Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Walton-On-Thames has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Walton-On-Thames.
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Sights in Walton-On-Thames
WaltonOnThames is a historic town in Surrey, England, located on the River Thames. The town is home to a variety of historical landmarks and attractions, as well as a number of parks, museums, and other points of interest.
Historical Landmarks
One of the most notable historical landmarks in WaltonOnThames is the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which dates back to the 13th century. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and is a grade I listed building. Other notable landmarks include the Market House, which was built in the 18th century, and the Old Manor House, which is a grade II listed building that dates back to the 16th century.
Parks and Recreation
WaltonOnThames is home to a number of parks and green spaces, including Hurst Park, which is a large park that features a playground, a pond, and a variety of walking trails. Other parks in the town include Sunbury Riverside Park, which is located along the River Thames, and Ashley Park, which is a smaller park that is home to a children’s play area.
Museums and Galleries
For those interested in the arts, WaltonOnThames is home to a number of museums and galleries. The Elmbridge Museum is a local history museum that chronicles the history of the borough of Elmbridge, of which WaltonOnThames is a part. The Rivers Court Gallery is an art gallery that specializes in contemporary art, and the Cyanotype Gallery is a photography gallery that features the work of local photographers.
Other Points of Interest
In addition to its parks, museums, and historical landmarks, WaltonOnThames is also home to a number of other points of interest. The town is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a theatre. There are also a number of river cruises that depart from the town, offering visitors the opportunity to see the sights of the River Thames.
History of Walton-On-Thames
WaltononThames is a town in the Elmbridge borough of Surrey in South East England. The town is situated on the left bank of the River Thames, in the Thames Valley at the southwest corner of the Greater London Urban Area. WaltononThames grew around a crossing point of the River Thames and later became a market town. It was located within the historic county boundaries of Surrey.
The name “Walton” is AngloSaxon in origin and is believed to mean “settlement on the River Thames”. The name “Walton” was first recorded in 1228 as Waltone and was common until the 16th century when it began to be replaced by the name “WaltononThames”.
The town’s history can be traced back to Roman times. In AD 70, the Romans built a fort to protect the crossing of the River Thames at Walton. The fort was called Castra Regalis or Walaton.
In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded the manor of Waletz as held by Westminster Abbey.
The manor of Walton was granted by Henry I to Walter Giffard, Archbishop of Westminster. In 1135, Giffard founded an Augustinian priory at WaltononThames, as a cell of his abbey at Merton, Surrey. The priory church was consecrated in 1140 and dedicated to SS Peter and Paul. The priory was closed in 1536, at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the site was sold to Sir William Fitzwilliam.
The current St. Mary’s Church was built on the ruins of the priory church in the early 19th century. The Georgian east end of the church was designed by architect James Wyatt.
In 1276, Walton is recorded as being a market town, with a market cross that was erected by Archbishop Boniface of Savoy. The cross was rebuilt in stone in the 15th century, but no trace of it now remains.
Walton was a river crossing point for pilgrims travelling to St Thomas Becket’s shrine at Canterbury Cathedral. In 1290, Edward I granted a charter for a weekly market and an annual fair to be held in the town.
The Fair continued to be held until 1857, when it was discontinued due to dwindling numbers of stallholders and visitors.
During the reign of Edward III, the Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem had a preceptory at Walton.
The area around Walton bridge was declared a conserve in 1344, meaning that only certain types of fishing were allowed there and that the area was to be kept for the use of the King and his nobles.
In 1414, Henry V granted the people of Walton the right to hold a twoday fair every year on the feast days of SS Peter and Paul.
The right to hold a market was confirmed by a charter of James I in 1605. By the end of the 17th century, Walton was one of the busiest river crossings in Surrey, with up to 22 toll booths operating at peak times.
In 1753, George II granted a charter for a twiceweekly market and an annual fair. The charter also allowed for the construction of a new town hall, which was built in 1766.
In 1859, the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway opened a station at WaltononThames, which was originally called Walton Bridge station. The station was renamed WaltononThames railway station in 1878.
In 1864, the first school board in England was established in WaltononThames, and the first meeting of the board was held in the town hall.
In 1885, the town hall was extended to include a public library.
The River Thames has been crossed at WaltononThames since ancient times. The first known crossing point was a ford, which was later replaced by a wooden bridge. The first stone bridge was built in the 12th century and was replaced by a new stone bridge in the 14th century.
The current bridge was designed by architect John Rennie and was built in 1824. It is a Grade II listed structure.
There have been two major floods in WaltononThames in recent years. The first was in 1968, when the river rose to a record height of 6.4 metres (21 feet) above its normal level. The second was in 2003, when the river rose to 5.2 metres (17 feet) above its normal level.
Today, WaltononThames is a bustling town with a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a popular destination for shopping, with a large supermarket and a number of smaller shops.
Vacation in Walton-On-Thames
There are many vacation possibilities in and around WaltonOnThames, England. One can take a leisurely stroll along the River Thames, explore the local shops and markets, or visit one of the many historical sites in the area. For the more adventurous, there are numerous hiking and biking trails in the surrounding countryside. And for those who crave a bit of excitement, there are several theme parks and other tourist attractions nearby.
WaltonOnThames is located just outside of London, which means that there are an endless number of things to do and see in the city. A few mustsee attractions in London include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London. Or, one could simply enjoy a cup of tea and people watching in one of the many parks scattered throughout the city.
Those looking for a more relaxing vacation may want to consider spending a few days at one of the many spa resorts in the area. Here, visitors can enjoy treatments such as massages, facials, and body wraps. There are also several golf courses in and around WaltonOnThames, perfect for those who enjoy a round or two while on vacation.
No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for, you are sure to find it in WaltonOnThames. With something for everyone, this charming English town is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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