This is the ideal route for getting away from it all. Browse around the riverside hamlets with their antiques shops and organic cafés. See rowing boats sculling on the water. And enjoy the stunning formal gardens and historic buildings. Tudor, Gothic Revival and Palladian, it's all here!
Royal Palace
The magnificent Hampton Court Palace is perhaps most associated with Henry VIII. 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...
Television Studios
Are you a TV addict? Then get yourself into a studio audience and see your heroes in the flesh. Today with Des and Mel, Kilroy and Pop Idol were all filmed at Teddington Studios. Tickets are free but you'll need to contact the individual production companies to see what's coming up. See a list of contacts on the Teddington Studios
website.
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 belongs to St Mary's College and is open from the first Sunday in May to the last Sunday in September.
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 3 places where you can cross the river: Hampton Court Bridge, Kingston Bridge and Teddington Lock.
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