Free Things to Do in Walton-on-Thames and Hersham

Walton-on-Thames doesn't need a ticket to fill a good day out. The river itself is the main free attraction: the Thames Path links Cowey Sale to Walton Wharf in an easy, flat walk, and Walton Bridge is worth the trip for the view alone. From there, Walton and Hersham's recreation grounds add free play areas, sports pitches and open space within a few minutes of the town centre, and the Walton Trail turns an ordinary walk into a self-guided route past the town's landmarks.

A short drive out, Bushy Park offers more than 1,000 acres of Royal Park at no cost, Mercedes-Benz World's general displays don't charge for entry, and Sunbury Walled Garden and Chertsey Museum are both free to visit. None of this means a completely cost-free day: parking, food and optional activities can still add up, so check each listing's planning notes before setting out.

In Walton-on-Thames

Walk the Thames Path

A flat, easy riverside walk linking Cowey Sale and Walton Wharf

The blue footbridge at Walton Marina is steep and may be hard for wheelchairs or heavy buggies

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Cowey Sale

Easy riverside access with parking, toilets and a passenger-boat jetty on the doorstep

Use the Walton Lane car park for the most convenient arrival point

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Walton Bridge

One of the best river viewpoints on this stretch of the Thames

Pairs naturally with Cowey Sale and a ferry or boat trip for a short itinerary

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Hersham Recreation Ground

A Hersham park with play, games space and a seasonal splash pad

The splash pad is seasonal — check its current status before promising it to children

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Coronation Recreation Ground

A large Hersham park with play, sport, a café and an environmental community hub

Free car park off Molesey Road opposite Molesey Close; principal routes are practical for wheelchairs and buggies

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Hersham

Hersham Village Green

The relaxed heart of Hersham village, good for a gentle stop or a community event

Best combined with a village walk or a nearby meal

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Follow the Walton Trail

Four self-guided routes through Walton's streets and landmarks, free to follow any time

Choose from four routes, including a family-friendly postbox trail

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Walton Wharf and its ducks and swans

A well-loved riverside stop for watching swans and ducks beside two pubs

No railings at the water's edge and no public toilets — keep children close to the water

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

St Mary's Church

A Grade I listed medieval parish church with a self-guided history tour

An active place of worship — check access and service times before visiting

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Elmgrove Recreation Ground

Central Walton green space with play, football, bowls and tennis

Council-run facilities; check current availability for bookable courts

  • Free entry

Checked 22 August 2026

In Walton-on-Thames

Apps Court Car Boot Sale

A local browsing tradition for second-hand goods and collectibles

Seasonal and weather dependent — confirm the sale is running before travelling

  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Nearby · Cobham

Cobham Mill (opens the official site in a new tab)

A volunteer-run working watermill, open on selected afternoons

Selected dates from spring to autumn — check the current opening calendar

  • Free entry
  • Check before travelling
  • Seasonal

Checked 22 August 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is completely free to do in Walton-on-Thames?

The Thames Path, Cowey Sale, Walton Bridge, Walton Wharf and the Walton Trail cost nothing to visit, and the town's recreation grounds, including Elmgrove and the Hersham grounds, have free general access. St Mary's Church and Elmbridge Museum's displays are also free, though donations are welcome at the church.

Are any nearby attractions free to enter?

Bushy Park is free to enter, and Mercedes-Benz World's general displays and simulators are free, though driving experiences and parking may charge. Sunbury Walled Garden and Sunbury Gallery are also free, and Chertsey Museum has no admission charge.

For the full picture, including paid attractions and events, see the main Things to Do in Walton-on-Thames hub. If you're planning around the weather or the children, the parks and walks and family things to do pages cover much of the same ground from a different angle.