Car Hire Staines

It’s easy to overlook Staines but that’s part of its charm. Nestled on the Thames and brushed by the edge of Surrey’s greenery, the town offers a calm contrast to the rush of nearby Heathrow. This market town has a population of 26,000. Access via the M25 and A30 is simple, making it a natural pause point on a road trip or a base for a quiet day out.

Weather here tends to shift quickly—a mix of sunbursts and drizzle—so it’s smart to pack with flexibility in mind. Spring sees parks and riversides bloom, while summer’s long evenings are perfect for lingering walks. There’s history here too—from Roman routes to riverside rituals—all hiding in plain sight.

Attractions In Staines

You might think you know what Staines has to offer—but wander its quiet corners and green pockets and you’ll start to uncover more. We found ourselves pausing often—to read a plaque, to watch a miniature train pass or to follow a footpath just to see where it went.

Lammas Recreation Ground

Set along Wraysbury Road, Lammas is more than your average local park. We came here for a stretch of the legs and ended up staying for hours. There’s boating on the lake, open grassy spots ideal for a lazy lunch and a playground that kept younger family members happily occupied. Open 24 hours, it’s easy to slot into any part of your day.

Truss’s Island

Approaching from Chertsey, this riverside gem was our first stop. It’s not flashy but that’s exactly why we liked it—wooden footbridges, tree-lined paths and the sort of peace that makes you lose track of time. Open all day and ideal for feeding ducks or simply sitting still.

Spelthorne Museum

Right beside the library on Elmsleigh Road, this small museum packs in more history than its size suggests. We nearly missed the entrance—it blends in—but inside, the exhibits trace the town’s Roman roots, local industry and wartime life. Open most days until 5:30 pm (7:00 pm on Tuesdays), it’s an easy, low-key dive into the area’s story.

Staines Society Of Model Engineers Miniature Railway

This one surprised us. Tucked off Commercial Road, the miniature trains are properly engineered—and very popular with kids. We watched our niece ride five times without tiring. The track loops through greenery and there’s something quietly impressive about the care that’s gone into it. It runs all day and entry is refreshingly relaxed.

Shortwood Common

We came across this while driving in from Walton On Thames and ended up doing a spontaneous walk. Wide paths cut through fields and woods and while a few areas were a little muddy underfoot, the open feel and birdsong made it a favourite.

Penton Hook Island

This one takes a bit of finding—the path in is understated—but once you’re on the island, it’s like being miles from anywhere. It’s technically a nature reserve, though it feels more like a forgotten green corner of the Thames. Nettles can be an issue if you stray off trail, so we stuck to the outer loop. Open 24 hours.

Memorial Gardens

Set right in the centre of town near the bridge, this garden feels more formal than others—neat borders, benches and a central feature that acts as a focal point. While coming through from Virginia Water, we took a quiet detour here and stayed longer than planned. It’s small but thoughtfully kept. The gardens stay open around the clock.

Staines Park

While coming from Sunbury On Thames, we looped through Staines Park on the way into town. With tennis courts, open lawns and a play area for children, it has a local feel—the kind of space used daily, not just visited occasionally.

Staines Moor

A popular option with those based in Egham, this wide-open grazing common offers a real contrast to the town centre. There are no fences or facilities—just space, sky and stillness. A few cattle roam in summer and the sunsets here are unexpectedly beautiful.

The London Stone

We planned a morning outing from Ashford and ended up finding this marker quite by chance. Tucked near the river, it’s said to date back to Roman times—though even locals sometimes forget it’s there. A five-minute stop but a memorable one.

Rounding Off A Calm And Curious Visit

Staines offers more than it lets on—not with showy landmarks but in its layers of quiet charm. You can float through it gently: explore a green space, pause at a riverside bench, browse a few shops or settle into a café with nothing in particular to rush for. There’s balance here—enough to fill a day without draining your energy.

During a visit to Shepperton, we found time to loop back and pick up where we left off. And if you’re heading to Addlestone, it’s well worth leaving some space in your schedule—because Staines has a way of gently asking you to linger. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve done just enough—no pressure, no rush—with room left to return.