Welcome to Kington upon Thames

Kingston Riverside

Soak up the beautiful landscape fit for royalty with a leisurely turn along the Queen’s Promenade which runs from Kingston Bridge to Surbiton. This delightful stretch of river offers the perfect opportunity for a relaxing walk as the gentle path meanders alongside the Thames. Whilst taking a stroll along this strip, look out for the Rose Theatre and Charter Quay and maybe even stop off for some al fresco refreshments.

In 2001, Kingston’s riverside went through a transformation with completion of the Charter Quay development which is an idyllic retreat which includes a range of bars, cafés, restaurants and luxury apartments. Charter Quay is easily accessible from the Ancient Market Place and has stunning views over the Thames which you can enjoy after a spot of retail therapy.

Kingston Riverside Events

Kingston Regatta and River Festival
Kingston’s Regatta has been a fixture in Kingston’s sporting calendar for over 150 years and brings together schools and clubs to compete in 300 rowing races. Many Olympians have graced the event at the beginning of their rowing careers, so it provides an opportunity to look out for future rowing superstars. The Kingston River Festival runs alongside the Regatta and highlights Kingston’s rich maritime heritage.

Dragon Boat Festival
See the fierce dragon boats do battle on the waters of the Thames during the Kingston Dragon Boat Festival which takes place every July. Teams from across the country compete in this unique event which features drums, chanting and colourful boats. Dragon Boat Racing has more than 2000 years of history with ancient Chinese origins and many of the original traditions are clearly visible in today’s races. Teams of up to twenty paddlers climb aboard a 40 foot boat with a drummer and a helm, racing to the finish line and victory. Kingston has its very own Dragon Boat team, the Kingston Royals, who participate in dragon boat races across the UK. This year the event is due to take place on Sunday 15th July 2012, for more information visit http://kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk/dragon-boat-challenge

Kingston Royals
www.kingstonroyals.com

River Boat Trips

A trip along the river from Kingston will take in three beautiful miles of one of the most attractive stretches of the world-famous River Thames. Kingston is home to two main river boat companies which operate regular services between Kingston, Hampton Court and Richmond throughout the summer months.

Parr Boats
The family run business, Parr Boats has been operating boating services between Kingston and Hampton Court for several generations. The 25 minute cruise offers views of sites such as Raven’s Ait, Thames Ditton Island and Hampton Court Palace.

Parr Boat Hire
Queen's Promenade,
Portsmouth Road,
Kingston, KT1 2ND
www.parrboats.co.uk

Turk Launches
Turk Launches have 300 years of boating heritage and operate regular cruises between Kingston, Hampton Court Palace and Richmond. Trips along the River Thames are available from Saturday 31st March 2012, with up to 45 river trips running each day. The relaxed cruises take in famous vistas such as Hampton Court Palace and its gardens, Thames Ditton Island, Kingston’s cosmopolitan waterfront, Teddington lock, Eel Pie Island and Richmond Hill. Turks run events throughout the year, including Disco Cruises, afternoon Jazz Cruises and Turks support the Kingstonfirst summer family event - Thumbs Up It’s Thursday.

Turk Launches
Town End Pier
68 High Street
KT1 1HN
020 8546 2434
www.turks.co.uk

Westminster Passenger Services
The Westminster Passenger Services Association operates a scheduled service from the iconic Houses of Parliament in Westminster to sightseeing hotspots Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court. The boats pass through Kingston on route to Hampton Court and on arrival at Hampton Court, you can take a short walk away along the pretty Thames Path to reach Kingston.

Westminster Passenger Services Association (Upriver) Limited
020 7930 2062
www.wpsa.co.uk

Boat Hire

Spend the day enjoying the river by hiring a boat and taking to the waters. Ideal for birthdays, stag dos, hen dos or a relaxing family day out, you can explore the beauty of the River Thames in Kingston at your own pace as captain of your very own boat.

Ditton Cruisers & Harts Cruisers
The family run Ditton Cruisers and Hart Cruisers have an impressive fleet of nine boats to hire for parties of all sizes up to 12 adults.

Ditton Cruisers
Taggs Boatyard
44 Summer Road,
Thames Ditton
KT7 0QQ

Harts Cruisers
Harts Boatyard
Portsmouth Road
Surbiton
KT6 4HJ
020 8398 2119
www.taggsboatyard.co.uk

Parr Boats
You can charter one of Parr Boats’ three vessels and enjoy a day exploring the beautiful Kingston area by river. The Hurley and the Tilbury Hope are also available as wedding transport for a unique touch for your special day and for organised trips. Parrs also offer an ash scattering service.

