Walton upon Thames, United Kingdom

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Walton upon Thames, United Kingdom

Region: Walton upon Thames is located in England


Geographic Coordinates: 51.386800, -0.413300
Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Walton upon Thames, United Kingdom vary throughout the year.
Population: 66566
Language: English

Walton upon Thames is a charming town located in the Elmbridge borough of Surrey, England. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, It offers a picturesque setting with its idyllic riverside walks and lush green spaces. Steeped in history, Walton upon Thames has managed to retain its old-world charm while embracing modern developments. One of the highlights of this town is its rich heritage. The ancient St. Mary’s Church stands proudly in the heart of Walton upon Thames, Dating back to Norman times with parts even older than that.

Its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. For those seeking cultural experiences, The Heart Shopping Centre is home to various shops and boutiques offering an array of products from fashion to homeware. Additionally, There are regular markets held in the town center where visitors can explore local produce and crafts. Nature lovers will find themselves right at home in Walton upon Thames as it boasts several parks and open spaces perfect for relaxation or outdoor activities.

One such place is Cowey Sale, A riverside meadow where one can enjoy picnics or take leisurely strolls along the riverbank while taking in breathtaking views. The town also offers excellent transport links making it an ideal base for exploring surrounding areas. The train station provides easy access to London Waterloo within 30 minutes, Making it popular among commuters who prefer living away from city noise but still want convenient connections. Walton Bridge is another notable landmark that connects Walton upon Thames with Shepperton across the river.

It replaced an older bridge built-in 1750 and now serves as both a functional structure and an architectural marvel that adds character to this charming town. Furthermore, Art enthusiasts can visit The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre which hosts regular exhibitions showcasing local talent across various art forms including painting, Sculpture, Photography, And more. In terms of recreational activities for families or individuals alike; there are numerous sports clubs, Leisure centers, And golf courses in the area. The Xcel Leisure Complex offers a wide range of facilities including swimming pools, Gyms, And sports halls catering to all fitness levels.

Overall, Walton upon Thames is a delightful town that seamlessly blends history, Natural beauty, And modern amenities. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich heritage or simply enjoying the tranquility of its riverside walks, This charming town has something for everyone.



Important Landmarks

  1. The Heart Shopping Centre: A modern shopping center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  2. Walton Bridge: A beautiful bridge over the River Thames that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  3. Elmbridge Museum: A local history museum that showcases the heritage and culture of Walton upon Thames and its surrounding areas.
  4. The River Thames: Visitors can enjoy boat trips along the river or take a leisurely walk along its banks.
  5. Xcel Leisure Complex: A popular sports and leisure facility that offers swimming pools, gymnasiums, sports courts, and other recreational activities.
  6. Hurst Park: A scenic riverside park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a horse racing track.
  7. Walton-on-Thames Cricket Club: Founded in 1854, this historic cricket club hosts matches throughout the summer season.
  8. St Mary’s Church: An ancient church dating back to Norman times with beautiful architecture and stained glass windows.
  9. Ashley Park: This picturesque park features landscaped gardens, a lake with wildlife, tennis courts, bowling greens, and playgrounds for children.
  10. Hersham Golf Club: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing on this well-regarded golf course surrounded by stunning countryside views.

Primary Industries

  1. Retail: The town has a bustling retail sector with numerous shops, boutiques, and supermarkets. The Heart Shopping Centre is a popular destination for shopping.
  2. Hospitality and Tourism: Walton upon Thames attracts tourists due to its picturesque location on the River Thames. It has several hotels, restaurants, cafes, and pubs catering to visitors.
  3. Healthcare: The town has various healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and pharmacies.
  4. Financial Services: Walton upon Thames is home to several financial services companies such as banks, insurance firms, financial advisors, and accountancy firms.
  5. Professional Services: There are numerous professional service providers in the town including law firms, consulting companies, architecture firms, and marketing agencies.
  6. Education: Walton-on-Thames has several educational institutions ranging from primary schools to secondary schools providing quality education to its residents.
  7. Manufacturing/Engineering: While not as prominent as some other sectors mentioned above, manufacturing and engineering companies can be found in Walton upon Thames. These include small-scale manufacturing units involved in metalworking or precision engineering.
  8. Information Technology (IT): Several IT companies operate within the area offering services like software development, web design, and IT support for local businesses as well as remote clients across different industries.
  9. Transportation/Logistics: Given its proximity to London and being well-connected by roadways and railways, Walton-upon-Thames serves as a base for transport/logistics-related businesses such as courier services or distribution centers.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of some major industries/businesses present in Walton-upon-Thames.


