Magna Carta
Cruising The River Thames
in England

Passengers: 8
Size: 117 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2009 Prices

Whole Boat Charter of 8
$28,200 - Value Season
$33,000 - Regular Season

Individuals:
$3,800 - Value Season
$4,500 - Regular Season
Value Season Dates are April 5 to May 2, August 2 to September 2 and October 4 to November 1. 
Regular Season Dates are May 3 to August 1 and September 6 to October 3. 
Six-night cruises begin in London on Sunday and end in London the following Saturday.

MAGNA CARTA has announced dynamic new programs for 2009. On Wednesday, guests will join Captain Read in going to a pub in Windsor with a wonderful Irish entertainer. Also, they will visit one of two manor houses, always with a tour by the owner. Prince William was a recent visitor to Dorney Court!

Barge Lady's Kelly and Tim Weiss visited Magna Carta in 2007.  Kelly says:  "This is a very impressive vessel:  spacious, comfortable, and beautiful."  The lounge is lined with picture windows; its sink-in couches arranged into intimate seating areas. The four 200 square-foot cabins are among the largest in barging; the king-sized beds heaped high with fine linens. Tiled baths are spacious and modern. Laze in the hot tub on deck and watch amazing scenes float by!

Presiding over Magna Carta is the young and charismatic Dominic Read, a local Captain well versed in the sights, scenery and historic river tales of the Thames. He is assisted by three in crew. The itinerary between Hampton Court Palace and Henley-on-Thames introduces rich historical sights from all periods: the Tudor-Style Hampton Court Palace of Henry the 8th; Windsor Castle, home to British royalty for nine hundred years; Runnymede, where the JFK memorial may be viewed. Contrasting these high points are visits to riverside pubs, an artist gallery and a boatyard to observe traditional craftsmen at work.

Magna Carta
River Thames Barge Cruise Itinerary

Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames
On the River Thames
Sunday: Hampton Court Palace
Your cruise begins on a delicious note!
Meet at 3:00pm for a traditional English Cream Tea at the Hotel Stafford (near Picadilly Circus.) Afterward, your Captain will chauffeur you to Magna Carta. After the traditional champagne reception, there will be an early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, home of the famed British King Henry VIII. We will moor right at the Palace and have dinner as the sun sets over this amazing royal home and gardens.

Monday: Hampton Court Palace to Shepperton
Morning excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Shepperton to Runnymede
Morning cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, The Runnymede, where we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. We then cruise past Runnymede, where King John faced the powerful barons and signed the 'Magna Carta" in 1215 as well as viewing the J F Kennedy Memorial. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Runnymede to Windsor
This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. After lunch we have an afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Moor on a private island with a unique view of the Castle. Dinner aboard.

Thursday: Windsor to Cookham
Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters, whose gallery we visit. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Cookham to Henley-On-Thames
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody's boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley there is plenty of time to explore the town for shopping opportunities and browsing in antique shops before returning to Magna Carta for the Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Return to London
Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in England.
Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Magna Carta

Guest Book

"This was a perfect tour.  Everything happened according to schedule and the crew were especially aware to make us comfortable.  Our cabin was even nicer than expected."
-Francis and Patricia Caruso, 2008

"An outstanding experience. I have done 70 + cruises of various kinds. I would certainly recommend the Magna Carta to my friends if they want a relaxed, but interesting time. Steve as chef was amazing. It was a 5-star restaurant experience for every meal."
Joyce Anderson, 2008 Guest

Magna Carta Floor Plan

117 Feet long
-Four cabins at 200 square feet, larger tiled baths
-Salon and dining area with picture windows, leather couches
-2 Sundecks
-Spa Pool