Shepperton

About:

Shepperton is a riverside village with a gentle, quietly distinctive character, known for its blend of historic charm, green spaces and connections to the film industry. Centred around the old parish of St Nicholas Church, whose flint tower overlooks a peaceful stretch of the Thames, Shepperton still feels like a place shaped by water. The river remains one of its greatest draws: you can stroll along the Thames Path past moored narrowboats, swans and weeping willows, eventually reaching the beautiful Shepperton Lock. This is a favourite spot for picnics, slow afternoons watching the boats, and visiting the Lock tea-room in summer. Just beyond the lock lie the Shepperton Weir and Penton Hook Marina, offering more opportunities to soak in the area’s maritime atmosphere.

The village’s historic centre, around Church Square, has a picturesque, timeless quality. Here you’ll find the Kings Head pub, cosy cafés, cottages and glimpses of Littleton Park’s grounds behind the trees. A short walk leads to Shepperton Studios, one of the UK’s most important film studios. Although it’s not generally open for public tours, its presence gives the village a unique creative energy, and you’ll often spot crew vehicles or set builders on their way to work. Occasionally the studio’s cinema hosts community or charity screenings, offering rare access to a working film facility.

Shepperton’s High Street is compact but friendly, with independent shops, bakeries, restaurants and a small village-feel supermarket. It’s an easy place to spend a relaxed morning browsing before heading to the river. For a different kind of green space, the nearby Shepperton Cricket Club and its open surroundings provide a lovely spot for summer matches, while Manor Park offers a quiet and shady place for dog-walking or reading under the trees.

Outdoor enthusiasts can continue beyond the village along peaceful towpaths that lead toward Chertsey or Sunbury, with plenty of wildlife and waterside views along the way. Cyclists enjoy routes around Shepperton Green and historic Lower Halliford, where more riverside paths and quirky old houses line the banks. Whether you come for a quiet riverside walk, a pub lunch, a glimpse of film-making history or simply the village’s calm, friendly atmosphere, Shepperton offers a quietly rewarding day out.