boat trips in kingston upon thames

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Turks Launches

A warm welcome aboard from all of us here at Turks Thames Cruises, we’re a 310 year old, family run, Thames river boat company. Each year we carry 1000’s of passengers to explore the stunning stretch of Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court Palace.

March  to October, Turk Launches run up-to 45 boat trips daily along the most scenic stretch of the River Thames, capturing the history and beauty of Richmond and Kingston -upon-Thames, and Hampton Court Palace.  Their eye-catching fleet of boats are each stylishly furnished, with a bar, toilet and outside deck. Put your feet up, sip a chilled drink and just take in the stunning views. Kids love it, perfect for tired legs!

Cultural and architectural landmarks along the river include Eel Pie Island, Teddington Lock, Richmond Hill and Hampton Court Palace. Sit back and get a glimpse of the most jaw-dropping riverside properties. Enjoy seeing nature and watching river sports in action – rowing, sailing, paddle-boarding.

And as the bustling cosmopolitan riversides of Kingston and Richmond come into view – or at Hampton Court just take a short walk over the bridge –  take time to explore an eclectic choice of shops, markets, stylish bars and restaurants – all just within minutes of Turk’s three piers. 

Turks two most renowned boats are the Yarmouth Belle – an historical English side wheeler and known as the prettiest boat along the Thames. And the New Southern Belle – an iconic Mississippi styled paddle steamer that brings a flavour of Old New Orleans to our London waterway. You may recognise this boat from scenes in the British TV drama New Tricks and it was also the boat featured in Culture Club’s Karma Chamelon video.

Simply put, everything is made so much more relaxing and interesting when you arrive on a Turk’s river cruise. 

About Turk Launches  

See cultural and architectural landmarks  , about our boats  .

Private Hire  

Events 

See Our Timetable 

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After 300 years of boat-building and operating a spectacular fleet of passenger vessels, Turks stands proudly as one of Kingston’s few remaining family run businesses. With a core belief in high standards and detailed organisation, our busy fleet carries thousands of passengers each year and are the proud hosts of hundreds of private events afloat the River Thames. With a versatile fleet of traditional and modern luxury vessels, and facilities for up to 150 guests, a Turk's Launch will provide an exciting, luxurious, alternative venue throughout the year for any style of event, limited only by your imagination. Turks celebrated their 300th anniversary in 2010 – quite an achievement!.

Guide Prices

Kingston to Hampton Court: £7 single, £8.80 return, £44 family/group ticket (6 max) Kingston to Richmond: £8 single, £9.80 return, £49.50 family/group ticket (6 max) Richmond to Hampton Court: £9 single, £10.80 return, £55 family/group ticket (6 max) Children 2-16 years £2 off adult fair, OAPs £2 off except weekends and bank holidays. Group tickets only available on the day. To pre-book groups of 20+, call the office in advance.

Visit the website for more information

• Children welcome
• Facilities for groups

Property Facilities

• Public toilets
• Description of route - Richmond - Kingston - Hampton Court
• Typical duration of route - Richmond - Hampton Court approx. 1h 45m

Map & Directions

Click here to view map

Road Directions

Piers at Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court. St. Helena Pier in Richmond is located outside the Red Cross pub at the end of Water Lane.

Turk Launches

Type: boat trips.

Tel: 020 8546 2434

Opening Times

* Please check the website for more information about their opening times.

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THE BEST Kingston upon Thames Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in kingston upon thames.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. GoBoat Kingston

2. Harts Boats and Boards

3. Warwick Salzer

4. Excalibur on the Thames

What travellers are saying.

• GoBoat Kingston
• Harts Boats and Boards
• Warwick Salzer

THE BEST Kingston upon Thames Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in kingston upon thames.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. GoBoat Kingston

2. Harts Boats and Boards

3. Warwick Salzer

4. Excalibur on the Thames

What travellers are saying.

