Strolling through a leafy Weybridge park, past garden allotments where the first green spring shoots were tentatively emerging, I glanced up and stopped in surprise.
High up, on the topmost point of the St James church steeple, where jet contrails streaked the sky, two men were perched precariously. What could they be doing? I was worried they’d topple off. The spire reaches so high that this church has been nicknamed “the cathedral of the Thames Valley.”
The men on their dangerous mission soon slipped my mind, while I explored this lovely Surrey town on the banks of the Wey River, about 30 minutes’ travel from central London.
Weybridge dates back to the Bronze Age and was the site of Oatlands Palace, which Henry V111 constructed in the 1530s. It was initially intended as the home of his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, but he married his fifth wife Catherine Howard there in 1540. A young Elizabeth Tudor, later Queen Elizabeth 1, also retreated from plague-affected London to Oatlands Palace.
More recently, Weybridge became better known when the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit was established at Brooklands in 1907. Brooklands became a major aviation centre, hosting pioneering flights and early aircraft manufacturing. It was the site of military aircraft production during World War I and World War II, and during the 1950s-1970s became a design and manufacturing hub for commercial airlines.
Weybridge continues to be an affluent commuter town, bolstered by the corporate offices of well-known brands such as Sony Europe, Procter & Gamble, Hewlett Packard and toy giant Lego.
This could explain the number of upmarket kitchen shops for large homes – my favourite was the local branch of Neptune, where you can browse the elegant showroom, styled with soft furnishings, tableware and accessories. This store hosts regular pop-ups, the most recent organised by a French mother and son selling soaps, cheeses and other Provencal items.
Weybridge is also home to great pubs: The recently refurbished Queen’s Head is ideal for drinks in the sunshine, or inside beside a cosy fire. The Waverley Inn produces great roasts, served alongside the open kitchen and complemented by a small, well-chosen wine list.
Valentina Italian deli initially draws in shoppers with beautifully displayed fresh fruit and vegetables at the entrance, leading to an interior filled with the very best chocolates, cheeses, wines, cold meats and baked goods. Majestic Wine offers a large array of wines, beers and spirits from around the world.
For coffee and cake, Bachmanns Patisserie has plenty to tempt you – desserts, gateaux, chocolates, pastries, breads and croissants are made on the premises. For more casual dining, try Megan’s on the Wey, or the local branch of Gail’s Bakery.
The best way to relax after this delicious food and wine is to stroll along the bank of the Wey, which is edged by grand houses, many complete with boathouses. Alternatively, follow the Thames tow path from Weybridge down to the D’Oyly Carte private island. Eyot House on the island is currently being restored with a café, bar, summer concerts and wellbeing classes. Finish your stroll with a drink at The Minnow pub.
Given this town’s prosperity, the local charity shops are worth browsing. The Princess Alice hospice shop is perfect if you’ve got a smart wedding to attend – there are rails’worth of high-end outfits, plus shelves of elegant hats and fascinators. The Sam Beare charity shop has a great book selection too.
Just before I left Weybridge, I returned to the high-steepled Anglican church on Easter Sunday. As I approached, I noticed a golden weather vane gleaming in the sunshine at the very top of the spire. It was so brightly burnished that I wondered if the maintenance men had not been replacing tiles, as I had thought, but had taken their lives into their hands to buff the vane to a mirror-like shine.
Bachmanns Patisserie: 32 Church Street, Weybridge
Valentina Deli: 2-4 Church Street, Weybridge
The Waverley Inn: 24 Heath Road, Weybridge
The Queens Head: 1 Bridge Road, Weybridge
Majestic Wine: 66-68 Church Street, Weybridge
How to get there: At London’s Waterloo Station, take a train operated by South Western Railway, ensuring it stops at Weybridge. Most off-peak day returns are valid after 09:30 on weekdays.
Photographs © Judy Bryant
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River Wey
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Neptune kitchen Easter display y
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Bachmanns Patisserie
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River Wey houseboat
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The Queen's Head pub
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Princess Alice hospice shop
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Weybridge Sailing Club
