Points of Interest Along the Thames
Sailing along the River Thames offers one of the most unique and historic perspectives of London and its surrounding areas. Our route follows the Royal Barge Route, famously used by King Henry VIII and other monarchs, winding past Richmond, Kew Gardens, and through the locks at Richmond and Teddington before arriving at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace.
Every bend of the river unveils a landmark rich in history, culture, or natural beauty. Below is a detailed guide to the highlights you’ll encounter on your Thames river journey.
London Eye
Standing proudly on the South Bank, the London Eye is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London and the most visited paid attraction in the UK. Since its opening in 2000, this giant cantilevered observation wheel has become a symbol of modern London. At 135 metres tall, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the capital’s skyline, stretching as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day.
From the comfort of its glass capsules, you can spot world-famous landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Shard, making it an unforgettable part of any Thames sightseeing tour.
Walking Distance from Westminster Bridge: 7 minutes / 0.3 miles
Palace of Westminster
(Houses of Parliament)
Perhaps the most iconic building along the Thames, the Houses of Parliament (officially the New Palace of Westminster) is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Charles Barry and completed in 1870. Its crowning glory, the Elizabeth Tower, houses the Great Clock of Westminster — better known worldwide as Big Ben.
The Palace is the beating heart of British politics and has stood as a symbol of democracy for over 150 years. Its golden lights reflecting on the river at night make it one of the most photographed sites in London.
Walking Distance from Westminster Bridge: 1 minute / 279 feet
Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace is the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, since the 13th century.
Walking Distance: 16 Minutes / 0.7 Miles (via Westminster Bridge)
Tate Britain
The Tate Gallery. The famous art gallery established by Sir William Tate the sugar millionaire in 1897 on the former site of Millbank prison.
Walking Distance: 20 Minutes / 0.9 Miles
Chelsea Old Church
Chelsea Old Church. On the site of the original chapel where Henry VIII secretly married Jane Seymour.
Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Royal Hospital Chelsea. Founded by King Charles II in 1682 as a retreat for veterans and designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Current home to the Chelsea pensioners.
St. Mary's Church, Battersea
St Marys Church Battersea. The church has strong connections with art and literature through the artist and poet William Blake who was married here, and the artist J. M. W. Turner, who painted the river from the vestry window. Benedict Arnold and his family are buried in the crypt, and the church has links with the explorer Robert Falcon Scott.
Putney & The University Boat Race
The Starting line for The Boat Race, since 1829 the annual rowing race between the Oxford University and the Cambridge University Boat Clubs. It is also known as the University Boat Race and the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
The race usually takes place on the last weekend of March or the first weekend of April. Mortlake, and Chiswick Bridge, The finishing line for the Boat Race.
Kew Village
Kew Village, An eighteenth century English village complete with a village green, where cricket is still played to this day
Between Kew and Hampton Court Palace, as the river increasingly winds and twists, through the locks at Richmond and Teddington herons may be seen fishing among the willows of the picturesque natural surroundings.
Strand on the Green
Oliver's Ait where it is rumoured Oliver Cromwell planned his battle strategies and held military councils at the Bull's Head pub during the English Civil War.
Syon House
Syon House. Gifted to the Earl of Northumberland in the 17th century by James I it remained a home of the Percy family ever since. In the 18th century, Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland, commissioned the greatest designers of the day.
Architect and interior designer Robert Adam and landscape designer Lancelot "Capability" Brown to redesign the house and estate.
Work began on the interior reconstruction project in 1762.
The London Apprentice (1731)
The London Apprentice. A famous inn where Henry VIII did some of his courting and close by, Old Isleworth Parish Church where victims of the great plague were buried. The London The Apprentice dates back to Tudor times, It is said to have been patronised by such eminent personalities as Henry VIII, Charles I, Charles II (with Nell Gwynne),
Lady Jane Grey and Oliver Cromwell, all of whom had close links with nearby Syon House.
The Inn was also a popular haunt of highwaymen from Hounslow Heath, most notably the infamous Dick Turpin.
A tunnel linking All Saint's Church with the London Apprentice is believed to have been used by Thames smugglers
to pass their contraband from the vaults of the church to the cellars of the Inn.
Richmond Lock & Weir (1894)
Richmond Lock & Weir was built in 1894 to maintain the river level between Richmond & Teddington. The lock is owned & operated by the Port of London Authority. Approximately two hours before high water the three sluice gates on the weir are lifted out of the water & into the arches of the footbridge above. Approximately two hours after high water the gates are lowered back into position to maintain the river level. While the gates are open vessels can pass through the arches of the footbridge. While the gates are lowered, they are marked with a closed arch sign (the same used on bridges on the tidal Thames) & vessels must transit Richmond Lock (located on the Surrey (South) side of the river).
While the weir is open the river from Richmond to Teddington is subject to the tide however while the weir is closed the river remains mostly calm. The duration that the weir is open varies drastically with the weather. Periods of drought will result in the weir being closed for longer & periods of heavy rainfall can result in the weir being open for a prolonged period.
Richmond upon Thames
Richmond Hill Surmounted by the impressive 'Star and Garter'.
Richmond Park, originally enclosed by Charles I for hunting. Now open to the public and notably famous for the herds of deer that roam wild here.
Teddington Lock
Teddington Lock is the first of the forty-four Environment Agency Locks on the river Thames & serves as the boundary between the tidal Thames (approximately 67 miles of river) & the non-tidal Thames (approximately 148 miles).
Kingston upon Thames
The earliest records of Kingston describe the town "Cyninges tun" in 838. The Doomsday Book of 1086 calls the town Chingestune & by 1589 the name had evolved into "Kingestowne upon Thames". Kingston bordered the kingdoms of Wessex & Mercia & is was where the 10th Century Saxon Kigns of England were coronated. The construction of the medieval Kingston Bridge increased the towns importance, Kingston was the only bridge between Staines & London Bridge until the copmletion of Putney Bridge in 1729.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace. The last stop on the tour, was built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolesey and presented to King Henry VIII in 1529.
The Tudor palace houses a large collection of original arms, armour, tapestries and fine paintings. It is famous for its gardens, maze and the Great Vine, planted in 1769.
Walking Distance: 1 Minute / 140 Feet