Royal Swan Upping
Type:Ceremony
Windsor, Berkshire
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
To build your own Itinerary, click 
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Swan Upping is the annual census of the swan population on stretches of the Thames in the counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. This historic ceremony dates from the twelfth century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans.
The King's Swan Marker and the accompanying Swan Uppers of the Vintners' and Dyers' Livery Companies use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs in their five-day journey upstream to Abingdon.
By tradition, scarlet uniforms are worn by The King's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers, and each boat flies the appropriate flag and pennant.
Swan upping takes place during the third week in July.
Where to watch the Swan Upping ceremony
Swan Upping will begin on Monday 14th July 2025; the observation points for the annual census and health check of swans and cygnets on the River Thames are as follows:
Monday 14th July 2025
Sunbury 09.00 - Departure point
Shepperton Lock 10.15
Penton Hook Lock 12.30
Romney Lock 17.30
Tuesday 15th July 2025
Eton Bridge 08.30 - Departure point
Boveney Lock 09.15
Boulters Lock 12.30
Cookham Bridge 13.30
Marlow Lock 17.30
Wednesday 16th July 2025
Marlow Bridge 09.00 - Departure point
Hurley Lock 10.30
Hambleden Lock 12.00
Henley Town 13.15
Marsh Lock 15.30
Shiplake Lock 17.00
Sonning Bridge 18.00
Thursday 17th July 2025
Sonning-on-Thames
(09.00 - Departure point)
Caversham Lock 10.15
Mapledurham Lock 12.30
Goring Lock 17.00
Moulsford 18.00
Friday 18th July 2025
Moulsford 09.00 - Departure point
Benson Lock 10.00
Clifton Hampden Bridge 13.00
Culham Lock 16.15
Abingdon Bridge 17.00
Local schools seeking further information about Swan Upping should contact the Swan Marker’s office on 01628 523030 or email info@royalswan.co.uk
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Free admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
| 2025 Royal Swan Upping (14 July 2025 - 18 July 2025) |
|---|
* Swan upping takes place in the third week of July
The Eton Walkway, a 2-mile/one-hour circular walk, connects 18 points of interest in the…
French Brothers run boat trips on the River Thames from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead…
You haven’t seen Windsor until you’ve seen it by Duck! Laugh, learn and enjoy our 1 hour…
Explore the world famous town of Windsor and nearby Eton with a Golden Tours hop-on,…
The Theatre Royal Windsor is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestling between Windsor…
No trip to Windsor could possibly be complete without a visit to amazing Windsor Castle,…
WE Tourist Guides is run by professional Blue Badge Guide Debbie Keenan MITG who offers…
Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, the burial place of 11 monarchs including…
Explore the streets of Windsor's town centre and unlock a hidden trail by finding clues,…
Windsor Escape Experience is a family run Escape Room company based in the centre of…
Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd - a multi-award winning company based in Royal Windsor…
Lucky enough to have two days to get a taste of wonderful Windsor and Eton? Then read on…
This walking route (in place since September 2015 to mark the occasion of Queen Elizabeth…
Alexandra Gardens is a pretty public garden near the River Thames in Windsor with…
Walking Tours in Windsor provides local tour experiences with passionate, local guides. …
The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually…
Ratings & Reviews
Powered By
In partnership with
© Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead 2025. All Rights Reserved
