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Scheduled Group - Tale of Two Palaces: Windsor & Hampton Court

Tour description.

A true royal tour: two palaces in one day! Morning visit to Hampton Court Palace, the best surviving home of King Henry VIII followed by an afternoon visit to Her Majesty The Queen's favourite countryside home, the spectacular Windsor Castle.

What's Included?

• Don't mind sharing with others? Our Semi-Private Small Group Tours run on select dates
• Small group numbers offer maximum benefit - more personal than overcrowded large buses
• All passengers depart together - no need to sit onboard for hours collecting passengers
• Exclusive: Not just a drive. ONLY tour to offer fully escorted visits.
• Professionally guided tour inside Hampton Court Palace and its spectacular gardens
• Visit Windsor, home to the largest inhabited castle in the world - Windsor Castle
• Optional Traditional Fish and Chips Lunch

Learn more about the London Magical Tours Difference

• Hampton Court Palace
• Kings Apartments
• Tudor Kitchens
• Gardens & Maze
• Windsor Town
• Windsor Castle
• Windsor State Apartments*
• St Georges Chapel**
• Optional Fish & Chips

SCHEDULED GROUP TOUR INFO

SCHEDULED GROUP TOUR - A Tale Of Two Palaces Tour: Windsor & Hampton Court Palace (8 Hours) Current Confirmed Dates: TBC Don't mind sharing with other travelers? Join one of our semi-private small group tours to discover two of the most historic palaces of the British royal family. Remember that our scheduled group tours are unique. Unlike the large bus tours, ours is not just a transfer service with free time at each location to "wander". Our tours include fully escorted guided visits with your group's professional tour guide throughout all the permitted areas at each location. We also don't keep our guests waiting to start a tour for up to 2 hours while the tour vehicle drives around collecting passengers from different hotels around London: our scheduled group tours start at the published times, with all the group departing together.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

After your morning departure from London, guests arrive at the best surviving residence of King Henry VIII for a fully guided private group tour. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a true Tudor masterpiece. Experience the splendours of Henry's court as your guide takes you through the majestic Tudor Kitchens, built to feed at least 600 people twice a day. Admire the King's State Apartments, including the largest and greatest medieval hall in England, before being escorted to discover the best of the Palace Gardens - Hampton Court Palace is widely recognised for having some of the most spectacular in England, 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of royal parkland.

LUNCH AT WINDSOR

After an exclusive panoramic drive through scenic English countryside, your early afternoon begins with an optional traditional Fish and Chips lunch in the heart of historic Windsor. London Magical Tours guests exclusively benefit from a fast track food service - the food is freshly prepared in time for our group's arrival to help make the most of the day. See the Optional Extras tab for details.

WINDSOR CASTLE

Following on from lunch, guests are given the option to go on an escorted visit to Windsor Castle, the Queen's favourite countryside residence. Please note that guests who decline this option will instead be given free time to shop at Windsor town before meeting back with the group. A true fairy tale castle situated on a hill above the River Thames, Windsor Castle holds within its great walls almost 1000 years of history. Your professional guide will escort you around the largest inhabited Castle in the world, sharing with you the delights of the iconic Round Tower, the garden moat and the lower and upper wards. Guests will also receive an introduction to St Georges Chapel**, the recent location of several Royal weddnings, before being given leisure time to view Queen Mary's Dolls House, a perfect miniature palace built on a scale of 1 to 12 (including fully operating electrics and running water!) before paying a visit to the majestic State Apartments* with their huge array of treasures from across the world to see the locations used to welcome visiting Heads of State, including the famous St George's Hall, home of the Order of the Garter.

COLLECTION & RETURN LOCATIONS

Tour Start: The collection point is outside the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4DN (2 min walk from Gloucester Road Underground Station - District, Circle and Piccadilly Lines) Tour Ends: Back at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum (Gloucester Road Tube Station).

