Boat Hire in Maidenhead

Welcome to the Maidenhead page of our website. If you are looking for an idyllic day out on the River Thames then this is just what you are looking for! Catering for up to 12 people on our luxury boats we can also accommodate groups of up to 36 by using a second, or third vessel.Keep reading for an idea of what you might see during a 2 hour trip, or click here to see what else we have on offer.

The River

Cliveden Reach

Flowing down from Cookham the River enters what is commonly described as the most beautiful reach of the Thames. Cliveden house stands prestigious on top of the hill, and as we cruise past Spring Cottage, home of the Profumo Affair the main Hotel becomes visible over the tree tops. As we continue downstream past over 500 acres of National Trust land towards Boulter's Lock the beginning of the Jubilee River can be seen. Opened in 2002 after over a decade of construction, this 10 mile channel provides flood defences to the towns of Maidenhead, Bray and Windsor.

Boulter's Lock

The earliest reference to a flash lock on this site is in the late 16th Century, although a Mill is known to have existed here since the 14th Century. During Victorian times, Boulter's Lock won fame across the country as thousands of people flocked to the river here to mess about and watch the boats pass through at weekends, particularly on the Sunday of Ascot Week.

Maidenhead Reach

Known for years as millionaire's row, the reach between Boulter's Lock and Bray lock has been home to many celebrities. As we cruise downstream we pass the site of Skindles Hotel, once a thriving night club and through Maidenhead Road bridge, built originally out of wood in 1280 although the stone bridge you see today was opened in 1777. Passing Maidenhead Rowing Club brings into view the main landmark of this reach, Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Sounding Arch.
Carrying the Great Western Railway this bridge was completed in 1838, it was at the time the widest and flattest brick span in the world. It has been claimed that the board of the Great Western Railway did not believe that the arches would stay up under the weight of the trains and ordered Brunel to leave the wooden formwork used to construct the arches in place. However, Brunel simply lowered the formwork slightly so that it had no structural effect, but appeared to be in place. Later, when the formwork was washed away in floods, but the bridge remained, the strength of the arches was accepted.
Continuing our trip towards Bray village we pass many magnificent homes, before rounding the bend brings Bray church into view and also the jetty of the world renowned, triple Michelin starred restaurant run by Michel Roux, The Waterside Inn. Bray lock is then just a couple of minutes away.

The Boat

Fringilla is a classic 34' Van lent motor yacht, built in 1960 in the renowned shipyard of Van Lent & Zonen in Holland, she has been recently renovated to a very high standard.

The hull and roof of the boat are white and the exterior cabin walls are varnished teak with restored original chrome fittings. The inside is mainly teak with deep red furnishings and blue carpet; all of which make it very comfortable and relaxing on the eye. There is a saloon area with fitted bar in the centre of the boat, an open deck with canopy at the rear and leading to the bow a toilet and fitted galley.

Fringilla is licensed for 12 passengers. Parties of up to 36 can be catered for by chartering a second, or third boat.

She can be hired as transportation to one of the many riverside restaurants/hotels or can be enjoyed as a venue for a picnic lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or simply sightseeing.

All of our vessels are hired with a fully qualified experienced skipper, Certified under the Boat Safety Scheme, carry £5 million passenger liability insurance, lifejackets, first aid kits and firefighting equipment.

Before booking please call Steve on 07977 448 117 to check availability and latest prices.

Boarding in Maidenhead? This is the address for your sat-nav:
Riverside Gardens
Ray Mead Road
Maidenhead
SL6 8NP