Boat to Hampton Court

The Journey

This is the route that makes visitors say “I had no idea you could do this.” Turks Launches have been running boats on the Thames from Kingston since 1740 — and the trip upstream to Hampton Court is their signature route.

You board at Kingston Pier, just below John Lewis on the riverside. The boat heads upstream past Raven’s Ait island, through the stretch between Hampton Wick and Thames Ditton, with views of parkland and riverside houses the whole way. Keep an eye out for herons, cormorants, and the occasional kingfisher.

After 35 minutes, you arrive at Hampton Court Pier — right by the palace gates. It’s the way Henry VIII would have arrived, and it still feels grand.

Board at: Kingston Pier (next to John Lewis, off Charter Quay).

What to Do

Everything in our Buses to Hampton Court route applies — the palace, Bushy Park, the riverside walks. The difference is how you get there, and the boat journey itself is half the experience.

On the Boat

The journey is relaxed and unhurried. Open-top seating when the weather’s good, with a small commentary pointing out landmarks along the route. No need to book seats — just turn up and buy a ticket at the pier.

Combine With a Walk

A great day out: boat to Hampton Court, explore the palace and gardens, then walk back along the Thames towpath to Kingston (about 40 minutes). Or reverse it — walk out, boat back.

Where to Eat & Drink

• Kingston Pier area — Grab a coffee at Charter Quay before boarding.
• At Hampton Court — The Tiltyard Café in the palace grounds, or the riverside cafes.
• Back in Kingston — Time your return boat and eat in Kingston where options are better.

Practical Info

• Season: March to October. No winter service.
• No Monday sailings (except Bank Holidays). Limited Tuesday service in June — check the timetable.
• Tickets: £7 adult single, £8.80 adult return, £44 family/group (up to 6). Children aged 2–16 get £2 off. OAP discount £2 off (weekdays only, not weekends or bank holidays).
• Booking: No advance booking needed for the Kingston–Hampton Court route. Turn up at Kingston Pier and buy from the kiosk.
• Timetable: Multiple sailings daily. Check turks.co.uk/timetable for exact times — they vary by month.
• Accessibility: Boats have limited step-free access. Contact Turks Launches in advance if you need assistance.
• Buggies: Can be taken on board — fold if busy.
• Dogs: Welcome on board.
• Weather: Boats run in light rain (there’s some covered seating) but may be cancelled in very bad weather. Check on the day if it looks rough.

The Route Back

You can return by boat (same route, reverse) or mix it up:

• Walk: Thames towpath back to Kingston, ~40 minutes, flat and scenic
• Bus: 111, 216, or 411 from outside the palace, 10–15 minutes, £1.75
• Train: Hampton Court station to Kingston station, 6 minutes

The combination of boat one way, walk or bus the other, makes for a perfect half-day out.

Turks Launches: turks.co.uk for timetables, prices, and weather updates.