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Things to Do in Walton-on-Thames, Hersham and Nearby

By Darren Bayley · Last reviewed 22 August 2026

Walton-on-Thames is a particularly good base for riverside walks, boating, local arts and easy family days out. Stay close to home for the Thames Path, independent theatre, cinema, parks and sport, or travel a little further for Hampton Court Palace, Brooklands Museum, Painshill and some of Surrey's biggest attractions.

This guide starts with places in Walton-on-Thames and Hersham, then moves out through neighbouring towns. Opening days, river services, outdoor activities and seasonal attractions can change, so follow the official link before making a special journey.

Looking specifically for ideas in the village? Visit the dedicated Things to do in Hersham guide for Hersham parks, family activities and local sport.

Eight excellent places to start

  1. The Thames Path and Cowey Sale for an easy local riverside walk, a picnic and views of Walton Bridge.
  2. The Shepperton Cruise from Cowey Sale for a short crewed passenger-boat trip from Walton Bridge.
  3. Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre for theatre, music, comedy, exhibitions and family performances.
  4. Hampton Court Palace for Tudor history, gardens and a full day out.
  5. Brooklands Museum for pioneering motorsport, aviation and Concorde.
  6. Mercedes-Benz World for free displays, simulators and bookable driving experiences.
  7. Painshill for a beautiful landscape garden, lake, follies and the Crystal Grotto.
  8. Bushy Park for a free open-air day among ancient trees, waterways and roaming deer.

Things to do in Walton-on-Thames and Hersham

The river, local arts venues, parks and community sport that make Walton and Hersham worth exploring on their own doorstep.

In Walton-on-Thames

Walk the Thames Path

A flat, easy riverside walk linking Cowey Sale and Walton Wharf

The blue footbridge at Walton Marina is steep and may be hard for wheelchairs or heavy buggies

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Cowey Sale

Easy riverside access with parking, toilets and a passenger-boat jetty on the doorstep

Use the Walton Lane car park for the most convenient arrival point

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Shepperton Cruise from Cowey Sale

A relaxed 45-minute crewed river cruise departing right beside Walton Bridge

Usually mid-March to late October. Book ahead or buy on arrival, subject to capacity; check the current timetable

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre

A riverside arts venue with a varied programme, café, gallery and garden

Wheelchair accessible with a lift to the gallery; try Drewitts Court car park (8 to 10 minutes' walk) when the small on-site car park is full

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Walton Bridge

One of the best river viewpoints on this stretch of the Thames

Pairs naturally with Cowey Sale and a ferry or boat trip for a short itinerary

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Hersham Recreation Ground

A Hersham park with play, games space and a seasonal splash pad

The splash pad is seasonal — check its current status before promising it to children

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Coronation Recreation Ground

A large Hersham park with play, sport, a café and an environmental community hub

Free car park off Molesey Road opposite Molesey Close; principal routes are practical for wheelchairs and buggies

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Safari Adventure Golf, Hersham

An 18-hole safari-themed adventure golf course, good for families or groups

Check current opening times, prices, availability and weather conditions

  • Check before travelling

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Walton Boat Hire

Self-drive day boats from Walton Marina, no licence required

Usually Easter to October. Booking is by enquiry — confirm boats are running before building a visit around it

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Hersham Village Green

The relaxed heart of Hersham village, good for a gentle stop or a community event

Best combined with a village walk or a nearby meal

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Sunbury Ferry

A small passenger ferry crossing that turns a riverside walk into a circular route

Weekends and Bank Holidays in season. Weather and river dependent, check before setting out

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Cecil Hepworth Playhouse

Community theatre named for Walton's pioneering filmmaker, with a varied programme

Check the current programme for plays, musicals, live music and children's activities

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Follow the Walton Trail

Four self-guided routes through Walton's streets and landmarks, free to follow any time

Choose from four routes, including a family-friendly postbox trail

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Watch Walton and Hersham FC

A friendly, sociable home fixture for Walton and Hersham FC

Enter from Waterside Drive; the stadium car park fills quickly, so arrive early or use the main Xcel car park

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Walton Wharf and its ducks and swans

A well-loved riverside stop for watching swans and ducks beside two pubs

No railings at the water's edge and no public toilets — keep children close to the water

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

St Mary's Church

A Grade I listed medieval parish church with a self-guided history tour

An active place of worship — check access and service times before visiting

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Watch Esher Rugby in Hersham

Home rugby fixtures on Molesey Road, despite the club's Esher name

Check the current fixture list, kick-off details and ticket arrangements

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Elmgrove Recreation Ground

Central Walton green space with play, football, bowls and tennis

Council-run facilities; check current availability for bookable courts

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Apps Court Car Boot Sale

A local browsing tradition for second-hand goods and collectibles

Seasonal and weather dependent — confirm the sale is running before travelling

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Things to do along the Thames and in neighbouring towns

A short drive or ferry ride from Walton: Hampton Court, Brooklands, Sunbury, Weybridge, Esher and the rest of the riverside towns nearby.