A Tale Of Two Palaces Tour: 9:45am to 5:45pm 9:30am - Boarding Opens at Holiday Inn Kensington Forum 9:45am - Tour Departs 10:30am - 12:45pm Hampton Court Palace 1:45pm - 2:30pm Lunch at Windsor 2:45pm - 4:45pm Windsor Castle 5:45pm - Return To Holiday Inn Kensington Forum

Sundays only, select dates during the year. Tour dates are regularly updated at the top of this webpage. Please contact us for latest availability. Travelling on other dates? Our Private Windsor Tours and Private Hampton Court Palace Tourse Tours are a great alternative option to discover the royal palaces with your own specialist tour guide; please contact us for availability.

Scheduled Group Tours are conducted in English only. If you require another language, our Private Windsor Tours and Private Hampton Court Palace Tours Tours are available in most languages through our specialist multi-lingual guide team, including Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. Language surcharges apply. *No guiding is permitted inside the section of Queen Mary's Dolls House and State Apartments, unless on the exclusive private opening of Windsor Castle option at a Platinum Plus VIP level private tour. **External guided visit, St Georges Chapel closed for sightseeing on Sundays.

Tour Extras

Ticket options.

Windsor Castle Ticket

Meal options.

Fish and Chips Pub Option

Tour prices.

Scheduled group tour prices are per person. A minimum of 2 people are required per booking (solo travellers are welcome to join but will need to pay the fare for 2 people). Entry ticket to Hampton Court Palace and all taxes included in pricing below. Please add £32 to include ticket to Windsor Castle with fast track entry and £18 for fish and chips option for traditional pub lunch.

There are no hidden extras: prices include your private tour guide, your chauffeur, private vehicle, parking fees, collection and return to your central Manhattan hotel or Grand Central Station, and all taxes. We do not charge additional fees for card payments. Lunch/Entrance fees not included. Internet prices include a discount for online bookings. Prices are according to your party size. For example, the cost of the Half Day London Tour is $449 for a party of 5, which works out at $89.80 per person. At less than $90 pp, private tours are amazing value, offering a personal experience for less than the cost of bus tours

Normal Price

Online price (save £20).

More than 10 passengers? Benefit from our group savings for 11 to 100+ passengers: please see Private London Group Tours.

More than 5 passengers? Benefit from our group savings for 6 to 100+ passengers:please see Private London Group Tours. On transit through London? See Our London Layover Tours

Tour Comments

This was such a fun experience for our family. We only had a day to spend outside London and this small group visit was the ideal way to visit these two historic royal homes. The fish and chips was brilliant too. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Lamont Family, USA on the Scheduled Tale of Two Palaces Tour of Windsor & Hampton Court

Other tour ideas.

Scheduled Group Tour: Wimbledon Tennis with Hampton Court (from Wimbledon)

Private Windsor Tours - Magical Windsor Tour

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• Are lunch/entrance fees included?

UK: 020 7859 4561 Abroad: +44 20 7859 4561 USA/Canada: + 1 866 834 8371

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Magna Carta

• Category Premier
• Capacity 8 Guests
• Crew Members 4
• Booking Type Charter & Cabin bookings
• Check-in Time / Location 3:00 PM in London, Hotel Stafford

Cruising aboard barge Magna Carta on the Royal River Thames is a study in both antique and modern lifestyles – an ancient history book with the pages still being written.

Guests are met in London at the glamorous Stafford Hotel where they enjoy an afternoon tea. Then, the modern metropolis becomes but a distant memory upon boarding Magna Carta. Captain Dominic Read is a longtime area resident and an expert in the folklore and history of the river and its inhabitants. The cruise unfolds major historic sites alongside small slices of life: gently gliding past mansions and boathouses, as well as villages that look as if Miss Marple will pop out at any minute! History comes alive at Hampton Court Palace (where Magna Carta moors), the Tudor-style palace of King Henry the 8th; Windsor Castle, home to British royalty; and Christ Church College in Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Back on board, four spacious cabins with modern en-suite baths provide havens of privacy, while the comfortable deck and light-filled indoor salon become the perfect vantage points to take in the passing scene. Dining options deliciously address outdated notions about British cuisine. Magna Carta’s menus are fresh and creative, utilizing the best of locally-sourced produce, meats, and fish. A broad selection of Old and New World wines are carefully paired with the meals.

Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.

