Ray Mill Island Travel Guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.