History buffs are drawn to Maidenhead’s long lineage, which can be traced as far back as Roman times, but more recently the town has become a centre for some very modern pursuits: water sports.  Here is a rundown of some of the best water based activates in the area.

Maidenhead is situated on the Thames close to Bray Lake and Eton Dorney, which makes it an ideal holiday spot for the aquatically inclined.  There is a range of water pursuits within easy reach of the town, with something to suit all levels of adventurousness.

Bray Lake, just outside of Maidenhead is the hub for water sports in the area.  At Bray Lake Water Sports Centre you can try your hand at wind surfing, paddleboarding and dinghy sailing.  They have a range of courses to suit all ability levels with one-to-one or group lessons available from their qualifiedinstructors – or if you are a little more advanced, you can go it alone.

Maidenhead Sailing club has a 51 acre lake with unbeatable views of the countryside and welcomes guests and members alike.  Members can choose from 20 types of boats, so whether you are a going it solo or double handed in a comet, there’s something for everyone.

The success at the London 2012 Olympics has left behind not only an incredible sporting legacy, but also some world-class facilities to boot.  Eton Dorney boasts anunrivalled rowing and flat water canoeing centre set in 450 acres of beautiful English parkland near the historic town of Windsor.

Here you can sit back and watch the cream of the country’s rowing crop cut glide through the water or pick up your oars and have a session yourself, with classes starting from as little as £6.50.

However, if your idea of larking about on the river is a little more leisurely, then a boat trip along the Thames may be more to your liking.  The Maidenhead to Henley return trip calls in at the picturesque towns of Cookham and Marlow, before arriving at Henley in time for lunch.

On approaching Henley, the boat follows the route made famous by almost 200 years of rowing history, so you can feel like you’re wining the boat race without any of the effort of moving the oars. This is a leisurely whole day trip, which departs from Maidenhead peer at 09.30 and returns at 18.15.  Prices start from £8.45 for a child and £16.90 for an adult.

And if you’re planning a watery weekend away in Maidenheas, consider the Holiday Inn Maidenhead hotel for a great value, conveniently-located accommodation option.

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