In the summer months , starting at Easter usually , the passenger boat services start to run again. You can board the passenger boats as they come through the lock, or by flagging them down from the lock island ( The Merrie Thames) . There are boats that run between Kingston and Richmond , Central London and Hampton Court , and Teddington Lock and Richmond. Below is a table of approximately what times you can expect them to arrive at the lock , what direction they are travelling in and their destination. If you are planning to board them at the lock , it is a good idea to arrive with plenty of time to spare . The times shown are approximate , and can be influenced by river conditions , the general busyness of the river or simple good or bad luck ( the lock could be open and the boat comes straight in without waiting ) . There is a cafe (Lockside Teas) on the towpath adjacent to the lock that serves wonderful cream teas , coffee , cakes and ice cream if you end up having to wait for a while. Our section of the Thames has a rich and varied history , and what better way to view it than from the river itself ? The passenger boat operators have websites, links to which can be found on the Maps and Links page. Hope to see you soon .....