Sonning Lock on the River Thames

There was a form of weir - probably a flash lock - here at Sonning way back in the 1500s. The first pound lock was installed in 1773, built in fir wood by the Thames Navigation Commissioners. It wasn't long before it was rebuilt in oak as fir was found to be unsuitable. During the winter of 2004-5, the existing pre-1970s wooden gates were replaced with new steel gates.

There has been a mill here at Sonning for centuries - three mills are described in the Domesday Book of 1086. In the 1700s the owner William Billingshurst spent £60 a year keeping the floodgates and engines in repair.

The lock now has a tea garden, serving hot and cold drinks, cream teas, snacks and ice creams.

A short distance from Sonning Lock is a brewery.
Carry on to the Mill at Sonning, cross over the bridge to Playhatch and then continue on to Dunsden Green for a visit to Loddon Brewery (extra 2.2 miles). The Taproom is open Thu-Sat 10am-6pm and the shop is open Mon-Sat (check times). You can buy Mr Hobbs Gin here as well. Salters Steamers scheduled public trips stop here. You can embark or disembark without pre-booking. Daily in season from 25th May to 8th September 2019. 

Salters Steamers scheduled public trips stop here. You can embark or disembark without pre-booking. Daily in season from 25th May to 8th September 2019.

Did you know?

Sonning's corn mill, now The Mill at Sonning, is a dinner theatre.

Contact Details

Telephone: +44 (0)3708 506 506
Postcode: RG4 0UR

Find out more about the Sonning Lock facilities.