About The River Thames

The River Thames is the longest river in England measuring 346 km (215 miles). The Thames begins in the Cotswold Hills (Gloucestershire), meandering eastwards through Spelthorne before passing through the city of London and ending in the North Sea.

Archaeologists have shown that Spelthorne has been populated since the Ice Age, when the river assumed its present course.

Staines, originally a small Roman town called Ad Pontes (meaning "at the bridges"), developed beside the original river crossing established in the 1st Century AD. The wooden structure built by the Romans was the first of a series of bridges at this point leading to the present bridge opened in 1832.

The Thames has a great deal to offer - from daily boat trips to simply wandering along its banks and enjoying its tranquil scenery. The locks enjoy a deserved reputation for attractively maintained gardens including those at Penton Hook, Chertsey, Shepperton and Sunbury.

Many of Spelthorne's attractive parks and open spaces are situated beside the river, and include:

Lammas Recreation Ground

The Little Green Boat Company has a riverside café situated in the park selling coffee, cake, cold drinks, ice cream and park games. Current opening times are Saturday and Sunday 9-6pm. More information can be found on their website or Facebook page. https://www.thelittlegreenboatcompany.co.uk/

There are also two children's playgrounds, a splash park (seasonal) and a skatepark.

 

Green Boat Cafe

Laleham Park

The park has a camping club, a horse riding track and a running track.

Lady Lindsey's Lawn, Manor Park

This is a very popular mooring with a large area of grass leading to Manor Park. It is a 10-minute walk into Shepperton where there are lovely pubs and restaurants especially in Church Square with a historic Church which has stood there since the 7th Century.  

 

Lady Lindsey's Lawn

Shepperton Lock

There is a tea shop on Shepperton Lock open during the summer months selling cold drinks, ice creams and cream teas. It is an ideal spot to watch the boats, feed the ducks or take a stroll.

The Ferry Coffee Shop also offers teas, coffees and snacks. It overlooks the Thames and is open all year round from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am-5pm on a Sunday.

Both have excellent reviews.

Other nearby eateries include Thames Court, The Anchor and The Three Horseshoes.

 

Shepperton Lock

Shepperton - Weybridge Pedestrian Ferry

Nautacalia run a ferry service which enables people walking or cycling the Thames path to continue their journey without being diverted by the Wey Navigation. It runs between March and October every 15 minutes. For more information please see their web page https://www.nauticalia-marine-services.co.uk/shepperton-weybridge-pedestrian-ferry/

The Sunbury Embroidery Gallery and Walled Garden

Across from Kings Lawn mooring is Sunbury's Walled Garden. Within you will find the famous Millenium Embroidery Gallery, opened and visited by royalty and a spectacular café serving a range of food and drinks. Further information can be found on their website https://www.sunburygallery.org/

 

Embroidery Gallery

From these vantage points it is also possible to enjoy the ever-changing river scene and observe many species of water fowl, including the stately mute swans which frequent Spelthorne's main waterway.

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Last modified: 04/09/2025