Hotels near Ye Olde Swan

An attractive Grade I listed building, the Ye Olde Swan is a 13th century inn beside the River Thames, just across the river from Hampton Court Palace. It's said that King Henry VIII was a frequent visitor here and apparently the seal of approval for the inn from him is held in the British Museum. A popular destination in the summer, they even have their own jetty where you can moor your boat free of charge. If you haven't got your own mode of river transport you can hire boats from Taggs Boat Yard next door (enquiries phone 020 8398 2119) by the day. The pub exterior is an olde looking black and white but inside is a mix of old and new, the three open fires helping to create a cosy atmsophere in winter. Conveniently located for a riverside stroll, the pub is close to a footbridge which crosses to the Island. Although just over half an hour to London (by train, arriving at Waterloo), the area around Thames Ditton has a lovely countryside appeal and olde worlde charm, and if that appeals then Ye Olde Swan is worth seeking out.