MAGNA CARTA, an 8-passenger deluxe barge, cruises on the Royal River Thames, England
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
Floorplan
Cruise Rates 2025
| Sunday to Saturday (6 nights) |
|
|
2025 Value Season Departures April 6-12, 13-19, 20-26 |
|
| 2025 Cabin Value Season Rates |
|
| Suite per person |
$ 6,550 |
| Single supplement |
$ 2,300 |
| 2025 Charter Value Season Rates |
|
| 6 passengers |
$44,300 |
|
7 passengers |
$45,900 |
|
8 passengers |
$47,500 |
|
April 27-May 3 |
|
| 2025 Cabin Regular Season Rates | |
| Suite per person |
$ 7,550 |
| Single supplement |
$ 2,700 |
| 2025 Charter Regular Season Rates | |
| 6 passengers | $51,900 |
| 7 passengers | $53,700 |
| 8 passengers |
$55,500 |
Cruise Rates 2026
| Sunday to Saturday (6 nights) |
|
|
2026 Value Season Departures April 5-11, 12-18, 19-25 |
|
| 2026 Cabin Value Season Rates |
|
| Suite per person |
$ 6,550 |
| Single supplement |
$ 2,300 |
| 2026 Charter Value Season Rates |
|
| 6 passengers |
$44,300 |
| 7 passengers |
$45,900 |
|
8 passengers |
$47,500 |
|
2026 Regular Season Departures April 26-May 2 |
|
| 2026 Cabin Regular Season Rates | |
| Suite per person |
$ 7,550 |
| Single supplement |
$ 2,700 |
| 2026 Charter Regular Season Rates | |
| 6 passengers | $51,900 |
| 7 passengers | $53,700 |
| 8 passengers |
$55,500 |
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
- Open bar
- 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
| Passengers: 8 Category: Deluxe Crew: 4 Barge Size: 117 ft long Cabins: 4 Cabin Size: 1 queen suite at 200 sq. ft; 3 king or twin suites at 200 sq. ft, including bathroom Accommodations: 3 suites with a choice of king bed or 2 single beds, and 1 suite with queen bed, all with ensuite bathrooms Heat & Air: Central heat and A/C; underfloor heat in suites and bathrooms Amenities
Theme CruisesFamily, Walking, Golf, Tennis, Antiques, Flowers, Christmas, New Year |
    |
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.