more info

Any boats visiting the navigation from an adjoining waterway, ie: The Oxford Canal, The Kennet & Avon Canal, The River Wey or Tidal Thames, can get a period Visitors License. This can be done at the followig Locks:- Eynsham, Kings, Godstow, Osney, Caversham, Blakes, Shiplake, Shepperton, Sunbury or Teddington. When applying for a licence owners will be required to produce a valid Boat Safety Certificate. Information about these certificates can be obtained through the various Navigation Offices located at:-

Osney Lock, Bridge Street, Oxford OX2 0AX, Tel: 01865 721271, Caversham Lock Island, Kings Meadow Road, Reading RG1 8BP, Tel: 0118 9535533, Boulter's Lock, Raymead Road, Maidenhead SL6 8BE, Tel: 0118 953577, Riverside Works, Fordbridge Road, Sunbury on ThamesTW16 6AP, Tel: 01932 781946.

Or:

Boat Safety Scheme

Willow Grange

Church Road

Watford WD1 3QA

Tel: 01923 201408, Fax: 01923 226081.

Fishing:

Anyone over the age of 12 years who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England or Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence. There are two types of licences :

Salmon & Sea Trout

Non-migratory trout and course fish.

With permission of the holders of the fishing rights and the appropriate licence you can fish with rod and line anywhere in England and Wales. I general you are limited to the use of two rods while course or still water trout fishing. Licences can be obtained at one of the 17,000 Post Offices or many local fishing shops. For information or copies of regional angling guides Phone: Environment Agency General Enquiry Line- 0645 333 111.

Canoeing/Camping:

Canoeing

All canoes on the River must have a Thames Licence (see registration above). This navigation is wonderful canoeing river, but bear in mind safety at all times. So, wear a buoyancy aid and helmet at all times - keep away from weirs and sluices (especially as many weirs have some form of anti-scouring devices which could easily rip open a canoe) - avoid capsizing, always wear shoes or other footwear - ensure all abrasions are washed under running tap water and covered with a water-proof dressing as soon as possible - wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking - do not litter - be aware of water related illnesses, and if ill, tell your doctor you have been canoeing - enjoy the scenery.

Useful contacts:

British Canoe Union (BCU), Tel: 0115 9821100, E.A. Thames 24 hr. information line: 0118 9535520.

Camping

Camping is allowed at these Environment Agency sites (for a small fee): Pinkhill, Eynsham, King's, Day's and Hurley plus a variety of other private sites along the river - but remember to ask permission first and follow the countryside code.