Discover the perfect riverside getaway at Riverside stay and paddle at, Dorchester on Thames
Experience the ultimate weekend escape
Imagine this: the weather forecast predicts a scorching hot weekend, and you’re yearning to be by a river, but you’re unsure where to go. That was our dilemma a few weekends ago. Even by Thursday, we were still undecided. Our usual favourites, like the Trout at Lechlade, were hosting festivals, and Bygrove Farm on the Wye seemed to be running low on water.
A serendipitous discovery
Our luck changed when we had a chance conversation with one of our trade partners, James from Riverside Paddle and Stay, at Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford. They had just wrapped up filming an episode of Midsomer Murders at their property (and once you see it, you’ll understand why it was the perfect setting). With no guests booked for the weekend, they offered us a spare Tipi in their garden.
An idyllic riverside location
How could we resist? This stunning location is nestled on the banks of the River Thame, about half a kilometre before it merges with the River Thames. The stretch of water is breathtakingly beautiful—narrow and intimate, adorned with wildflowers, and teeming with wildlife. You might spot kingfishers, woodpeckers, or even otters. Fish jumping, red kites circling and calling overhead, and owls hooting at night are pretty much guaranteed.
Paddling downstream from the site was an adventure – ducking low-hanging branches from the stunning weeping willows, watching fish jumping in front of us, and meandering downstream as the river gradually got (ever so slightly) wider until we paddled under the footbridge and converged with the River Thames.
Paddling upstream from here is easy during the summer period, and is a really unspoilt and natural feeling section of the Thames. With multiple bank jumping-in spots keeping the boys happy, this was the perfect paddle for such a hot weekend.
On the Sunday, Andy paddled upstream towards Dorchester Abbey – which was even more intimate with stunning bankside properties. Because the River Thame splits into two channels due to how the Abbey managed the fishing lakes, the river gets very shallow very quickly, but taking advantage of our removable fin system, and with shallow river fins on the centre fin box and the two side fins, Andy could manage to paddle upstream of the Abbey, where the river is relatively unexplored.
Sublime swimming and paddling
Even if paddle boarding or canoeing aren’t your thing, the dipping and swimming here are sublime with multiple spots to sit by, or get into, the River Thame. Riverside Paddle and Stay offer excellent basic amenities, including a great shower and a composting toilet. The tipis have running water nearby, complete with a basin for washing dishes. Each tipi comes with its own picnic table, so you don’t need to bring your own seating. And there are hammocks on hammock stands, plus plenty of hammock-stringing spots if you bring your own.
Comfort in the shade
Despite the weekend’s intense heat, the numerous trees provided ample shade, many perfect for stringing-up hammocks. We always found a spot out of the sun to relax. And despite being right by the water in high biting nasty season, the biting things weren’t too bad, although smidge or insect repellent are recommended.
Evening delights
The cooler evenings were ideal for a campfire and toasting marshmallows, with the firepit that came with the pitch. What kind of parents would we be if we said no to that? And then once the toasting was over we brought a little magic to the fire with mystical fire.
In Summary
Riverside paddle and stay at Dorchester on Thames is a truly amazing place to glamp. With a fantastic location, very friendly, experienced and laid backhosts, and a wonderfully homely feel, it’s the perfect weekend escape.
You can contact them here https://www.riversidepaddle.co.uk/
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