St Anne's Well, Stanwell: A Sacred Spring with Healing Legacy
Discover the tranquil historic spring of St Anne's Well, a sacred site famed for its healing waters and medieval spiritual heritage.
St Anne's Well in Stanwell, near Staines, is a historic holy well once famed for its healing properties, especially for eye ailments. Dedicated to St Anne, the well was in use until the 19th century and is now marked by a small manhole surrounded by a low wall with a historical notice. Though modest in appearance today, this site reflects centuries of local spiritual and medicinal tradition tied to its sacred spring waters.
A brief summary to St Anne's Well
- 171 Town Ln, Staines, Stanwell, TW19 7PW, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit with comfortable walking shoes as the well is located at the edge of a playing field and near Town Lane.
- Read the historical notice on-site to fully appreciate the well’s medicinal and spiritual significance.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the village of Stanwell to explore other local landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Staines town center to the Stanwell area, which runs approximately every 20-30 minutes. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes. From the nearest bus stop, the well is a short walk along Town Lane. Tickets cost around £2-£4.
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Car
Driving from central Staines, the well is about a 10-minute drive via local roads. Limited street parking is available near Town Lane. Be mindful of residential parking restrictions. No dedicated parking lot is at the site.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Stanwell or Staines, walking to St Anne’s Well is feasible within 30-45 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The path includes suburban streets and a section alongside a playing field. Suitable for most fitness levels.
St Anne's Well location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St Anne's Well
Origins and Spiritual Significance
St Anne's Well, located in the village of Stanwell near Staines, is a historic sacred spring dedicated to St Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. The well’s origins are rooted in medieval England, where holy wells were common pilgrimage sites believed to possess healing powers. This particular well was reputed for its medicinal qualities, especially in treating eye complaints, and remained in use until the 19th century. Its dedication to St Anne reflects the widespread veneration of this saint during the medieval period, linking the site to both Christian and possibly earlier pagan traditions.Physical Features and Current State
Today, St Anne's Well is represented by a small manhole cover set into the ground, surrounded by a low protective wall. A notice nearby provides historical context, explaining the well’s significance and its reputed healing powers. Although the original structure that might have housed the spring no longer exists, the site remains a tangible connection to the past. The modest appearance belies its importance as a local landmark and a symbol of the village’s heritage.Historical Context and Local Importance
The well is situated opposite the Stanwell Lodge Hotel, adjoining Town Lane at the edge of a playing field, making it accessible yet discreet. Historically, it served not only as a source of water but also as a spiritual and healing resource for the community. The well’s healing reputation contributed to its status as a pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors seeking cures and blessings. Its use into the 19th century indicates a long-standing tradition that bridged medieval spirituality and local folk medicine.Connections to Broader Traditions
St Anne’s Well is part of a wider network of holy wells across England, many dedicated to St Anne, reflecting her role as a protector and healer in Christian lore. Such wells often overlay earlier pagan sites, suggesting a continuity of sacred water worship. The healing properties attributed to these springs were central to their appeal, blending faith and health in a ritual context. While the Stanwell well is modest today, it embodies this rich cultural layering.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visiting St Anne’s Well offers a quiet, reflective experience amid a suburban setting. The low wall and informational plaque invite contemplation of the site’s past significance. Though the water is no longer accessible for healing, the well’s presence evokes a sense of connection to centuries of local belief and tradition. It stands as a peaceful historical landmark amid the modern landscape, offering insight into the spiritual life of the community through the ages.Preservation and Legacy
While the well itself is small and understated, efforts to preserve its memory through signage and protection reflect the community’s respect for its heritage. The site serves as a reminder of the importance of natural springs in historical health practices and religious life. St Anne's Well continues to be a point of cultural interest, linking present-day visitors to the spiritual and medicinal practices of the past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Anne's Well
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Discover the tranquil historic spring of St Anne's Well, a sacred site famed for its healing waters and medieval spiritual heritage.
Staines War Memorial
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King John's Palace
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Courtyard London Heathrow Airport
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Windsor Castle Quadrangle
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shortwood Common
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Heathrow Airport
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Bedfont Lakes Country Park
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Elmsleigh Shopping Centre
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Two Rivers
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Lammas Recreation Ground
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Harmondsworth Barn
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Myrtle Avenue Viewing Area
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Truss's Island
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Essential places to dine
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The Bell On The Green - Pub, Bar and Indian Restaurant
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Madeirinhas
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Three Magpies
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The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa
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The Pheasant Inn & Restaurant Heathrow (over 18s only)
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Humble Thali
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Le Taj
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The Loch & The Tyne by Adam Handling Old Windsor
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1215 Restaurant
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Tamara Lounge
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À la Russe
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Meat At The Parish
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The Queen Charlotte
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Louis Vuitton Heathrow T3
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Harrods
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Staines Market
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Unique Gifts
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The Discount Store
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Always & Forever - Wedding Dresses London
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Windsor Gifts & Souvenirs
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Great British Gifts
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The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
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King & Queen Gift Shop
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Middle Ward Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Green Man
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The White Hart Harlington
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The Kings Arms
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The Music Box
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The Queen's Head, Cranford
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The Two Brewers
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The Corner House
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The Cobbles
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The Prince Harry
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The Carpenters Arms
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The Shambles
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The Horse & Groom
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The Acre
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The Royal Windsor
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Scotch
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The Boom
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Pink Gentleman's Club.
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The Music & Words Club
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Winkers Nightclub
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Subteranian
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The Globe
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The Binfield Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