Last visited in 2019

A Cruise on the River Thames aboard Magna Carta

Extra, extra…Read all about Barge Lady Cruises!

Accommodations & amenities, itineraries, gourmet dining, rates & dates.

• Interested in This Cruise?

Accommodations

• 117 sq ft long, with 6’4 – 7’4 ceiling height throughout
• Four Cabins
• Winston Churchill, 200 sq ft, 7’4” ceiling height, choice of  king bed or two twin beds
• Henry VIII and Shakespeare, 200 sq ft, 6’4” ceiling height, choice of king bed or two twin beds
• Christopher Wren, 200 sq ft, 6’4” ceiling height, one fixed queen bed
• Ensuite bathroom with shower in all cabins
• Adequate storage space in cabins
• Salon and dining room
• Deck with canopy
• Outdoor dining space and seating

Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

Travel from Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames on the River Thames

An English Cream Tea Begins Your Cruise in Style

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Magna Carta at the designated meeting point in London. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Tour the Finest Tudor Palace in Existence

This morning, explore Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of Henry VIII. Walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens and the famous maze! This afternoon, the Magna Carta cruises up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Drinks and dinner are served onboard.

Windsor Castle...Where the Royals Live

This morning's cruise takes us through Runnymede where King John put his seal on the Magna Carta in 1215, from which our vessel takes its name. This afternoon, history comes alive at Windsor Castle! Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in for over 900 years by the British Royal Family, the castle boasts unrivaled displays of art, furniture, ancient armor, and royal treasure. Your Tour Guide returns you to Magna Carta for cocktail hour and dinner.

A Day of Manors and Manners

This morning's excursion is a private tour of a Tudor manor that has been in the same family for 13 generations! Authentic and iconic, the manor is regularly used for filming. Then cruise this afternoon into Clivedon Reach where we have special permission to moor. Cliveden, now a hotel, was once owned by the Astor family. Tour the grounds, discussing the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous! A late afternoon cruise is the perfect time to laze in the hot tub. Enjoy another gourmet dinner onboard.

Traditional Boatbuilding Craftsmen at Work

This morning's sightseeing is a visit to the gallery of one of England’s greatest artists, Sir Stanley Spencer. Spencer described Cookham has “heaven on earth” and much of his work was painted in and around the village. A late morning cruise precedes a tour of Peter Freebody’s Boatyard to watch traditional craftsmen work on wooden boats as they have done for generations. Explore an 11th century village, including a tipple at Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country. Your Tour Guide escorts you back to the barge where Chef presents dinner onboard.

Christ Church College at Oxford

A morning cruise takes us to Henley-on-Thames to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Oxford for a tour Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Founded in 1546, its magnificent surroundings have been the scene of Lewis Carroll writing Alice in Wonderland, welcomed 13 British prime ministers among its students, and just lately served as a set for the Harry Potter films. Return to Magna Carta for the Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

A Sad Farewell

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to the designated drop off point in London.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Downton Abbey Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

An English Cream Tea Begins your Cruise in Style

A member of Magna Carta crew will greet you at the Hotel Stafford in London at the designated meeting time. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

This morning, explore Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of Henry VIII. Walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens and the famous maze! This afternoon, the Magna Carta cruises up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Drinks and dinner are served aboard.

Visit the Castle where Downton Abbey is Filmed!

This morning, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Highclere Castle, scene of the popular television series Downton Abbey. Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Our public tour reveals several grand reception, drawing, and dining rooms on the first floor, along with a brief look into a select few of the home’s 50 bedrooms! Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise, a visit to an art gallery, and a stroll around the village mooring. Dinner is served onboard.

A morning cruise takes us to Henley- on-Thames to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Oxford for a tour Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Founded in 1546, its magnificent surroundings have been the scene of Lewis Carroll writing Alice in Wonderland, welcomed 13 British prime ministers among its students, and just lately served as a set for the Harry Potter films. Return to Magna Carta for the Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point in London.

