thames barge trips

Step aboard for the unforgettable experience of a river cruise on board a vintage sailing barge

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Explore our vast range of ever changing public trips including food cruises, race days and weekends away. With Topsail there really is something for everyone and with new dates added all the time, you’ll be sure to find the right trip for you.

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Topsail charters is an award-winning company that specialises in barge cruises, private barge hire and sailing experiences. We sail in numerous locations throughout Essex, Suffolk and London.

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Magna Carta

• Category Premier
• Capacity 8 Guests
• Crew Members 4
• Booking Type Charter & Cabin bookings
• Check-in Time / Location 3:00 PM in London, Hotel Stafford

Cruising aboard barge Magna Carta on the Royal River Thames is a study in both antique and modern lifestyles – an ancient history book with the pages still being written.

Guests are met in London at the glamorous Stafford Hotel where they enjoy an afternoon tea. Then, the modern metropolis becomes but a distant memory upon boarding Magna Carta. Captain Dominic Read is a longtime area resident and an expert in the folklore and history of the river and its inhabitants. The cruise unfolds major historic sites alongside small slices of life: gently gliding past mansions and boathouses, as well as villages that look as if Miss Marple will pop out at any minute! History comes alive at Hampton Court Palace (where Magna Carta moors), the Tudor-style palace of King Henry the 8th; Windsor Castle, home to British royalty; and Christ Church College in Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Back on board, four spacious cabins with modern en-suite baths provide havens of privacy, while the comfortable deck and light-filled indoor salon become the perfect vantage points to take in the passing scene. Dining options deliciously address outdated notions about British cuisine. Magna Carta’s menus are fresh and creative, utilizing the best of locally-sourced produce, meats, and fish. A broad selection of Old and New World wines are carefully paired with the meals.

Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.

A Cruise on the River Thames aboard Magna Carta

Extra, extra…Read all about Barge Lady Cruises!

Accommodations & amenities, itineraries, gourmet dining, rates & dates.

• Interested in This Cruise?

Accommodations

• 117 sq ft long, with 6’4 – 7’4 ceiling height throughout
• Four Cabins
• Winston Churchill, 200 sq ft, 7’4” ceiling height, choice of  king bed or two twin beds
• Henry VIII and Shakespeare, 200 sq ft, 6’4” ceiling height, choice of king bed or two twin beds
• Christopher Wren, 200 sq ft, 6’4” ceiling height, one fixed queen bed
• Ensuite bathroom with shower in all cabins
• Adequate storage space in cabins
• Salon and dining room
• Deck with canopy
• Outdoor dining space and seating

Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

Travel from Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames on the River Thames

An English Cream Tea Begins Your Cruise in Style

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Magna Carta at the designated meeting point in London. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Tour the Finest Tudor Palace in Existence

This morning, explore Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of Henry VIII. Walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens and the famous maze! This afternoon, the Magna Carta cruises up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Drinks and dinner are served onboard.

Windsor Castle...Where the Royals Live

This morning's cruise takes us through Runnymede where King John put his seal on the Magna Carta in 1215, from which our vessel takes its name. This afternoon, history comes alive at Windsor Castle! Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in for over 900 years by the British Royal Family, the castle boasts unrivaled displays of art, furniture, ancient armor, and royal treasure. Your Tour Guide returns you to Magna Carta for cocktail hour and dinner.

A Day of Manors and Manners

This morning's excursion is a private tour of a Tudor manor that has been in the same family for 13 generations! Authentic and iconic, the manor is regularly used for filming. Then cruise this afternoon into Clivedon Reach where we have special permission to moor. Cliveden, now a hotel, was once owned by the Astor family. Tour the grounds, discussing the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous! A late afternoon cruise is the perfect time to laze in the hot tub. Enjoy another gourmet dinner onboard.

Traditional Boatbuilding Craftsmen at Work

This morning's sightseeing is a visit to the gallery of one of England’s greatest artists, Sir Stanley Spencer. Spencer described Cookham has “heaven on earth” and much of his work was painted in and around the village. A late morning cruise precedes a tour of Peter Freebody’s Boatyard to watch traditional craftsmen work on wooden boats as they have done for generations. Explore an 11th century village, including a tipple at Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country. Your Tour Guide escorts you back to the barge where Chef presents dinner onboard.

