We are delighted to announce the first in our series of Thames Path experiences. Goring Gap Wildlife Walks have partnered with us to bring you a unique birdwatching experience. This can either be as you walk the Thames Path from Goring towards Pangbourne or a half-day experience off the Path in the hills above Goring. More details can be found on the website. We hope to bring further experiences in due course.
The Beetle and Wedge has finally re-opened following extensive renovation works that commenced before lockdown. This fine hotel is located on the river just as the Path rejoins the river after passing through Moulsford. HG Wells wrote The History of Mr Polly whilst staying here.
The Mitre at Hampton Court is almost complete with its renovations. The restaurants are now open and they are taking bookings for rooms from mid-September.
The Baskerville in Shiplake has been awarded Gold for the Tourism Pub of the Year category at the @visitengland 2020 National Finals. The Visit England Pub of the Year awards recognise pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.
The Bodleian Library in Oxford re-opens from today. The main research library of Oxford University, it is the 2nd largest library in Britain. It houses more than 12 million items.
The Wind in the Willows exhibition at the Henley River and Rowing Museum has re-opened. Nearby Fawley Court is claimed (by some) to be the inspiration for Toad Hall, although Mapledurham and Hardwick Houses also claim this accolade.
The ORA singers will be performing Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis live in the Turbine Hall of the Tate on 16 September at 8pm. This is an online event only and was originally scheduled in May to celebrate the Tate Modern’s 20th anniversary.
And, last but not least, Totally Thames 2020 kicks off this week for the month of September, celebrating the River Thames in London with arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, heritage and education programmes. Featuring, amongst others, sea kayaking, public art displays, online audiovisual experiences, boat trips and archaeological guides, there is something for everyone.
Hammersmith Bridge remains closed to pedestrians. There seems little hope of the situation changing in the short term as a repair bill of £140 million is being mentioned.
A fallen tree between Benson and Wallingford has blocked the route. Diversions are in place via the cemetery and Castle Street, Wallingford.
See our Route Alerts for up-to-date guidance.
We spotted a pair of Thames Path walkers last week beetling along through Abbey Gardens: heads down, GPS in hand, seemingly unaware that, on the other side of the wall to the left, once stood one of the largest abbeys in England. Admittedly there’s not much left now. But if you wander down the backstreets of Abingdon you will get an appreciation of how important the abbey was to the town, many of the ancillary buildings remaining.
Abingdon lies about 8 miles downstream from Oxford so is a good place to stop and combine with some sightseeing. The Abbey ruins lie just upstream of the town centre. On the other side is West St Helen’s street, where merchants clearly used to live. At the end of the street is St Helen’s church, which features no less than 3 sets of almshouses. If you follow the Thames Path too narrowly, you will miss all this. As Alfred Wainwright once said: “Take your time. You might never pass this way again”.
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