Dapdune Wharf

A Canal That Changed Surrey

The River Wey Navigation owes its existence to Sir Richard Weston, a local landowner who saw the commercial potential of linking Guildford to the Thames. Work began in 1635 and the navigation opened in 1653, one of the earliest artificial waterways in England. Twelve locks were built to carry barges the 15 miles from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge, and for over three centuries the waterway transported timber, flour, gunpowder and agricultural goods between Surrey and London.

Dapdune Wharf grew into the busiest yard on the navigation during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Stevens family, and later the Edwards family, built and repaired the sturdy wooden barges that worked the waterway. The large barge-building shed, the blacksmith's forge where ironwork was shaped, and the stable block where tow horses rested between shifts all survive. In 1964, the navigation's private owner Harry Stevens gave the entire waterway to the National Trust, making it the first inland waterway the Trust ever managed. Commercial traffic continued until 1983, when the last working barge made its final run.

What to See and Do

The star exhibit is the Reliance, a 72-foot Wey barge built at Dapdune in 1932. Visitors can climb aboard and duck into the tiny living quarters where bargemen slept, cooked and spent weeks at a time during cargo runs to London. The Reliance has a remarkable story of her own — she sank near Canons Street Bridge in 1968 and was abandoned, only to be rediscovered 21 years later beached at Leigh-on-Sea in Essex. A six-month restoration brought her back to the wharf where she was built.

Beyond the barge, the wharf buildings house interactive displays explaining how the navigation worked, how locks were operated and how families made their living on the water. Children can try their hand at loading a model barge, dressing up in bargee clothing and operating a lock mechanism. The forge, stable and barge shed are open to explore, with volunteer guides often on hand to answer questions.

The boat trips are the highlight for many visitors. A 40-minute cruise departs six times daily from Thursday to Monday between March and October, gliding past overhanging willows, riverside gardens and open meadows. Volunteer skippers share stories of the waterway's working history as you drift along one of the prettiest stretches of the navigation.

Walking the Towpath

The Wey Navigation towpath runs 20 miles from Godalming to the Thames at Weybridge, and Dapdune Wharf makes an ideal starting point. Walk south for ten minutes to reach Guildford town centre, passing under the medieval Town Bridge and alongside the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Head north and the path follows the river through water meadows and quiet woodland towards Send and Pyrford, passing lock-keepers' cottages and weirs along the way.

The towpath is flat, well-maintained and largely surfaced, making it accessible for pushchairs and many wheelchair users. Cyclists share the route, which forms part of the National Cycle Network. For a longer outing, the full walk from Guildford to Weybridge takes around five hours and finishes near Weybridge station for a train back.

Getting There and Nearby

Dapdune Wharf is tucked behind Woodbridge Road, just north of Guildford town centre. The postcode GU1 4RR brings you to Wharf Road. On-site parking is limited, and on busy days during summer the car park fills early. National Trust members park free; non-members pay via the JustPark app.

Guildford station is a 15-minute walk away, with regular services from London Waterloo taking about 35 minutes. The walk from the station passes through the attractive high street with its cobbled hill and the Guildhall clock overhanging the pavement.

The wharf combines well with other Guildford attractions. The castle keep and grounds are a short walk into the town centre, and Guildford Cathedral sits on Stag Hill to the west. For more National Trust properties, Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park are both within a 15-minute drive. The towpath itself connects to Shalford, Godalming and eventually the Thames Path for walkers looking to extend their day.