Bell Weir Lock

Bell Weir Lock is a lock on the River Thames that regulates water levels and enables boat movement, with a weir positioned upstream of the main chamber. The structure includes facilities for managing river flow and supporting navigation in this section of the waterway.

The Thames Navigation Commission built this lock in 1817, and it underwent major reconstruction twice afterward, first in 1867 and again in 1877 with a stone rebuild. These rebuilding periods show how the river's infrastructure evolved to handle changing needs over time.

The lock appears in Jerome K. Jerome's novel 'Three Men in a Boat', making it a location in British river travel writing that readers encounter through literature. This literary connection has helped establish it as a recognizable spot along the Thames for visitors interested in the novel's journey.

You can reach the lock by walking from the A308 road near the Runnymede Hotel, and public toilets are available on site. The area is easy to access for visitors arriving on foot or by other means.

The water around the lock has held unusual discoveries over the years, including documents linked to major institutions. These strange finds remind visitors that rivers can preserve unexpected stories.

Location: Surrey

GPS coordinates: 51.43830,-0.53778

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:21