Glide along the River Thames as it winds between the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills, taking in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. On returning to shore, you can relax with refreshments at the Nags Head, located on an island beside the bridge.
The tour begins at Hales Meadow Car Park, where you’ll receive your paddleboard, paddle, leash, and buoyancy aid. After a brief safety introduction and warm-up, you’ll set off along the Thames, enjoying the gentle flow of the river and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The pace is relaxed but engaging, allowing you to focus on technique, balance, and enjoying the water.
Midway, there is time to pause and take in the surroundings, perhaps spotting local wildlife or enjoying the reflections on the river. On your return, the Nags Head provides a convenient spot to unwind with a drink or snack, completing your outing.
To make your experience truly personal, use the booking form below to send us your details, and we’ll create a customised tour tailored to your needs. If you prefer a tour in Oxford, Newbury, Hungerford, Woolhampton, or Wallingford, scroll down to see ‘more courses by this centre’.
The tour launches from Hales Meadow Car Park in Abingdon, a scenic stretch of the Thames that offers calm waters ideal for paddleboarding. The surrounding countryside features open meadows, historic bridges, and glimpses of local wildlife, making it a peaceful and visually appealing route.
The area is easily accessible by car, with parking at the launch site, and the Nags Head nearby provides a comfortable spot to relax afterwards. For those interested in exploring further along the Thames, other nearby towns offer additional tour options.
This tour is designed for participants with some paddleboarding experience or those with a good level of fitness and flexibility. If you have no previous experience, please contact us before booking so we can advise on suitability and adapt the session for your requirements. All participants must complete a "Consent and Declaration" form prior to going on the water.
The centre provides expert guidance on the Thames, maintaining a maximum of six participants per instructor to ensure personal attention. Equipment is included for every participant, and optional wetsuits are available for hire. The team focuses on safety, enjoyment, and creating a relaxed atmosphere for both individuals and small groups.
We recommend water shoes or old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. For cooler days we offer the option of hiring wetsuits, but leggings and base layers work well. On warmer days, swimwear, shorts and t-shirts. Bring a towel/changing robe and sun cream. Most importantly…bring your sense of fun and adventure!
Check List:
No, but you do need to be able to swim! Most of our guests have no previous experience of paddle boarding. At all of our launch sites we will start with a safety briefing and make you familiar with all of the equipment that you will use. Regardless of your age or skill level, you will find our sessions to be safe and rewarding.
Anyone in average physical condition can enjoy SUP. The only prerequisite is a spirit of adventure and the ability to swim. Our tours and lessons are not considered to be physically demanding, therefore you do not require a high level of fitness. However, If you have any physical impairments that require special services, please notify us so that we can discuss them.
We are happy for under-18s to join our tours if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We will provide a buoyancy aid, which must be worn. They should be able to confidently swim 50m unaided. There is no upper age limit.
There is car parking at all our departure points. Charges vary according to location.
We recommend that you bring your own bungie cords for your glasses. Although it is safe to wear glasses, there is a risk of loss, for which we cannot be held responsible for.
Falling in is part of the learning experience! Most of the time, you will just get back on the board and carry on. If the weather is cool, we may recommend a change of clothing.
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own board to our lessons or tours. However, please arrive at least 20mins before the start time to set up the board and let us know in advance that you are bringing your own equipment.
We recommend that you do not bring valuables onto the water with you. All keys and small valuables can be locked in our van whilst we are on the water.
In the interest of safety, we do not head onto the water in high winds or if there is thunder and lightning in the weather forecast. We will inform you at the earliest opportunity if we need to cancel a session and will endeavor to reschedule to the next available date. Your safety and enjoyment will be our first priority when assessing the weather conditions.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Blue Lemon Paddleboarding, a partner of adventuro.
