A medieval bell relic, the history of an abbey and a late-18th-century bridge give Chertsey a varied cultural profile. St Ann’s Hill and the Thames meads add contrasting landscape themes. You can tailor your stay to your interest in history, nature or both.
Abbey History and Traces in the Town
Chertsey Abbey is a relatively well-preserved, rare example of an early monastic foundation. Only the floor and walls of the Lady Chapel remain visible of the church, cloisters and other buildings. These visible remains stand in contrast to a far-reaching history: after Henry VI was buried at the abbey in 1471, it became a pilgrimage destination. This status ended when his body was transferred to Windsor.
The Abbey Ditch marks the boundary between the abbey precinct and the town of Chertsey. St Peter’s Church also preserves links to the abbey: its chancel houses a collection of paving tiles from Chertsey Abbey. The Chertsey Curfew Bell was cast around 1310 and recast after being damaged in 1374. Today, it rings as bell number 5 at St Peter’s Church. Abbey remains, church objects and bell history thus offer different ways to explore the town’s past.
The Bridge’s History and Chertsey Museum
Chertsey Bridge reveals another side of architectural history. James Paine designed the bridge, which was built between 1783 and 1785. It is a very well-preserved multi-span bridge from the late 18th century, with outstanding stonework and cast-iron elements. Its design, construction period and surviving features give the structure a distinct historical character.
Chertsey Museum complements this focus with a fashion collection of more than 4,000 items of clothing for men, women and children. The collection spans around 1700 to the present day. A new costume exhibition is installed in the fashion gallery each year. Alongside architecture and monastic history, historical clothing is another topic to discover in Chertsey.
Trains from Waterloo reach Chertsey via Staines or Weybridge; from there, it is a 10-minute walk to Chertsey Museum. As transport services may change, check the timetable before travelling.
Wooded Hill and Open Riverside Meadow
St Ann’s Hill combines landscape and archaeological heritage. The mostly wooded park lies on a hill in Chertsey and covers 25 hectares (63 acres). It has a wide variety of trees, plants and wildflowers. The hill is also a nationally significant archaeological site; large areas are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Check local conditions before planning a visit.
Chertsey Meads adds an open area of remaining floodplain meadow on the banks of the Thames, beside local schools and residential areas. In contrast to wooded St Ann’s Hill, the open riverside meadow defines its character: the two places offer different landscape experiences.
A Circular Walk with a Ferry Crossing
The Chertsey-to-Weybridge Trail is a 4-mile circular route along the Thames Path from Chertsey Bridge to Shepperton Lock. The circuit crosses by ferry to Weybridge and returns through Chertsey Meads. The ferry crossing is therefore an integral part of this route option. Route conditions can vary seasonally, particularly around the ferry and the meadow section. Check ferry times and route conditions before planning your walk.
Discover more destinations: Hersham, East Horsley, Seale, Thames Ditton, Chilworth, Farleigh, Ottershaw, Frensham.
For the wider travel guide: Surrey.