Royal Cruise Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

An English Cream Tea Begins Your Cruise in Royal Style

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Magna Carta at the designated meeting point in London. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where the vessel remains overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Welcome to Henry VIII’s Royal Palace

This morning, the immersion into “Royal England” begins in the vast palace of a most iconic monarch: Henry VIII. Discover Henry VIII’s rooms, the Royal Chapel, and the kitchen gardens on a private tour with local expert Lesley Richardson. A resident and guide of Hampton Court for over twenty years, Lesley shares dishy anecdotes and insider's secrets about famous (and infamous) palace residents! Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Once moored, explore the riverside path by bicycle or on foot before another gourmet dinner.

Secrets of Windsor Castle with a Noble Military Knight

This morning's cruise takes us through Runnymede where King John put his seal on the Magna Carta in 1215! This afternoon, European history comes alive at Windsor Castle, notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family. A uniformed Military Knight of Windsor introduces a “behind the scenes” tour of the castle, offering access to original art, sophisticated architecture, and royal treasure. Return to Magna Carta, where Chef is putting the final touches on a gourmet dinner fit for a King.

A Day of Monarchs, Manors, and Manners

Manors and manners are on offer today thanks to two tours of fascinating estates. Begin the British adventures with a private visit to Dorney Court, one of England's finest Tudor Manor houses, dating from around 1440. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to our mooring on the Clivedon Estate. After walking through the grand gardens, step inside for a tea and a “butler’s guide” to the personalities and scandals associated with over 350 years of aristocratic life at Clivedon House. Relive the day over drinks and dinner.

Welcome to One of England’s Oldest Stately Homes

Relax on deck this morning as Magna Carta glides past the enchanting scenery of the Royal River Thames. This afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to Stonor Park, the seat of the Stonor family, Baron Camoys, for over 850 years. Tour this astonishingly preserved historic country home with a Stonor family member, discovering the 12th century private chapel, as well as the remains of a prehistoric stone circle. Return to the barge and explore the riverside path with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll before tonight's delicious dinner.

A Private Tour of Highclere Castle

Regattas and rowing are foundations of the lifestyles along the Royal River Thames; this morning, a visit to Peter Freebody’s boatyard introduces craftsmen who restore vintage vessels using ancient techniques. After an early lunch, it's a but mere drive to Highclere Castle, home to many of the iconic scenes in the beloved drama "Downton Abbey". On this private tour, guests will explore the rooms, grounds, and gardens of this stately home, as well meet and greet members of the Highclere household. Back onboard, a Farewell Feast awaits.

Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!

• Couscous with Raisins and Pine Nuts
• Bouillabaisse with Toasted Sourdough and Saffron Aioli
• Cheeses: Claxton Bleu and Cheddar
• A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
• Sweet Corn Veloute
• Pork Tenderloin with Honey Roasted Carrots
• Cheeses: Cropwell Bishop Organic, Stilton, and Dunsyre Blue Bath
• Poached Pear with Gingerbread and Vanilla Ice Cream
• A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
• Cote-du-Rhone 2009, Rasteau, France
• Rioja 2010,  Baron De Barbon, Spain
• Don Cayetano Merlot Baroncini Rosso di Montalcino
• Les Pontilles, Sauvignon Blanc
• Petit Chablis 2010, France
• Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Split Rock, New Zealand

Italic Dates = Value Season Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Additional Details

Included in the rate.

• 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
• Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from London
• A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
• All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
• All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
• Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
• Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub

Not included in the rate

• International airfare
• Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
• Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

“We so enjoyed the entire experience. The crew was exceptional. The cabin accommodations were generous and most comfortable. We didn’t realize how much we would enjoy cruising down the Thames!” – Nancy and Bill S, Magna Carta

Are you ready to engage with a most enchanting waterway in England?

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The definitive guide to Royal Windsor UK.

River Thames

What to see: river thames.

The River Thames is of course the reason for the existence of the Castle and hence the town of Windsor. The river is probably the best place to view the Castle, and from here it is possible to appreciate its strategic site. Best views of the Castle are from the Eton bank (cross the bridge and walk a few hundred paces into the open meadows for the clearest view).

If you’re looking for more excitement, try hiring a self-drive motor boat or rowing boat from Kris Cruisers or Gamble & Logie Motorboats by the riverside. You can also take river cruises upstream to Maidenhead or downstream to Hampton Court with French Brothers . A favourite activity for younger visitors and residents is feeding the swans.

