Explore the thames
Where to go, what to do and the islands to explore
Looking for the best activities and where to go locally when paddling up and down the Thames? We are located on the riverside in West Molesey, where there is so much to see and do in this lovely area.
On this lovely stretch of the non-tidal Thames there are islands to explore, ‘beaches’ to rest on and plenty of wildife to enjoy including herons, swans and kingfishers.
Our private pontoon allows for safe & easy launches and there’s so much to see and discover within easy paddling distance.
rated hires and lessons
PUB PADDLES
If you like the idea of paddling to the pub, there are plenty of great options.
You’ve got two choices:
- Upstream pubs – these give you an easy downstream paddle after your visit. The paddling times shown will vary depending on what you are paddling (Kayak, SUP or canoe), how energetic you’re feeling, and what the conditions are like on the day – the wind and/or speed of the river can make a difference.
- Downstream pubs – Downstream pubs are generally easy to get to, with a bit more effort required on the way back. You will need to go past Molesey Lock, which is pretty straightforward, and we can advise you how to do it. Again, paddling times will vary according to your choice of craft, your energy levels and the conditions on the day.
- The Phoenix at Sunbury. A lovely traditional pub, a large, riverside outdoor area with a garden bar in the summer months. The jetty can be quite high off the water, so care is needed getting on and off. Approximately 45 minutes paddling up and 30 minutes paddling down.
- The Magpie at Sunbury. 50 metres further on from The Phoenix. Lower landing area makes it slightly easier to get on and off the water. This is another great pub with an outdoor area overlooking the river.
- The Weir at Walton on Thames. This large pub is a few hundred meters past Sunbury Lock on the Surrey side of the river - lots of outdoor riverside seating and an easy spot to get on and off the water. You will need to pass the lock, but this is pretty simple using the ‘portage’, i.e., a ramp that allows you to walk up the side of the lock carrying your kayak, board or canoe. We can explain the details when you arrive. Allow an hour to get here, taking into account passing the lock, and approximately 40 minutes to come back downstream.
- The Anglers at Walton on Thames. Attractive riverside pub with tables along the towpath. Has a ‘dog menu’ and also caters for humans. Easy to get on and off the water at the ramp just past the pub. The Anglers is approximately 15 minutes further from The Weir, on the same side of the river.
- The Red Lion at Shepperton. Lovely pub with a very good reputation for food. This is a good paddle, and best to allow up to two hours, depending on what you’re paddling and how enthusiastic you are! Definitely worth the effort.
- The Albany at Thames Ditton. This is a large pub-restaurant on the riverside, opposite Hampton Court. It has a large outdoor area, a very easy spot to get on and off the water, and a small beach. Allow 45 minutes to get there and an hour to get back.
- The Olde Swan opposite Thames Ditton Island. Lovely location off the mainstream, with its own jetty plus a small ‘beach’ next door, making it pretty easy to get on and off the water. Allow an hour to get there and 75 minutes to get back.
- The Foundry is a lovely post-paddle option. A community-led bar & kitchen in the heart of Thames Ditton serving great quality food and drink - open all day.
- The Boaters Inn at Kingston. This is a good option if you’ve got the appetite for a bit of a challenge – it can be a four hour round trip plus the time at the pub.
- The Anglers at Teddington Lock. Large pub, recently refurbished and very popular. This is really a day trip if you’re going both ways. Teddington Lock separates the non-tidal Thames from the tidal section. You’ll need to pass the lock using the portage (we can advise how to do that), then turn back to the pub on the ‘Middlesex’ side of the river. We occasionally run one-way guided paddleboard trips here, and do let us know if you’re interested.
MORE GUIDED pub ADVENTURES
Picnic Parks
There are a couple of good options within easy paddling distance
There are a couple of good options within easy paddling distance. Hurst Park is a large open space in Molesey, very close by, with a short downstream paddle and an upstream return. Allow 15 – 30 minutes each way, depending on how far along you go.
Rivermead Park at Sunbury is upstream, approximately 35-40 minutes paddling with an easy 25-minute downstream return – a large, grassed park with a wooded area at the eastern end.
Both these parks have a number of good spots for getting on and off the water, and also both have some rope swings to enable you to bring out your inner Tarzan! Swimming in the river has become increasingly popular over the past few years. You do need to stay alert as there are usually other river users to be aware of, and you’ll need to make your own decision on the river cleanliness.
Island Hopping
River islands are often known as Ait’s or Eyot’s
There is so much history on our doorstep, much of which can be enjoyed from the river.
Platts Eyot, a privately owned island, is diagonally opposite our pontoon and one of the biggest local islands. Access is via a footbridge from the Middlesex Bank. Most of the perimeter of the island’s western end is dense tree cover with steep river banks. The downstream end is more open with buildings and the dockside industry. On both sides of the island, there are boat moorings for virtually the entire waterfront.