Christ Church College at Oxford

A morning cruise takes us to Henley-on-Thames to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Oxford for a tour Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Founded in 1546, its magnificent surroundings have been the scene of Lewis Carroll writing Alice in Wonderland, welcomed 13 British prime ministers among its students, and just lately served as a set for the Harry Potter films. Return to Magna Carta for the Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

A Sad Farewell

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to the designated drop off point in London.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!

• Couscous with Raisins and Pine Nuts
• Bouillabaisse with Toasted Sourdough and Saffron Aioli
• Cheeses: Claxton Bleu and Cheddar
• A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
• Sweet Corn Veloute
• Pork Tenderloin with Honey Roasted Carrots
• Cheeses: Cropwell Bishop Organic, Stilton, and Dunsyre Blue Bath
• Poached Pear with Gingerbread and Vanilla Ice Cream
• A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
• Cote-du-Rhone 2009, Rasteau, France
• Rioja 2010,  Baron De Barbon, Spain
• Don Cayetano Merlot Baroncini Rosso di Montalcino
• Les Pontilles, Sauvignon Blanc
• Petit Chablis 2010, France
• Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Split Rock, New Zealand

Italic Dates = Value Season Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Additional Details

Included in the rate.

• 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
• Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from London
• A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
• All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
• All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
• Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
• Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub

Not included in the rate

• International airfare
• Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
• Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

“We so enjoyed the entire experience. The crew was exceptional. The cabin accommodations were generous and most comfortable. We didn’t realize how much we would enjoy cruising down the Thames!” – Nancy and Bill S, Magna Carta

Are you ready to engage with a most enchanting waterway in England?

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Sail with us on a traditional Thames sailing barge

As an individual or with a few friends you can join others on one of our Cruises.  (If you are a group of up to 12 you can hire/charter the whole barge for your private use)

Children (7 years of age up to 17 years) may sail with us subject to being accompanied by a responsible adult and also wearing a life jacket on deck. We will supply the life jacket and there will be a limit of 2 children per trip.

We specialise in weekend or longer trips where you stay in our on-board accommodation.  Occasionally we also sail do Full Day  trips.

Because we carry a maximum of only 12 passengers (8 on Centaur) we like to maintain a “Club” atmosphere on board. If you fancy having a go at setting the sails or taking a turn on the wheel our friendly crew will “Show you the ropes” when safe to do so. If you just want to sit on deck and watch the experts that’s fine with us!  On the longer trips when it comes to the domestic stuff we provide the provisions and everyone mucks in with some simple cooking and of course clearing up afterwards.

Our trips are run on various dates between May and September. TSBT Sailing & Charters Ltd publish the sailing programme in good faith. All sailing trips are subject to the prevailing weather, wind and tide conditions, and the Skipper will take all these factors into account on the day.

Guidelines for Cruises

Please find further information and book cruises below.

Barge Accommodation

Pudge and Centaur have different facilities and accommodation.

Pudge was restored in 2022 and as part of that programme her below deck accommodation was upgraded and more facilities added. Pudge has the following: Six two berth insulated cabins each fitted with individual lights and USB charging ports Three heads (toilets with wash basin, on has a hot water shower) Heating is available for those colder nights A fully equipped galley with two LPG cookers and two 24v fridges. A saloon which is comfortable for eating meals and relaxing in the evenings.

Centaur's accommodation is much older and has not been updated for many years and hence she has a more traditional ambience with darker wood, and sailing barge match plaques adorning her saloon and galley. Centaur has the following: Three four berth cabins each fitted with wash basin with cold water feed and light One two berth cabin fitted with wash basin with cold water feed. Hot water is provided by boiling kettles. Note: The Trust only sails with eight passengers so no more than two share a cabin. For charters this can be increased to twelve passengers Two heads (one has wash basin fed by cold water) Heating is available in the saloon for those colder nights, fueled by wood A fully equipped galley with two LPG cookers and two 12v fridges. A saloon which is comfortable for eating meals and relaxing in the evenings.

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Welcome aboard

Magna carta, luxury hotel barge.

Explore England’s Royal River

Magna Carta is the finest most luxurious vessel cruising the British Isles. In 1936 built as a working barge in Belgium and working as such until 1999 in Holland, she was converted into a beautiful floating hotel by us (Dominic Read and Geoffrey Temple) in 2001. Ever since she has created amazing memories and incredible holidays for hundreds of guests on our 6-night cruises along the Upper Thames. Arriving and unpacking once and still staying somewhere else each night is exactly what happens on Magna Carta. A guided sightseeing tour and a few hours of cruising every day combined with very personal and attentive service and fantastic food from your very own chef, Magna Carta is a home away from home!

