Walks from Points by the Thames at Windsor,
Hampton Court and Ham House
The stretch of the River Thames between Windsor and Hampton Court is easily accessible by public transport, and offers some of the most delightful opportunities for exploring this historic stretch of the River. Why not combine your walk with a visit to one of the many Stately Homes or grand Royal Palaces that line the banks of the Thames? Just think of Ham House, Kew Palace, Hampton Court Palace or Windsor Castle itself, to name but a few? You can also visit Marble Hill House and Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, which are located next to the Thames. We suggest the following walks for you to try.
Copyright Chris Parry photographs – Reproduced by kind permission –
view www.chrisparryphotography.com
or contact chrisparry@chrisparryphotography.com
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the World and has been a Royal Palace and fortress for 900 years. Start your 5 mile walk from the Castle and make your escape to the peace of the countryside by walking across the footbridge over the Thames to Eton. See the famous public school, then turn left down Brocas Street to reach The Thames Path. Follow this as far as Boveney Lock, looking out for kingfishers and parakeets that have made their home on this stretch of the river. See boats passing by and the magnificent view of Windsor Castle perched on the cliff high above the Thames. At Boveney Lock follow Boveney Road away from the river, across Dorney Common, then follow Common Rd towards Eton Wick, and then back into Eton itself. From there you retrace your steps to Windsor.
At Hampton Court you can join the Thames Path at Hampton Court Bridge and follow the river along The Barge Walk on the north bank of the Thames, which skirts the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Continue right round to Kingston Bridge, or cut through Home Park back to the great Palace for a shorter walk. See the delightful deer roaming the Park, and don’t forget to visit the Elizabethan kitchens of the Palace, especially when they are re-creating authentic Tudor dinners!
Hampton Court Palace - see Things to Do Royal Residences
Ham House is an outstanding palace from the Jacobean period – it is the focus for this walk. You start from Richmond Station and go down The Quadrant and George St to reach the River Thames Path at Richmond Bridge. Follow the Thames Path all along the south bank of the river until you reach Ham House. There is a ferry service across the Thames at this point. Cross to the northern bank and continue your walk on The Warren Footpath through Marble Hill Park to retrace your steps to Richmond Bridge. Don’t forget to see Marble Hill House, built by George II for his mistress Henrietta Howard, now owned by English Heritage. From Richmond Bridge you make your way back to Richmond Station.
It should be emphasised that all the above walks will need a degree of forward preparation in order that they can be fully enjoyed. The appropriate Ordnance Survey maps are very useful and you should also take water and - perhaps - some biscuits for your use if you don't come across a little local pub or tearoom! These walks are designed for families who like to step out and do about 3-6 miles on a walk.
If - however - you want some ideas for much more relaxed strolls along the river in order to "walk off your lunch", or feed the ducks and just to get some fresh air, before collapsing on a handy wooden bench by the river, then visit our section entitled "Walks By The River". There are several walks included there that fit this description! Click here!
Written and researched by Jeannette Briggs
Back to Walking and Cycling the Thames
| 
