Hampton Court lies on the north bank of the River Thames 15 miles south west of Central London, so it is accessible by scheduled boat service (W.P.S.A.), road and rail (zone 6 ), and the area is most famous for its associations with Royalty. But there is a lot more to the area than just the splendid Palace and Gardens. Every coach and bus operator ought to give a guided tour of the alternative Hampton Court (strictly East Molesley) that lies just over the other side of the River. If not, you might be forgiven for thinking that the Palace was Hampton Court, and you would never know about the hidden gems 100 metres or so over the bridge.
Try a visit to Bridge Street where you will find the Hampton Court Emporium, Mannings Antiques, Suzanne’s or Avanti clothes shops, the Crystal Planet, Fountain Gallery etc., where you can dig out some affordable treasure that can be taken home. There are numerous other excellent shops, including an old fashioned butcher’s shop, good places to stop and rest, like the Prince of Wales pub, 5 at the Bridge, Vecchia Roma and a couple of nice coffee and cake establishments.
Around the corner, in Hampton Court Road, you will find the Chu Chin Chow restaurant and Cafe La Fiamma (both highly rated locally). For those with a bit more time than the coach party schedule, there are the Riverside Gym and J. Martin’s boats for hire (powered or rowing). Then, back over the river and on to the Palace perhaps, or drop into Hampton’s Restaurant (part of the Carlton Mitre Hotel with lovely riverside views, excellent food and drink) before you start the Palace tour.
Car drivers have an advantage, because Hampton Court is a great place to make as the base for a couple of extra days exploring the Thames Valley (Windsor, Marlow, etc. are within comfortable reach). The area has a variety of good hotels, including Charlton on the Green and the Carlton Mitre Hotels with a great deal to occupy most age groups and interests.
Here is a selection of restaurants, pubs, etc – not a scientific study, just our personal choice:-
Hotels:
The Carlton Mitre
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Charlton on the Green
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Restaurants:
Hamptons - a 2011 Best Thames Local nomination
Cafe la Fiamma
Blubeckers
Veccia Roma - a 2011 Best Thames Local nomination
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Pubs:
Prince of Wales
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Activities
Boat Hire
J Martin
Hampton Court Festivals
River Walks
Boat Trips to Westminster
W.P.S.A.
Turks