In October 2020 we were delighted to host the incredibly talented singer, entertainer and cruising guru Jane McDonald. For Jane McDonald’s Thames cruise we pretty much followed our Classic England Itinerary with a few changes. We are always able to make bespoke itineraries for charter groups as we did for Jane and her friends, please contact us for charter ideas and of course we can recreate Jane’s cruise for any charter group that requests it.

The TV programme “Cruising With Jane McDonald” featuring Magna Carta was shown on Sunday 23rd May 2021 on Channel 5 and the second episode was shown on Sunday 30th May 2021.

Jane, thank you for choosing us.

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6-night classic england, 6-night custom cruises, shorter cruises, what our guests.

To the captain and crew of the Magna Carta. Thank you for an unforgettable cruise. And also thank you to my new friends. Unbelievable food.

- Nancy & Thomas -

What can I say… This was the BEST! The crew, the boat, the food, the new friends – you can’t beat a week on the Magna Carta! Thank you,

*Nancy & “Sir” Thomas*

- Mary Ann & Angelo -

Dear Magna Carta – Thank you for a fabulous week. The stops were wonderful but the crew was even better – the best! We will always remember you + the trip. God speed

*Mary Ann & Angelo*

- Karen & Ken -

To our Magna Carta Friends. Words cannot describe what a fantastic time we had. Everything I had hoped and much more! Wishing you all the very best. Thank you for everything, so very sad to leave. (Katie, I will send you my resumé)! Fondly,

*Karen & Ken*

- Bronwyn & Neil -

Dear “Team Maggie”… Max, Laura, Katie, Dominic, Carl & Sarah-Jane. Thank you for a most glorious 6 nights cruising with you on the River Thames. We leave this floating palace with wonderful memories of superb & delicious food, sensational wines, excellent service, comfortable (very!) accommodation and new friendships. We are sad to leave our relaxed and indulged life style on board and hopefully will return again. Thank you – our days with you all exceeded our expectations and have been very happy. Warmest regards,

*Bronwyn & Neil*

- Rachel & Vern -

And so it comes to an end… but our memories will last a life time! This has been such a fabulous holiday, thanks to you all, Dom, Katie, Carl, Max, Laura & Marcy, you have made our Honeymoon + official Wedding Day the best it could possibly have ever been. We love you all so much, thank you! Another thank you must go to our fellow guests, we loved every minute spent with them! Much more love,

*Rach + Vern* ooxxoo (The Bride & Groom!)

- Peter & Sydney, Ashley & Scott, Heather & Jim -

Magnificent Magna Carta! Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of us this past week! Dom, Katie, Laura, Max, Carl, Oliver & Sarah-Jane you all are topnotch. Fabulous food, conversation, history, cruising and touring and making parasols and football magically appear! 🙂 We return home with very fond memories of you all + the beautiful Magna Carta. Fondly,

*Peter, Sydney, Ashley, Scott, Heather & Jim*

Photo gallery

MAGNA CARTA, an 8-passenger deluxe barge, cruises on the Royal River Thames, England

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MAGNA CARTA Cruise Stops

Cruise highlights.

• English Cream Tea at the Stafford Hotel, London
• Henley on Thames, Royal regatta town
• Visit Tudor Hampton Court, Henry VIII's palace
• Moor beneath Windsor Castle
• Visit the Stanley Spencer Art gallery
• A fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college
• Visit the Magna Carta & JFK memorials and the Saville Gardens
• On certain departure dates, visit Highclere Castle, location of the Downton Abbey TV series. Please inquire.

Cruise Features

Video to welcome you aboard MAGNA CARTA

Owner Operated: ​Yes - Captain Dominic Read Number of Passengers: 8 Category: Deluxe Cabin Bookings: Yes Charter Bookings: Yes Cruising Region : Middle Thames River, between Henley and Hampton, England Length of Cruise : 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday Cruising Season : April - October Theme Cruises: Family, Walking, Golf, Tennis, Antiques, Flowers, Christmas, New Year Meeting Location : Stafford Hotel, London

Cruise Rates 2025

Included in cruise price.

• Transportation between London and the barge
• Six nights accommodation in private stateroom with ensuite bath
• All meals, wine and drinks on board
• Daily escorted excursions by air-conditioned van
• All barge amenities including bicycles, music system, library, etc.

Not Included in Cruise Price

• Air or other transportation to the meeting location
• Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
• Personal expenses
• A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested 5-10% of the cruise price)

MAGNA CARTA Features

Cruising on magna carta, classic england cruise henley on thames to hampton court (or reverse).

