Lechlade lies on the Thames and offers several ways to shape your stay around the river or the town: a downstream paddling trip, boat trips, paths with river views and historic buildings. You can tailor your choice to the time you have and your interests. Allow three to four hours for the paddling trip to Radcot; the Lechlade Loop is characterised by its varied surfaces and riverside scenery, while the bridge, church path and lock offer a cultural and historical focus.
On the water
The paddling trip from Lechlade to Radcot follows the river downstream and takes three to four hours. That makes it a substantial block of time to plan into your day; don't treat this route as a quick stop. Routes and operating conditions can change, so check the provider's latest information before setting out, especially if you plan to combine the trip with other activities.
Boat trips are also available in Lechlade. They offer another way to include the river in your travel plans, alongside the paddling trip to Radcot. This gives you a choice between a trip with a named destination and other boat trips, without having to plan your day solely around the paddling route.
Paths and riverside scenery
The Lechlade Loop follows paths, tracks and roads and takes in water meadows and river views. These details make the route's mix of surfaces and landscape features practical points to consider when planning. The Loop can therefore be viewed as a separate option from activities on the water: here, the choice involves different types of paths and passes water meadows and river views.
You can also explore the Thames Path National Trail from Lechlade. When choosing between the two paths mentioned, consider whether you would like to explore the Lechlade Loop, with its varied surfaces and landscape features, or focus instead on the Thames Path National Trail from the town. These are two named options for a trip centred on paths and riverside scenery.
Buildings, church path and lock
Lechlade Halfpenny Bridge and Tollhouse is a Grade II listed structure. This designation offers a specific point of reference for visitors who would like to take the town's heritage into account alongside its riverside activities. Shelley’s Walk is a paved church path. The two features offer different points of interest: the bridge and tollhouse centre on a listed building, while Shelley’s Walk centres on the church path and its paved surface.
Another connection with the Thames is St. John’s Lock, the first lock on this river. Together with Lechlade's location on the Thames, the lock adds to the picture of the town's relationship with the river. You can shape your choice around a specific activity, such as the paddling trip, or a cultural and historical interest in buildings and riverside features.
Markets and visitor information
Markets are held regularly in Lechlade. If you would like to include a particular market in your travel plans, check the latest dates before your trip. This lets you take market dates into account without assuming a fixed day of the week or a specific event date.
Lechlade Community Library is the visitor information centre. If you are looking for guidance there, check the latest service information before visiting, as details may change. Along with the markets, this resource complements trips on the water, walks and historic sites with practical visitor information.
Discover more destinations: Redmarley D'abitot, Wyck Rissington, Fairford, Chipping Campden, Dursley, Horsley, Corse, Shipton Moyne
For the wider travel overview: Gloucestershire.