Parr Boat Hire
Queen's Promenade,
Portsmouth Road,
Kingston,
KT1 2ND
www.parrboats.co.uk

Turk Launches
Set sail with a private day boat hire or evening charter from Turk Launches, which travel along a scenic stretch of the River Thames between Hampton Court, Richmond and Kingston. There are vessels to accommodate party sizes from 20 to 150 guests, so no matter what you’re celebrating you’re sure to find a boat big enough for all your guests to enjoy. Each vessel has a fully stocked bar and a dance floor, which is suitable for wedding receptions, birthdays, corporate events and black tie evenings.

Turk Launches
Town End Pier
68 High Street
KT1 1HN
020 8546 2434
http://www.turks.co.uk/

Local Boat/Yacht clubs

If you’re a professional rower or sailor, or if you’d like to discover your sea legs with the help of seasoned experts, you will find plenty of opportunities with the extensive yacht, boat and rowing clubs in Kingston.

Albany Park Canoe and Sailing Centre
The Albany Park Canoe and Sailing Centre offer activity sessions for schools and youth organisations, including courses in kayaking, canoeing and bell boating. These activity sessions provide a great opportunity to learn a new and fun sport.

Albany Park Canoe and Sailing Centre
Albany Mews, off Albany Park Road,
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 5SL
020 8549 3066

Kingston Rowing Club
Kingston Rowing Club enjoys an impressive history as one of the world’s oldest and most successful amateur rowing clubs, dating back to 1853. Whether you’re new to the water or if your rowing is at Olympic standard, you will find facilities and support suitable for your requirements at Kingston Rowing Club.

Kingston Rowing Club
The Boat House
Lower Ham Road
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 5AU
www.kingstonrc.co.uk

Kingston Royals
Feel the might of the dragon with Kingston Royals, one of Britain’s oldest and most successful dragon boat teams. This fun and friendly club welcome newcomers who want to try it out for the first time, and also compete with rival teams across the country.

Kingston Royals
The Royal Canoe Club
Trowlock Way
Teddington
TW11 9QZ
www.kingstonroyals.com

Minima Yacht Club
The Minima Yacht Club is a low cost dinghy sailing and canoeing club open to all abilities and is a great place to start if you’re trying out the water for the first time. Based in the centre of Kingston, the club meets on Wednesday nights in the summer and on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons the club run races and canoeing activities on the river. Whether you want to participate or watch the races, Minima is well worth a visit.

Minima Yacht Club
48a High Street,
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1HN
www.minimayc.co.uk

Thames Sailing Club
Founded in 1870, the Thames Sailing Club is the UK’s oldest river sailing club. You’ll find the beautiful Victorian clubhouse situated on one of the most attractive stretches of the Thames between Surbiton and Kingston. The club races on Sundays mornings and Tuesdays evenings from April to October and you can enjoy viewing the races from the beautiful river bank.

Thames Sailing Club
Portsmouth Road
Surbiton
KT6 4HH
www.thamessailingclub.co.uk

Visitor Mooring Information

If you have your own boat, there are free moorings available for up to 24 hours at Townend Wharf and John Lewis Kingston and fee paying moorings are available at Charter Quay.

For more information contact Kingston Council on 020 8547 5302 or visit the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames website.

Mooring Information

1. Townend Wharf (finger moorings at southern edge of Town Centre): Provides free moorings for up to 24 hours. No services provided.
2. John Lewis Quay (outside John Lewis, adjacent to Kingston Bridge): Stop and shop provides free moorings in the daytime (up to 2 hours between 9am and 8pm) and free overnight moorings if you arrive after 8pm. No return within 24hours. No services provided.
3. Charter Quay (moorings outside Brown’s): Provides moorings priced at £2 up to an hour rising to £20 for 24 hours. On arrival, call the Clamp & Tow Services Control Room on 020 8751 1676. Out of hours, payment can be made over the phone. During normal hours, a Patrol Officer can be dispatched to take payment and issue a permit for the duration of the stay.

View information on the location of these sites here.

Thames Path

The Thames Path follows the River Thames for 184 miles, from its source in the Cotswolds through to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich, meaning this path covers some of the loveliest and most famous stretches of river in the country. Due to Kingston’s riverside location, the Thames Path offers visitors the perfect opportunity to walk towards Hampton Court or Richmond from the town. The Thames Path provides stunning views of the river and is the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife such as water voles, swans and dragon flies. Books about the Thames Path are available in Kingston’s Tourist Information Centre.

Thames Path
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath

Useful Contacts

River Thames Alliance
The River Thames Alliance’s main aim is to implement the Thames Waterway Plan and kick start co-ordinated planning to rejuvenate the River Thames.

River Thames Alliance
www.visitthames.co.uk/text/1921/river_thames_alliance.html

River User Group
The River User groups allow you to identify river developments close to a particular location. Kingston falls into the River User group 8 (Bell Weir to Teddington).

River User Group
www.riverusergroups.co.uk
rug8@riverusergroups.co.uk

Visit Thames
Visit Thames website highlights the various towns along the River Thames and provides inspiration on things to do along the river.

Visit Thames
www.visitthames.co.uk