Nearby · Shepperton

Shepperton Open Water Swim (opens the official site in a new tab)

A dedicated open-water swimming lake with induction sessions for new swimmers

Adult-focused venue with specific coaching requirements for under-18s — read all safety and booking information first

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Nearby · Cobham

Cobham Mill (opens the official site in a new tab)

A volunteer-run working watermill, open on selected afternoons

Selected dates from spring to autumn — check the current opening calendar

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Bigger days out near Walton-on-Thames

Worth the longer drive for a full day out: theme parks, National Trust gardens and major museums within easy reach of Walton.

Bigger day out · Chertsey

Thorpe Park (opens the official site in a new tab)

The nearest major theme park, with 25-plus rides and a strong rollercoaster line-up

Check ride height restrictions, operating dates and ticket options

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Annual and seasonal events

Walton and the surrounding Thames towns have a strong calendar of regattas, community celebrations, festivals and winter events. The broad time of year is reasonably predictable, but exact dates, locations and programmes change. Treat the timings below as planning guidance and always follow the organiser's link for the next confirmed event.

  • Walton and Weybridge Regatta

    Next date to be announced (usually Early June)

    Held annually on the Thames at Walton since 1862, the Walton and Weybridge Regatta brings crews together for a packed programme of rowing races. It is one of Walton's most important sporting traditions and a natural highlight for spectators beside the river.

  • Walton Duckathon

    Next date to be announced (usually Early May Bank Holiday)

    The Duckathon is a light-hearted community fundraiser built around duck races on the Thames at Walton Wharf. It is especially popular with families and is normally accompanied by local activity around the riverside.

  • Make Music Day in Walton

    Next date to be announced (usually Around 21 June)

    Walton marks the international Make Music Day with free live performances in the town centre. The line-up and precise venue can vary, but The Heart Plaza has been a central location.

  • Walton Fayre

    Next date to be announced (usually Early July)

    This summer community event brings entertainment, performances, stalls and local organisations into Walton High Street and The Heart. It is a good occasion for discovering local groups as well as enjoying a day in the town centre.

  • Walton Heritage Festival

    Next date to be announced (usually September, often around Heritage Open Days)

    Walton's heritage programme can include guided walks, exhibitions, talks and special access or open days at local venues. It is one of the best times to explore the town's film, river and architectural history with expert context.

  • Walton Festival of Light

    Next date to be announced (usually Late November)

    The Festival of Light welcomes the Christmas season with town-centre entertainment. Previous programmes have included a Christmas market, local performances, fairground attractions and festive lights.

  • Hampton Court Palace Festival

    Next date to be announced (usually June)

    This summer concert series places major performers inside Hampton Court Palace's Tudor courtyard. Visitors can enjoy the palace setting and pre-show food or picnics before the evening performance.

  • Sunbury Amateur Regatta

    Next date to be announced (usually Mid-August)

    Sunbury's historic regatta combines competitive river racing with a community occasion. The current location and programme should always be checked because operational arrangements have changed in recent years.

  • Hampton Court Palace Food Festival

    Next date to be announced (usually August Bank Holiday weekend)

    The palace gardens host a late-summer celebration of food and drink, with producers, bars and family activities forming part of the programme. Admission arrangements can vary, so visitors should check whether palace entry or a separate booking is required.

  • Brooklands classic gatherings and motoring days

    Next date to be announced (usually Selected dates throughout the year)

    Brooklands Museum runs a changing calendar of large themed vehicle days. Recurring highlights include classic gatherings around New Year, Easter and summer, alongside marque and motorsport-focused events.

  • RHS Wisley Flower Show and Glow

    Next date to be announced (usually Flower show in early September, Glow in late autumn and winter)

    Wisley's seasonal programme includes a flower show in early autumn and an illuminated Glow trail during the festive period. Both provide a different experience from an ordinary garden visit and may use timed admission.

  • Kempton Park Christmas Festival

    Next date to be announced (usually Boxing Day and the following day)

    Kempton's Christmas Festival is built around two days of major jump racing, including the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. It is one of the area's most established festive sporting occasions.

See the full calendar on annual and seasonal events, or for one-off performances, workshops, markets and community activities, check the site's live What's On coverage rather than relying on this evergreen page for every date.

Free things to do

For a good day out without an admission charge, start with:

Some venues welcome donations, and transport, parking, food or special activities may still cost money.

Things to do with children

For younger children, consider Safari Adventure Golf, Hersham Recreation Ground and its seasonal splash pad, Rock Up's soft play, Hobbledown Heath, Bocketts Farm, Great Cockcrow Railway, the London Bus Museum and the Hampton and Kempton Waterworks Railway. Older children and teenagers may prefer Rock Up climbing, Jump In, skiing at The Oakwood, go-kart racing at Daytona, Topgolf, Thorpe Park, Chessington, paddlesports or a Brooklands and Mercedes-Benz World day.

