Thames River Guide: Hampton to Teddington

Royal Palace

The magnificent Hampton Court Palace was said to be Henry VIII's favourite palace. A snoop around his State Apartments, with the help of costumed guides, is the highlight of any visit. But it's not just about England's most fickle king. A tour around the palace will uncover 500 years of royal history. Take a look around Cardinal Wolsey's lodgings, William III's State Rooms and the Queen's State Apartments. Then you have the beautiful formal gardens to explore. That is if you can first find your way out of the world-famous maze....

Tidal Lock

On a peaceful and pretty stretch of the river, Teddington Lock is where the Thames ceases to be tidal. Pause for a while and watch the boats negotiate the three locks. One of the best vantage points is the beer garden at The Anglers pub in Teddington. It's also a fun place to cross the river, as you'll need to walk across two footbridges that meet on a floating island in the middle of the Thames.

Gothic Fantasy

Horace Walpole was an 18th century politician, writer and architectural trendsetter. He certainly didn't exercise any restraint when it came to designing and building the fantastically ornate Strawberry Hill House.

With gilded ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, arched doorways, painted glass and religious iconography, it took 45 years to transform the original Strawberry Hill House into the Georgian gothic castle-like building you see today. The house is currently undergoing restoration and will be open for public tours again in 2010.

Garrick and Shakespeare

During the mid-18th century, David Garrick was one of England's most successful actors and theatre managers. In 1756 he built a temple and, by way of paying tribute to his favourite playwright, placed a life-size statue of William Shakespeare inside. Now that's what we call a fan! Set in lovely gardens on the river's edge, Garrick's Temple is open on Sundays between April and October.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

The Tide End Cottage is an atmospheric pub set back just slightly from the river in Teddington.

On the opposite bank to Hampton Court Palace, and between the Thames and the River Mole, East Molesey has many riverside delis, cafés, pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

There are many B&Bs in the area, but one with a difference is the Houseboat Riverine, which is moored on Taggs Island, near Hampton Court. Naturally all 3 rooms have riverside views, and breakfast is served on deck.

Getting There

There are regular train services from central London to Hampton Court, Teddington, Strawberry Hill, Kingston and Twickenham. See our travel section for more information.

There are three places where you can cross the river: Hampton Court Bridge, Kingston Bridge and Teddington Lock.

Explore this Area Further

• Look around Hampton to Teddington with London Explorer
• Look around Hampton with London Explorer
• Look around Teddington with London Explorer