TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour Highlights
Explore the upper meanders of one of the world's most famous rivers.
Take in the beauty of the picturesque English countryside from a truly unique perspective.
Discover fantastic wildlife and historic sites as you journey along picturesque stretches of freshwater.
Swim the River Thames with us on this unique and peaceful tour along England’s longest river. Set among the beautiful English countryside, this one-day or two-day swimming tour gives you the chance to experience the River Thames from a completely new perspective. Discover a clean and healthy river, as well as some fantastic wildlife and historic sites as you travel this picturesque stretch of water.
Stretching from the edge of the Cotswolds to the nation's capital, the River Thames passes through gorgeous countryside and charming villages. We start our trip close to the source of the river, where the fish are jumping and birds are singing. We then meander past some of the 140 historic sites of special interest, and occasionally take some time out on the banks of the river to really appreciate the view – the same waters that inspired so many poets, artists, and authors over the centuries.
This trip is designed as a two consecutive day journey from Buscot Lock to Tadpole Bridge and can be booked like this. Alternatively, if you are short on time, each day section can be booked as a stand-alone day trip. With both weekday and weekend departures. A picnic lunch is provided on both days, however overnight accommodation between days is not included as part of either package.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for swimmers who enjoy river swimming and are looking for a chance to experience the beautiful English countryside from the water.
Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance of 3km prior to the start of the trip. The average daily swim distance is around 6km (split over a minimum of two swims).
We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.
What's included?
- Fully guided swimming holiday on the River Thames
- Swim guides and full safety escort on all swims
- Picnic lunch is provided on both Day 1 and Day 2
- Tea, coffee and snacks between swims
- Full ABTOT Financial Protection
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the tour
- Overnight accommodation between days is not included (for either package)
- Breakfast, and evening meals
Daily Itineraries
Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during the course of your trip. However, actual swims may vary according to local weather and river conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilot will determine the most suitable swims each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
Map
Location Summary
Trip Grading
Trip Information
Getting There
Travel Advice
Related Trips
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A SwimTrek adventure makes me feel alive!
Diana, UK - 2020 -
Great trip - really enjoyed it all! So pleased the trip could go ahead with social distancing precautions. Very well organised, safe and fun. Really refreshing especially when every other swim event has had to cancel, so thank you SwimTrek for making it happen in 2020!
Alison, UK - 2020 -
We had a wonderful time on the Thames trip ! Thanks to the guides for making it a great day :)
Despina, UK - 2020 -
This is a wonderful experience with expert coaches and friendly swimmers. I loved doing this trip a second year in a row! Thank you SwimTrek. Hugely appreciated!
Sophie, UK - 2020 -
SwimTrek provides you with an excellent open swimming experience, with great guides and all of the organisation taken care of for you.
Clinton, UK - 2020 -
Any swimmers hesitating about river swimming in the UK, it is sublime!
Jane, UK - 2020 -
A wonderful introduction to SwimTrek, thank you!
Chloe, UK - 2020 -
You did so well considering the difficult covid-19 circumstances. Our guides were the friendliest most helpful guys around. Thanks to you all.
Celia, UK - 2020 -
SwimTrek blows the Lockdown cobwebs away! Back to nature with fantastically knowledgeable guides in beautiful locations.
Etty, UK - 2020 -
Fantastic day with a lovely group led by two super guides, really lovely opportunity to test out whether a longer swimming holiday is for me.
Lissa, UK - 2019 -
A really great day. Lovely friendly people. A lots of swimming and a lot of laughing! Brilliant!
Sophie, UK - 2019 -
I never knew there were bits of the Thames that were so wild. An enchanting trip with knowledgeable guides in great company.
Alisa A, UK - 2019 -
This is a brilliant trip, safe, well organised, relaxed, and in a fantastic location.
J D, UK - 2019 -
An absolutely lovely trip with beautiful scenery, lovely conditions, great participants and excellent team.
Andrew C, UK - 2019 -
I could kick myself for not booking sooner. It was everything that I hoped for; great swims through a beautiful part of the country, run by people who I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. One of the best trips I've been on. I will definitely book again.
Patrick E, UK - 2018 -
Swimming in the Thames was truly lovely - clean, silky water, beautiful countryside, peaceful atmosphere. I loved it.
Jane T, UK - 2017 -
When I completed the 6km swim in the amazing Thames scenery, although tired, I have never felt so alive !
Michael L, UK - 2017 -
Swimming downstream from locks to pubs with swans, cygnets and kingfishers was bliss.... For me, gliding under those beautiful blonde Cotswold bridges was exquisite and I will do it again next year. The safety escort allowed me to fully enjoy and appreciate the river from this special perspective. Marvellous and memorable, thank you!
Linda S, UK - 2017 -
The trip totally exceeded my expectations. The locations and duration of the swims were well planned, I felt I really achieved something whilst also feeling like it was a holiday.
Robin O, UK -2017 -
I greatly enjoyed my swims on the upper Thames. The water felt fresh and clean and the countryside we meandered through was really beautiful. We were looked after extremely well by all the company's representatives. As with previous SwimTrek trips I have been on, there was an interesting mix of guests who were of mixed ability level, but united in a passion for outdoor swimming. Everyone was helped to swim well, but it didn't end up seeming competitive. I am very much looking forward to my next trip with SwimTrek and fortunately only have a month to wait!
Daniel J, UK - 2017 -
One of the things I love about SwimTrek is that everyone , both swimmers and guides, are so friendly.
Jenny K, UK - 2017

SwimTrekkers pause for a photo op on the River Thames

Swimmers and kayakers head downriver

Purple hats take the lead on the Thames

Happy swimmers on the River Thames

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Related Links
- Swimming Holidays British Isles
- Swimming Holidays England
- Swimming Holidays Burgh Island - Bespoke Trip
- Swimming Holidays Introduction to Open Water for Mental Health
- Swimming Holidays Lakes and Tarns - Lake District
- Swimming Holidays Latitude Festival
- Swimming Holidays River Thames
- Swimming Holidays Western Lakes
- Swimming Holidays YogaSwim Lake District
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