Noteable History

  1. Battle of Walton (1642): During the English Civil War, a skirmish between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces took place in Walton upon Thames.
  2. The Swan Inn: This historic inn, dating back to the 16th century, is said to have hosted King Henry VIII and his court during hunting trips in the area.
  3. Samuel Palmer: A renowned landscape painter and etcher, Samuel Palmer lived in Walton upon Thames from 1805 to 1809. His works are highly regarded for their romantic depictions of rural landscapes.
  4. The Hersham Halt: During World War II, Walton-on-Thames was home to a secret military research station known as The Hersham Halt. It played a crucial role in developing radar technology.
  5. Lady D’Abernon: Mary Anderson Mundy, also known as Lady D’Abernon, was an influential figure in British society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She resided at Pyrford Court near Walton-on-Thames and hosted notable guests such as Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw.
  6. Ashley Park House: Built in the early 18th century by Sir Robert Clayton, this grand mansion later became a residence for various notable figures including Admiral Lord Nelson’s mistress Emma Hamilton and her husband Sir William Hamilton.
  7. Elmbridge Museum: Located in Weybridge Library (close to Walton), this museum showcases the history of Elmbridge Borough which includes Walton-upon-Thames.
  8. River Thames Regatta: The annual regatta held on the River Thames at Cowey Sale is one of the oldest sporting events associated with Walton-upon-Thames dating back over two centuries.
  9. Walton Bridge: The original bridge spanning across River Thames connecting Shepperton with Lower Sunbury was built around 1750s but it got replaced by modern bridges multiple times since then.
  10. Walton-on-Thames Cricket Club: Founded in 1854, this cricket club is one of the oldest in Surrey and has a rich history of hosting matches and producing talented players.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Elmbridge Museum: Located in the heart of Walton upon Thames, this museum showcases the history and heritage of the local area. It offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays that provide insights into the town’s past.
  2. The Heart Shopping Centre: A modern shopping complex with a range of high-street stores, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore if you enjoy shopping or want to grab a bite to eat.
  3. The River Thames: Walton upon Thames is situated on the banks of River Thames, offering beautiful riverside walks and picnic spots. You can also hire boats or take boat trips along the river for a unique experience.
  4. Cowey Sale: This picturesque riverside meadow is perfect for leisurely walks or picnics by the riverbank. It provides stunning views across to Hampton Court Palace and is an ideal spot for relaxation.
  5. Walton Bridge: Spanning across River Thames, this iconic bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and makes for a pleasant walk or cycle ride.
  6. Nettlefold Studio: This community arts center hosts various exhibitions, workshops, classes, and performances throughout the year. Check their schedule for any ongoing events during your visit.
  7. St Mary’s Church: A historic church dating back to Norman times with beautiful architecture worth exploring if you appreciate historical landmarks.
  8. Xcel Leisure Complex: This state-of-the-art leisure facility offers swimming pools, sports halls fitness classes spa facilities as well as various entertainment options such as cinemas and bowling alleys.
  9. The Playhouse Theatre – A local theater that hosts plays from both amateur groups as well as professional productions throughout the year; check their schedule for upcoming shows during your visit.
  10. Walton-on-Thames Cemetery – Though it might seem unusual at first glance visiting a cemetery can be quite interesting from an architectural perspective; many old cemeteries have ornate gravestones and beautiful gardens.


Sports Teams

  1. Walton & Hersham Football Club: Founded in 1945, Walton & Hersham FC is a semi-professional football club that competes in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South. The team has had various successes throughout its history and has been an integral part of the local community.
  2. Walton Casuals Football Club: Established in 1948, Walton Casuals FC is another local football club competing in the Isthmian League South Central Division. Over the years, they have achieved several promotions and cup victories.
  3. Elmbridge Canoe Club: Founded in 1974, Elmbridge Canoe Club is one of the most successful canoeing clubs in the UK and has produced numerous national and international champions. The club offers training for all ages and abilities.
  4. Walton Rowing Club: Dating back to 1862, Walton Rowing Club is one of Britain’s oldest rowing clubs situated on the River Thames at Sunbury Lock. They have a proud history of participating in various regattas and producing talented rowers who have represented Great Britain at international events.
  5. Old Cranleighan Hockey Club (Walton-on-Thames): Although not based directly within Walton-on-Thames but nearby Cobham (within Elmbridge Borough), Old Cranleighan Hockey Club is worth mentioning due to its strong connection with locals from this area as well as being one of England’s largest hockey clubs with multiple teams competing across different leagues.

