Why take a Hampton Court boat ride

Enjoy scenic river views: Soak in the fresh Thames air and cruise past stunning spots like Kew Gardens and Syon House. With every bend, you'll catch amazing views until you glide right up to the grand Hampton Court Palace!
Appreciate the unique perspective of the Palace: Approaching Hampton Court Palace by boat feels like a royal entrance! From the river, you get to see the entire front view of the Palace, perfectly set against the Thames river. It’s a view you just can’t get on foot!
Minimize the travel hassle: Hop on a boat from central London spots like Westminster or Kew and glide straight to Hampton Court Palace! It's a smooth ride with no traffic hassles. Just sit back, relax, and soak in the Thames views while the boat delivers you right to the palace's doorstep in no more than three hours.
Make the most of the boat amenities: Enjoy plush seating and a chill vibe with options indoors and out on your Thames adventure to Hampton Court Palace. Some boats even have a bar where you can grab a drink. It's all about comfort and great views as you cruise in style!

Plan Your Visit To Hampton Court

Hampton Court boat ride routes

Kew or Richmond to Hampton Court

Timings: Subject to availability

Duration: 3.5 hours

This downriver cruise takes passengers through the beautiful Teddington Lock & historic Kingston upon Thames, followed by a 30-minute stop at Hampton Court Palace. Passengers can also get down at Kew Pier. While you won't be able to see everything at Hampton Court Palace in a limited time frame, you can visit any key highlights like Tudor Palace, the garden, or the Maze. Additionally, the Hampton Court Boats are traditional passenger boats with cozy seating, a fully licensed bar, restaurant, and toilet facilities. So, the trip itself is quite comfy and enjoyable.

Westminster to Hampton Court

Timings: 11:15am to 2pm

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Cruise from Westminster Pier to Hampton Court Palace between April and October, soaking in views of Kew Gardens, Richmond, and Kingston. Once you reach the palace, you'll have 30 minutes to explore. If you prefer a shorter journey, take the one-hour boat ride from Richmond to Hampton Court—perfect for a brief palace visit without a full-length cruise. Just keep in mind that you'll need to sort out your return to London or arrange for nearby accommodation if you plan to stay longer and fully experience what Hampton Court has to offer!

Views from the Hampton Court boat ride

Hampton Court Boat trips allow you to check multiple places off your London bucket list as it covers the majority of the key highlights. Here are few of the attractions that is covered on the boat ride:

Kew Gardens

Sailing by Kew Gardens and its majestic 330 acres of land is like drifting through a botanical paradise! From the boat, you'll catch the iconic Great Pagoda and the ever-changing garden hues. It's like a live botanical show—perfect for getting inspired and appreciating nature!

Richmond Park

Bask in the beauty of Richmond Park's view from the river: its 2,500 acres of lush greenery, ancient oak trees, and roaming deer make for a picture-perfect scene. Look out for charming sights like King Henry's Mound and maybe spot some deer in their natural habitat!

Syon House

Syon House impresses with its grand neoclassical style and the striking Great Conservatory, a gleaming glass structure nestled in lush gardens. The estate's sprawling gardens, with their rich greenery and serene water features, beautifully complement the property's historic charm.

Marble Hill House

Marble Hill House stands out with its classic Georgian architecture and unique pyramidal roof. The surrounding parkland, with its well-kept gardens and grazing deer, looks like a serene escape—one perfect for a fun and friendly picnic!

Ham House and Garden

Ham House pops up along the Thames with its classic 17th-century charm. Its stately façade and lovely gardens, which were once home to the Duchess of Lauderdale, are a total standout. They feature everything from a maze-like Wilderness to vibrant Kitchen Gardens!

Teddington Lock

As you approach Teddington Lock, you'll see where the tidal Thames transforms to non-tidal. The lock's three gates and weir create a lively scene with boats passing through. Add in the cozy riverside Lock Keeper's cottage and a splash of local wildlife, and it's a delightful stop along the way.

Albert Bridge

Glimpse Albert Bridge's bright pink towers from the water—an iconic London landmark. Completed in 1873, this suspension bridge is a delightful splash of color with its unique hammersmith pink. The bridge connects the lively Chelsea Embankment with the soothing landscape of Battersea Park.

Palace of Westminster

As you float by, the Palace of Westminster emerges like a grand castle straight out of a storybook. Big Ben's clock face, glowing softly, stands tall amidst the stunning Gothic spires. Additionally, the lively Westminster Bridge below gives you a perfect snapshot of London's bustling energy!

London Eye

Catch the London Eye from the river, and you'll see why it's London's skyline superstar. At 135 meters tall, it's a giant among London's landmarks. By day, its structure is eye-catching; by night, it turns into a vibrant light show with over 5,500 LEDs.