Help/Advice Olympic trip Wey/Thames

[fightelflove]

Hello all, hope you don't mind me sticking my head in here, but I've found it very difficult to find good advice ahead of my proposed summer trip...

To outline, we have booked the Hambledon canal boat from the Guildfrod boathouse for a week, and our plan is to head for the Hampton Court area and moor up for a few nights as a base, heading in to London on the train for a couple of events for which we have tickets.

Basically, I'd like some advice around the area, and potential moorings? I appreciate it's difficult, if not impossible to book in advance, and would like to have options of where to head if we got to for example the Hampton Court visitor moorings and it was full....

Any help (and lack of hilarity at my novice queries!) would be appreciated.

 

[TrueBlue]

HC moorings can't be booked and a fee is payable after the first 24 hours. A Royal Parks warden collects fees in the evening - dunno what he does if there's no-one on board.

There's not only the concreted bit by the Palace, but it is possible to moor as places down to the superintendent's house (?) at the end of the Palace's walls - about 3/4 the way down Thames Ditton Island. Quite a walk to HC station though. Fee still payable.

Much better from the travel point of view is the boat "park" (some idiot put up Parking signs) just upstream of Kingston bridge. A shorter walk to the station and probably a better service to London. Not sure if they are secure or not. Plenty of liveaboards at the bridge end.

Avoid HC w/c 2nd July as it's the RHS flower show and the main moorings are chocker for the period - the rest are usually OK.

 

[Captain Coochie]

Molesey lock also has moorings that i would assume you can book . Hampton court station is right on the bridge so its only a short walk from HC and the lock .

Edit: Just called Molesey lock for you . 0208 9794482 and yes you can book a mooring for overnight or a couple of days on the wier stream side of the lock .

 

[dash300]

Once you exit the Wey onto the Thames at Weybridge there are well made up free public moorings immediately to your right and two Pubs - The Lincoln Arms and The Crown a few steps further up. From this mooring you have an easy 3 hour saunter downstream to Hampton Court. As you have a narrowboat you will have the length to use the piles on the Hampton Court side of the river just a short distance downstream of the Hampton Court Moorings. Smaller craft would find it difficult to straddle them. It's a pity the vast Hotel Barges don't do the same, as they hog a vast amount of space on the moorings which smaller boats would like to use.
Further down stream towards Kingston again on the Hampton Court side there are good free moorings, just a short stroll over Kingston Bridge to a comprehensive shopping center.

 

[TrueBlue]

Once you exit the Wey onto the Thames at Weybridge there are well made up free public moorings immediately to your right and two Pubs - The Lincoln Arms and The Crown a few steps further up. From this mooring you have an easy 3 hour saunter downstream to Hampton Court. As you have a narrowboat you will have the length to use the piles on the Hampton Court side of the river just a short distance downstream of the Hampton Court Moorings. Smaller craft would find it difficult to straddle them. It's a pity the vast Hotel Barges don't do the same, as they hog a vast amount of space on the moorings which smaller boats would like to use.
Further down stream towards Kingston again on the Hampton Court side there are good free moorings, just a short stroll over Kingston Bridge to a comprehensive shopping center.

He'll need a good length gangplank and the piles will be in use during the RHS show (all week).

 

[dash300]

He'll need a good length gangplank and the piles will be in use during the RHS show (all week).

I have observed that these NB'S tend to have suitable planks, poles and other bits hidden amongst their rooftop gardens, painted churns and watering cans. Alternatively they could run,build up speed along the lengthy roof and leap to the bank.

 

[fightelflove]

A world of thanks guys. you've eased my mind that there should be enough options. I particularly like the idea of perhaps getting as far as Kingston Bridge, as Trueblue is right, the rail options from there are better than from Hampton Court.

Being able to book at Molesey may well come in handy though, so many many thanks for the effort cuchillo. And Dash, I'll make a point of visiting or at least looking out for The Lincoln Arms, ta!

 

[fightelflove]

A million thanks guys. You have set my mind at ease in terms of options, and have given me a lot to think about.

I like the idea of going as far as Kingston Bridge as Trueblue suggests as you are indeed correct in saying the train connections are better. Hard to gauge on the map, how long a cruise do you think we could be talking from say Molesey to Kingston?

Molesey could also come in very handy in terms of being able to book, so I appreciate your effort on my behalf Cuchilo.

And finally Dash, I'll be keeping at least an eye out for the Lincoln Arms.

Paying fees doesn't bother me, as I was expecting it anyway, but it's nice to know there's free options out there too.

 

[TrueBlue]

A million thanks guys. You have set my mind at ease in terms of options, and have given me a lot to think about.



Paying fees doesn't bother me, as I was expecting it anyway, but it's nice to know there's free options out there too.

Narrowboating = not paying for moorings (not through meanness just that on BW waters mooring is free).

So if you don't mind paying a small sum how's about this suggestion (I've not researched the finer details):-

There's a long layby at Teddington Lock and £5 (?) overnight fee is collected, really intended for boats awaiting transit. There is a train station not to far away and possibly buses to Kew Gardens and the National Archive not to mention the Kew Steram Museum and if it still exists the museum of mechanical instruments.

Work a side trip??

"Our" renowned Lockie of the same name may be along to help or counter my suggestion.

An extra thought, train and bus services in London are linked up fare wise with reasonable combined ticxet options which can save money - attractive to a Scot?? (or Yorkshire lad)

Just been over to the Lounge where there's a thread on the London Underground Richmond (not far from T_L) is the end of the North London Line which may get you nearer your Olympic venues. It's an overground route so you can view the scenery.
AFAIR there's a bus that runs along the road by the lock which connects Kingston and Richmond. Richmond is also the end of the London District Line ("underground") and a service to Waterloo. More choices than sunny Kingston.

I must get off / get a life; getting too anoraky!

 

[Moonshining]

Once you exit the Wey onto the Thames at Weybridge there are well made up free public moorings immediately to your right and two Pubs - The Lincoln Arms and The Crown a few steps further up.

You'll need a time machine to find the Lincoln arms. It's been called the Minnow for ten years or more now! It's also a rather up itself gastro pub so, unless you like that sort of thing, The Crown's probably a better bet.

 

[No Regrets]

The Minnow is excellent!

 

[Wavey]

The Minnow is excellent!

Agreed. Been there a couple of times recently and never been in any way disappointed with the food. Just wish their ales were a bit more consistent.

 

[Hugh Foulis]

I really like The Crown but have not been in The Minnow due being told by everyone I have asked 'dont go in the Minnow'.
To the OP.
If I am on board Ocean Adventurer when you pass Pelican Wharf on the Addlestone reach, please stop and make yourself known, I shall afford you beer/tea to your hearts delight or I run out.

Best Regards

HF

 

[Wavey]

Ales in the Old Crown are always excellent. Menu is a bit uninspiring but never had the chance to try it as they don't serve food Sunday/Monday/Tuesday evenings when we're usually in the area.