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Boating at Bray

Type:Boat Trip

Bray Marina & Monkey Island Estate, Bray, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2EB

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Boating at Bray | Dragonfly on the River Thames

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About

Luxury private boat charter aboard our fleet of stunning Thames launches. There is no better way to experience the wonderful views of riverside homes, historic venues and of course Windsor Castle than from the river.

‘Dragonfly’ is an exquisitely varnished launch operating from Monkey Island Estate. The perfect vessel for celebrating  a special occasion, transfer to a riverside restaurant with pre-dinner drinks or simply whiling away some time on these beautiful reaches of the River Thames. Full cover can be provided in the event of rain with the heated cabin a popular option during the cooler months.

‘Midsomer Maiden’ is a more modern vessel based on the traditional Thames launches that were so popular in this area. Midsomer Maiden is moored at Bray Marina and benefits from a large forward cockpit, offering sociable seating for everyone onboard. Popular for birthdays, anniversaries and hen parties she is often found cruising between Marlow and Windsor.

As the only passengers onboard our expert skippers will tailor the trip to you – whether you wish to experience the Cliveden Reach which provided the inspiration for ‘Wind in the Willows’, marvel at the stunning riverside homes of Bray or discover the best view of Windsor Castle from the river.

Bring your own food and drink or let us take care of it for you with inclusive drinks, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea packages available.

Alternative pickup locations are available, please get in touch to discuss your trip. Each of our vessels are equipped with a small galley and toilet with a capacity of 2-12 passengers – larger groups of up to 36 can be catered for across a flotilla of multiple boats.

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Guide Prices

Dragonfly (capacity 12): £325 first hour, £175 per additional hour
Midsomer Maiden (capacity 12): £275 first hour, £125 per additional hour

Facilities

Establishment Features

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Open Christmas
  • Open New Year
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Approx length of visit - 1-8 hours
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Booking essential
  • Can be packages by 3rd parties
  • Delta accepted
  • Diners Club accepted
  • Groups Accepted - We can accommodate groups of up to 36 across a flotilla of boats
  • JCB accepted
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Max group size - 36
  • Min group size - 1
  • PayPal
  • Solo accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Smoking Some Areas
  • Village Location

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

  • Commission/net rates apply
  • Packed lunches available

Special Offers

  • Tea on the Thames with Boating at Bray

    We’re now offering a two-hour private boat charter that includes a traditional afternoon tea, available at £89 per person for groups of 6 to 12 guests.

    Charters run Thursday to Sunday at set times: 12:30, 15:30, and 17:30, embarking and disembarking at Bray Marina. The cruise takes guests into Windsor, offering a unique view of Windsor Castle from the water.

    Activity details

    Set sail aboard the Midsomer Maiden for a delightful two-hour cruise departing from Bray Marina.

    Cruise downstream to Windsor to marvel Windsor Castle, taking in unrivalled views of the world’s oldest inhabited castle from the water.

    Alternatively if you prefer we can head upstream through Bray and Maidenhead, where you’ll pass unspoilt natural waterways and enjoy views of charming riverside properties.

    During your cruise, enjoy the experience of passing through a Thames lock. Watch as the boat is gracefully lifted and lowered by water pressure and take in the timeless ingenuity of a design that has remained virtually unchanged for over 300 years.

    As you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Thames, indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea with a selection of delicate sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.

    Elevate your experience with delicious René Beaudouin Champagne from £59 per bottle.

    What's included

    •    2 hour private boat charter for up to 12 people
    •    Traditional afternoon tea with a selection of delicate sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.
    •    Tea & Coffee
    •    Professional skipper
    •    All fuel, safety equipment and insurance

    What's not included

    •    Upgrade to include prosecco or champagne with your afternoon tea

    Itinerary

    Based on a downstream (Windsor) trip:
    •    Departing Bray Marina we'll pass Queen's Eyot, Bray Film Studios and Oakley Court Hotel (Soho Riverhouse) before reaching Boveney Lock.
    •    Once the lock keeper (or your skipper) has prepared the lock we'll enter before lowering approximately 1.5m to head out on to the Windsor Reach.
    •    Passing Windsor Racecourse indulge in your afternoon tea as we approach Windsor itself.
    •    Enjoy the wonderful view of Windsor Castle, if you're lucky the King may even be in residence - take a close look at the flag to find out!
    •    After passing under Windsor & Eton bridge we'll make a turn and enjoy the second half of the trip heading back up to Bray Marina.
    •    Make the most of the photo opportunities enroute to savour the memories.

    Highlights

    The best views of Windsor Castle available, simply stunning from the river.
    An indulgent traditional English afternoon tea.
    Beautiful river views provide plentiful photo opportunities throughout.

    Find out more about Tea on the Thames and make a booking!

    Food & Drink Offers - redeem this special offer immediately

    More offers like this - Food & Drink Offers

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Dragonfly: Monkey Island Estate, Monkey Island Lane, Bray, SL6 2EE – please ensure you enter Monkey Island Lane via Bray Village, there is no through road from the A308. Follow the lane over the M4 motorway and follow signage to Monkey Island Estate.

Midsomer Maiden: Bray Marina, Monkey Island Lane, Bray, SL6 2EB – please ensure you enter Monkey Island Lane from the A308, there is no through road from Bray Village.

 

Public Transport Directions

Unfortunately there is very limited public transport near our moorings. They are a short taxi from either Maidenhead or Windsor train stations.

Opening Times

Open all year round, subject to river conditions (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

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