An Iconic 3km river swim from Hampton Court to Kingston
Swim through history on one of the most famous rivers in the world - and finish your journey on a private island in the Thames.
The King of the Thames is a landmark 3km open water river swim from Hampton Court to Ravens Ait, a private island just upstream of Kingston.
Starting in the shadow of Henry VIII’s palace, you’ll follow the gentle curve of the Thames downstream, swimming one of London’s most beautiful and storied stretches of river, before emerging onto your own island finish for music, picnics and prize giving.
An iconic, non-competitive swim designed to connect people and place.
Earlybird now on sale
Secure your ticket and party pass at the reduced rate of £85. Available for a limited time only.
You can choose to join us for the morning (9am) or the afternoon (1pm) swim.
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Our Charity Partner
Blesma provides life-long, tailored support to armed forces veterans and their families, specifically for those who have experienced the loss of limbs, the use of limbs, or sight.
Our Blesma charity entrants will also receive 50% off their entry fee. In return for your discounted ticket, you’ll take on a fundraising target of £150 which will help those who have sacrificed so much in service rebuild independence, confidence, and purpose.
ABOUT
From the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace to the riverside energy of Kingston, this is a classic stretch of water - steeped in heritage, alive with community, and made for swimming. Enter the water just opposite Hampton Court Palace and wend your way downstream past the palace gardens, riverside pubs, Thames Ditton Island and Ravens Ait Island.
Designed as a bold but achievable challenge, the event combines heritage, atmosphere and exceptional safety support, offering swimmers a calm, confident and unforgettable way to experience this magical part of London.
Ravens Ait -
Your Island Finish
Your swim doesn’t end at a riverbank. It ends on an island.
Ravens Ait, a private island in the Thames just upstream of Kingston, will be transformed into our finish-line celebration space. After swimming the 3km from Hampton Court, you’ll step ashore onto your own riverside sanctuary - a place to refuel, reconnect and celebrate what you’ve just achieved.
Expect live music, a picnic on the lawn and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, as swimmers gather together for prize-giving and shared stories from the water.
Spectators Welcome
With a stunning footpath following the entire swim route, the King of the Thames offers wonderful opportunities for friends and family to cheer swimmers all the way along. Or, if your spectators want to join the post swim party on the island, make sure to grab one of our Spectator Packages which include a boat ride followed by a picnic and party ticket!
Is this for me?
The King of the Thames Swim is a non-competitive 3km open water river swim, ideal for swimmers who feel comfortable swimming this distance in open water.You don’t need to be fast - but you should be confident in your ability to swim steadily, enjoy the experience, and take on the Thames with respect.
Wetsuit and skins swimmers are both welcome, and our experienced safety team will be with you throughout, creating a calm and supportive environment from start to finish. If you’re looking for an unforgettable London swim that’s about the journey, not the clock - this is for you.
Is it safe to swim in The Thames?
The King of the Thames Swim takes place in a natural river environment, and as with all open water swimming there are inherent risks.
Water quality on the Thames varies and can depend on weather and rainfall. We will be working closely with the relevant authorities and local partners to monitor conditions in the lead up to the event, reviewing water quality information alongside weather and flow conditions, as well as provide you with the very best safety tips and provision to help ensure your swim is as safe as possible. Participation is ultimately a matter of personal judgement and responsibility.
If conditions are not suitable in the immediate lead up to the event, we will run a back up swim of the same distance at nearby Shepperton Lake, and the after swim mini-festival will continue as planned on Ravens Ait.
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