
Boulter's Lock Maidenhead
A historic Thames lock and island oasis with beautiful gardens, wildlife, and a popular riverside pub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, pleasant weather

Boulter's Lock Maidenhead
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Thames lock and island oasis with beautiful gardens, wildlife, and a popular riverside pub.
"Iconic site showcasing old England water transportation and the fascination of locks."

🎯 Free Family Fun
Enjoy the beautiful gardens, watch boats, and feed the ducks – it's all free!
🅿️ Parking Availability
Boulters Lock car park is usually available, but can get busy.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boulter's Lock
River Thames
Witness the fascinating mechanics of this historic Thames lock and watch boats glide through.

Ray Mill Island
Connected to Boulter's Lock
A tranquil island oasis with beautiful gardens, a cafe, and a chance to see local wildlife.

The Boathouse at Boulters Lock
On an island at Boulters Lock
Enjoy a meal or drinks with stunning riverside views at this popular gastro pub.

Riverside Walks
Along the Thames path
Stroll along the riverbanks, admire the boats, and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Riverside Charm
Dining and Parking Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Family Fun
Enjoy the beautiful gardens, watch boats, and feed the ducks – it's all free!
🅿️ Parking Availability
Boulters Lock car park is usually available, but can get busy.
🍽️ Book The Boathouse
Popular gastro pub with great views; booking recommended.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Perfect for leisurely walks along the river and island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Family Fun
Enjoy the beautiful gardens, watch boats, and feed the ducks – it's all free!
🅿️ Parking Availability
Boulters Lock car park is usually available, but can get busy.
🍽️ Book The Boathouse
Popular gastro pub with great views; booking recommended.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Perfect for leisurely walks along the river and island.
🦆 Feed the Wildlife
Bring some bread to feed the ducks and swans on Ray Mill Island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Boulter's Lock is a highly-rated, picturesque spot on the Thames, praised for its free access, beautiful gardens on Ray Mill Island, and the charm of watching boats navigate the lock. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, wildlife, and the popular Boathouse pub. Some find parking and mooring can be challenging during busy periods.
"Lock on the Thames with loads of greenary and flowers and ducks all around. Nice place to walk around. I saw people fishing. There are many boats docked around. Parking is available almost all the time throughout the year. Has a nice pub for serving you food and drinks."
Debasis Das
"♒️🌲🌳☕️🍦🎬🚤Not surprisingly, Boulters Lock, leading to Ray Mill Island and Boulters Weir, is rated #2 out of 20 best things to do in Maidenhead on TripAdvisor. This iconic site dating back to 1772 showcases the old England water transportation system and the fascination of locks. The beautification of Ray Mill Island, complete with the iconic hotel, open to passing guests for food and drinks, the well maintained family park, river Thames views, cafe, statues, play park and seating areas, make this a wonderful urban countryside destination that's also free for the whole family. Admire the Riverside houses and boats, look in wonder at the power of water, pass through the weir, and feed the ducks and swans some bread on the other side. ♥️"
Francesca Gomme
"I asked a while back for recomendations for river walks and this was place was one that lots of people had voted for so it was added to the bucketlist. Really nice walks and river views and I was particularly fond of the connected Ray Mill island. Haven't tried the restaurant yet but It's on the list."
Mel L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boulter's Lock is located northeast of Maidenhead town centre. You can reach it by car, with parking available at Boulters Lock Car Park. It's also accessible via public transport with a walk from Maidenhead train station.
Yes, there is a car park at Boulters Lock, which is often available throughout the year. It's reasonably priced, with one reviewer mentioning £2 for up to three hours.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Maidenhead town centre to Boulter's Lock, taking approximately 20-30 minutes along the riverside.
Maidenhead train station is the closest major station. From there, you can take a bus or enjoy a walk to Boulter's Lock.
The postcode for Boulters Lock is SL6 8PE, which can be helpful for navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, both Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island are free to visit and enjoy, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Boathouse restaurant has its own operating hours.
As entry to the lock and island is free, no advance booking is required. However, booking is recommended for The Boathouse restaurant.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's always advisable to be mindful of the environment and wildlife.
Some visitors have observed people fishing at Boulter's Lock, suggesting it may be permitted, but it's best to check local angling regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can watch boats navigate the lock, explore the beautiful gardens of Ray Mill Island, feed the ducks and swans, enjoy riverside walks, and visit the aviary.
Ray Mill Island is a charming, free-to-enter island connected to Boulter's Lock. It features well-maintained gardens, a cafe, and is a peaceful spot for picnics and wildlife spotting.
Yes, you can hire 'Little Green Boats' from Ray Mill Island for a river trip. Paddleboarding is also available with Paddleboard Maidenhead.
Ray Mill Island has an aviary with birds and guinea pigs, and the general riverside area is great for kids to explore and feed the ducks.
You can expect to see ducks, swans, and various bird species. The gardens on Ray Mill Island are also home to a variety of plant life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Boathouse at Boulters Lock is a popular gastro pub situated on its own island, offering food and drinks with fantastic river views.
Reviews suggest that The Boathouse offers fairly priced food, making it ideal for various occasions.
The Boathouse is a gastro pub, and it's known for serving Sunday roasts with amazing views, as well as other pub fare.
Absolutely! Ray Mill Island is a perfect spot for a picnic, and you can also find seating areas along the riverside.
Yes, there is a cafe on Ray Mill Island where you can purchase ice cream and other refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the boats passing through the lock, the scenic gardens of Ray Mill Island, the charming riverside houses, and the reflections on the water.
Yes, the lock and island offer beautiful scenery year-round. Spring and summer showcase the vibrant gardens, while winter walks can provide atmospheric shots.
The bridges connecting to Ray Mill Island offer great perspectives of the lock and river. The Boathouse restaurant also provides excellent photo opportunities with its waterside setting.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the lock and river. Midday can be good for clear shots of the boats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Couples and Walkers
🍽️ Foodies and Drink Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Boulter's Lock
Today, Boulter's Lock is more than just a functional waterway; it's a picturesque landmark. The surrounding area, including Ray Mill Island, has been beautified over the years, creating a charming urban countryside destination. Watching boats pass through the lock remains a captivating experience for many.
Beyond its historical significance, Boulter's Lock is a vibrant part of Maidenhead's riverside identity. It serves as a focal point for leisure activities, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the scenic beauty and the gentle rhythm of the river.
Exploring Ray Mill Island
The island offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can enjoy a leisurely picnic, grab an ice cream from the cafe, or simply wander along the riverbanks. It's also a fantastic spot for families, with an aviary housing birds and guinea pigs, and plenty of opportunities to feed the local ducks and swans.
Ray Mill Island provides a serene escape from the bustle of town. Its calm, quiet, and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful day out by the water.
Dining at The Boathouse
Reviewers praise the food and drinks, noting that it's a lovely spot for occasions. It's particularly noted for its Sunday roasts, which come with an amazing view. While the food is considered fairly priced, it's advisable to book a table in advance, especially during peak times, and be prepared for potential challenges with mooring and parking.
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a special dinner, or just a drink by the water, The Boathouse offers a memorable experience. The combination of good food, great views, and a prime riverside location makes it a must-visit when in Maidenhead.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit