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Thames River boat to Hampton Court - timing question

Posted by (Ottawa, Canada) on

I love the idea of spending a bit of our precious London vacation time on the Thames, and we were originally thinking about the clipper boat to Greenwich. However, I saw this tour from Westminster to Hampton Court, and that seems interesting.

A couple of questions, though. Based on the Sunday schedule they have on their site (I have Hampton Park pencilled in on a Sunday on our itinerary), it looks like our only options are leaving Westminster at 11 am or 12 pm and departing from Hampton Court at 3 pm or 4 pm. Is that tight timing for a visit to Hampton Court? (We're a family of five with tweens and teens.) Also, I don't see a lot of references to this tour or company. Their website is a little thin on details, like how long the trip takes and whether it's simply transport or there's a tour guide pointing out the sites and sights. Any thoughts?

Posted by
8638 posts

Takes too long. https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit/getting-here/#gs.FEqa8t8

If you check the two links on the Hampton Court Royal Palaces website you’ll see what I mean.

The train ride is quick easy and you can use your Oyster cards.

I was surprised how interesting I found Hampton Court and spent nearly 4 hours there. Then again it was in early December and I nearly had the property to myself. Have a photo of the back Gardens and pond with nary a soul in sight to prove it.

Stay with the river cruise to Greenwich idea.

Posted by
68 posts

Oh, much longer than I was expecting - I'd figured an hour and a half or so.

Hmmm, might need to rethink this bit. Very good feedback, thank you!

Posted by
1386 posts

If you fancy a bit of the boat ride you can do the Kingston to Hampton Court leg of the journey in 35 minutes.

It covers the bit that Emma found boring though. You’re running along the park which is part of the extended grounds of Hampton Court.

Ona hot day it’s a pleasant journey though, although, for example, Embankment to Tower of London is more interesting.

Alan

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