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A houseboat holiday stands for freedom, nature, and little adventures – but this time, everything was taken to the next level: I had the pleasure of testing the brand-new Liberty by Le Boat. Cruising along the picturesque River Thames between Benson and Windsor offered the perfect blend of slow travel, British lifestyle, and modern boating luxury.
In this article, I’ll take you along our route, introduce you to the boat in detail, share personal “Boatlife” moments – and give you my best tips for planning your own Liberty adventure.
Why the Liberty? My First Impression
From the moment you step aboard the Liberty, you can feel that every detail has been thought through. In the cabins, it feels like a floating boutique hotel: large panoramic windows open up uninterrupted views of the water and bring nature right into the room – especially magical in the morning. Natural daylight floods the space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The memory foam mattresses ensure a restful night’s sleep, on par with the best hotels. Clever storage solutions keep luggage neatly tucked away, leaving the cabin uncluttered.
The bathroom is equally well-designed: modern fixtures, premium materials, and thoughtful lighting create a luxurious feel. Generous shelving offers space for toiletries, while the spacious shower delivers that refreshing wellness touch on board.
The heart of the Liberty is its stylish living area – complete with a comfortable seating area, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth sound system. Whether for a cosy film night or your favourite music at sunset, the holiday mood is guaranteed.
A Nespresso® machine makes mornings extra special, and the combination of modern design, smart technology, and homely comfort makes life on board a joy.
Special highlights include the built-in grill and fridge drawer on deck for balmy summer evenings, a premium grocery starter pack, bicycles for spontaneous trips ashore, and – brand new – an integrated water filter for drinking water straight from the tap. Thanks to bow and stern thrusters, navigation is easier than ever. In short: the Liberty makes a boating holiday feel like a luxury escape while staying completely authentic.
The Route – From Benson to Windsor and Back
Quelle: Le Boat
The cruising area on the River Thames covers around 150 kilometres and offers many varied stops. Here, I’ll introduce you in detail to the stops on our chosen Le Boat route – from unique features and stories to the best activities at each location.
Benson – Where it all begins
Benson is a quintessential English riverside village in south Oxfordshire, about 15 km from Oxford. The Le Boat base sits idyllically on the water – perfect for setting off. Arrival is relaxed: a warm welcome, thorough briefing (pure gold for first‑timers!), then enough time to get to know the boat. I recommend a stroll through the village, a peek at St Helen’s Church, and picking up first supplies at the local shop.
We cast off the same day we arrived and familiarised ourselves with the first locks; by the end we were lock‑handling pros. Tip: plan where you’d like to moor overnight before you depart.
Fun fact: Benson was once an important ferry port on the historic trade route between London and Oxford.
Reading – Romans, shopping & canal culture
New day, new luck: after a short cruise from our first night base we reached Reading, gateway to the Thames Valley – settled since Roman times and today a lively university city with modern shopping and plenty of festivals. Approaching by boat is an experience in itself: first you pass green water meadows, then the colourful centre with houseboats and riverside cafés unfolds. To reach Reading we passed through Goring Lock.
My tip: in summer, you’ll often find open‑air concerts and street‑food festivals right by the water
Henley‑on‑Thames – Rowing capital & old‑town jewel
Henley‑on‑Thames is the epitome of an English riverside town – rolling hills, manicured gardens and historic timber‑framed houses. It’s world‑famous for the Henley Royal Regatta, the prestigious rowing event that attracts the international elite each year. We arrived on the very last day of the regatta; during the regatta, mooring fees are higher, so it’s worth checking this in advance. We got lucky.
Dating back to the 12th century as a market town, Henley’s location turned it into a social hotspot. Sports fans should visit the River & Rowing Museum with interactive exhibits and the beloved Wind in the Willows exhibition.
My tip: arrive early to secure a spot right on the water and enjoy top‑notch people (and boat) watching.
Cliveden – Garden artistry & high society
A few kilometres downstream lies the famous Cliveden estate. Perched high above the Thames with breathtaking valley views, it’s surrounded by vast, blooming gardens and the legendary yew maze – one of my absolute favourites on this trip.
Cliveden House was a hub of high society in the 19th and 20th centuries – Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill were regular guests – and it’s known as a filming location for Downton Abbey and various films. Wander the ornate flower beds, get lost in the maze or enjoy a chic picnic on the lawns.
My tip: start early – the grounds are huge and full of hidden photo spots. National Trust members go free.
Maidenhead – Modern marinas & Victorian flair
Maidenhead sits at one of the widest points of the Thames. It’s become a meeting point for boaters and offers several comfortable marinas for mooring overnight. Don’t miss the famous Maidenhead Railway Bridge by Isambard Kingdom Brunel – a Victorian engineering marvel.
At the riverside Coppa Club, you can dine in chic igloos right by the water – we ended up eating pizza in a pub due to rain (and I forgot to photograph it!).
