River Thames wild camps.

sydnsue

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Does anyone know of any suitable wild camps on the banks of the Thames? There used to be a small rural car park west of London but I can't remember where and there are none in the POI. We just fancy a relaxing day or 2 watching the swans and the boats go by.
 
There is a carpark next to the Thames in Molesey next to Hurst Park estate and its only a mile walk to Hampton Court Palace. Apologies but I don't know how to link a google map image but the road is Sadlers Ride and there is a Hurst Park Public Toilet icon thingy on google maps. Unsure about restrictions as haven't been there for a long time.
 
I suppose it would be prudent to ask where on the Thames roughly would you like to go?

Fair question Tim, it's a big old river! Although they have hinted at west of London but there is still a lot of Thames to go.

I would pick a different river as the Thames is quite popular for Swan watching/gongoozling.
 
I was thinking same as Tim :)

I will add that the Thames is indeed a big old river and bear in mind quite a few miles of it is within the London's Congestion Area, the Low Emissions Zone and the Ultra Low Emissions Zone so that "Wild Camping"spot could be potentially quite pricey if you anywhere (I think?) within the M25
 
If you can venture a bit farther then the thames between Reading and Abingdon offers several spots.

Dezi
 
For during the day ONLY
Then camp somewhere and then as has been suggested Abingdon
Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BF, United Kingdom
Also a car park near Boultersl lock Maidenhead Daytime and height barrierrr and walk ro Raw mill island
Jenners Carpark appears to have no height barriier https://goo.gl/maps/XvHoboHfiKCrMasS7
Avoiding weekends of course.
We have stayed here 1 night https://goo.gl/maps/rUUT18xfCAdgXpXJ7 Cookham
It is still on the POis
finally LECHLADE
 
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I suppose it would be prudent to ask where on the Thames roughly would you like to go?
I left it open because I doubt there is much choice. Ideally it would be on the upper reaches where the leisure boats potter along. We have hired cruisers several times which is lovely but expensive, hence I thought it would be nice to spend some time on the banks instead.
 
I was thinking same as Tim :)

I will add that the Thames is indeed a big old river and bear in mind quite a few miles of it is within the London's Congestion Area, the Low Emissions Zone and the Ultra Low Emissions Zone so that "Wild Camping"spot could be potentially quite pricey if you anywhere (I think?) within the M25
I wasn't expecting anywhere within London. It would be nice but I'm sure, impossible. Even caravan parks are rare which don't interest us anyway.
 
For during the day ONLY
Then camp somewhere and then as has been suggested Abingdon
Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BF, United Kingdom
Also a car park near Boultersl lock Maidenhead Daytime and height barrierrr and walk ro Raw mill island
Jenners Carpark appears to have no height barriier https://goo.gl/maps/XvHoboHfiKCrMasS7
Avoiding weekends of course.
We have stayed here 1 night https://goo.gl/maps/rUUT18xfCAdgXpXJ7 Cookham
It is still on the POis
finally LECHLADE
Thanks jagmanx. Boulters Lock car park is way back from the river. Same with Cookham. Jenners car park has gates that lock 30 minutes before sunset. I will have a scan of Lechlade but I didn't hold out much hope of anywhere urban. I was hoping someone may know of a small track or small parking area in a quiet area in the countryside that hasn't even made it to the POIs. I know it's a long shot but you never know. I seem to remember there used to be a POI on here that was big enough for maybe 6 cars and was literally on the river bank, but I have scanned the POIs and it is no longer listed so I imagine it has been removed for one of many reasons. If we ever have another Thames boating holiday, I shall spend every day checking for any likely spots :)
 
If you can venture a bit farther then the thames between Reading and Abingdon offers several spots.

Dezi
I checked that region but there is nothing alongside the river, not in the POIs at any rate, unless you know of a little bolt hole ;)
 
Thanks jagmanx. Boulters Lock car park is way back from the river. Same with Cookham. Jenners car park has gates that lock 30 minutes before sunset. I will have a scan of Lechlade but I didn't hold out much hope of anywhere urban. I was hoping someone may know of a small track or small parking area in a quiet area in the countryside that hasn't even made it to the POIs. I know it's a long shot but you never know. I seem to remember there used to be a POI on here that was big enough for maybe 6 cars and was literally on the river bank, but I have scanned the POIs and it is no longer listed so I imagine it has been removed for one of many reasons. If we ever have another Thames boating holiday, I shall spend every day checking for any likely spots :)

Try RA Aston which is north east of Henley.

I suspect this is the spot you mean.
 
Try RA Aston which is north east of Henley.

I suspect this is the spot you mean.
Hi Canalsman, perfect. I think Bablock must be the one I saw on here before. I obviously did not scroll west enough. They both look ideal although Aston looks like it could be a narrow approach. We have a 7.4m coach built. We already have too many window scratches from exploring. Have you been to either of these locations? I'm always aware of local resident's reactions.
 

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