From the Palace of Westminster, Thames River Boats sail all the way to Hampton Court Palace. It’s a long, leisurely 22-mile journey; 90 minutes to Kew, then another 90 to Hampton Court. That’s a long time on a boat, but perfect for a breather from
sightseeing. Clued-up skippers take their Thames history seriously, but it’s quite grown-up stuff, so remember to pack a
card game or colouring books in case the kids get fidgety. As you head west, under the bridges and past Battersea Power Station, it’s incredible how quickly the buildings shrink, the banks get greener and rowers replace river buses. From Kew it’s even prettier as you pass through Richmond and Teddington Lock, before disembarking at Hampton Court Pier.