Penton Hook is one of three picturesque MDL Marinas on the tranquil waters of the non-tidal reaches of the River Thames.
The first to be acquired, Penton Hook Marina was the marina that founded the MDL Marina Group in 1973 – 50 years ago this year. Starting life as a gravel and sand pit, planning permission was granted in 1959 for 200 pontoon moorings, plus toilet and car park facilities, altering the landscape and paving the way for the riverside haven that is Penton Hook today. The first berth holder arrived on 1 April 1960 and the marina has continued to grow ever since.
Set in 80 acres on one of the loveliest stretches of the Thames, close to the vibrant town of Staines-on-Thames and about a mile downstream from Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta, Penton Hook is now Britain’s largest inland marina with 575 berths.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Accommodating vessels up to 30m, Penton Hook has a number of purpose-built pontoons for narrowboats and Dutch barges. There are four first-class facilities buildings, which include a laundry, showers, toilets and full disabled amenities. Two pump out stations and a fuel berth, selling both petrol and diesel, are also located at the marina.
On-site boatyard services are delivered by Penton Craning, who carry out lifting, towing, antifouling, valeting and pressure washing, while a private yacht club organises a full programme of activities.
In addition, there are two slipways, a boat sales brokerage, engineering and repair services and Tesla electric vehicle charging.
Penton Hook Marina offers a chandlery service via onsite tenant, The Trim Shop. Other small every day essentials are available from the marina office.
ACCESS
BY ROAD: From the M25, exit at Junction 11 and take the route signposted A320 Woking at the end of the dual carriageway. Turn right at the roundabout, which is signposted A320 Chertsey and Staines. This will take you through Chertsey and onto a dual carriageway with the Twynersh pub on your left. Continue on the dual carriageway and you will go over the M3. This brings you up to another roundabout (Thorpe Park is on the left). At this roundabout turn right up Mixnams Lane and at the end take the left-hand fork, which will take you into Penton Hook Marina.
BY RAIL: On a main line from Waterloo to Reading, Staines is the most convenient station and a short taxi ride to the marina.
BY BOAT: Penton Hook Marina is two miles upriver from Chertsey Bridge and lock. Just before Penton Hook lock turn left into a tight tear-drop bend around Penton Hook Island. From the end of the tear-drop enter Penton Hook Marina keeping Pier A to your left, passing up one side and down the other. Going downriver, Penton Hook lock is three miles below Bell Weir Lock and south of Staines. The presence of two weirs means Penton Hook lock must be transited to reach the marina; when out of the lock turn hard right then follow the tear-drop, as described.
CRUISING
Out and about, there are numerous places to visit on the Thames. Cruise upstream to Windsor and the charming village of Datchet and follow the river as far as Oxford, taking in one of the many waterside restaurants on the way. In around six hours, you can cruise into the tidal Thames, right into Central London and all that the city has to offer. MDL’s other Thames based marinas, Bray and Windsor, are also within a few hours cruising. As part of MDL’s Otium Loyalty Rewards programme, berth holders at any of MDL’s three Thames marinas can ‘spend’ their earned loyalty points on overnight stays at the other two locations. Otium points can also be used to purchase any of MDL’s services, such as fuel and electricity, as well as on selected tenants’ products and services. Visitors can also join the scheme for free and earn and redeem points on MDL’s services – sign up at mdlrewards.co.uk.
THINGS TO DO
The 446 and 456 buses run past the marina travelling to and from Chertsey and Staines-on-Thames, plus Uber is available from the marina, offering you more flexibility. During your stay be sure to visit:
Great Cockcrow Railway: This fantastic miniature railway is one of the most extensive realistically operated of its kind in the country (www.cockcrow.co.uk).
Kempton Park Racecourse: Everyone likes a day at the races, whether it is the hustle and bustle of railside, or a seat in the stands, you are guaranteed a great time (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/kempton).
Twickenham Stadium: Twickers is the second largest stadium in the UK and the home of rugby union. It also plays host to some of the biggest music acts in the world (www.twickenhamstadium.com).
For those boating with family, Thorpe Park is also within walking distance, offering hours of fun and amusement for all ages.
LOCAL EATERIES
Although there is no onsite restaurant, there are a multitude of choices a short distance from the marina.
Caspari Italian Restaurant, Chertsey: This family run restaurant, which originated in Germany, serves Italian food and wine (caspari-chertsey.co.uk).
Halliford Mere Lakes & Restaurant, Shepperton: A waterside restaurant surrounded by wildlife where you can enjoy a meal, a quiet drink or a spot of fly fishing. There is a lovely walk around the lake, should you feel like a postprandial stroll (hallifordmere.co.uk).
The Rose & Crown, Thorpe: A beautiful ‘chocolate box’ pub set in the lush, green countryside of Thorpe – it is everything a good, traditional English pub should be. And with dining huts and garden pods, the pub garden and patio areas are perfect for alfresco dining all year round (www.baronspubs.com/roseandcrown).
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
“We have been moored at Penton Hook Marina since April 2022. On joining the marina, we were made to feel very welcome and are happy with our choice. We find the marina staff to be extremely helpful, enjoy the facilities available and find the marina to be well maintained. In addition, we have a superb mooring with excellent views.”
Ian & Catherine Howatt, Diplodocus
MORE INFORMATION
Marina Manager: Paul Messenger
Penton Hook Marina
Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PY
T: 01932 568 681
W: pentonhookmarina.co.uk
E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk
The postcode for your Sat Nav is KT16 8PY
