Deadwater Ait

Deadwater Ait is a tree-covered strip of island beside the Windsor bank of the River Thames, between Windsor Bridge and Windsor Railway Bridge, on the reach above Romney Lock.

Landscape

The island is uninhabited, home to swans, geese and a few coots. Downstream is a slightly larger unnamed island, sometimes called Barry Avenue Island, which is used by wildlife in the same way. Islands in the Thames are called aits or eyots, from the Old English for a small island.

More about Deadwater Ait

The Windsor reach is overlooked by Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with Eton College across the river.

The Windsor reach is overlooked by Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with Eton College across the river.

Visiting

Deadwater Ait is easily seen from the riverside promenade along Barry Avenue in Windsor. You can collect Deadwater Ait as a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The river around the island is home to mute swans, grey herons, kingfishers and great crested grebes, and Daubenton’s bats hunt low over the water at dusk. Nearby islands include Firework Ait, Baths Island and Romney Island.