Classic Dutch Barge | Bourne End Marina, Cookham
Enjoy a self drive boating holiday aboard our classic Dutch Barge on the picturesque River Thames. Magpies and Butterflies has been lovingly restored to make our boat into a 'country cottage on the water' but with lots of technology including WIFI and ipad pro's. It's a quirky escape for those in need of something a bit different. Being on the water and surrounded by nature is not only relaxing but good for the soul! In a picturesque part of Berkshire, there are many walks, pubs, restaurants and art galleries to enjoy when you choose somewhere to moor. Your trip will start from either Bourne End marina or from the Cookham towpath. From there you can head upstream to Marlow, Henley and the beautiful Sonning. For longer trips, you could even make it to Oxford! Downstream you can visit Bray (with its amazing restaurants,The Waterside Inn, The Fat Duck and The Hinds Head), Windsor and onwards past Shepperton to Walton and Hampton Court. You can go as far as Teddington lock, but no further as then the river becomes tidal. The boat is suitable for a maximum of 4 people. It has a front double cabin and second twin cabin. It's complete with galley kitchen, shower and WC, living space and wheelhouse. As you step aboard onto the wheelhouse, there is a seating area and a cabin leading down to the second bedroom. This room has twin beds. In the main saloon, there is seating for 4, a dining table, a cosy wood burner, a small galley kitchen with two gas hobs, fridge and a Nespresso coffee machine with milk frother. There is also a bathroom which has a shower and toilet. The boat is centrally heated using a special system that's thermostatically controlled. The double cabin bedroom can be found at the front of the boat and its doors can be shut onto the sitting room. This bedroom has very low head room but is really cosy once you're in bed! The boat is powered by solar which means you need to think more carefully about the power you use when plugging in a hair dryer for example. This is a boat and the batteries don't last indefinitely, similarly with the water, whilst there is plenty for your trip, the tank can only hold so much so only using what you need and not wasting water comes into play here. There are many overnight moorings to be found along the river for lunches and overnight stops. A full handover will be given before all hires to ensure safe and proper handling of the boat. It's great fun, relaxing, different and a real experience. We hope you love it as much as we do.
