemporary feel. It is right by the river so you can moor right outside and dine al-fresco if the weather suits. Choose from superb seasonal dishes from pubs classics, excellent fish and enticing sharing platters. swanpangbourne.co.uk

9am - 9:30am

Approx. 30mins | 0 locks

Moor along the tow path adjacent to Beale Park

10am - 1pm

This Georgian mansion was lovingly rescued by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the mid-1950s and is now a re-creation and restoration of the 18th century building. Treat yourself to a cream tea, experience the nostalgia of the 1950s kitchen or stretch your legs among the 400 acres of historic parkland. The house features in the popular period TV drama, Downton Abbey - the interiors are use as the Crawley family’s London residence, Grantham House. nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park

2pm - 2:30pm

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Serving gourmet burgers and British classics, the Waterfront Café is right next door to our base in Benson and is the perfect way to finish your boating vacation. They’re also renowned for an impressive selection of cakes and desserts and there’s plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the river… and lots of ducks!