Royal connections and watery wildlife on the banks of the river
Sitting on the north bank of the River Thames, you will find the village of Sunbury-on-Thames. Perhaps best known for being home to the Kempton Race Course, Sunbury is also a key site for long-lasting Surrey traditions, such as swan-upping and the annual amateur regatta for traditional wooden rowboats that takes place each August.
Here are some great things to see and do in the Sunbury area.
Sunbury Lock
Sunbury Lock is where the King's Swan Uppers begin their journey up the Thames every year. Swan Upping plays an important role in the conservation of the mute swan and involves the King's Swan Warden collecting data, assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries. This takes place in July every year and is a staple in the village calendar.
The lock is also a haven for wildlife, with sightings of otters, kingfishers, parakeets, cormorants, Egyptian geese and tufted ducks. If you visit just after sunset, you may be lucky enough to spot the pipistrelle (Britain's smallest bat). The lock can be reached along the towpath from The Weir Hotel or Elmbridge Leisure Centre on the Walton-on-Thames side.
Walled Garden and Embroidery Gallery
Built in the early 18th century, the historic walled garden is particularly beautiful in the spring as the flowers and shrubs begin to bloom. Here, trees, shrubs and climbers grow up the ancient walls to be 8 to 10 feet high in some places.
The Walled Garden is overlooked by the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery and Cafe. If you visit, make sure to look at The Village Panel, commissioned to commemorate the Millenium. Made up of over 130 separate pieces of embroidery, the intricate design incorporates churches, pubs, and river dwelling birds adjacent to the River Thames. The Gallery also runs talks and workshops.
Thames Street, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 6AB
Thames Path National Trail
Did you know the Thames Path is the only National Trail to follow a river? So, if you like riverside walks, give the Surrey section of the Thames Path National Trail a go.
Following the old towing path created during the industrial revolution, the trail winds through Sunbury and Laleham. Expect to see spectacular wildflowers in the spring, and insects such as butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies during summer.
Riverside Arts Centre
Run entirely by voluntary effort, the Riverside Art's Centre aims to promote appreciation of and engagement with the arts in Spelthorne. There are lots of activities to get involved in, from youth theatre and comedy to pottery, ballroom dancing and creative writing. For more information, visit their website.
57-59 Thames Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5QF
Sunbury's Jubilee Clock
This well-known local landmark was built in 1897 to commemorate the Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - the longest ever reign by a British monarch (only recently beaten by Queen Elizabeth II). Originally the clock had signposts and elaborate gas lamps at each corner.
Kenyngton Manor Park
Looking for somewhere for your children to run off some steam during the school break? Take a trip to the refurbished playground at Kenyngton Manor Park, funded by Your Fund Surrey.
Bryony Close, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 7RH
Kempton Steam Museum
Discover early British 20th century engineering at its best in Kempton Steam Museum, just over the Surrey border. Home to the world's largest working triple-expansion steam engine known as 'The Sir William Prescott Engine', the museum has a rich industrial heritage story to tell about the supply of clean drinking water to London in the early 20th century.
On certain weekends, one of the great engines is started up, giving visitors a chance to see the engine in action. The next weekend 'steaming weekend' is on 12 and 13 April 2025; visit the Kempton Museum website to book. Please note that tickets for under 18s are free.
Kempton Steam Museumm Kempton Park Waterworks, Snakey Lane, Hanworth, TW13 6XH
Sunbury Library
You will find Sunbury Library in the parade of shops at Sunbury Cross next to the old post office. Find out what is going on by visiting our events and activities webpage.
Sunbury Library, The Parade, Staines Road West, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 7AB
Information for locals
Andrew is the Community Link Officer (CLO) for Spelthorne. He is out and about in the local area meeting people, listening to local issues, and making connections to make changes happen. He is part of our Team Around the Community approach.
Follow Andrew on Facebook to find out what's going on in Spelthorne. Take a look at the Make It Happen Local Area webpages for Spelthorne to find local community groups and ways in which you can get involved.