TourTruth score 8.9 out of 10
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Richmond Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Thames 2 hr
TourTruth score 8.0 out of 10
Very goodTop 15% in London
27 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score
- London, United Kingdom
- 2 hrs
- Updated November 2, 2026
Paddle Richmond’s hidden islands with a friendly coach, then glide past historic Richmond Bridge toward Eel Pie Island and Teddington.
About this tour
Set out on the Thames for a relaxed paddleboarding session through Richmond’s scenic waterways. With a friendly, qualified coach alongside you, this 2-hour Richmond Stand-Up Paddleboarding experience welcomes beginners, improvers, and seasoned paddlers alike. There’s no pressure to keep up; you’ll get guidance suited to your ability and a chance to build confidence or sharpen your technique.
Launch near Richmond Bridge and paddle around the area’s hidden islands before heading upstream toward Eel Pie Island and Teddington. Along the way, enjoy views of the historic bridge, open countryside, and Richmond Hill. Instructors may also take photos during the session, so you can keep a memento of your time on the water. Boards, paddles, and compulsory buoyancy aids are provided.
Meet beneath the arch beside the boathouses at Richmond Bridge. You should be comfortable with the possibility of falling into the water while wearing a buoyancy aid, and able to rise from kneeling to standing. Choose Richmond Stand-Up Paddleboarding for a welcoming way to explore the Thames and discover a new perspective on the riverside.
Highlights
- Paddle around Richmond’s hidden islands with a qualified coach
- Glide beneath historic Richmond Bridge toward Eel Pie Island and Teddington
- Take in open countryside and views of Richmond Hill
- Build confidence and refine your technique in a small group
What's included
Included
- Paddleboard and paddle
- Compulsory buoyancy aid
Not included
- Bottled water
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
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View on ViatorViator
4.96 / 5 · 27 reviews
Important information
- Children over 14 may join when accompanied on the water by a parent or legal guardian
- You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable falling into the water while wearing a buoyancy aid
- You need some flexibility and the ability to stand up from a kneeling position
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers or travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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- Service animals are allowed
- Meet under the arch beside the boathouses at Richmond Bridge
- Richmond train station is a 10-minute walk away; the bus station is a 5-minute walk away
- Nearby parking is available on Friars Lane or Richmond Green; weekend traffic can be heavy
Frequently asked questions
Is this Paddleboarding session suitable for beginners?
Yes. The session welcomes complete beginners, improvers, and experienced paddlers, with coaching tailored to different abilities.
What should I know about swimming?
You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but you should be comfortable falling into the water while wearing a buoyancy aid.
Can children join the session?
Children over 14 are welcome if accompanied on the water by a parent or legal guardian.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet under the arch beside the boathouses at Richmond Bridge.
What equipment is provided?
A paddleboard, paddle, and compulsory buoyancy aid are provided.
How this score is calculated
This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.96 from 27 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.
How the score works and rating distribution in London
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 8.0. Top 15% in London means it ranks in the top 15% of tours in London by this score.
Provider rating distribution in London
How many tours in London have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
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- Viator
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TourTruth score 8.9 out of 10
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