Category: Heritage & HistorySee venue photos

Heritage & History Pools & Water Parks Parks & Playgrounds

National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

Guildford, Surrey· GU1 4RR

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 10 public reviews (Oct 2024 – Apr 2026)

80/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on the 10 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

NoiseGood

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityGood

Calm spacesGood

Peaceful settingOutdoor spaceBook ahead - lock gatesGravel paths - wheelchair challengingStructured canal activitiesCafé with breaks

Parent summary

This is a genuinely peaceful spot that many families find calming and manageable. The riverside setting, quiet atmosphere, and mix of structured activities (like the canal boat trip) and low-key exhibits work well together. The main thing to be aware of is that some paths are uneven historic terrain rather than solid surfaces, which may affect access depending on mobility needs.

What visitors say

Many visitors have found this a wonderfully peaceful and quiet setting with good outdoor space, a café, and low-key activities like canal trips and static exhibits that provide gentle structure. The site offers a lovely, unhurried atmosphere that several reviewers particularly appreciated. Some visitors have noted that the gravel car park and historic paths may present challenges for wheelchair users or those with mobility equipment, so it's worth checking specific access details before your visit.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

dedicated SEN sessionssensory activitiesaccessible outdoor space

Families mention sensory-friendly aspects; parents seek sensory play and visual/auditory experiences
Venue hosts dedicated SEND/SEN sessions and activities for disabled children
Canal boat SEND stay-and-play experiences offered at the location
Mentioned in SEN community groups as family activity suitable for additional needs

Sourced from Facebook SEN groups, disability support services, SEND activity listings within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

Gravel car park may be challenging for wheelchairs or buggies with smaller wheels
Historic pathways are uneven in places rather than fully paved
Double-check access points and exit routes when you arrive to avoid feeling trapped

What works

Quiet, peaceful outdoor environment with water views
Structured boat trip activity with informative crew
Static exhibits (model trains, books, historic items) that can be engaged with at your own pace
On-site café for breaks and refreshments
Staff noted as helpful and accommodating
Low-key, unhurried atmosphere overall
Designated quiet areas available

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Toddler area Baby change Wheelchair accessible Free parking Blue badge parking

Tips for your visit

Play area in tea room garden open during tea room hours (11:00-17:00). Dogs on leads allowed throughout except in play area and on boat trips. Boat trips limited to max 12 people per boat and can be booked in advance. High chairs available in tea room. Reusable cup discount (25p) available. Terrain is uneven grass - may be challenging for certain buggies or wheelchair users despite mown paths.

Pricing

Dapdune Wharf entry is free. Parking: NT members free, non-members £5.50 (up to 4 hours) or £8.50 (all day). Boat trips: £9.00 adults (17+), £5.50 children (1-16 years), £75.00 for whole boat hire. Children under 1 year free on boat trips.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletVisitors report yes

Visitors report: Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available on site.

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Free parking on-sitePaid parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Blue Badge parking available at Dapdune Wharf with two designated spaces near Information hut. Parking via JustPark app (ID 998940). NT members park free; non-members £5.50 (up to 4 hours) or £8.50 (all day). Designated spaces close to facilities.

Accessibility

Accessible toilets at both ends of site and in tearoom. Baby change facilities available. Level access to tearoom from back door. Site is largely rough grass with mown paths - mostly slightly uneven terrain. Towpath partly accessible. One wheelchair available on-site. Full Accessibility Guide available via AccessAble.co.uk.

Opening Hours

Monday11:00-17:00

Thursday11:00-17:00

Friday11:00-17:00

Saturday11:00-17:00

Sunday11:00-17:00

Frequently asked questions about National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf autism friendly?

National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf scores highly for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 80/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. This is a genuinely peaceful spot that many families find calming and manageable. The riverside setting, quiet atmosphere, and mix of structured activities (like the canal boat trip) and low-key exhibits work well together. The main thing to be aware of is that some paths are uneven historic terrain rather than solid surfaces, which may affect access depending on mobility needs.

Is National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf wheelchair accessible?

Yes. National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Accessible toilets at both ends of site and in tearoom. Baby change facilities available. Level access to tearoom from back door. Site is largely rough grass with mown paths - mostly slightly uneven terrain. Towpath partly accessible. One wheelchair available on-site. Full Accessibility Guide available via AccessAble.co.uk.

Does National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf have step-free entry?

Yes. National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf?

Yes. National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Does National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf have parking?

Yes. National Trust - River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf has free on-site parking. Blue Badge parking available at Dapdune Wharf with two designated spaces near Information hut. Parking via JustPark app (ID 998940). NT members park free; non-members £5.50 (up to 4 hours) or £8.50 (all day). Designated spaces close to facilities.

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