Chertsey is an odd place. It’s famous for an abbey and a giant Tesco. But Thorpe Lakes is its hidden gem. Locals call it “the pond” to sound casual. There’s nothing casual about it.
You might see a group of teenagers filming TikTok dances on the dock. Or a couple having a very serious paddleboard race. Everyone is weirdly competitive. Even the ducks.
The postcode KT16 8PH is easy to find. Google Maps will take you right there. Just don’t trust it when it says “arrived.” You’ll need to find the actual entrance. It’s behind a bend. Part of the fun.
Things you didn’t know
Thorpe Lakes is open all year. Yes, even in winter. The water is cold, but the adrenaline is warm. People go kayaking in December. They wear wetsuits and look like anxious seals.
There’s no swimming allowed. Don’t even think about it. The lifeguards are strict. They’ll yell from a megaphone. It’s embarrassing. Trust me.
Top Water Parks and Lidos in Surrey
But you can do stand-up paddleboard yoga. Yes, yoga on a floating board. People fall off. A lot. It’s hilarious to watch. Even the instructor laughs.