If you have your own boat, its possible to moor here overnight. See this document all about boatyards and marinas: PDF FILE

Cyclists and walkers can travel along the Thames Path both upstream and downstream from Windsor.

Also see where to stay in Windsor

Public Boat Trips You can also take a river cruise with French Brothers who operate daily return trips from Windsor, as well as service trips upstream from Maidenhead or downstream from Runnymede and to Hampton Court.

Windsor Castle

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

  ***TRIPS START 23rd MARCH 2024***   KINGSTON AND HAMPTON COURT TRIPS FROM 23RD MARCH, RICHMOND FROM 29TH MARCH    

The timetable below shows the departure and arrival times depending on which direction you are travelling.   please check daily updates for up-to-date information on changes to the service. , the below services are running on weekends (and bank holidays) in april , our boats  .

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French Brothers Ltd

Type: boat trip.

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Tel +44 01753 851900

Further Information

• Click here for your AccessAble Access Guide

Book Tickets Online

French Brothers run boat trips on the River Thames from Windsor and Runnymede. Choose from a short return trip or a full-day cruise.

Day visitors to Windsor can choose either a short 40-minute round trip or a longer 2-hour return; both offer amazing views of Windsor Castle. Discounted tickets can be booked online, with further discounts available for groups of 20 or more. Groups of 20+ should contact the bookings office . 

There are two scheduled services offering visitors to Windsor the opportunity to take the boat and cruise to this historic town arriving in style. With regular sailings from Runnymede, groups and individuals can enjoy a cruise to Windsor in the morning with the option to catch the return service in the afternoon. 

All of the French Brothers fleet are available for private charter. They are perfect for all milestone events such as birthday parties, anniversaries, wedding receptions and social functions. With a fleet of 16 craft including modern vessels and two genuine coal-fired steamboats they have a cruise to suit all tastes and budgets. 

Corporate customers can charter a boat for an off-site dinner as part of a conference, offering a refreshing change of scenery. The River Thames is easily accessible from all of the town centre and riverside hotels. 

Longer trips can be booked to include a marvellous boxed afternoon tea to enjoy as you cruise. There is an extensive programme of special events on our fantastic Victorian steam boats. These can all be booked online at www.frenchbrothers.co.uk

French Brothers Boats Windsor Racecourse raceday river shuttle service

French Brothers are proud of their association with Windsor Racecourse and offer a return shuttle service on race days.

With fully licensed bars on all boats, why not enjoy a drink on board as you cruise?

2023 prices are as follows: Adult return: £8.50 Child return: £6.00 Adult single: £5.00 Child single: £3.50

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Guide prices.

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Accessibility

• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Ramp/Level Access
• BBQ Food Served
• Catering for groups
• Catering Provided
• Full liquor licence
• On-Site cafe/restaurant - Bars and light snacks. Afternoon tea hampers (on selected cruises. Booked online only)
• Packed lunches by arrangement
• Picnic Site
• Refreshments Available
• Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

• Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

• All weather attraction - Heated vessels for winter cruising
• Audio Tours
• Dogs Accepted - Well-behaved four-legged friends on a lead are most welcome!
• Event Venue
• Groups welcome
• Guided tours
• Licensed for alcohol
• Open all year round
• Open on bank holidays
• Prior Booking Recommended
• Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement
• Stag and hen parties welcome
• Team / Corporate Activities

Leisure Facilities

• Themed Nights

Parking & Transport

• Coach parking - At Windsor Coach Park, Alma Road, charges apply
• Parking (charge)
• Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Approx length of visit - 40 minutes and 2 hour trips
• Blue Badge Guides admitted free
• Can be packages by 3rd parties
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.
• JCB accepted
• Maestro Accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 999
• Min group size - 20
• Open by appointment outside normal opening times
• Solo accepted
• Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
• TIC Staff Admitted Free
• Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

• In countryside
• In town/city centre
• No Smoking Attraction
• Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

• Educational Groups
• Information Point
• Marketed Towards Children
• Marketed Towards Families
• Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
• Marketed towards student/youth

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups
• Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

• Commission/net rates apply
• Group discounts available
• Packed lunches available

French Brothers gift vouchers

Purchase a French Brothers Boats gift voucher and it can be redeemed on any trip including steamboat cruises and Sunday lunch cruises.

