Immerse yourself in a watery adventure close to nature where you can experience memorable moments.
If you long to escape to spend a day or two paddling on the river and getting close to nature in a stress-free environment, you don’t have to drive out of Oxfordshire to do so as can enjoy a Riverside retreat in a beautiful setting close to Dorchester-on-Thames.
Run by Louise and James, Riverside Paddle & Stay offers guests a specialist guided overnight canoe and SUP experience, taking you along some of the most enchanting stretches of the River Thame and Thames in the heart of rural Oxfordshire. Their idyllic location enables you to paddle in/paddle out, combining the adventure of being on the water with a level of comfort, convenience and dining which sets their offer apart from other overnight paddling destinations and operators. You can also leave your digital devices securely locked away in a secure onsite safe during your stay. Although this is entirely optional, you will be able to focus entirely on your experience and reconnect with the natural world that is all around you. The team are happy to be key points of contact for any emergencies ensuring peace of mind throughout your stay.
Whether it is during the day as you gently meander along the river or stay overnight in Nordic tipis situated on the banks of the River Thame, which meanders through a tranquil meadow, you can get close to local flora, fauna and birdlife. You will be immersed in a thriving ecosystem that shares space with deer, badgers, a rich variety of water and land based birdlife, and if you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of their resident otter. The site has been thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and convenience, but it is purposefully temporary to allow for the seasonal changes the Riverside experiences. Any remaining footprints will often be gently washed away as the Thame’s water rises in the winter months.
If you are only able to escape for a day without an overnight stay, take the Riverside Self-Discovery where you can have a full day exploring the river by yourself, starting and finishing at Riverside. You will be provided with all the paddling essentials (craft, personal flotation device, maps and information). If you would like to do an ‘A’ to ‘B’ journey you can pay a small additional fee to be transferred back to your car at the end of the day.
Alternatively, guests can choose their Riverside Paddle & Stay experience, designed for intimate groups of up to eight where you can enjoy an overnight stay in one of their fabulous Swedish Tipis. Luxuriously appointed with homely touches including a carpeted floor and furnished with single beds which can be combined to make a double bed, after a day of canoeing, relaxing and unwinding, you can spend a comfortable night in cotton bedsheets, duvets, pillows and cushions, all providing a homely touch. A short walk from your tipi takes you off the lower floodplain on to higher ground where you will find composting toilet and shower facilities. You will also be provided with eco-sensitive toiletries and towels to use during your stay.
The package not only offers access to their craft, along with the guidance of either Louise or James and comfortable accommodation, you will have four thoughtfully prepared meals using the finest locally sourced sustainable ingredients to ensure that you are well-fuelled for your adventure.
If you would like Louise and James to create a totally bespoke Riverside experience for you to celebrate a special event this can be done too. You may decide to replace a day’s paddling with a walking tour or take a visit to Oxford with Louise or James acting as a tour guide; they can even arrange for you to go punting along the City’s river. They also offer a wine tasting experience at a local vineyard or let Louise facilitate a mindfulness retreat. Should you not be a fan of sleeping under canvas, they can arrange for you to stay at a local hotel. You may also like to combine your stay with one of Dorchester’s music events held at the Abbey or Bishop’s Court.
If you live locally, guests can drive to their location close to their picturesque Riverside cottage. For people living further away, travelling to Oxfordshire by train, they offer convenient transfers to and from Didcot Parkway Station.
To find out more and to make a booking visit riversidepaddle.co.uk
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