Skip the crowds in London and escape to the inviting riverside town of Sunbury-on-Thames. The town is set on the banks of the River Thames and will charm you with its quaint red-brick buildings and Victorian townhouses. Visit the award-winning embroidery museum, enjoy cream tea in a flower-filled walled garden and watch boats pass through a centuries-old lock.
Things to do in Sunbury-on-Thames
Sunbury-on-Thames has all the charm of a quintessential British town. Stroll around the historic town centre and relax in beautiful Sunbury Park. The riverbank is dotted with inviting pubs, where you can claim a table on a sunny terrace and enjoy classic British pub fare with beautiful river views.
Marvel at the intricate Village Panel on show at the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery. The hand-embroidered tapestry depicts the historic village, as well as local flora and fauna. Try your hand at embroidery in an artist-led workshop and enjoy lunch at the café overlooking the walled garden.
The Parish Church of St Mary boasts a picturesque riverside setting and an impressive belltower. The oldest parts of the church date to the 1700s. Stroll around the picturesque churchyard and admire the enormous yew tree mentioned in the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist.
Watch boats sail along the River Thames and pass through Sunbury Lock. The lock was first built in the early 1800s but has been upgraded over the centuries. You’ll often see dozens of white swans bobbing on the river. Ride the passenger ferry across the river to Walton-on-Thames. From here, you can access the picturesque Thames Path. The 16-kilometre return walk to Hampton Court Park is beautiful and ends at a magnificent 16th-century palace.
Getting around Sunbury-on-Thames
Sunbury-on-Thames is compact and easy to get around on foot. The Sunbury passenger ferry crosses the river and connects Sunbury-on-Thames with Walton-on-Thames. Trains run between Sunbury-on-Thames and London in one hour and Heathrow Airport is a 20-minute drive away.