Vouchers for Gifts and Experiences - redeem this special offer immediately

More offers like this - Vouchers for Gifts and Experiences

TripAdvisor

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• Excellent 722
• Very Good 308
• Average 109
• Terrible 42

Recent Reviews:

Map & directions, road directions.

Nearest major road is M4

Public Transport Directions

Nearest stations are Windsor & Eton Riverside (South West Railway) and Windsor & Eton Central (Great Western Railway).

Opening Times

* Out of peak season, trip will run subject to river conditions and available daylight.

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You are here: Things to Do > French Brothers Ltd

French Brothers Ltd

Type: boat trip.

Tel: +44 01753 851900

Fax : +44 01753 832303

Visit Website

French Brothers run boat trips on the River Thames from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead. Choose from a short return trip or a full-day cruise.

French Brothers won 'Best Inland Canal/Riverboat Operator' in the 2016 Group Travel Awards.  French Brothers have Tripadvisors' certificate of excellence.

Day visitors to Windsor can choose either a short 40 minute return trip or a longer 2 hour return – both offer amazing views of the Castle. Discounted tickets can be booked online, with further discounts available for groups of 20 or more. Groups of 20+ should contact the bookings office.

There are 2 scheduled services offering visitors to Windsor the opportunity to arrive in style – by boat with regular sailings from Maidenhead and from Runnymede. An additional service is available from Runnymede that travels to Hampton Court.

All of the French Brothers fleet are available for private charter. They are perfect for all milestone events such as birthday parties, anniversaries, wedding receptions and social functions.

Corporate customers can charter a boat for an off site dinner as part of a conference. The River Thames is easily accessible from all of the Town Centre and riverside hotels.

There is an extensive programme of special events such as Sunday lunch cruises and trips on a fantastic Victorian steam boat. These can all be booked online at www.frenchbrothers.co.uk

Days and Times

Apr 12thOct 31st† Daily regularly 10:00 - 17:00

Nov 1stNov 28th* Daily hourly 10:00 - 16:00

Nov 29thDec 23rd* Daily hourly 10:00 - 15:00

† Trips run regularly, at least every 30 mins.

* Out of peak season, trip will run subject to    river conditions and available daylight.

Guide Prices

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Accessibility

• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Ramp/Level Access
• BBQ Food Served
• Catering for groups
• Catering Provided
• Full liquor licence
• On-Site cafe/restaurant - Bars and light snacks.
• Packed lunches by arrangement
• Picnic Site
• Refreshments Available
• Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

• Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

• All weather attraction
• Audio Tours
• Dogs Accepted
• Event Venue
• Groups welcome
• Guided tours
• Licensed for alcohol
• Open all year round
• Open on bank holidays
• Prior Booking Recommended
• Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement
• Stag and hen parties welcome
• Team / Corporate Activities

Leisure Facilities

• Themed Nights

Parking & Transport

• Coach parking
• Parking (charge)
• Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Approx length of visit - 40 minutes and 2 hour trips
• Blue Badge Guides admitted free
• Can be packages by 3rd parties
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.
• JCB accepted
• Maestro Accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 999
• Min group size - 20
• Open by appointment outside normal opening times
• Solo accepted
• Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
• TIC Staff Admitted Free
• Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

• In countryside
• In town/city centre
• No Smoking Attraction
• Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

• Educational Groups
• Information Point
• Marketed Towards Children
• Marketed Towards Families
• Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
• Marketed towards student/youth

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups
• Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

• Commission/net rates apply
• Group discounts available
• Packed lunches available

TripAdvisor

Map & directions, opening times.

* Nov 1stNov 28th* Daily hourly 10:00 - 16:00 Nov 29thDec 23rd* Daily hourly 10:00 - 15:00 † Trips run regularly, at least every 30 mins. * Out of peak season, trip will run subject to river conditions and available daylight.

