We take a look at some of the best places to visit in Chertsey

1. Chertsey Abbey

A Benedictine monastery founded in 666 AD, the abbey’s remains can be seen around the area of the recreation grounds adjacent to the Abbey River. There is a gruesome early history; the abbot, priest and 50 monks were slaughtered here by Viking raiders in the late 9th century. One of the Abbey’s bells, weighing in at just over half a ton, is still in use as the fifth ring of eight at St. Peter’s Church in Chertsey.

Near Abbeyfields Recreation Grounds, Chertsey KT16 8PS

2. Chertsey Meads Marine Hire

You can’t really visit Chertsey without getting involved with the river in one way or another, so if you fancy splashing out on a trip with a difference you can easily hire a boat for a day. Chertsey Meads Marine can rent you out one of a range of boats from the 30 foot Molly May, complete with galley and heating for 12 passengers to the delightfully named Perky Pike for two to four people. Beware – this one has no weather protection, so pick a sunny day for your cruise up the Thames.

A post shared by Visit Surrey (@visitsurrey) on

Chertsey Meads Boatyard, Chertsey Meads, KT16 8LN

3. Chertsey Museum

The museum is housed in an interesting building in it’s own right, having been an inn in the mid 1500’s and passing through many distinguished owners until it was taken over by the museum in 1972. Plenty to see here, with collections including the history of the area, fine art and an exhibition of dress and textiles.

A post shared by Catherine (@cather44) on

The Cedars, 33, Windsor Street KT16 8AT

4. Dumsey Meadow

One of three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, the meadow is unusual in being a grassland area situated on the Thames’ floodplain. This a lovely place to wander and relax beside the Thames and is within sight of the splendid Chertsey Bridge, a Grade II listed building of seven arches – see if you find the cast iron coal tax post near the end of the bridge complete with City of London shield. If you’re here in late summer you’ll also be sharing the meadow with a fabulous herd of Belted Galloway cows used to graze the mown grass.

A post shared by Zoe D (@metallic_pepper) on

Chertsey Bridge Road, KT16 8LF

5. Great Cockcrow Railway

A wonderful miniature railway on the outskirts of the town, Great Cockcrow has grown from humble beginnings in the 1960’s on a former piggery site, to a serious bite-sized replica of all that was great in the days of the steam train. With a new station building, three signal boxes and up to 30 one eighth sized locos, kids and grown ups alike will have the time of their lives. Open every Sunday from May to October this year. There is a special Festival of Steam too, on July 7 and 8, to celebrate 50 years of Cockcrow.

A post shared by Dan Snow (@thehistoryguy) on

Hardwick Lane KT16 0AD

6. Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Even if your history is a bit flaky you will have heard of the Magna Carta. Just under 15 mins by car from the centre of the town and alongside the Thames is this most famous site where the whole future of the political map for our country was sealed in 1215 by King John. You can visit the Magna Carta memorial – symbolizing ‘Freedom under Law’ – as well as a number of other memorials here including The Kennedy stone – a seven tonne piece of Portland rock commemorating the man following his assassination. The Commonwealth Air Forces memorial is here too. Car parking and tea room available.

A post shared by Simon Smith (@bnyogy) on

Windsor Road, Old Windsor TW20 0AE

7. The Thames Path

We haven’t finished with the Thames quite yet as there are some stunning walks to be had along the side of the river, especially in the summer months. A good place to start is the previously mentioned Dumsey Meadow, where you park up and get your boots on. Then it’s up to you how far you go. Just out of interest the whole route of the Thames Path is 184 miles from the source in the Cotswolds to the sea, but we’re not suggesting you tackle this in one go. Have a look at the website (above) which gives full details of the walking and even explains how you can get a certificate if you complete a good- sized chunk of the trail!

A post shared by Jo Evans (@jojoev82) on

The Thames Path

8. Thyme at the Tavern

A lovely little pub on the corner of London Street and Heriot Road that offers the beer connoisseur a taste of heaven… A CAMRA award winning pub (Surrey Pub of the Year 2017 no less), you’re spoilt for choice from a range of local breweries. Alongside the regular Courage Best and Skinner’s Betty Stoggs you could find beers from Tillingbourne, Dorking and Surrey Hills – many with wonderful expressive tasting notes on the pump handles…! Bed and Breakfast, live music every Friday night, lunches and a superb Sunday roast – what’s not to love!

20, London Street, Chertsey KT16 8AA

9. Thorpe Park Resort

Do you frighten easily? If so, this one’s probably not for you – although Thorpe Park does have a few places where you can relax…With a selection of screamingly horrifying rides this is just the place to turn your hair white and leave your blood pressure soaring. The names alone need no further description – The Walking Dead, The Swarm, Nemesis Inferno, Vortex, Storm Surge – all designed to thrill and terrify. If you want a specially hair-raising experience, visit on one of the park’s fright nights held each October, in the lead up to Halloween. And if that isn’t enough, you can always get yourself soaked on the fun water slides. Loads of info on the website. Good Luck!

Staines Road, Chertsey KT16 8PN

10. The Farm Shop Lyne

Our quick choice of an independent this month is the Farm Shop, Lyne. Just up the road from the Cockcrow Railway is this splendid shop offering, as they put it, “Everything you need in one convenient location” with a plant centre, flowers, farm produce and even a butcher’s shop. Martin’s Butcher, by the way, winner of Chertsey Agricultural Association’s best in 2015 and 2016 has a huge selection of local-sourced meat and can even sell you a Pork, Cheese and Marmite sausage! After all that shopping there’s even a tea-room for morning coffee, breakfast, lunches and more. Yum!

Hardwick Lane, Lyne KT16 0AA