Living in Sunbury-on-Thames

The community in Sunbury-on-Thames is cohesive and welcoming, with a strong neighbourhood feel and numerous opportunities for local involvement. Throughout the year, the area hosts events such as the Sunbury Regatta and Sunbury Antiques Market, bringing together residents and visitors alike.

Active local societies, such as the Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society, encourage community participation and contribute to a sense of continuity with the area’s past. The Riverside Arts Centre hosts theatre productions, exhibitions, and creative workshops, serving as a cultural hub.

Ample green spaces such as Sunbury Park, the Walled Garden, and Kempton Park Racecourse provide a backdrop for outdoor pursuits. The river paths and nearby reservoirs are popular with joggers, cyclists, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Safety and crime rates in Sunbury-on-Thames are generally perceived as favorable compared to metropolitan areas, with residents appreciating the area's calm, suburban character. Local policing in Sunbury-on-Thames is managed by Surrey Police, who have a visible presence and engage regularly with the community through neighbourhood watch schemes and online updates.

Like many suburban towns, some minor issues occasionally arise, mainly relating to anti-social behaviour or vehicle crime, but overall crime rates are lower than those found in more urban Surrey and West London areas. Community safety initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch and close cooperation with local councils, contribute to a sense of security and ongoing improvements around the town.

Parking in Sunbury-on-Thames is relatively straightforward, thanks to a good balance of on-street spaces, residential permits, and several dedicated car parks in the town centre and near the river. Residential streets generally offer permit parking to help manage demand, especially close to the train station and popular leisure spots.

Access by road is a strong point for Sunbury-on-Thames. The proximity to the M3 motorway allows for quick connections to the M25, facilitating journeys around London and out towards the south coast. The A316 also runs nearby, providing a direct road into Chiswick and central London. Although traffic can become heavier during peak commuter periods, congestion is less significant than in neighbouring towns closer to west London.

• Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 15 minutes via A308 (6 miles)
• Woking – approx. 30 minutes via M3 (18 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 35 minutes via A3 (23 miles)
• Central London – approx. 40 minutes via A316 (16 miles)

Sunbury-on-Thames features a selection of popular food and drink venues, many of which celebrate the area’s riverside setting. Traditional pubs such as The Phoenix, The Magpie, and The Riverside Arms offer picturesque views, quality ales, and classic pub fare. Several of these venues also host live music and occasional events, adding to the local charm.

A variety of independent cafés and restaurants are dotted around the town centre and riverfront, serving everything from modern European dishes to authentic Indian and Thai cuisine. Takeaway options are varied and convenient for residents. While Sunbury is not a nightlife hotspot, it offers a relaxed social scene that suits those looking for a cosy evening out rather than clubbing.

For theatre, cinema, and a broader selection of bars and late-night venues, residents can visit nearby Kingston upon Thames or Staines, both easily accessible for a night out.

School quality: Sunbury-on-Thames is served by several 'Good'-rated primary and secondary schools, attracting families seeking quality education within walking distance of home.

Parks and green space: Green areas like Sunbury Park and the Walled Garden offer play areas, sports facilities, and open spaces for recreation and family picnics, as well as riverside walks.

Childcare: A range of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs operate locally, giving families flexible childcare options suitable for working parents.

Safety: The suburb's relatively low crime rates, active Neighbourhood Watch, and strong community engagement help to create a safe environment for children to grow up in.

Family activities: The local leisure centre, river-based activities, and family-friendly local events ensure that young residents have a wide selection of things to do throughout the year.

Sunbury-on-Thames is very accommodating for pet owners, particularly those with dogs. The riverside walkways, Sunbury Park, and the extensive footpaths around the Kempton Park Racecourse provide ample opportunities for scenic dog walks.

Several local veterinary clinics and grooming services are present, along with independent pet supply stores. Many pubs, particularly those near the river, are dog-friendly and welcome well-behaved pets in both indoor and outdoor areas.

The area’s housing stock, which includes more traditional houses with gardens as well as modern flats, generally supports pet ownership, though new residents are advised to check with landlords or management details if renting. Overall, community attitudes towards pets are positive, cementing Sunbury-on-Thames as a pet-friendly place to live.

Sunbury-on-Thames is well connected for those commuting to London or exploring Surrey. The town's rail station is served by South Western Railway, with direct trains to London Waterloo in under 50 minutes, making it convenient for city workers. There are also services to Kingston and Clapham Junction, increasing accessibility across southwest London.

Regular bus routes run between Sunbury and key destinations such as Staines-upon-Thames, Hersham, and Hampton Court. For drivers, Sunbury’s location near the M3 motorway offers rapid access to London, as well as connections to the M25 and A316 for journeys around Greater London and the South East.

Heathrow Airport is just under 8 miles away, providing international travel options, while Gatwick Airport can be reached in under an hour by car. Cycle routes and well-maintained footpaths also support active travel in and around the local area.

• London Waterloo – approx. 46 minutes by train
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 20 minutes by car (8 miles)
• Kingston upon Thames – approx. 25 minutes by car (9 miles)
• Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 15 minutes by car (6 miles)

Sunbury-on-Thames is known for a range of educational opportunities, making it attractive to families looking for access to quality schooling. The area is served by a number of well-regarded state and independent schools.

Primary Schools: Sunbury Manor Primary School is highly regarded for its caring environment and strong community ethos. Springfield Primary School received a 'Good' Ofsted rating (last inspected October 2017) and is popular with local families. Chennestone Primary School, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted (April 2019), is known for its welcoming community and broad curriculum.

Secondary Schools: The reputable Bishop Wand Church of England School offers secondary education and has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted (last inspected October 2022). Sunbury Manor School, another key secondary option, was also rated 'Good' (Ofsted, January 2022). Both schools are noted for their supportive learning environments and a broad selection of extracurricular activities.

Colleges and Sixth Forms: Strode’s College, located in nearby Egham, is a popular choice for further education, offering a wide selection of A-levels and vocational courses. Brooklands College, with a campus in Ashford, provides a range of technical, professional, and apprenticeship programs.

Universities: While there are no universities directly in Sunbury-on-Thames, nearby centres of higher education include Royal Holloway, University of London in Egham and Kingston University in Kingston upon Thames. Both are accessible and popular with local students seeking degree-level study.