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Times and Tides

The river trip from Westminster to Hampton Court is unique. At 35 kilometres (22 miles) one-way, it is the longest regular scheduled boat service available from London.

On a fiercely tidal river such as The Thames it is difficult and sometimes impossible to provide an exact time of departure and arrival. The latest sailings estimate departure and journey times based on current tides and conditions

It is worth listing here the factors taken into consideration when preparing the latest sailing timetable

• There are two tides a day on the Thames it takes approximately five hours to come in and little over seven hours to go out
• Each high tide occurs slightly more than twelve hours later than the next
• Near to the new and full moons (about every two weeks) we have spring tides when there is a rise and fall between low tide and high tide of up to 8m (26')
• Seven to eight days after spring tides we have neap tides where the difference between low water and high water is around 5m (16')
• Other factors such as wind in the estuary and land water from the hills, all have a bearing on the time and height of tide.

The most obvious way the tide affects vessels is direction. Traveling along with the tide ~upstream with the flood and downstream with the ebb, is more efficient than pushing against the ebb going up and the flood going down.

Approximate Journey Times

Westminster to Kew : 90 minutes each way* Westminster to Richmond : 2 hours each way* Westminster to Hampton Court : Three hours each way*

*Times are subject to tidal conditions

Richmond lock and footbridge is described as a half tide lock. In each arch of the footbridge there is a shutter known as a curtain.  Two hours after high water the curtains are lowered into the river, creating a barrier to maintain the level of water above this point.  While the curtains are in the lowered position , vessels are obliged to use the lock, and transit time will vary depending the tide. Two hours before the next high water the curtains are lifted, which allows vessels to navigate unimpeded through the bridge.

• Cockney Sparrow

The Cockney Sparrow was built in 1976 at Eel Pie Island. She is a two level boat with a deceptively large enclosed saloon and an open top deck. 

M.V Connaught was built by Salter Brothers of Oxford in 1911 & has been cruising between Westminster, Kew, Richmond & Hampton Court for over 100 years. Connaught regularly operates on our services & is also available for private charters.

• Princess Freda

Princess Freda was built in 1926 by T.C. Letcher on the Isle of Wight, and has been restored to a particularly high standard.

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• Windsor 40 min
• Windsor 2 hour
• Runnymede 45 min
• Runnymede - Windsor
• Maidenhead - Windsor
• Runnymede - Hampton Court
• Windsor Bus & Boat Trip
• Maidenhead 40 min
• Windsor Wildlife Explorer Trip

WINDSOR RACES

• Public shuttle
• Racegoers river package
• Staines-upon-Thames Day
• Fireworks shuttle
• Online Gift Vouchers

WINDSOR TRIPS

• 40 minute trip
• 2 hour cruise
• 2 hour lunch cruise
• Luxury tea cruise
• Steamboat tea cruise

RUNNYMEDE TRIPS

• 45 minute round trip
• Small group lunch cruise
• Small group luxury tea cruise
• Magna Carta Vintage Cruises

MAIDENHEAD TRIPS

• 40 minute round trip
• Cream tea cruise
• Heritage Centre & Tea Cruise
• Autumn colours cruise

SERVICE TRIPS

• Steamboat serivce
• Maidenhead - Runnymede
• Runnymede - Maidenhead
• Staines - Walled Garden
• Staines - Hampton Court
• Chertsey - Hampton Court

COMBINED TRIPS

• Royal garden & river cruise
• Bekonscot model village
• Windsor & Eton brewery tour
• Staines & walled garden
• Santa special lunch cruise
• Festive tea cruise

CHILDRENS TRIPS

• Runnymede 45 minute trip
• Windsor 40 minute trip
• Jungle book cruise
• 45 minute trip
• 2½ hour lunch cruise

PARTY PACKAGES

• Riverboat shuffle
• Riverboat shuffle plus
• Riverboat shuffle deluxe
• Summer sensation
• In steam, in style
• Night fever
• Hawaiian night
• Shaken not stirred
• Murder on the Thames
• Caribbean sounds
• New Orleans jazz cruise
• Live while you're young
• Monte Carlo
• Winter warmer
• Christmas afloat