• GoBoat Kingston
• Harts Boats and Boards
• Warwick Salzer

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Rent a boat in Kingston upon Thames

Private boat hire in kingston upon thames.

Enjoy a GoBoat boat ride from Riverside Walk, just next to Kingston Bridge.

Explore the River Thames and view the area from a new perspective. You are your own captain when renting one of our fully-electric boats on the Thames River.

With each boat fitting up to 8 people, you'll enjoy a unique social sailing experience with friends, family or colleagues. The sailing trip is your opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones by being fully present and in the moment.

Seats up to 8 people

No license required

Leisurely speed of 3.5mph

Silent, electric motor

GoBoat in Kingston

How GoBoat works

What to expect on your GoBoat experience. Explore some of the best UK waterways from your own private, fully-electric, picnic boat.

Need to contact us, or just looking for directions to your desired GoBoat location? We look forward to hearing from you.

Company and private events with GoBoat

Book your next company outing on a GoBoat - or why not use us as an alternative meeting location? Find our more about corporate bookings

Weather policy

Read our weather policy to find out more about how weather affects us and what happens when it is not safe for us to operate.

Bring your friends, family and even the dog on your GoBoat adventure!

Renting a boat in Kingston upon Thames

It's easy to rent a boat in Kingston with GoBoat. Just book online and show up 15 minutes before the booked time at our Kingston location. The person renting must be 18 years old.

You could try your luck going to our location at Kingston to see if we have available boats. If so, we are happy to rent you a boat. However, we recommend to book online.

We'll teach you how to sail and instruct you about the rules. No license required. Have a look at how sailing a GoBoat works.

Rules and information about renting a GoBoat in Kingston:

• A maximum of 8 people can fit in a GoBoat
• No license or prior experience is needed
• Alcohol restrictions apply: a maximum of two beers/ cans or half a bottle of wine per person. The captain (driver) must remain sober at all times.
• A GoBoat's speed is about 3 knots (3.5mph) so you can enjoy each other's company and the sights along the river
• You can reschedule or make amendments up to 48 hours before your booking

Pricing for GoBoat Kingston

Choose the number of hours that suits your trip. Each boat can accommodate up to 8 people.

Short and Sweet

The sailing trip where several sights placed in on the Thames River can be seen.

Picnic and sightseeing

Our most sailed trip! Enjoy the Thames. Bring your own food and drinks or buy them at GoBoat.

Good time for a great sailing trip

The perfect trip when you really want to enjoy a full experience with "hygge" on the water with plenty of time to explore hidden gems.

Sailing area in Kingston

Navigate on the Thames with our map. Take a look at the sailing area to prepare yourself for a great trip on the water. You set sail from Kingston and sail through the river. You'll also find the map attached to the picnic table in the boat. Things to see on the River:

• Kingston Bridge
• Raven's Ait Island
• Thames Ditton
• Steven's Eyot
• Trowlock Island
• Teddington Lock
• Hampton Court Palace

Kingston from the water

Photo : Will Nobes

Find inspiration at our social media

How to find goboat kingston.

• Our address: Riverside Walk, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QN
• Opening time: We're open 7 days a week from 9.30am until sunset. Check the booking system for availability.
• Public transportation: both Kingston rail station and bus station are within a 10 minute walk of the GoBoat pontoon. Find us on Google Maps here.

The Kingston Upon Thames Studios

Services & Amenities

King Studio

Property policies.

Self check-in: Contact the property for instructions on how to obtain the card/keys

If you will arrive outside of check-in hours, contact the property in advance

Health Protected

• Cleaning services provided by a professional company
• Rooms are disinfected between stays

Property Description

• Number of Rooms: 1

Frequently Asked Questions

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THE BEST Kingston upon Thames Boat Hire

Boat hire in kingston upon thames.

• Equipment Hire
• Climbing Tours
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Running Tours
• Golf Courses
• Biking Trails
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. GoBoat Kingston

2. Harts Boats and Boards