The Thames Path

7th/Jul/2016

TripTide Journalist

Follow the river's ambling path

A photo journal from Hampton Court to the London Eye

A trip to London would not be complete without taking some time to appreciate the river that bisects it. The best way to do this would be to spend some time along side it to really get to know it. The Thames Path is one of the most famous walks in England and it takes you from the source all the way to the mouth of the Thames. Normally it takes 2 weeks to complete however if you are in London for a few days it is definitely worth taking a full day break from the city to complete this 24 mile stretch (or just parts of it) of the Path.

A quick 30 minute ride from London Waterloo Station brings you to Hampton Court - one of 2 surviving former homes of King Henry XIII. Upon exiting Hampton Court station you find yourself immediately on the Thames and that’s where our photo journey will begin.

1/3

Twenty bridges from Tower to Kew, Wanted to know what the River knew, Twenty Bridges or twenty-two, For they were young, and the Thames was old, And this is the tale that River told

- Rudyard Kipling

Hampton Court

After passing Hampton Court Palace, the walk along the bank of the Thames brings you to Kingston upon Thames where you can get some refreshments) before continuing on through Teddington to Twickenham walking by the houseboats, gardens, river bank houses and quiet English towns.

Upon entering Twickenham, you walk right past Ham House and Gardens, a lavish 17th century historic mansion with an impressive art and furniture collection. The words “who lives there?!” will immediately spring to mind!

The onward journey takes you to Richmond where the Tide Table Cafe awaits, a quaint, riverside cafe located underneath Richmond Bridge. This is an excellent opportunity to sit on the terrace and ‘refuel’. The next stretch takes you to the Royal Botanic Gardens, a World Heritage site, which is also the last significant green space on this journey.

1/3

The Thames was beautiful, dark, and swift beneath the billion yellow and white lights of the city…

- Charles Finch, The Last Enchantments

Journeys End

Shortly after the Gardens, the walk brings you to Chiswick through Hammersmith and onwards towards the city centre.

Once entering the city of London, the food and beverage options are limitless as the Path leads you through Putney, Fulham, Battersea, Vauxhall, Westminster, Lambeth, and, eventually, the London Eye. However, if you would prefer to stay on the River, there is a floating bar/restaurant located between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridge (just outside the M16 building) called Tamesis Dock. If it is sunny, you can sit on the roof looking out towards Parliament. A gorgeous spot for some late afternoon sun and to sit and reflect about your 24 mile journey!

1/5

If my critics saw me walking over the Thames they would say it was because I couldn't swim

- Margaret Thatcher

Walking Tips

Walking Tips

- The walk from Hampton Court to the Eye is 24 miles (about 9 hours if you don’t stop); however, at any given point on the path you are never more than a 30 minute walk to a train or tube station.
- The walk is very flat and very easy.
- Shorter Options:
- Hampton Court to Richmond: 3 hour walking time and a tube back to Waterloo
- Hampton Court to Hammersmith: 5 hour walking time and a tube back to Waterloo