The complex adjoins the right, southern bank about 1⁄2 mile (0.80 km) downstream of the Weir Hotel.

The earliest major weir locally was built in 1789 specifically to divert water to create a deeper channel for navigation.

[2] In 1927 a second lock was added at Sunbury, which was opened by Lord Desborough, then president of the Thames Conservancy.

The weir stream and Wheatley's Ait backwater, the Creek, is used for kayaking from the northern bank, between Shepperton and Sunbury-on-Thames.

Navigation transit markers are beside Desborough Cut to allow river users to check their speed.

The Thames Path continues along the Surrey bank until just before Shepperton Lock where the ferry goes across to the other side.

Sunbury Weir has the highest volume and fastest freestyle kayaking playspot on the River Thames.