River Cruise and Entry to Hampton Court Palace 11040393

I only gave this experience 1 star because there wasn’t an option to give it no stars at all. We didn’t actually go on this cruise so I’m not sure why I’ve been asked to write a review. We tried to book, no response to our emails, eventually got through on the phone to find that either the dates we wanted were unavailable or that the time of the cruise offered would have left no time to visit Hampton Court Palace which was the whole point of the day out. Having read similar bad reviews from other people we decided to give it a miss. We did go on the second part of the experience which was entry to Hampton Court and well worth the trip. If I’d been invited to leave a review about that it would have been 5 stars.

Very enjoyable boat trip.

An amazing boat trip with lots of information from captain. Food was good too.

We booked months ahead. But when we got there there was a free for all and almost punch ups to get on boats. We couldn't get on the 10 o clock service. so we had another hour to wait. About half an hour later an influx of people arrived. We stood up by embarkment gate with others that couldn't get on the last boat so we could get on next boat before the new arrivals. But when the boat arrived the crew called for the large group bookings to get on. So of course everyone that had waited an hour couldn't get on again and confronted the crew who were very rude and aggressive to one of the customers who was going to complain about their rudeness but the crew didn't care. We were all told there would be another boat in a few minutes. Luckily the next boat had a really nice and friendly crew but we still had to pile on like cattle. Once on we found a seat which was just a plank of wood with legs and plank for our backs. Considering we had a three and a half hour trip this was so uncomfortable and my poor partner who has arthritis could just about walk. The crew gave us a great commentary and were very pleasant. The views were great and the weather was lovely and would have been perfect if we were more comfortable. As a summary the boat company just sold more tickets then spaces without any times on them. The boats were tiny and old and always full to capacity. Thus causing this Stress, chaos and bad will when we should be relaxing and looking forward to our trip.

The cruise takes 3-4 hours and has very limited snacks and provisions. It’s was good and the commentary was great but the first boat leaves at 10/10:30. We were on the 11:30 boat which arrived at Hampton court palace at 3:15. By the time you’ve got your tickets for the palace and wondered around a bit you don’t have that much time to make full use of the experience with seeing the gardens and doing the maze as they say it takes around 4 hours to do everything. I would have rather had a shorter boat trip and longer at the palace. It just isn’t a good combo especially if you don’t live in London and have to travel there and back the same day it leaves you a bit short on time. I would recommend the boat cruise on its own though as you got to see a lot of things.

River cruise was interesting. Good to have reasonably priced refreshments on board. However the cruise took 3 3/4 hours to get to Hampton Court Palace so there wasn't enough time to see everything there. Still, it wetted our appetite so we will definitely go back to see the rest of the Palace and gardens.

A treat for my 78 year old mum and me to spend some quality time together. Funny and informative guide whilst on the Thames in London. 3 hours went so fast , Hampton Court is wonderful Hampton Court, fun in the maze. A little windy and cold, shame if you sat downstairs could not admire the riverside views.

I have enjoyed the lunch cruises on the Thames so thought a cruise down to Hampton Court would be nice. Booking the cruise is not the easiest, no one answers the phone at Thames River Cruises, I had to leave my number for a call back but I had no response until a week later! In the meantime I emailed them & did get a speedier reply through which I made my booking. The 3 hour cruise was lovely, the commentary on board was very enjoyable & informative & the crew very helpful & friendly. There is a bar on board to buy coffee/alcohol. Hampton Court was very interesting & the gardens beautiful, well worth a visit but be aware that it closes at 4.30 pm so if you have a later sailing you don't get enough time to see everything. We had 2 hours & to be honest had to rush round & still could have done with another hour there. All in all a very enjoyable day that I can thoroughly recommend.

Whilst not the hottest day of the year it was dry and meant we could stay on top for a lovely sightseeing trip up the Thames to Hampton Court

Very picturesque