Events
What to see along the Thames Path
2023 events & Festivals
What is there to see along the Thames Path? We provide quite a lot of information on our page About The Thames. But there are also many festivals & events taking place along the Thames Path. Use these to help you decide the best time to walk the Thames Path.
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University Boat Race 26 March
Slightly out of the walking season. Starts at Putney Bridge and finishes upstream at Chiswick Bridge. 4 miles and 374 yards.
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Chelsea Flower Show 22-28 May 2022
Held in the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital on the left bank of the Thames
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Reading Beer Festival June dates tbd
This year it will be held in Kings Meadow, alongside the Thames Path just past Caversham Lock.
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Hampton Court Palace Festival 7-22 June
Upmarket music festival featuring Grace Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Bjorn Again, Rick Astley
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Marlow Town Regatta 10-11 June
Warm-up event for Henley Regatta
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Marlow Regatta 17 June
Not to be confused with Marlow Town Regatta, this is an international event actually held at Dorney Lake (between Maidenhead and Windsor)
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Garter Ceremony, Windsor 19 June
Knights of the Garter gather with the Queen at Windsor Castle. Knights include UK Royal Family members, European Kings and Queens, and ex-prime ministers and senior civil servants.
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Royal Ascot 20-24 June
The premier horse racing event of the year attended by the Queen. Just 7 miles from Windsor so why not take a day off from the walk?
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Wimbledon Tennis Championships 3 July - 16 July
Wimbledon is just 3 tube stops from Putney Bridge in West London
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Henley Royal Regatta 27 June - 2 July
It's a great time to visit Henley but book early as Henley will be very busy during this time
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Henley Festival 5-9 July
An upmarket music festival for more mature pop fans. This year's line up is yet to be announced but previous acts include Madness, James Blunt, Sister Sledge, and Classic FM. Like the Regatta held in the previous week, accommodation will be limited.
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BBC Proms July - September
Considered to be the largest classical music festival in the world, this mostly takes place in the fabulous Royal Albert Hall in London
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Fairford Air Show 14-16 July
The airbase is a mile or so north of the Thames in the upper reaches between Cricklade and Lechlade. Expect to see (and hear) fighter jets.
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Swan Upping Sunbury to Abingdon 17-21 July
Swan Upping is the process by which unmarked swans are assigned to the Crown and two livery companies from the City of London. Starting at Sunbury, the three groups row as far as Abingdon and mark the swans they catch.
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Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta 4-5 August
Another regatta! Smaller than the others but also less crowded.
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Reading Festival 25-27 August
This is a rock festival held on farmland adjoining the Thames. The Path goes right past the festival and diversions are in place only at night. Expect loud music if staying near Reading during that time.
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Henley Literary Festival 20 September - 8 October
This festival attracts some high profile speakers. 2021's guests included Gyles Brandreth, Ed Miliband, Ruby Wax and John Simpson. Venues are held throughout the town.