Chertsey

Chertsey sits on a broad bend of the River Thames in north-west Surrey, close enough to London to feel its pull yet still wrapped in water meadows, willow-lined towpaths and quiet backstreets that hint at a much older settlement. The town grew up around Chertsey Abbey, founded in AD 666, and for centuries this Benedictine house was one of the wealthiest and most influential in southern England, its abbot once holding sway over tens of thousands of acres. Little of the abbey survives above ground today, but its footprint still shapes the town centre, and the mix of Georgian townhouses, a handsome 18th-century bridge and a working high street gives Chertsey a settled, unshowy character.

What makes Chertsey unusual as a destination is the contrast sitting right on its doorstep: within a couple of miles of the abbey ruins and the parish church is Thorpe Park, one of the UK's biggest theme parks, drawing families and thrill-seekers from across the south-east. That combination of quiet Thames-side history and full-throttle entertainment means Chertsey works equally well as a base for a gentle riverside break or as the practical, less expensive alternative to staying inside a theme park resort. Add in easy road and rail links into London and out to the M25, and it's a town that rewards a short stay far more than its size would suggest.

Top things to do in Chertsey

Chertsey rewards a wander on foot, with the river, the abbey site and the museum all within easy walking distance of each other, plus one of the region's biggest family attractions just outside town.

• Chertsey Abbey ruins — Founded in AD 666, this was once one of England's great Benedictine abbeys; little remains above ground, but the site and surrounding Abbey Green are a peaceful spot to take in thirteen centuries of local history.
• Chertsey Museum — Housed in an elegant Georgian townhouse on Windsor Street, this free museum covers local archaeology and social history and is home to the nationally significant Olive Matthews Collection of historic dress and costume.
• Thorpe Park — One of the UK's leading theme parks lies just outside Chertsey, packed with roller coasters and family rides, making the town a handy and often cheaper place to stay for a Thorpe Park visit.
• Chertsey Bridge and the River Thames — This elegant 18th-century bridge crosses the Thames at the edge of town, with riverside paths either side popular for walking, cycling and simply watching the boats go by.
• St Ann's Hill — A protected local landmark and green space above the town offering woodland walks and views back over Chertsey and the Thames valley.
• Chertsey Meads — Open riverside meadowland on the edge of town, good for walking, birdwatching and picnicking beside the Thames.
• JB Waterski — A well-known wakeboard and waterskiing centre on the river near Chertsey, popular with watersports enthusiasts and beginners alike.
• Great Cockcrow Railway — A charming miniature steam railway in nearby Lyne, a favourite for a low-key family outing just a short drive from the town centre.

Getting to Chertsey

Chertsey is well served by road and rail despite its village-like feel. Chertsey railway station, on Guildford Street, sits on the Chertsey branch line and has a half-hourly South Western Railway service to London Waterloo via Staines and the Hounslow Loop, with journeys typically taking a little over an hour. By car, the town is inside the M25 and just under two miles from Junction 11, making it an easy stop for anyone touring Surrey or the wider south-east, with the A320 and A317 both running through the town linking it to Woking, Staines and Weybridge.

Best time to visit Chertsey

Late spring through early autumn is the best window for Chertsey, when the Thames towpaths, Chertsey Meads and St Ann's Hill are at their greenest and outdoor attractions like Thorpe Park and JB Waterski are in full swing. Summer weekends can be busy thanks to the theme park crowds, so a weekday visit brings a quieter, more local feel to the abbey ruins and museum. Autumn and winter suit those chiefly interested in the history and riverside walks, with the museum and town's pubs offering a cosy retreat once the weather turns.

Where to stay in Chertsey

Chertsey's appeal as a base rests on being close to Thorpe Park and the M25 without the price tag of an on-site resort hotel, while still offering a genuine Thames-side town to explore. Options range from riverside pubs with rooms to chain hotels aimed at both leisure visitors and business travellers passing through on the M25 corridor, with Weybridge, Staines and Woking all within easy striking distance for a wider choice.

Food and drink in Chertsey

Chertsey's dining scene centres on its historic pubs and a scattering of independent restaurants. The Kingfisher is a country pub and restaurant right beside the 18th-century bridge, with a courtyard and classic pub fare, while The Bridge, a pub and hotel on the Thames, serves a seasonal British menu, real ales and a popular Sunday roast in its riverside garden. The Golden Grove is another oak-beamed, river-facing pub with plenty of period character. For something different, the town has an Indian restaurant known for its tandoori dishes, along with the usual mix of high-street chains including a PizzaExpress on London Street.