Hampton Court Palace River Trip

This scenic river journey retraces the historic route from Westminster to Hampton Court Palace, travelling upriver past riverside villages and stopping at traditional English pubs along the way. The boat passes through well-kept riverside settlements with period architecture, arriving at Hampton Court where the palace gardens are accessible on arrival. The return journey takes an equal 90 minutes. This is a full-day excursion combining river scenery, pub culture, and palace exploration. Best for history enthusiasts and day trippers. This is a easy activity lasting 90 minutes each way. Group size: max 120. You meet at Westminster Pier. Key highlights: 90-minute each-way journey on the Thames through historic villages, Pub stop (optional) at a traditional riverside establishment, Pass through Kew and Desborough Island areas with period architecture.

Price: £28

Duration: 90 minutes each way

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 120

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: history enthusiasts and day trippers

Best time: April-October when boats operate year-round. May-July for best weather and palace gardens in bloom. September for smaller crowds and warm temperatures. Avoid November-March when service is limited.

Meeting point: Westminster Pier

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:00am-9:30am Boarding at Westminster Pier and departure westbound upriver - Boats typically depart morning slots at 9am, 10am, and 11am. Arrive 20 minutes early.

First 30 minutes Pass central London landmarks and Kew Bridge heading toward suburban Thames - The boat travels through increasingly residential areas with period homes and boat clubs.

Minute 40-60 Stop at a riverside pub (typically Shepperton Lock or Sunbury) for 45 minutes - Passengers disembark to visit the pub. Food and drinks purchased separately (approx £5-15). This is optional; you can remain onboard.

Minute 70-85 Resume journey past Desborough Island and approach Hampton Court Palace - The palace emerges on the north bank; guided commentary about Henry VIII and palace history provided.

Minute 90 Arrive at Hampton Court Palace Pier - Access palace gardens immediately. Palace building entry requires separate £25 ticket and timed slot booking.

Return journey Boats depart Hampton Court for Westminster at 3:00pm, 4:00pm, or 5:00pm depending on season - The return journey follows the same route, now travelling downriver, taking another 90 minutes.

The whole experience takes 90 minutes each way. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Westminster Pier.

• 90-minute each-way journey on the Thames through historic villages
• Pub stop (optional) at a traditional riverside establishment
• Pass through Kew and Desborough Island areas with period architecture
• Arrive directly at Hampton Court Palace gardens
• Narrated historical commentary about Henry VIII and Tudor connections
• Accessibility: Step-free access to boat. Accessible toilet onboard. Hampton Court Palace has limited wheelchair access in palace building; gardens are partially accessible.

What is included: Round-trip river passage (180 minutes total travel), Guided commentary during journey, Stop at riverside pub (optional disembarkation), Arrival at Hampton Court Palace pier with garden access.

Not included: Hampton Court Palace building entry (requires separate £25 ticket), Food and drinks at pub stops, Admission to palace grounds (free once at palace), Timed entry reservations to palace building. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for palace grounds, Sunscreen and hat for exposed riverside areas, Waterproof jacket (river journeys affected by weather), Cash for pub purchases (cards accepted at most pubs), Phone with camera for scenery. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: April-October when boats operate year-round. May-July for best weather and palace gardens in bloom. September for smaller crowds and warm temperatures. Avoid November-March when service is limited..

Tip: Runs April-October only

Tip: Palace entry separate £25

Accessibility: Step-free access to boat. Accessible toilet onboard. Hampton Court Palace has limited wheelchair access in palace building; gardens are partially accessible..

Operator: Westminster Passenger Services | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 20 7930 2062

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• British Museum (18 min walk from Westminster Pier walk)
• Tower of London (22 min walk from Westminster Pier walk)
• Tate Modern (20 min walk from Westminster Pier walk)

This activity is run by Westminster Passenger Services.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before. 50% refund 3-7 days before. Non-refundable within 72 hours. Weather cancellations offered rescheduling or full refund..

Accessibility: Step-free access to boat. Accessible toilet onboard. Hampton Court Palace has limited wheelchair access in palace building; gardens are partially accessible..

Best time to go: April-October when boats operate year-round. May-July for best weather and palace gardens in bloom. September for smaller crowds and warm temperatures. Avoid November-March when service is limited..

Does the Hampton Court River Trip include palace entry?

No, palace building entry costs an additional £25 and requires a separate timed ticket booked in advance. The boat fare includes river transport and access to the palace gardens, which are free once you arrive at the palace grounds. Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the extensive gardens.

Can you visit the pub without purchasing food or drinks?

The pub stop is optional. You can disembark and explore the riverbank or pub grounds without buying anything. However, the boat waits 45 minutes for the pub stop specifically to allow meal breaks. Staying onboard is possible but most passengers use this time to refresh.

How long should I plan for the full Hampton Court day trip?

Plan at least 6-7 hours total: 90 minutes outbound journey plus pub stop (45 minutes), 3-4 hours at palace gardens, then 90 minutes return journey. A full palace building tour adds another 2 hours. Depart Westminster by 9am to maximize palace time.