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Ray Mill Island: Tranquil Riverside Haven in Maidenhead

Discover peaceful riverside walks, wildlife, and family-friendly charm at Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead’s scenic Thames corridor.

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Ray Mill Island is a peaceful 1.6-hectare country park nestled by the River Thames in Maidenhead, offering scenic riverside walks, a charming aviary, a children’s play area, and a café. With its rich history linked to a former flour mill, the island features wooden sculptures, picnic spots, and a serene memorial tree, making it a perfect spot for family outings and nature lovers alike.

A brief summary to Ray Mill Island

  • Boulters Lock, Ray Mead Rd, Maidenhead, SL6 8PE, GB
  • +441628685757
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 7 am-8:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-8:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-8:30 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 7 am-8:30 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-8:30 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-8:30 pm

Local tips

  • Parking is available at Boulters Lock Car Park nearby; fees apply with options for short stays.
  • Visit early on weekdays to enjoy a quieter experience before the weekend crowds arrive.
  • The Island Piazza Café offers refreshments and public toilets, perfect for breaks during your visit.
  • Children can enjoy the aviary, guinea pig enclosure, and wooden animal sculptures scattered around the island.
  • Due to proximity to water, keep a close watch on young children and avoid feeding wild squirrels.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Drive to Boulters Lock Car Park on Lower Cookham Road, about a 5-minute walk from the island. Parking charges apply: £1.40 for up to 1 hour, £2.30 for 1-2 hours, payable by cash, card, or RingGo. Disabled badge holders park free.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Maidenhead town center to stops near Ray Mead Road, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the island. Service frequency varies; check local timetables. Walking routes are mostly flat but include a pedestrian bridge.

  • Walking

    From Maidenhead town center, a scenic riverside walk to Ray Mill Island takes about 30-40 minutes on mostly flat terrain, suitable for pushchairs. The route includes crossing Boulters Lock footbridge to access the island.

Ray Mill Island location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Ray Mill Island

A Riverside Escape with Historical Roots

Ray Mill Island, located at Boulters Lock in Maidenhead, is a small but captivating country park spanning approximately 1.6 hectares. Its name honors the Ray family, who once operated a flour mill on the site, a heritage subtly reflected in the presence of an old millstone incorporated into the island’s water inlet area. The island was acquired by Maidenhead Borough Council in 1950, transforming it into a public green space cherished for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Natural Features and Wildlife Attractions

The island is home to an aviary and a guinea pig enclosure, providing visitors, especially families with children, a chance to engage with local wildlife. Wooden animal sculptures scattered around the park invite imaginative play, while picnic tables and benches offer restful spots to enjoy the riverside views. Visitors are advised not to feed the wild squirrels, which inhabit the island, to ensure safety and ecological balance.

Recreational Facilities and Visitor Amenities

Ray Mill Island caters well to families and casual visitors with a small children’s play area suitable for ages 3 to 8, and ample seating throughout. The Island Piazza Café, privately run, serves refreshments and houses public toilets, enhancing visitor comfort. Cycle racks are available for those arriving on bikes. Nearby, Riverside Gardens offers additional recreational options such as a sandpit playground and crazy golf.

Scenic Walks and Riverside Views

A walk around the island’s perimeter contributes approximately 1,000 steps, promoting health and wellness amid scenic surroundings. The island offers lovely views of Boulter’s Lock and the adjacent Boathouse pub across the river. The presence of Boulter’s Weir and the salmon ladder, opened in 2000 as part of a rehabilitation scheme, adds ecological and historical interest to the riverside experience.

Seasonal Considerations and Access

Due to its riverside location, Ray Mill Island is monitored from September to April and may close temporarily during periods of high river levels for safety. Access is via Ray Mead Road, crossing a road bridge at Boulters Lock and a pedestrian bridge onto the island. The terrain is mostly flat and pushchair-friendly, with a few manageable steps.

Community and Memorial Significance

A poignant feature of the island is the Baby Memorial Tree, dedicated to babies who have passed away too early. Each silver leaf bears a baby’s name, creating a serene and reflective space within the grassy central area. The island also holds memories of a memorial to four Altwood School pupils, once present but sadly stolen and damaged beyond repair.

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