These are just a few examples of sports teams with notable histories in or around Walton-on-Thames; there may be other smaller or amateur-level teams that also contribute to the sporting culture of this town.



Cultural Events

  1. Walton Beer and Music Festival: Held annually in June or July, this festival celebrates local breweries and live music performances. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, ciders, and spirits while listening to talented musicians.
  2. Walton Heritage Day: Taking place in September, this event highlights the town’s rich history and heritage. It includes historical reenactments, exhibitions, guided tours of local landmarks, arts and crafts stalls, food vendors offering traditional cuisine, and live entertainment.
  3. Walton Folk Festival: This folk music festival usually occurs in late summer or early autumn at various venues across the town. It features performances by renowned folk artists from both national and international backgrounds.
  4. Walton Christmas Festival: In December each year, the town comes alive with festive cheer during the Christmas festival. The streets are adorned with lights as visitors enjoy carol singing sessions led by local choirs or bands performing holiday tunes.
  5. Elmbridge Literary Competition: Although not specific to Walton upon Thames alone but organized by Elmbridge Borough Council (which includes Walton), this annual competition encourages writers of all ages to submit their creative works for consideration across various categories such as poetry or short stories.
  6. Riverhouse Arts Centre Events: The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year including art exhibitions showcasing local talent as well as theatrical performances like plays or musicals.

These are just a few examples of cultural events that take place in Walton upon Thames; there may be additional smaller-scale community-focused events organized within the town from time to time as well.


Cuisine

  1. The Swan Inn: Known for its traditional British pub food, including fish and chips, Sunday roast, and a variety of ales.
  2. Cote Brasserie: A French-inspired restaurant offering classic dishes like steak frites, moules marinières, and crème brûlée.
  3. Mezzet Lebanese Restaurant: A family-run restaurant serving authentic Lebanese cuisine with dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma wraps, and grilled meats.
  4. The Loft Restaurant & Bar: Offers modern European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting.
  5. Thai Garden Restaurant: A popular spot for Thai food lovers with an extensive menu of curries, stir-fries, noodles, and traditional desserts.
  6. Indian Fusion Lounge: Specializes in Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist including tandoori dishes, biryanis, and vegetarian options.
  7. Il Rustico Italian Restaurant: Serves classic Italian dishes such as pasta carbonara or puttanesca sauce alongside pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
  8. Cappadocia Turkish Cuisine: Offers authentic Turkish flavors with dishes like kebabs (doner/shish), mezes (small plates), baklava for dessert.
  9. Café Gino’s Ristorante Pizzeria: A family-friendly Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas made using traditional methods along with pasta dishes and gelato desserts.
  10. Zayna Indian Brasserie & Takeaway: Known for its high-quality Indian cuisine featuring both classic favorites like butter chicken as well as unique fusion creations.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Walton Park: This park offers beautiful views of the River Thames and has a children’s playground, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
  2. Hurst Park: Located on the banks of the River Thames, this park has walking trails, a boating lake, sports fields, and a skatepark.
  3. Cowey Sale: Situated along the riverfront, Cowey Sale is a popular spot for walking and picnicking. It also hosts various events throughout the year.
  4. Elmbridge Leisure Centre: This modern leisure center features a swimming pool, gymnasiums, fitness classes, squash courts, and other recreational facilities.
  5. Xcel Sports Hub: A multi-sports facility offering activities such as football pitches (indoor/outdoor), netball courts, tennis courts, gymnasiums for various sports programs.
  6. Ashley Park: A smaller park with open grassy areas perfect for picnics or relaxing walks along the riverbank.
  7. Walton-on-Thames Cricket Club: If you’re interested in cricket or would like to watch matches during summer months at their ground located on Ashley Road.
  8. The Heart Shopping Centre: While not specifically a park or recreational space itself but it offers shopping opportunities alongside cafes/restaurants which can be enjoyed after exploring nearby parks mentioned above.

Suitcase

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