Canopy boats in Kingston and Thames Ditton
By Grant Sweeney
Last updated June 30, 2025
If you’re searching for a unique way to experience the beauty of the River Thames, GoBoat Kingston offers a unique, relaxing and memorable outdoor experience. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic cruise or a corporate team day, captaining your own eco-friendly, electric boat is a great way to spend some time outdoors and see Kingston from an entirely new perspective.
And from June 2025, there’s even more reason to hop on board. GoBoat Kingston is introducing pre-bookable canopies, giving you the option to secure extra cover and comfort for your boat ahead of time, whatever the British weather decides to do.
GoBoat Kingston is a great outdoor experience and suitable for beginners. Launched as part of the GoBoat family in 2019, the Kingston Location brings a riverside twist to the brand’s famously relaced, self-drive boat adventures.
From Kingston’s bustling riverside and historic market square to peaceful stretches of nature along the Thames, GoBoat Kingston offers a unique way to explore southwest London by water.
Highlights include:
Each boat can comfortably sit up to 8 people, and with no boating license or experience necessary, it's perfect for everyone.
Kingston and Thames Ditton Canopy boats
From June 2025, GoBoat Kingston and GoBoat Thames Ditton is introducing the option to pre-book a canopy with cushions when reserving your boat online. With an additional cost of £20 you will be able to secure the canopy and cushion upgrade to your booking!
This means you can enjoy the best of both worlds: guaranteed shade and shelter with your pre-booked canopy, plus the all journey comfort thanks to the cushions. Whether you are planning a romantic riverside date, family trip with little ones or a chilled afternoon surrounded by the people you love, the cushion and canopy upgrade ensures your boat is perfectly kitted out for a relaxing, weather-proof Goboat adventure.
Pro Tip: The canopy and cushion upgrade is especially popular on weekends and sunny days so be sure to book ahead to lock the upgrade in!
Why is this a big deal?
Because you’ll be able to:
No more crossing your fingers on the day. Now you can lock in ahead of your booking for complete peace of mind.
If you haven’t experienced GoBoat Kingston or Thames Ditton before, here’s a little taste of what makes it one of London’s most popular water-based activities.
The boats are incredibly easy to use, with a simple tiller at the stern of the boat for steering and controlling the speed. In Kingston the boats move at a leisurely pace of 7mph. After a map briefing and driving lesson you’re off!
GoBoats are electric-powered and made using recycled materials, making them one of the greenest ways to enjoy the Thames. Soak up the scenery with zero noise pollution and zero emissions. Enjoy a guilt-free adventure.
From the Kingston riverside, you can head upstream towards Hampton Court Palace or downstream towards Teddington Lock, taking in peaceful greenery, historic buildings and stretches of natural beauty along the way.
One of the best things about GoBoat Kingston is the partnership with Cote. If you are hungry for a burger, calamari and many more delicious meals why not have them on the water. Enjoy gorgeous foods and tasty drinks on a GoBoat. When you pre-book with GoBoat, take a look at the menu and add to basket.
Your four-legged friends are welcome too! Many customers love bringing their dogs on board for a riverside adventure, making GoBoat Kingston a great day out for all.
Kingston’s riverside can get gloriously sunny in the summer. A pre-booked canopy gives your group welcome shade and keeps your drinks, snacks and little ones out the midday sun.
British weather being what it is, a clear morning can sometimes turn into an afternoon of drizzle. A canopy means you’ll stay dry and comfortable while still enjoying your cruise.
The canopy creates a cozy, more intimate feel on your boat – perfect for small groups or romantic outings. GoBoat Kingston sells blankets to elevate the intimate setting.
The boats are designed for leisurely cruising along with the River Thames, and the addition of cushions makes longer trips feel even more relaxed.
Enjoying a picnic on board, watching the wildlife swim past? Cushions turn your boat into a floating dining space where you can lounge and tick into your snacks in style.
The cushions add an extra cosiness and padding, helping little adventurers settle in for their GoBoat adventure.
Available in a smart, neutral tone, the cushions complement the boat's design, adding a chic, understate vibe to your day out.
Booking your GoBoat experience is easy. Head to the GoBoat website, choose Kingston as your location and your preferred date and time and await the GoBoat adventure. From June onwards, you’ll see the option to add a canopy to your booking, giving you the chance to completely personalise your whole adventure.
Pro Tip: Popular weekends and summer evening slots book up fast, especially with lovely sunny weather. If you are planning a celebration, work social or sunny day out, it’s worth booking early to avoid missing out.
GoBoat Kingston is already one of London’s most-loved outdoor experiences, offering scenic river routes, eco-friendly cruising and the freedom to captain your own adventure. With the arrival of pre-bookable canopies, customers can enjoy peace of mind, ensuring every trip is relaxing, memorable and weather-proof.
Whether you are marking a special occasion, bringing the family together, or simply looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy the Thames, GoBoat Kingston has your next day out sorted!