Eight hundred years ago this month, Magna Carta was sealed by King John, ending his dispute with a group of rebel barons and laying down some basic rights for British citizens.
Now there’s a way to follow the path of history down the picturesque River Thames, on a barge that can be exclusively chartered by a group of eight people for £23,500.
The boat – suitably called Magna Carta – takes a six-night journey between Hampton Court Palace and Henley, cruising past the site the ‘great charter’ was agreed at Runnymede. It then passes the Magna Carta memorial and Magna Carta island before continuing to Windsor and a tour of the castle.
Other stops on the European Waterways trip include the Tudor manor house of Dorney Court, Cliveden, with its beautiful gardens and the Stanley Spencer gallery in the riverside village of Cookham.
Guests are cared for by a crew of four, including a master chef who will prepare British dishes using local fresh ingredients including specialist cheeses, accompanied by fine wines.
If you prefer a smaller group, six people can charter the barge for £21,500 or individuals can travel from £2,690 a person sharing a suite.
Around half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters. For details, please click here
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