Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with a Thames boating holiday
THIS year the country will commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the spring bank holiday being moved to Thursday, June 2 and an additional bank holiday being added on Friday, June 3, meaning the UK will see a four- day weekend to honour this historic occasion. There will be several official events taking place all over the country, including some along the River Thames, where revellers will be able to join in all the action. To celebrate the occasion, Le Boat is offering up to 15%* off self-drive boating holidays on the River Thames in 2022, allowing guests to make the most of their time off, while exploring the beautiful waterways of southern England.
During a boating holiday on the Thames, holidaymakers can explore the western section of the river, where moorings are easy to find and the distance between locks is greater than at the river’s eastern end.
Le Boat has a base at Benson in South Oxfordshire and a base at Chertsey in Surrey, meaning boaters can opt for a one-way trip, or choose to start and end their holiday at the same location. The dreaming spires and universities of Oxford are a six- hour cruise to the west of Benson, or head east and in six hours guests can be in Henley-onThames, the home of British rowing.
For those that start in Chertsey, they can be in Windsor in no time, where the whole family will love Legoland with its fun rides and live shows.
The God Save The Queen Platinum Jubilee Run On Friday, June 3, the God Save The Queen Platinum Jubilee Run will take place on a beautiful stretch of the River Thames in between Staines and the village of Old Windsor, minutes from Le Boat’s base in Chertsey. The challenge will welcome runners of all abilities as well as walkers, with participants able to choose a distance to suit them.
The run will start at 9.30am and last up to seven hours, with those that take part receiving a medal and a goodie bag at the end. Le Boat holidaymakers will have the option to moor up and get involved, or instead simply soak up the atmosphere by watching the event in comfort and style on board their private boat. It costs £36 to enter the God Save The Queen Platinum Jubilee Run, with online registration open now.
W indso r The Royal Borough of Windsor is located along Le Boat’s Thames route, with a visit to this historic market town a must during the Platinum Jubilee year. Le Boat holidaymakers can moor up before walking along the quaint, cobbled streets to explore the Queen’s favourite weekend home. Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, shop for souvenirs, or stroll through one of the many beautiful gardens in the town.
Windsor will play a central role in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with plans set to include Windsor’s Big Lunch on June 5. Members of the public are invited to bring their own picnic with the intention of creating the longest picnic table ever, running from Cambridge Gate, down the Long Walk towards the Copper Horse. The theme of the event will be the Commonwealth, with big outdoor screens set up so that major Platinum Jubilee events from across the country can be seen live from Windsor.
And no visit to Windsor is complete without visiting Windsor Castle and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, much of the grounds and buildings are open to the public. Booking for Windsor Castle in advance is advised, with a standard adult ticket costing £23.50.
Go there: Le Boat will operate on the River Thames from April 1-October 31. A seven- night selfcatered stay on the River Thames starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base at Benson, on board the Capri (sleeping up to three), over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend arriving May 30, 2022, is priced from £1449/£483 pp.
To plan a trip call Le Boat on 02392 801125 or visit www.leboat. co.uk