Tip: pre‑book a marina berth if you can; Maidenhead is very popular with British holidaymakers. We then decided to continue straight on to Windsor.
Windsor – Royal England at its finest
Windsor is without question a highlight of the Thames route. Majestic Windsor Castle, the official royal residence, dominates the skyline. The town brims with history – cobbled lanes, chic boutiques and traditional tearooms. I loved simply strolling this beautiful, history‑rich place. By chance, while we were there, King Charles met French President Emmanuel Macron, so the castle was closed to visitors – a good reason to return.
The castle was founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The famous walk leads through Windsor Great Park to the statue of George III (the Copper Horse) – perfect for photos and romantic picnics (unless there’s a state visit). Cross the bridge over the Thames to reach Eton College with its historic buildings. Our mooring with direct castle views was a dream – you can see it on the cover image of this post. After a restful night we headed back towards Benson with more exciting towns to come.
Cookham – Artist idyll & village calm
Cookham is a picture‑postcard village and often cited among England’s prettiest. It’s closely linked to artist Stanley Spencer; his works can be seen at the Stanley Spencer Gallery. The area has Roman roots; today you’ll find thatched cottages, flower‑filled gardens and small independent shops. We popped into a pub for classic fish & chips.
Marlow – Olympic town & foodie favourite
Marlow has a charm all of its own – thanks in part to the iconic Marlow Bridge and a vibrant dining scene. The town is known for Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave. Once a historic market town, it’s now a magnet for gourmands, athletes and flâneurs alike.
My tip: enjoy breakfast at your mooring with a view of Marlow Bridge.
Pangbourne – Nature, peace & village life
Pangbourne is a tranquil village set amid lush meadows and woodland. The moorings are perfect for a quiet night in nature – mornings start with birdsong and the gentle murmur of the Thames. Just beyond town you’ll find Beale Wildlife Park right on the river – a lovingly run park with llamas, meerkats, zebras and rare birds, lots of space to wander, a brilliant adventure playground for kids and a café for lunch.
Boatlife on the Liberty – Breakfast, Games, Barbecues & Unwinding
The new Liberty from Le Boat blends the best of both worlds: luxury and cosiness. Your holiday begins the moment you step aboard. As soon as we cast off, the houseboat glides quietly along – thanks to the bow and stern thrusters, even tight passages and mooring are relaxed. Passing through the locks quickly becomes a little adventure of its own: the rhythmic in‑and‑out, the gentle splash of water and cheerful chats with other crews turn these stages into special moments.
In the morning I wake up refreshed and enjoy breakfast with the best views. The Nespresso® brews fresh coffee while the sun pours through the panoramic windows, bathing the galley in golden light. The sparkling water outside and the boat’s soft sway are a better start to the day than any hotel could offer.
By day, while the Liberty glides along rivers and canals, life often moves to the sun deck. Up top, with open views of the passing landscape, you feel pure Boatlife: we sink into the cushions, enjoy the warm breeze and listen to the soft splash at the bow. Sometimes we read, sometimes we simply gaze into the distance – and over a cool drink and easy conversation we dream up the next stop.
One evening the Liberty turns into our floating living room: a games night in the cosy saloon – Smart TV and speakers off for once – with board games, dice and plenty of laughter.
The next evening is for barbecuing: the built‑in grill on deck sizzles gently while the aroma of grilled treats drifts through the warm summer air. With a glass of champagne in hand, views towards Windsor Castle and the sun setting on the horizon, it feels perfect.
My Tips for Your Liberty Trip with Le Boat
- Do your homework: Watch the Le Boat safety video and read up on the Liberty’s features (full Liberty info here).
- Plan flexibly: Use the official Thames itinerary suggestions and stay open to spontaneous stops.
- Make the most of the tech: Smart TV, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and coffee machine – download playlists and films in case reception dips.
- Travel sustainably: Use the built‑in water filter to cut plastic. Bring reusable bottles and shopping bags.
- Crew & community: Everyone helps with navigating, locks, mooring and cooking – teamwork makes the best memories.
- Food & treats: Kick off with Le Boat’s premium grocery pack/extras, then stock up at local markets for fresh regional specialities.
- Roll with the weather: Even in rain the boat stays snug – keep cards and board games handy and soak up the view. We were blessed with almost perfect weather.
Conclusion – My Liberty Boatlife Verdict
No two days on board were the same – and each was unique: the changing riverscape, spontaneous stops in characterful villages, royal highlights like Windsor and Cliveden, the lively buzz of Reading – and again and again those small Boatlife moments of joy on the Liberty.
If you’re after comfort, a dash of adventure and that true England feeling, you’ll love this trip.
Disclosure
Collaboration with Le Boat. As always, my opinions remain unaffected.
