The Thames Path (South East Section) Walking Holidays and Outdoor Adventures

Meadows, Royal Parks, and Riverside Market Towns

‍Where England’s most famous river winds past villages, palaces, chalk hills, and rolling countryside.

The Thames Path (South East Section) traces the river west from Hampton Court Palace through Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, offering one of the most varied long-distance walks in southern England. This 104-mile stretch blends riverside calm with historic towns, royal landscapes, and chalk countryside — making it a favourite for walking holidays and outdoor adventures.

Along the way, the trail passes through two National Landscapes: the Chilterns, with its beechwoods and chalk ridges between Marlow and Goring, and the North Wessex Downs, where the Thames bends through meadows and farmland near Abingdon and Oxford. Whether following the full route or enjoying shorter escapes, this section captures the best of England’s countryside walking with easy access from London.

Trail Overview

• Distance: 104 miles / 167 km (Hampton Court Palace → Oxford)
• Start Point: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
• End Point: Oxford, Oxfordshire
• Time Required: 7–9 days (or shorter sections for weekend breaks)
• Waymarking: Acorn symbol (National Trail)
• Terrain: Towpaths, meadows, riverside parks, gentle farmland
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly flat, with some longer stages

Explore the Route

Surrey & Berkshire:
From Hampton Court, the path meanders past Kingston, Walton, and Runnymede, site of Magna Carta. It then flows through Windsor and Eton, where the castle dominates the skyline and Windsor Great Park stretches to the south.

Buckinghamshire & the Chilterns:
The trail follows the river through Cookham and Marlow, then enters the Chilterns National Landscape. Here, wooded hills and chalk escarpments frame the Thames, with highlights including Hambleden Valley, Henley-on-Thames, and Goring Gap.

Oxfordshire & the North Wessex Downs:
West of Henley, the Thames Path continues past meadows and historic towns. At Abingdon and Oxford, the river flows through the edge of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, with rolling farmland and wide skies. Oxford itself — with its college meadows and historic bridges — makes a fitting finale to this section.

Stay and Explore

This part of the Thames Path offers excellent bases for walkers. Riverside hubs include Windsor, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Abingdon, and Oxford. Accommodation ranges from boutique riverside hotels and country inns to budget B&Bs and hostels.

Many walkers divide the route into weekend-friendly stages, taking advantage of excellent rail connections. Luggage transfer services are widely available, making this an easy option for self-guided walking holidays.