Dapdune Wharf is a former wharf on the Wey and Godalming Navigations, close to the Surrey County and Guildford Cricket Club ground on the Woodbridge Road, which is now maintained by the National Trust. The Wharf is the hub of the Wey Navigations and historically it was where the Wey barges were built; now its warehouses and waterfront house a visitor centre which tells the story of this 360 year old waterway.
The successful and award-winning visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf is the centrepiece of one of the National Trust’s most unusual properties, the River Wey Navigations. The centre provides families with the opportunity to learn about the journey of Surrey’s famous waterways and the people that lived and worked on it, whilst having a fun family day out in the process. The centre brings to life stories of the historical waterway through interactive displays, a smithy, and a stable. You can have fun at one of their many events, relax on a boat trip, climb aboard a restored barge, learn how to tie a knot, picnic and enjoy a scenic walk or even let the children explore or build dens on out island and raid the dressing up box.
The centre has a series of interactive exhibits and displays which allow you to discover the fascinating story of Surrey’s secret waterway, one of the first British rivers to be made navigable. Here you can see where the huge Wey barges were built and climb aboard two of the only three remaining Wey barges in the world. The ‘Reliance’ is permanently damaged and kept in a graving (dry) dock whereas the ‘Perseverance IV’ is still floating but in desperate need of repair, being the subject of a 2010 National Trust restoration appeal.
Although no longer used as a goods transhipment point, the wharf is the starting point for boat trip hire and horse-drawn boat trips. Or, with 20 miles of towpaths, there is lots of walking to be done for anyone who is intrigued by the history and complex landscapes surrounding the Wey Navigations. In some urban parts and built up areas you can glide through pasture and woodland, glinting past rural scenes, echoing its industrial past. There is even a do-it-yourself walk activity available for visitors that gives everyone something to do and children’s trails and special events run throughout the season.
Whether it is sunny or grey, a boat trip from Dapdune Wharf into Guildford and back is a great way to spend some time. There is also a fantastic opportunity to take part in a meet and greet of volunteer skippers whilst enjoying the scenery and a chance to go pond-dipping in the creek. A visit also offers a chance for you and the family to enjoy and explore the tranquil surrounding area.
Ade Lawal
Visiting Centre open all year round 11am-5pm
River trips available, weather permitting.
Boat Trip: Dapdune Belle/Seewey 40 minutes
Image sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/p7s6499