History from the water- what will you see on a GoBoat ride in Kingston

There are a few places that blend history, beauty and relaxation on your journeys at GoBoat Kingston. These electric boats are not only eco-friendly but offer tranquillity and uniqueness. With routes that cater to every schedule, from 1 hour to 4 hours bookings, every GoBoat journey is a scenic adventure through time.

Start of your Journey - Kingston Bridge

GoBoat Kingston: Where your historic journey begins

Setting off from GoBoat Kingston, located on the Riverside Walk, you’re immediately immersed in the towns history. The electric boats are easy to steer, family and pet-friendly and don’t require prior experience – they give you a full map briefing and driving lesson before you set sail.

From here, you can head upstream to Teddington Lock or downstream to Hampton Court Palace, depending on the duration of your adventure.

1 Hour Route - heading to Teddington Lock

The 1-hour route: Teddington Lock and Back

If you want a short experience but still want a dose of Kingston’s history, the 1-hour trip to Teddington lock is ideal. This route keeps things historic, scenic and effortlessly relaxing.

Cruising past Canbury Gardens

Your journey stars by gliding past Canbury Gardens, a Victorian-era park once famous for open-air concerts and lawn tennis. It is still a vibrant spot today, with joggers, riverside walkers and plenty of beautiful nature views as you sail past. The peaceful vibe sets the tone for the ride ahead.

Glimpse at the Riverside residences and Architectural History

As you are cruising downstream, take a look around at the landscape transitioning from public parks to stunning riverside homes. These ranges from Gorgeous Georgians mansions to contemporary riverside apartments, showcasing centuries of design trends and local prosperity. Some buildings even date back to the 18^th and 19^th century; GoBoat offers a visual tour through time.

Arriving at Teddington Lock

30 minutes from base you’ll reach Teddington Lock – the largest lock system on the River Thames. Built in the 19^th century, this structure marks the boundary between the tidal and non-tidal part of the River Thames.

Although GoBoats cannot go through the lock, you will see the weir, control towers and plenty of river activity from other boats. On a clear day, it is a picture-perfect spot.

Nature along this way

Along this route, you should expect to see plenty of wildlife from swans, herons, cormorants and even the occasional kingfisher. It is a nature lovers dream and a gentle reminder of how Kingston preserves both history and habitats.

2 hour journey - heading to Hampton Court Palace

The 2-hour route: Hampton Court Palace and Back

If you are ready for a longer adventure, the 2-hour GoBoat journey to Hampton Court Palace and back offers a truly royal experience. This route takes you deeper into the past with one of England’s most iconic landmarks as your turn around point.

Historic highlights before the Palace

As you travel downstream from Kingston, you will pass scenic river banks and the occasional rowers. Raven’s ait serves various purposes over the years including a training centre and event venues. Today, it’s known for hosting weddings and corporate events, offering picturesque views of the Thames. Whilst it is not officially designated as a historic landmark, its unique location and usage contributes to the rich tapestry of Kingston’s riverside heritage. You will also spot Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, a small but stunning 18^th century temple; the building was commissioned by the great 18^th century actor/manager, David Garrick in 1759 to celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare.

Gliding Past Hampton Court Palace

The crown jewel of this route is undoubtedly Hampton Court Palace, a riverside masterpiece that was once King Henry VIII’s home! The Tudor architecture, beautiful gardens and grand gates are visible from the river, so stop the boat and take in this stunning Palace.

Whilst you can’t dock your GoBoat at the palace itself, the view from the water is arguable the most dramatic. The Palace backs directly onto the Thames, just as it did centuries ago when royal guests used to arrive in barges!

From your GoBoat you can admire:

All while avoiding the ghosts within the castle walls. It’s believed him and his 6 wives haunt the palace grounds, so best to stay on the river in your GoBoat where you are safe.

This part of the river has seen everything from royal processions to historical naval moments, and now your peaceful GoBoat joins that timeline!

Historical residences along the way

As you make your way back to Kingston, notice the grand houses lining the banks. Many of these were built by nobility and wealthy merchants hoping to live close to the palace. Their ornate gates and historic plaques tell stories of centuries making your return journey every bit as enlightening as the adventure down.

Why choose GoBoat Kingston for your history tour?

What to bring for the best experience:

Final thoughts: Time travel on the Thames

A GoBoat ride in Kingston isn’t just about a scenic cruise – it is a front-row seat to centuries of British History. From Anglo-Saxon coronations, Tudor palaces, Victorian parks and modern river life, every stretch of water has a story to tell you.Whether you choose an hour route or longer, you are guaranteed an experience that is as informative as it is relaxing. So, grab the wheel, bring your crew, and let the river guide you through Kingston’s incredible past all in the comfort of your floating time machine.

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