Amity Beach

The Thames at Chertsey has a peculiar charm - and Amity Beach is where locals come to remember why they bother with the riverside at all. It's a modest sandy stretch along the water, nothing grand, but on a decent summer afternoon it does the job. You can paddle, skip stones, watch the occasional boat drift past. Kids will occupy themselves for an hour or two, maybe longer if the water's warm enough for a proper splash about.

What makes it work is proximity. From Chertsey town centre it's barely a walk away, which means if you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Chertsey Caravan Park or Laleham Camping Club are closest - you've got an easy afternoon out without loading everyone back in the car. It's free, obviously, and there's a decent stretch of bank to sit on, though bring your own food because facilities are sparse.

Honestly, it won't be the highlight of your break. The Thames can look a bit murky depending on the light and the time of year. But it's a proper bit of local character - the sort of place where you see regulars exercising their dogs and teenagers mucking about in canoes. If you're after serious beach atmosphere, head south to the coast. If you want a quiet riverside breather while staying caravan-based in Surrey, Amity Beach does exactly what it says on the tin.