Walton-on-Thames: Thames Paths and Local History

Walton-on-Thames offers two distinct ways to plan a trip: paths along the Thames and local history that can be traced through church architecture, timber framing, art and later architecture. If you are looking for a hotel in Walton-on-Thames, your interests can help you decide: would you like to focus mainly on the riverside setting, or are you interested in historic buildings and their different uses? The Thames Path, Cowey Sale and several named buildings each offer a concrete point of reference for these interests.

Paths and green spaces along the Thames

The Thames Path National Trail runs directly through Walton-on-Thames along the south bank of the Thames. Most of the towpath between Walton Bridge and Weybridge is flat, well maintained and accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. Weather and maintenance may affect accessibility; if this matters for your plans, check conditions before your visit.

Cowey Sale, a long meadow in Walton-on-Thames, lies on the north bank and connects directly to the Thames Path. The free Cowey Sale car park is near Walton Bridge; parking rules may change, so it is worth checking before you travel. When planning, you can decide whether the path, the green space or the parking arrangements matter most to you.

The Thames River Route is two miles long and leads to 13 historic sites in Walton-on-Thames. The two routes therefore have different points of interest: along the Thames Path, the riverbank and path conditions matter, while the Thames River Route focuses on historic destinations.

Building history and tradition

The Church of St Mary contains fabric dating from the 13th century; the chancel dates from the 14th century. Additions from the 17th century and restorations in the 19th century show that several building phases came together. The Selwyn Brass in the church dates from 1587 and commemorates John Selwyn, a gamekeeper in the service of Queen Elizabeth I at Oatlands Palace. This dated memorial adds the story of a person and his work in the Queen’s service to the building’s history.

The Old Manor House is a timber-framed building from the 14th century that was altered in the 16th century. According to tradition, it was the home of Justice Bradshaw, president of the Council during the reign of Charles I and one of the signatories to his death warrant. The building’s development and the tradition associated with the house concern different aspects: the building’s history on the one hand, and the remembrance of Bradshaw on the other.

Art, theatre and architecture

The Robert Phillips Gallery at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre has shown works by Matisse, HM Bateman and numerous emerging artists. The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse was originally part of Hepworth Film Studios. After the studios closed in 1924, it was converted into a theatre; its history therefore includes a connection to film studios followed by its conversion into a theatre.

Walton Court was designed in 1961–1962 by Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners as an office building for Bird's Eye Foods. The building features a reflecting pool and enclosed courtyards with sculptures and water features. Alongside the older buildings, Walton Court represents a 20th-century office design incorporating pools, courtyards, sculptures and water.

Discover more destinations: Burpham, Ockley, Brookwood, Woldingham, Buckland, Effingham, Pirbright, Peasmarsh

For the wider travel overview: Surrey.