Notice: Kingston Small Boats Head 2026: river closure notice

Saturday 7 November 2026, 10am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Teddington reach, Trowlock Island to Hampton Court Bridge.

The River Thames will be closed to all traffic (other than authorised boats) between Trowlock Island and Hampton Court Bridge from 10am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm on Saturday 7 November 2026.

Be aware racing boats will assemble downstream of Hampton Court Bridge half an hour before racing starts. Competitors will be dispatched at intervals to row to the downstream end of Steven’s Ait, Kingston.

Mooring at all authorised public, commercial or domestic moorings are allowed provided that all directions given by our Waterways Officers are followed.

You should keep to a safe speed and be aware of other boats near the event.

You are responsible for avoiding collisions. You should use all available means appropriate to the situation to avoid risk.

Swimming is not allowed on or near the course during the stated times.

All directions as to the left and right side of the river are given looking upstream.

Nothing contained in these directions shall supersede those parts of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 and the UK Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996 as may be relevant. Particular attention should be paid to byelaws 24-42 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993, Steering Sailing and Speed.

And Notice is hereby given, that it is provided by Byelaw 52 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 that: