Welcome to Fortnum's on Thames
Back in 1908, Ratty famously said to Mole that “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”, and this is precisely what we’re in pursuit of this summer.
In true Fortnum’s fashion, we’re taking our picnics offshore and onto the water in delicious style this summer season, setting sail on the River Thames at Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Festival aboard the delightful Christobel. So, chart a course for Fortnum’s this summer where an extraordinary experience awaits.
You are most welcome to get in touch to book your Fortnum’s on Thames experience by emailing concierge@fortnumandmason.com or by calling 0207 465 8668.
What is on offer? An overview of the experience itself
If bobbing along with the gentle ebb and flow of the Thames whilst sipping champagne and savouring the most delectable picnic floats your boat, forgive the pun, then this is certainly for you…
Guests can enjoy a specially curated picnic served by our iconic Red Coats while enjoying the scenic sights of Henley aboard the delightful Gentlemen’s Launch, Christobel, adorned with beautifully bespoke Fortnum’s décor designed by Colours of Arley. Each skippered sailing is two hours, hosting up to eight guests at a time.
Our Fortnum’s On Thames experiences can be arranged through our Concierge team who will do everything to make this experience bespoke and unforgettable.
Picnics! Which picnics are on offer, and how much they cost
There are four picnics to choose from, with each one presented in a Fortnum’s picnic bag for easy transportation after your sailing and for use on your next adventure, on or offshore.
The picnics are designed for two guests, allowing parties of four, six or eight guests to choose their preferred combination of picnics.
Picnics for Two
The Fortnum’s Picnic - £125
The Fortnum’s Garden Picnic (V) - £125
The Fortnum’s Feast - £195
The Fortnum’s Garden Feast (V) - £195
*£35 supplement to upgrade to Fortnum’s Brut Réserve Champagne or Fortnum’s English Sparkling Rosé.
Our Fortnum’s on the Thames experiences can be tailored to your needs, and if you would like to add any flourishes, from upgrading to our elegant Brut Réserve Champagne, to arranging a birthday surprise for a fellow guest, or tucking in a few extra boxes of our most irresistible biscuits, our Concierge team will only be too happy to accommodate.
Boat Hire and Example Pricing
Private hire of Christobel is £750, with picnics added according to your party size and chosen menu. Fortnum’s on the Thames experiences are available for four, six or eight guests.
The below prices are based on all guests selecting the same picnic option and exclude upgrades and additional bespoke extras.
| Guests | Fortnum's Picnic/Garden Picnic | Fortnum's Feast/Garden Feast |
| 4 people | £1,000 | £1,140 |
| 6 people | £1,125 | £1,335 |
| 8 people | £1,250 | £1,530 |
Dates & Times
Fortnum’s on Thames runs every day from the 1st July – 12th July 2026 during Henley Royal Regatta.
Sailings are 2 hours long between: 11.30 – 1.30 and 15.00 – 17.00
Number of Guests
The boat will be yours exclusively and can accommodate groups of four, six or eight guests.
To ensure the comfort and safety of all on board, our Fortnum’s on the Thames experiences are reserved for guests aged 18 and over, and any furry friends are best left on dry land.
Where to Embark
The boat will be moored at Hobbs of Henley in central Henley.
How to Book
All Fortnum’s On Thames bookings can be made by contacting our Concierge team.
At your service from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
You are most welcome to get in touch to book your Fortnum’s on Thames experience by emailing concierge@fortnumandmason.com or by calling<br>0207 465 8668.
About Christobel
Christobel is an Edwardian 30’ Gentleman’s Launch, now over 100 years old – a lady never reveals her exact age – and has a rich and wonderful history.
Henry Clarke commissioned the boat to be built by George Mollet in 1911, at his yard in Thorpe, Norwich. He named the boat after his daughter, Cristobel, who was a keen sailor herself. The boat’s name has mysteriously picked up an ‘H’ at some point along the way. She’s made of carvel teak planking on oak ribs, and during her restoration in the 1980s the new cabin was re-designed by Green and built from Burmese teak recovered from the bottom of the Irish Sea having been strapped to a freighter that sunk during the 1930s.
Owned by the Golding Bros family since 2017, Christobel underwent a four-year restoration by Andy Golding to become the glorious and elegant vessel she is today. A true labour of love, hundreds of hours of sanding, and 14 layers of varnish later, Christobel sails supreme.