Situated on the picturesque non-tidal River Thames, Penton Hook Marina is Britain’s largest inland marina.
The marina offers a peaceful waterside setting within easy reach of London. Originally developed from former gravel and sand pits, planning permission for the marina was granted in 1959, with the first berth holder arriving in April 1960. The marina later became the founding site of the MDL Marinas Group in 1973 and has continued to evolve into one of the UK’s premier inland boating destinations.
Set within 80 acres of sheltered water, Penton Hook Marina enjoys a prime location close to the historic site of Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta, and is also within easy reach of attractions including Thorpe Park and Windsor.
Continuing its long history of investment, the marina has introduced a number of enhancements for the 2026 season, including 18 new narrowboat moorings, newly refurbished facilities, upgraded parking and refreshed landscaping across the marina.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Penton Hook Marina offers 575 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 30m in length, making it suitable for a wide range of craft including motor cruisers, narrowboats and Dutch barges. Purpose-built pontoons cater specifically for narrowboats and larger inland vessels, with dedicated moorings for boats requiring additional beam or length.
Lifting and maintenance facilities are available on-site through specialist marine contractors, including craning services for
vessels up to 18 tonnes. Hardstanding is also available for maintenance and boat care.
The marina welcomes both long-term berth holders and visiting boats. For those looking to spend more time afloat, Penton Hook Marina also offers High Leisure Moorings, allowing you to stay aboard your boat for up to five nights out of every seven while enjoying the marina’s excellent facilities.
Berth holders and visitors can also benefit from MDL’s Otium Rewards programme, earning points on MDL purchases that can be redeemed across a wide range of boating products, services and experiences.
A range of specialist marine businesses are based at the marina, offering everything from boat sales and engineering to maintenance, lifting, upholstery and marine electronics, ensuring expert support is always close at hand.
Facilities and services include:
Four modern amenity buildings
Individual shower and toilet facilities
Disabled access facilities
24-hour access and security
WiFi throughout the marina
Electricity and water to berths
Fuel berth supplying diesel and petrol
Pump-out station
Chemical toilet disposal
Launderette
Electric vehicle charging points
Extensive car parking
Slipway facilities
Chandlery services nearby
ACCESS
By Land: Penton Hook Marina is located just off the A320 between Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames, offering excellent road connections via Junction 11 of the M25 and the nearby M3 motorway. From the M25, leave at Junction 11 and follow signs for Chertsey and Thorpe Park via the A320. Continue towards Staines, passing Thorpe Park, before following local signs to Penton Hook Marina. The nearest railway stations are Chertsey and Staines, both offering regular services to London Waterloo. Local taxi services are readily available from both stations.
By Sea (River Access): Access is via the non-tidal River Thames between Penton Hook Lock and Bell Weir Lock. The approach is straightforward in normal river conditions, although visiting skippers should remain aware that river conditions can change rapidly after heavy rainfall, when strong stream warnings may be issued by the Environment Agency and strong flows may affect manoeuvrability.
Boaters should check the latest Environment Agency River status information before travelling and proceed with caution when navigating near locks and moored vessels. Contacting the marina office in advance of arrival is recommended, particularly for larger vessels or first-time visitors.
CRUISING
Penton Hook Marina provides an excellent base for exploring some of the Thames’ most attractive cruising grounds. For day cruises, nearby destinations include Runnymede, Windsor and Hampton Court Palace. Weekend cruises upstream can take visitors through Maidenhead and Henley-on-Thames, renowned for its famous Royal Regatta and riverside charm.
Longer cruises can extend as far as Oxford, passing picturesque villages, historic towns and numerous riverside pubs. Downstream, experienced skippers can transit through Teddington Lock into the tidal Thames and cruise towards central London.
OUT AND ABOUT
Penton Hook Marina is perfectly placed for exploring some of the Thames Valley’s best-loved attractions.
Just a short distance away is Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215. Within walking distance, Thorpe Park Resort offers a fun-filled day out for families and thrill seekers.
Historic Windsor, with Windsor Castle and its bustling town centre, is easily reached by boat or car. Scenic riverside walks and cycle routes along the Thames Path provide excellent opportunities to explore the local countryside.
Within walking distance or a short drive of Penton Hook Marina is a great selection of traditional pubs, cafés and restaurants in nearby Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames.
Supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, can be found nearby for everyday provisions.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
Connections Courier Services: same-day and scheduled courier and delivery services for businesses and private clients.
CP Sound: marine audio and entertainment specialists, supplying and installing bespoke sound, navigation and onboard electronic systems.
GRPro Clean: professional boat valeting, cleaning, polishing and detailing services for vessels on the River Thames.
Le Boat: offers self-drive boating holidays on the River Thames with a fleet of fully equipped canal and river cruisers.
Penton Craning: provides boat lifting, launching, towing, pressure washing, antifouling, valeting and winterisation services for vessels up to 18 tonnes.
Pro-Rig Marine: Mercury main dealer specialising in marine engine sales, servicing, repairs, repowers, boat maintenance and performance upgrades for a wide range of craft.
TBS Boats Penton Hook: award-winning boat brokerage specialising in new and used motorboats and yachts, with a dedicated sales pontoon and expert brokerage services.
The Trim Shop: family-run marine trimmers specialising in bespoke boat hoods, covers, upholstery, cockpit cushions, carpets, curtains and hood repairs.
Waterline Marine Services: provides boat maintenance and refurbishment services including antifouling, coatings removal, painting, varnishing and general boat care.
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
“This year I took my boat from the Kennet and Avon canal back to the Thames after a three year absence. What a joy it is to be back! What a particular joy it is to be back at Penton Hook. Everything is here for all your boat servicing, repairing, equipping, cleaning, pampering etc. The docks are new and well maintained (give or take the odd goose!). The staff are brilliant and deserve every accolade for looking after the 500 plus boats and their owners at the marina. The whole site is very well run (special mention to whoever maintains the loos and showers – they are always spotless). The location is particularly good for boating as a run up to Windsor or down to Shepperton offers plenty of variety for a day out. Choose Penton Hook Marina with confidence, IMHO it is one of the best marinas on the Thames.”
MF Kate
“I have been with MDL since 2011, although I was based at MDL Chatham. I recently bought a new boat and decided to move to MDL Penton Hook after I spent a month there in 2019 as part of the sister berthing benefits offered to berth holders. Penton Hook is a beautiful marina tucked in away from the main river, with lovely surroundings and is very clean and well maintained. It has showers and toilet facilities and a superb team. Penton Hook Marina has a yard with a crane for your maintenance needs or storage ashore, and the fellas there are super helpful and knowledgeable. It is a secure place to leave your car parked whilst enjoying a cruise on the boat or even leaving for a longer weekend. There are plenty of places to go by boat as well given its location. I am happy with my decision to move there.”
Anibal D
FURTHER INFORMATION
Penton Hook Marina, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PY
Marina Manager: Benedict Moran
T: 01932 568681
E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk
W: www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk
Sat Nav: KT16 8PY
For berth enquiries, visitor bookings and current navigation information, contact the marina office directly.