BESPOKE EVENTS

• Boat hire charges
• Steam boats
• Entertainment
• Decorations

SPECIAL CHARTERS

• Windsor races
• Henley regatta
• Henley festival
• Swan upping
• Hampton Court flower show
• Ashes scattering
• Celebration of life cruise
• Private hire for small groups
• TV & Film
• Sunday lunch cruise
• Steamboat lunch cruise
• Royal Steamboat Voyage
• Steamboat 1 Hour Cruise
• Steamboat Express
• Autumn colours
• Bird & wildlife cruise
• Booking Forms
• Supporting Documents
• Help For Organisers
• New Queen of the Thames
• Lady Margaret Anne
• Windsor Sceptre
• Windsor Sovereign
• Windsor Majesty
• Windsor Monarch
• Windsor Royal
• Windsor Regent
• SL Streatley
• Bray Royale
• Windsor Promenade
• Runnymede Boathouse
• Maidenhead Promenade
• Hampton Court bridge
• Sunbury lock
• Walton Anglers
• Shepperton lock
• Chertsey lock
• Penton Hook lock
• Bell Weir lock
• Staines town hall
• Cookham - The Ferry
• Boulters lock
• Marlow - Higginson park
• Henley-on-Thames
• Clewer Boathouse
• French Brothers
• T & C's
• Useful Links
• Public Trips

Runnymede to Hampton Court Service

Whether you're travelling from or to Hampton Court, this trip encompasses scenery from suburban London to the rural home counties .

Calling at : Bell Weir Lock, Staines-upon-Thames, Penton Hook Lock, Chertsey Lock, Shepperton Lock, Walton Anglers, Sunbury Lock, Hampton Court

Departing at 09:15 from Runnymede, home to King John's Magna Carta, the boat passes through the town of Staines - the ancient start of the tidal Thames before the locks were built. Chertsey Lock is next on this trip, passing through Coway Sale where Julius Caesar forded the river and on to Shepperton. The boat then passes through Sunbury Lock which has a unique second barge lock adjacent to it still in operation. On approaching Hampton Court, you will pass some lovely house boats, some formerly owned by stars such as Diana Dors. You are then afforded superb views of Hampton Court Palace.

Visit Cardinal Wolsey's majestic palace and then board the boat for the return journey.

PARKING (RUNNYMEDE DEPARTURES) : Please obtain a voucher from the skipper for free parking in the main National Trust car park adjacent to Runnymede boatyard.

-- CUTOMER INFORMATION --

Walton anglers:.

• Please be advised that this stage is currently unavailable.

Sailing Times

Due to the various stages of this trip, arrivals and departures at each stage may be early or delayed. Please arrive 15 minutes before schedule to avoid missing the boat.

Return Journey (to Hampton Court)

Single Journey (to or from Hampton Court)

TERMS & CONDITIONS >>

Please note, other trips may be added to the schedule subject to availability. For a full listing of running trips please refer to the online booking calendar.

:: AFTERNOON TEA HAMPER

Enhance your trip by including a delicious afternoon tea hamper served to you during your trip. Served in eco-friendly packaging.

Available ONLINE ONLY in advance. Simply add the afternoon tea option whilst selecting your ticket.

• Ham salad & cheese salad sandwiches.
• Country scone with strawberry jam & clotted cream.
• Piece of cake.
• Shortbread biscuits.
• Tea or coffee.

£16.00 per portion (minimum 2 portions)

• PARKING (Runnymede departures):Please obtain a voucher from the skipper for free parking in the main National Trust car park adjacent to RUNNYMEDE BOATHOUSE >> .
• INFANTS under the age of 3 travel for free .
• For the purpose of ticketing a SENIOR CITIZEN is considered to be 65+ .
• For LOCK BOARDING stages, passengers are able to board at the lock side.
• Friendly well behaved DOGS are welcome aboard this trip and travel free of charge.

Latest news and up and coming offers

French Brothers Ltd. The Clewer Boathouse Clewer Court Road Windsor Berkshire SL4 5JH. Tel. 01753 851900