Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with Le Boat and save 15% on a self-drive boating holiday on the Thames
This year the country will commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with 6 February marking Her Majesty’s 70th anniversary as monarch. There will be celebrations throughout 2022, with the May bank holiday weekend being moved to Thursday 2 June, and an additional bank holiday being added on Friday 3 June, meaning the UK will see a four-day weekend to honour this historic occasion. There will several official events taking place all over the country, including some along the River Thames, where revellers will be able to join in all the action. To celebrate the occasion, Le Boat is offering up to 15%* off self-drive boating holidays on the River Thames in 2022, allowing guests to make the most of their time off, while exploring the beautiful waterways of southern England.
Le Boat is the No.1 provider of inland water boating holidays in Europe, bringing together 50 years of experience, expertise and memories. The operator has a fleet of large self-drive cruisers, allowing entire families to stay on board and to explore their chosen region. During a boating holiday on the River Thames, holidaymakers can explore the western section of the river, where moorings are easy to find and the distance between locks is greater than at the river’s eastern end. Le Boat has a base at Benson in South Oxfordshire and a base at Chertsey in Surrey, meaning boaters can opt for a one-way trip, or choose to start and end their holiday at the same location. The dreaming spires and universities of Oxford are a six-hour cruise to the west of Benson, or head east and in six hours guests can be in Henley-on-Thames, the home of British rowing. For those that start in Chertsey, they can be in Windsor in no time, where the whole family will love Legoland with its fun rides and live shows.
The God Save The Queen Platinum Jubilee Run
On Friday 3 June, the God Save The Queen Platinum Jubilee Run will take place on a beautiful stretch of the River Thames in between Staines and the village of Old Windsor, mere minutes from Le Boat’s base in Chertsey. The challenge will welcome runners of all abilities as well as walkers, with participants able to choose a distance to suit them. Starting at 9.30am and lasting up to seven hours, those that take part will receive a medal and a goodie bag at the end. Le Boat holidaymakers will have the option to moor up and get involved, or instead simply soak up the atmosphere by watching the event in comfort and style onboard their private boat. It costs £36 to enter the God Save The Queen Platinum Jubilee Run, with online registration open now.
Windsor
The Royal Borough of Windsor is located along Le Boat’s Thames route, with a visit to this historic market town a must during the Platinum Jubilee year. Le Boat holidaymakers can moor up before walking along the quaint, cobbled streets to explore The Queen’s favourite weekend home. Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, shop for souvenirs, or stroll through one of the many beautiful gardens in the town.
Windsor will play a central role in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with plans set to include Windsor’s Big Lunch on 5 June, Members of the public are invited to bring their own picnic with the intention of creating the longest picnic table ever, running from Cambridge Gate, down the Long Walk towards the Copper Horse. The theme of the event will be the Commonwealth, with big outdoor screens set up so that major Platinum Jubilee events from across the country can be seen live from Windsor.
No visit to Windsor is complete without visiting Windsor Castle and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, much of the grounds and buildings are open to the public. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, which are ceremonial rooms used today by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family, or discover the historical rooms built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza. Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel is not to be missed. One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, construction of the chapel began in 1475, and it features a stone ceiling and the tombs of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I. Booking for Windsor Castle in advance is advised, with a standard adult ticket costing £23.50.
Travel with confidence: Holidaymakers continue to be reassured by Le Boat’s Covid Safety Charter, which was implemented last year and applies to all its destinations at home and abroad. The extensive health and safety procedures ensure customers have a safe and worry-free experience. Furthermore, holidaymakers are protected by the operator’s Go Boating with Confidence flexible booking policy, which allows customers to make one date change to their booking free of charge up to 14 days before their departure. And in the event of Covid related restrictions stopping travel, guests will be offered a credit note or receive a full cash refund, right up to the day of their departure*.
Go there: In 2022 Le Boat will operate on the River Thames 1 April – 31 October. A seven-night self-catered stay on the River Thames starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base at Benson, on board the Capri (sleeping up to three), over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend arriving 30 May 2022, is priced from £1,449 / £483 pp**.
* See the Le Boat website for offer terms and conditions. **Transport to and from the base not included.
To plan your Le Boat trip: Call 02392 801125 or visit www.leboat.co.uk