Picture this – a peaceful afternoon cruising along the River Wey on a fantastic little electric boat from Dapdune Wharf. Set in four acres of grounds in the heart of Guildford, Dapdune Wharf is the historic home of the Wey barges that worked the waterways from Guildford to the Port of London.
From here we boarded a luxury self drive boat from Boating at Dapdune we had 5x adults and 2x children and there was plenty of space on board. We took our own picnic with us and made use of the picnic table on board. There was a canopy and window sides you could close if needed.
Our one hour cruise provided time to explore from Dapdune Wharf to Millmead lock in the centre of Guildford before we headed downstream to Stoke lock. Along our way we could take in the scenic views of wildlife, nature and beautiful surroundings. You couldn’t imagine that you were in the centre of Guildford as this was so peaceful and idyllic.
Along the waterways we came across some wildlife which including ducks, moorhens, and geese. We also shared the river with canal boats, kayaks, paddle boards and other boat users. It was lovely to see that the River Wey was bustling with activity.
The boat ride is the perfect way to explore the River Wey, from the comfort of the boat you can sit back and enjoy your surroundings escaping the hustle and bustle of the busy town.
Staff were very friendly and informative, gave clear safety instructions and guidance on how to navigate the boat. Life jackets were provided for all passengers on board, and even the little ones had their own vests in case of emergencies.
There is also lots to do at Dapdune Wharf, a cute little cafe serving delicious refreshments, a secondhand bookshop, picnic tables to sit and enjoy the canal activities, climb aboard a restored barge, learn how to tie a sailor’s knot or enjoy a scenic walk. The visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford brings to life the stories of this historical waterway.
Or if you’re feeling really energetic, you could try walking the 15 miles to Weybridge along the towpath. You can also go inside the Reliance which is an original Wey Barge. There is a lot of history based at Dapdune Wharf, so why not enjoy learning about the history and enjoying a cruise to relax.
There is a lot of history packed into Dapdune Wharf and a lovely place to visit. So if you’re looking to cruise the River Wey, learn about history, enjoy w scenic walk or just have a coffee then be sure to check out Dapdune Wharf.