Attention Downton Abbey fans ! On select cruises aboard Magna Carta, passengers will have the thrill of touring Highclere Castle, the location where the popular TV series was filmed. For 2017, the cruises are ​April 9, 16 and 30. Check Availability to book your cruise today.

Sunday - Transfer from London to Henley on Thames Guests are met at the Stafford Hotel in London for afternoon English Cream Tea at 15:00, before being transferred to the Magna Carta that's moored along the famous Henley Royal Regatta course. On arrival guests receive a champagne welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner on board. Monday - Henley on Thames to Hurley This morning we take a 40-minute drive to Oxford for a fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Unusually, it was founded twice, once by Cardinal Wolsey and then by King Henry VIII. The magnificent surroundings were where Lewis Carrol wrote Alice in Wonderland. After lunch we set sail and cruise the famous Regatta Mile. Here, every year in July rowing teams from around the world compete in front of Champagne and Pimms fueled crowds. We pass through Hambledon Lock, and onwards through stunning countryside to the medieval village of Hurley. We wander through Peter Freebody’s boatyard and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft as they have for generations. Afterwards we have time to explore the ancient village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country before returning to the barge. Dinner on board. Tuesday - Hurley to Cliveden to Cookham ​On select cruises only, we are driven to *Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, and the current Castle stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester for some 800 years. Longstanding friend of the Carnarvon family, Julian Fellowes had Highclere Castle in mind as he wrote Downton Abbey. He often commented he wanted a house which spectacularly testified to the confidence and soaring optimism of the Edwardian period. After lunch we cruise through Bourne End and Marlow to Cookham followed by a visit to Stanley Spencer’s gallery and a walk around the village. Dinner on board. *The visit to Highclere Castle is only available on limited departures. Please ask at time of booking. Wednesday - Cookham to Windsor We cruise this morning through magnificent scenery into the spectacular Clivedon reach where we have special permission to moor at the house itself. Cliveden was once owned by the Astor family, though the original house dates back to 1666. The gardens are simply amazing and include a Parterre, Chinese water garden and topiary. We discuss the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous!! Our afternoon cruise takes us through Maidenhead and Boulters Lock (made famous in Victorian times), past fabulous waterside homes in Bray and down to the heart of Windsor. We enjoy a late afternoon tour of Dorney Court. This very special home has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years passing from father to son through 13 generations. King Henry VIII has stayed here and the manor is regularly used for filming including “Poirot” and “The Other Boleyn Girl” We are lucky to enjoy the house privately. Dinner on board. Thursday - Windsor to Shepperton A morning tour of Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and a royal home for over 900 years, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. During lunch we cruise and enjoy breath taking views of the castle and down through the fields of Runnymede. . Here in 1215 King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal this historic document, which took away absolute power from the King and later became the basis for the American Bill of Rights .We have the option to moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, where it is possible to visit and use the facilities including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. Today’s cruising continues to our secluded overnight mooring near Shepperton. Dinner on board. Friday - Shepperton to Hampton Court Palace After breakfast we spend the entire morning cruising through countryside and the delightful riverside towns and locks of Sunbury and Molesey to our spectacular mooring right outside the gates of Hampton Court Palace. After lunch we visit this magnificent palace, the finest Tudor building in existence. We can wander around King Henry VIII's apartments and the Royal Chapel, feel the chill in the haunted gallery, view Cardinal Wolsey's closet and stroll through the Tudor kitchens. Outside, the gardens are stunning. The Great Vine, the oldest in the world still produces grapes and the world famous maze awaits. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. Saturday - Transfer from Hampton Court Palace to London Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point in London. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.

MAGNA CARTA Barge Cruise Reviews

"The barge and crew are the best we've experienced to date - the entire crew were exceptional. The captain, chef and crew made it most memorable. The cabin accommodations were generous and most comfortable. The excursions were great - we would have liked more time at Oxford. We didn't realize how much we would enjoy cruising down the Thames. We so enjoyed the entire experience - their "package" of barge, itinerary, outstanding food and crew is "spot on."

Beth, your service was excellent, as always! You are one of the best travel people I have ever worked with! Your site is most effective and the quality of the pre-trip information was thorough and helpful. You covered all the bases. I wish you handled other travels beyond barging! Many, many thanks to you, Beth, for arranging such a wonderful barge holiday for us!"

Nancy and Bill S.

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