Lovely beautiful place. Has a small playground and benches with a coffee/ice cream shop, picturesque waterways, fountains, weir and of course the river! Popular with canoeists, stopping by on a bike ride and taking the family for the afternoon (with easy pushchair and wheelchair access). There's a large guinea pig enclosure and a couple of large exotic bird enclosures for the kids to see also. Nearby is the lock to watch the boats go through, great on a sunny afternoon, with a small ice cream hut too. There's a cheap pay car park nearby over the road with lots of space (don't use the expensive one with playground further down). Bad points: There are male/female/baby change toilets, but they really were quite fikthy, which was a real let down when taking the kids. Use the nearby bar instead. Occasionally there's groups of lads that like to take a few cans of lager and lounge about topless on the grass areas by the river, although never seen any trouble. But still not ideal when you have small kids with you. The Boulters bar/restaurant nearby is overrated and grossly overpriced - £2.50 for a tiny kids lolly that's around 50p elsewhere! Don't expect change from a fiver (or more!) if you ever...
Read moreRay Mill Island in Maidenhead is a delightful spot, particularly for those seeking a relaxing riverside experience. Here's a summary of common points from reviews: Scenic Location: The island is situated in the River Thames, offering picturesque views of the river, Boulter's Lock, and the surrounding area. The sound of flowing water from the weir adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Family-Friendly: It's a popular destination for families, with a playground and plenty of space for children to run around. The aviary and the presence of ducks and other wildlife are also a hit with kids. Relaxing Atmosphere: The island provides a peaceful escape, ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply enjoying the scenery. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained gardens and seating areas. Key Features: Playground. Aviary. Sculpture trail. Views of Boulters lock. River Thames scenery. Things to consider: It can become very busy during peak times, especially weekends. Parking is available near by, but may require a fee. In essence, Ray Mill Island is a charming and accessible destination that offers a pleasant riverside experience for people...
Read moreRather small green area, perfect for picnicking, family walks or reading a book on one of the benches. Very picturesque, ideal for photographers. There are public toilets and a stall with ice cream and drinks (hot and cold). There are few tiny areas with children's play equipment, like a small seesaw in a shape of a duck, but there's no big playground. My kids (4 and 1,5) enjoyed the place though, as there are some streams and springs around, birds, geese and squirrels. Please do not feed the squirrels though, as the notices around the place urge you not to. There's a car park on the opposite side of the road (Boulters Lock car park). It's a rather small car park, so in the peak hours it's full. It's not expensive, we've paid £1.50 for a day. The entrance to the island is free. Very enjoyable afternoon on a...
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