Hidden Surrey - Staines-upon-Thames

Enjoy riverside parks, outdoor family activities, Sites of Scientific Interest, and our new Library Hub

Situated on the banks of the River Thames and only a short hop from London, Staines-upon-Thames is a bustling riverside town that attracts many visitors in search of great shopping, food, and a lively atmosphere. Here are some of the other well-known, and not so well-known, things that Staines has to offer.

Truss’s Island

Truss’s Island is a small riverside park with a picnic area and public slipway to the River Thames. Its a great place to see swans, geese, ducks and other birds. The Thames Path also runs on the opposite bank, so this is a great place to start the trail. Park in the free car park, have a quick bite to eat using the benches, and then begin your riverside adventure!

Library Hub

This summer we’re opening a new Library Hub in the heart of Staines-upon-Thames, situated at the former Decathlon unit in the Elmsleigh Centre.  The hub creates a flagship community space for all, providing public services, support services, and new flexible spaces to host events and activities, all under one roof.

The Library Hub Staines-upon-Thames will host a mix of services including Citizens Advice, Spelthorne Museum, registrations service and of course a new flagship modern library space.  Within the hub, there is a range of new spaces of different sizes, providing greater capacity for meetings and services, and even larger spaces available for exhibitions and performances. The design is dyslexia, dementia and autism friendly to ensure the hub is accessible for all.

Famous film location

Did you know that Staines has connections to the famous 007 franchise? Part of the 1985 James Bond film ‘A View to Kill’, featuring Roger Moore, was filmed in a waterlogged quarry just outside of the town.

Staines Moor and Shortwood Common

Staines is home to two Sites of Special Scientific Interest – Staines Moor and Shortwood Common.

Staines Moor is significant because of it’s important floral species, wintering wildfowl and wading birds. The River Colne flows through the site, making it a great place to spot seasonal birds such as the Hobby, Kingfishers, Yellow Wagtails, Stonechats and Short-Eared Owls. Please bear in mind that May to July nesting season, so please be considerate of ground nesting birds if you visit.

Shortwood Common is a grassland site with a pond, famed for rare species of plants such as Brown Galingale, Wild Clary, Wormwood and Bermuda. It is a haven for fish, birds and amphibians.

Free outdoor theatre

Looking for something to keep your children entertained during the summer holidays? Check out Visit Staines’ free outdoor theatre season, sponsored by Spelthorne Borough Council from 31 July to 28 August 2025. See what’s on and book your free ticket.

Artwalk

The Artwalk features public art, both old and new, in the town centre. Download the trail leaflet for route information and interactive activities for all the family to enjoy.

Staines Market

With over 800 years of history, Staines Market is still going strong. Pop down on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays to socialise, shop, and eat. On the third Sunday of each month, you will find a new Farmers and Crafts Market on the high street, alongside the general market, selling locally sourced and produced products. The market also runs a dial and collect service for some hot fresh food and fresh produce traders. For more information for traders and visitors, please visit the Staines Market website.

Lammas Recreation Park

Another fantastic family park on the River Thames! There is a large picnic field, two children's play areas, a free BMX/skatepark, free tennis courts, a cafe, mini-golf and boat hire. In the summer, there is also a Splash Park (open from Saturday 3 May through to September). Visit the Spelthorne Borough Council website for more information on facilities and opening times.

Staines Amateur Regatta

This annual tradition dates to 1851 and is held on the 4th weekend in July. Competitors of all ages and abilities take on the challenge to row a distance of 500m downstream on the River Thames. This year, the regatta will take place on Saturday 26 July 2025.