Messing about on the river
Get wet at the weekend
- The River and Rowing Museum Exhibits celebrating the regatta, the river and the lives of people who've lived and worked on it. Mill Meadows, Henley-Upon-Thames, Oxon (01491 415 600).
- Brunel’s Railway Bridge This magnificent engineering feat (the brick arches span 128ft) is on a pleasant stretch of the Thames path between Boulters and Bray locks. Great echoes are produced underneath the arch.
- Hire a rowing boat Hobbs Of Henley rents them by the hour, with a three-seater costing £8 and a fiveseater £10. You can also hire an umpire launch and driver seating 12 for £110 an hour and enjoy a sedate cruise from Henley, Marlow or Reading. Hobbs Of Henley, Station Road, Oxon (01491 572 035). www.hobbs-of-henley.com.
- Roverside Brasserie Always busy because of its well-prepared food, this restaurant has a pleasant terrace (open from mid-April if the weather's fine). Main courses cost from £12.50, house wine from £13.50, closed Sun evening, Mon, Tue. Bray Marina, Monkey Island Lane, Bray, Berks (01628 780 553).
- Row like a pro Find out how move those oars like a champ (or just get fit). Aimed at people tired of rowing nowhere in the gym, the club charges £30 for an initial one-on-one session with a coach, after which you can opt to join the club for £150 a year. For details, call 020-7917 2998 or visit www. scullingforpleasure.co.uk.
- Thames Holiday For a longer stay on the river, join one of Thames & Chilterns Holiday Cruises. You board the boat and spend a week exploring the quieter reaches of the river. The next tour is in the first week of May. £525 single, £535 twin/double for tour, onboard accommodation and meals (07966 248 079). www.tranquilrose.co.uk.
- The Dove Mere Minutes from Chiswick roundabout, this pub is a reminder of the days when West London was a series of quiet villages. It's said to have the smallest bar in Britain and previous regulars have included Graham Greene and William Morris. Great views and good ale The Dove, 19 Upper Mall, W6 (020-8748 5405).
- Duck Tour For a dip in the Thames without getting your feet wet, book a tour in an amphibious duck vehicle, first used in the D-Day landings. After chugging round Westminster, you splashdown on a slipway and continue by river for 25 minutes. £16.50, child £11 (020-7928 3132). www.londonducktours.com.
