Sunbury Lock

Where you would expect to find a single lock, here at Sunbury are two of them – side by side. Both are in use at busy times, such as regattas.

There was originally one lock, built in 1812, and to this day it retains its wooden operating beams (at the upstream end) to open and close the heavy gates. The chamber sides were made of timber and it was located in an old channel of the river. Records show it was fitted with a pair of centre gates although these were not actually used until 1838. Alongside is the new lock, built as recently as 1925. This has modern boater-friendly push-button facilities to open and close the hydraulically-operated gates.

At Sunbury there are three types of weir – the recently build radial gates, a tumbling bay, and roller sluices

One of the biggest local events is the annual Sunbury Regatta, held since 1876, attracting racing craft from many parts of the country.

Sunbury Lock is where the Queen’s Swan Uppers begin their journey up the Thames, recording the swan population. This event takes place in July every year. On summer weekends, there is a tea shop at Sunbury Lock, offering refreshments, snacks, ice cream and cream teas on the lockside.

Sunbury Lock is a haven for wildlife. There are sightings of otters by the lock (and at Sunbury Ait) although they can be difficult to spot. Swans regularly nest by the lock and frequently seen are kingfishers, parakeets, cormorants, Egyptian geese and tufted ducks. Britain’s smallest bat, the pipistrelle, is a regular visitor to the area.

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