River Thames Cruise, London

A Trip to Hampton Court on the Historic MV Kingwood is a Tourist Joy

Apr 22, 2009 James Parsons

Tourists with a few days to spare in London should enjoy a trip up the ever-changing Thames on the 1915-built MV Kingwood to see Henry VIII's magnificent Hampton Court.

One of the most pleasant excursions for visitors to London is a river cruise up the Thames to Hampton Court, pulling in at Kew Gardens and Richmond on the way. The trip takes 3 - 4 hours, depending on tides, river traffic and lock condition, but there is so much to see along the way that the time flies. Those travelers who don’t want to make the return boat trip can simply cross the bridge into Molesey and take the speedy train back from Hampton Court station.

River Cruise Departures

Boats depart from Westminster Quay, which is accessed directly from the Westminster tube station. Boats leave for Hampton Court at 11:00 and 12:00. Check times before arranging a trip, as conditions are seasonal. The current fares (April 2009) are adults one way 13.50 GBP, return 19.50 GBP, senior concession 9 GBP/13 GBP, child 6.75 GBP / 9.75 GBP. Family concessions are also available.

The MV Kingwood

Several boats ply the route. Those tourists lucky enough to catch the MV Kingwood will undoubtedly appreciate their brush with history. The Kingwood was built in 1915 and has the distinction of having taken part in the huge 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk during the First World War. It was one of the 700 famed “Little ships of Dunkirk” which, according to BBC News (30 May 2000) managed the amazing evacuation of over 300,000 men in 9 days from shallow beaches where navy vessels could not go.

The present owner of the Kingwood proudly displays a brass commemorative plaque and original newspaper accounts of the day, which tourists should take time to read during the voyage.

The Thames River Cruise

The stately process down the river is restful and enjoyable. It is fascinating to watch the character of the river change mile after mile from a concrete-walled broad flood to a willow-shaded winding stream. Similarly, it is interesting to observe the change in riverside buildings from large city residential blocks to homes with backyard plots and then to the opulent homes of the wealthy before Hampton Court.

There is also a great deal of waterbird life on the river – flotillas of swans, isolated herons and families of ducks abound. Passing craft and old moored or beached hulks are another source of pleasure.

The long trip is provisioned by a bar/café selling excellent sandwiches and cakes, snack foods and a variety of drinks at very reasonable prices. It is not often a tourist can get a cup of tea in London for just 60p.

Richmond and Teddington Locks

Depending on the tide, it may be necessary for the boat to negotiate the Richmond Lock or the Teddington Lock. This is a great opportunity for the tourist to experience the operation of a lock close up and to listen in to the banter between boat crew and lock keepers. See the photo below for a view of the Kingwood about to leave the Richmond lock as the gates begin to open.

Hampton Court

Travelers are deposited close to the entrance gates of the 500 year old royal palace, Hampton Court. This was one of Henry VIII’s favourite palaces and the venue for his wedding to Catherine Parr. Those wanting to spend the several hours that Hampton Court truly deserves will probably not be able to make the return boat trip. Nevertheless, trains run back to London late into the night.

Hampton Court is a fitting finale to the boat trip but the cruise itself is well worth the money. The traveler is following the route that the royal barge would make from Westminster to Henry’s domain, so there is a sense of seeing London from its very heart – the winding, ever-changing Thames.

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