Eco-friendly passenger-driven boat company GoBoat is opening a brand new location in the beautiful riverside village of Thames Ditton, Surrey. The site is the fifth to launch in the UK – adding to sites in Canary Wharf, Paddington, Kingston and Birmingham.

The electric boats will be available to hire from April 28th and will set off from the boatyard on Summer Road opposite Thames Ditton Island. Visitors will have the choice of a one-hour round trip journey upriver to Molesey Lock and the former residence of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace (priced at £85-£105), or there is the option to sail on a longer two or three-hour journey downriver past Surbiton and Kingston all the way to Teddington.

The self-driven boats are a fun day out for friends, family and children as well as a romantic date activity with a loved one – and dogs can also join the trip and take part in memorable days out together with the family.

Each boat fits up to eight people around a sociable picnic table, with one person in the group becoming the nominated captain for the trip. No prior boating experience is required as staff give a tutorial on land before the group sets sail, and each boat travels at a leisurely pace of 5-7 km/h.

Like all GoBoat’s locations, at Thames Ditton the boats are powered by an almost silent electric motor, making it the ideal spot to catch up with loved ones, relax and unwind whilst floating down the scenic and calming waterways and see the local wildlife – from swans and ducks to herons and kingfishers. No loud music is allowed on the boats, helping people connect with each other and their surroundings.

Grant Sweeney, co-owner of GoBoat said: “We launched in 2017 and have seen a massive demand for our electric boats in London and Birmingham – with millions of people exploring the waterways with GoBoat. Following the popularity of our nearby Kingston location, we’re excited to announce this fifth site in the beautiful village of Thames Ditton, which gives people who sail with us the opportunity to see the magnificent Hampton Court Palace in an hour’s trip. On a longer trip, sailors will have even more time to take in the beautiful scenery and gardens, spot the spring wildlife and wave hello to fellow water-users on the river, from paddle steamers to paddleboarders.”

At the new Surrey location, passengers can sail past sights including:

Hampton Court Palace
Raven’s Ait
Kingston Riverside Walk
Kingston Bridge
Teddington Lock

Thames Ditton trips are £85 – £105 for a one hour journey, £125 – £145 for a two hour trip and £165 – £185 for three hours. Prices are per trip for up to eight people per boat, and early birds can get 15% off by using the promotional code ‘AHOYTHAMESDITTON’ at checkout*. Check the booking system for up to date availability and find out about the different locations by visiting https://goboat.co.uk/.