Hampton Court Palace, Painshill, Claremont and Bushy Park work particularly well when a family wants history or scenery without expecting children to stay indoors all day.

Rainy-day things to do

Good wet-weather options include Everyman Walton, Rock Up, Elmbridge Xcel, Riverhouse Barn and Cecil Hepworth Playhouse. Nearby, choose Brooklands Museum and the London Bus Museum, Mercedes-Benz World, Jump In Esher, Chertsey Museum or the World Rugby Museum. Brooklands and Bocketts both include outdoor areas, so waterproof clothing may still be useful.

Things to do on and beside the water

The crewed Shepperton Cruise provides a short circular passenger-boat trip from Cowey Sale. Pre-booked day-boat hire at Walton Marina is another way to get afloat when the operator confirms availability. Sunbury Ferry and the Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry turn a walk into a small adventure, while Hampton Court Paddle Sports, Queen Mary Sailing Club and Shepperton Open Water Swim offer more active experiences. For a no-booking alternative, follow the Thames Path through Cowey Sale and beneath Walton Bridge.

Always check river, lake and weather conditions. Only enter open water through an organised venue or with the appropriate skills, equipment and local knowledge.

Suggested one-day itineraries

A relaxed Walton day

Begin with coffee in the town centre, follow the Walton Trail towards the river, walk through Cowey Sale and stop at Walton Bridge. In season, take the 45-minute Shepperton Cruise from Cowey Sale. Alternatively, if Walton Boat Hire confirms availability, add a pre-booked self-drive trip. Finish with a performance at Riverhouse Barn or a film at Everyman.

A transport and engineering day

Spend the morning exploring Brooklands Museum and the London Bus Museum, adding the timed Concorde Experience if it appeals. Walk or drive next door to Mercedes-Benz World for free displays and a simulator or pre-booked driving experience.

A palace, park and river day

Visit Hampton Court Palace early, then walk beside the Thames or continue into Bushy Park. In suitable weather, replace part of the walk with a paddle-sports booking near Hampton Court.

A free or low-cost family day

Choose a local recreation ground in the morning, bring a picnic to Cowey Sale and take a Thames walk. If the Sunbury Ferry is running, cross the river and explore Sunbury Walled Garden and its free gallery.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Walton-on-Thames?

The best distinctly Walton experiences are walking beside the Thames at Cowey Sale, seeing Walton Bridge, hiring a boat from Walton Marina, following the Walton Trail and attending a performance at Riverhouse Barn or Cecil Hepworth Playhouse.

What can families do in Walton-on-Thames and Hersham?

Safari Adventure Golf, Rock Up, Elmbridge Xcel, local playgrounds, Everyman Walton and the Thames riverside are among the easiest family options in Walton and Hersham. Nearby family favourites include Hampton Court Palace, Brooklands Museum, Mercedes-Benz World, Painshill, Bocketts Farm, Chessington and Hobbledown Heath.

What can I do for free?

Walk the Thames Path, explore Cowey Sale and Walton Bridge, follow the Walton Trail or visit a local park. Nearby, Bushy Park, Sunbury Walled Garden, Mercedes-Benz World’s general displays and Chertsey Museum can all be visited without a standard admission charge, although parking and optional activities may cost extra.

Can I hire a boat in Walton-on-Thames?

Walton Boat Hire currently advertises six-seat self-drive motor day boats from Walton Marina, normally from Easter to October. Bookings are requested by enquiry and then confirmed by the operator. Its website states that no licence is required, with instructions and a safety briefing provided before departure.

Are there passenger cruises from Walton-on-Thames?

Yes. JGF Passenger Boats operates the seasonal Shepperton Cruise from Cowey Sale beside Walton Bridge. This is a crewed 45-minute circular trip through the Desborough Channel, around D’Oyly Carte Island and back along the older course of the Thames. Check the official timetable because sailing days and times vary through the season.

Which major attractions are closest to Walton-on-Thames?

Hampton Court Palace, Brooklands Museum, Mercedes-Benz World, Painshill and Bushy Park are among the strongest major attractions close to Walton. Thorpe Park, Chessington, RHS Wisley and Bocketts Farm are suitable for a longer day out.

Are the Thames ferries open all year?

Sunbury Ferry is seasonal, while the Shepperton to Weybridge ferry generally has a fuller main-season service and a reduced winter service. Both can stop when weather or river conditions are unsuitable, so always check the operator’s website before travelling.

When is the Walton and Weybridge Regatta?

The regatta is normally held in early June, but its exact dates and duration are confirmed separately each year. Check the official Walton and Weybridge Regatta website for the next dates, race information and event notices.

This guide is compiled and checked by a Walton resident against operators' own official websites, not copied from other guides. Last reviewed 22 August 2026.