Car Hire Ashford

Sitting close to the River Thames in Surrey, Ashford offers a quieter corner of the county with easy road access and plenty of charm. The town, which has around 27,000 residents, is conveniently placed near the M25 and A30, making it a straightforward drive from surrounding towns and ideal for those exploring by car.

Summers here tend to be warm and mild, while winters are cool and often damp—it’s wise to pack for unpredictable weather, especially if you plan to stroll through Ashford’s parks or outdoor spaces. May to September is typically the best time to visit, with longer daylight hours and more pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.

Attractions In Ashford

Exploring Ashford and its surrounding area is best done with a flexible itinerary. From curious museums to serene parks, the attractions here aren’t all headline-grabbers but they hold a lot of local character.

Kempton Steam Museum

We didn’t expect to be so captivated by machinery but the Kempton Steam Museum completely drew us in. Housed within an old pumping station, this place celebrates early 20th-century engineering, with the star attraction being the massive triple-expansion steam engine. It only opens for specific weekends and steam-up days but if your timing’s right, it’s well worth the detour. Popular with those in Sunbury on Thames, the museum is a bit of a hidden gem for anyone fascinated by industrial history.

World Rugby Museum & Twickenham Stadium Tours

Approaching from Twickenham, we made time for the World Rugby Museum—and it didn’t disappoint. The exhibits delve into rugby’s roots and its global impact, with interactive displays and a look into some iconic matches. The stadium tour itself is the real highlight, especially if you’re even remotely into sport. It runs daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and makes for an exciting couple of hours.

Fordbridge Park

Right in Ashford, Fordbridge Park offers a nice stretch of green if you need a break outdoors. We found it ideal for a quiet walk and a bit of fresh air between stops. It’s open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with enough space for a casual picnic or a quick stroll before lunch. An easy detour for anyone driving in from Hampton, this one’s a low-key but pleasant spot.

Chertsey Museum

Tucked away in a Georgian house on Windsor Street, the Chertsey Museum surprised us with how well it weaves local history and culture together. With exhibits ranging from costume collections to archaeological finds, it gave us a solid sense of the area’s past. Open Tuesday to Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm and Saturdays from 11:00 am, the museum also holds temporary exhibitions worth keeping an eye on. A favourite for people in Chertsey looking for weekend activities.

Myrtle Avenue

For something totally different, Myrtle Avenue near Feltham turned out to be one of the best spots for plane watching we’ve ever found. It’s right under Heathrow’s flight path and watching aircraft soar overhead is oddly therapeutic. Locals from Egham often recommend it, especially for photographers and aviation fans. It’s open all day and night—just bring a jacket and some snacks.

Alexandra Park

We stopped by Alexandra Park for a breather and were greeted by peaceful paths, open fields and a few kids zipping around the playgrounds. It’s open 24 hours and while it’s not the biggest green space, it’s clean and quiet—perfect for a relaxed morning stroll or some downtime before heading into the town centre. It’s often recommended by folks based in Staines when passing through Ashford.

The Sunbury Embroidery Gallery

Art and history merge neatly at The Sunbury Embroidery Gallery. This small venue showcases stunning hand-stitched panels that tell the story of Sunbury’s past but the setting—within a riverside walled garden—makes the whole visit feel particularly serene. It’s open every day except Monday, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. We found it calming and surprisingly insightful. This spot is well known to regulars from Molesey and tends to fly under the radar.

Turner’s House (Sandycombe Lodge)

While nearby in Shepperton, we decided to take a short drive over to Turner’s House in Twickenham. The former home of the landscape painter J.M.W. Turner, it’s now a well-preserved museum. Volunteers were warm and knowledgeable and the space itself offers a personal glimpse into the artist’s life. Opening times vary depending on the season, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Eel Pie Island Museum

On our way out of town, we wandered into the Eel Pie Island Museum in Twickenham. Focused on the island’s rock-and-roll heyday, the museum is small but bursting with personality. Music lovers will especially enjoy this one—the stories of gigs and characters from the 1960s are absolutely wild. It’s open Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Ashford Recreation Ground

To round things off, Ashford Recreation Ground delivered exactly what we needed—open space, a good playground and that satisfying feeling of grass underfoot after a long drive. It’s especially good for young families and is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Ideal for a wind-down at the end of the day, it’s a good way to round out your afternoon with a bit of laid-back fun.

A Balanced End To Your Ashford Visit

Ashford’s charm lies in how manageable it feels—you can cover a lot without rushing. There are independent cafés scattered through the centre, some decent pubs for dinner and shops for essentials or souvenirs. Accommodation is mostly small-scale, with a handful of chain hotels and B&Bs dotted around town and nearby. Whether you’re spending a day or a weekend, the balance of history, green spaces and easy-going local spots makes Ashford a well-paced place to explore without the crowds.