- Garrick’s Ait is the only UK island named after an actor, David Garrick, who lived in a villa on the Middlesex side of the river opposite the island. The villa now houses several apartments, whilst are 20 houses on the island. Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare can be seen on the riverside between the villa and the river.
Taggs Island, home to some of the Thames' most expensive houseboats, and known as the Thames Riviera, is connected to the Middlesex Bank by a road bridge. Once owned by Fred Karno, the man who discovered Charlie Chaplin, the island presently has a population of just over 100, living on 62 floating homes.
Ash Island The island is privately owned and is home to a thriving community of more than 30 houseboats. There is a boatyard and launderette on the island. The only access from the land is by foot from the south of the river via the Molesey Lock and a weir bridge. A few of the residential moorings are freehold.
Thames Ditton Island, opposite Home Park, the first and dominant ait (island) of three, has 48 houses with gardens and moorings. It’s a very pretty spot, connected to the Surrey bank at Thames Ditton via a 1930’s footbridge. The Olde Swan pub is opposite the island and makes a good stopping-off point. There are two smaller, adjacent islands. Swan Island is the smallest - once housed the ferryman's hut, recently rebuilt by the present owner, and Boyle Farm Island with one house.
Grand Junction Isle, a small and lovely island just upstream from us, is home to six-weekend garden summerhouse-sized chalets with mooring spaces. It is linked to the northern bank, the residential far southeast of Sunbury, by a footbridge. Paddling around this tiny island is a real joy, as it’s off the mainstream and very picturesque.
Sunbury Court Island is another great paddling detour off the mainstream. A bit further from Grand Junction Isle, the island is connected to the Middlesex bank by a flat iron footbridge with crisscrossed decorative railings surmounted by an ornamental Italianate square tower. This long island is home to 25 permanent dwellings that enjoy views across the mainstream and the backwater.
Wildlife To spot
Get closer to nature
- Birds you will often see include swans, crested grebe, cormorants, herons, Egyptian geese, Canada geese, tufted ducks, mallards, and, if you’re lucky, kingfishers.
- Fish can be seen, particularly during the summer when the river level is lower, and the water is clearer. Common fish spotted locally include carp, pike, roach, trout and perch. This stretch of the river is very popular with anglers, and the number of fish-eating birds indicates good river health.
- Turtles have been spotted a few times, some quite sizeable, probably released pets that have outgrown their tanks.
- Mink are a pest but are surprisingly common and can be seen on the riverbank and even swimming
- Deer can sometimes be spotted, particularly early morning and late evening
- Dragonflies are very common in the summer and very spectacular with vivid blue colouring.
Post or pre-paddle exploration
- Miss Polly Café, a short walk from our pontoon, set on the riverside and adjoined to Molesey Cricket Club, this thriving café is a great spot for post-paddling refreshments.
- Eight on the River is another lovely option with a great riverside setting. Located directly above Molesey Boat Club, the café has a large indoor area plus a huge outdoor terrace with views across the river and towards Molesey Cricket Club.
- Box is perfect if you want high-quality, take-away Lebanese food (it’s owned by Mezzet, arguably the best local restaurant). From here, you can lounge by the river or continue you on your way by train, as Hampton Court station is just across the road.
- Bridge Road is a small, busy street before Hampton Court Bridge, with several thriving cafes, restaurants, pubs and quirky shops. If you have some spare time, either post or pre-paddling, it’s worth a visit.
- The Mute Swan is not strictly a café, but it’s still worth a mention! A really good pub, with decent food and plenty of outdoor seating
- The Mitre is an elegant and popular riverside boutique hotel with several dining and drinking areas, including a riverside deck. A bit pricier than the other options but a lovely experience.
Hampton Court Palace can be seen from the river, a mile downstream from our pontoon. It’s approximately a 45-minute paddle to get there, and allow an hour to come back upstream. You will need to pass Molesey Lock, but we can advise you how to do that, and it’s very simple. If you’ve not visited the palace, it’s most definitely worth the effort, so why make a day of it, with some time on the water, then a relaxing stroll around the building and extensive grounds?
- The Mitre is an elegant and popular riverside boutique hotel with several dining and drinking areas, including a riverside deck. A bit pricier than the other options but a lovely experience. If you are staying at The Mitre, we are a five-minute cab ride, a 15-minute bike ride or a 35-minute stroll along the towpath.
- Airbnb offers many accommodation options nearby, including some on or next to the river, including this lovely spot four doors down!
- The Weir at Walton on the Thames. This large pub and hotel are a few hundred meters past Sunbury Lock on the Surrey side of the river—lots of outdoor riverside seating and an easy spot to get on and off the water. You will need to pass the lock, but this is pretty simple using the ‘portage’, i.e., a ramp that allows you to walk up the side of the lock carrying your kayak, board or canoe. We can explain the details when you arrive. Allow an hour to get here, taking into account passing the lock, and approximately 40 minutes to come back downstream. If you plan to stay at the Weir, they have a large car park five minutes from us.