With lockdown restrictions easing, we’re making the most of our much-loved National Trust places in Surrey. The charity has begun to open its countryside, gardens and parkland in line with government advice. As such, some places need to be booked in advance bit new tickets are released every Friday for the following week. If you’re a National Trust member, there are a wealth of places you can explore, with or without, pre-booking. Here’s a round-up of what’s in the area.
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Abinger Roughs and Netley Park
Hidden near the village of Abinger Hammer is Abinger Roughs. It’s an area of grassland and mixed woodland with some of the oak trees over 300 years old. Charles Darwin walked these roughs because he stayed at Abinger Hall. The paths are all pretty flat and well-marked and great for a walk, a cycle ride or a picnic. Netley Park lies on the slope of the North Downs with over 200 acres of woodland to explore with views over the Tillingbourne Valley.
Bookham Commons
Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Bookham Commons are ancient commons which consist of grassland plains, oak woods and serene ponds. With varied landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. A designated Site of Special Specific Interest since 1941, the London Natural History Society has been carrying out a survey of the wildlife because it is one of the most studied areas in the country.
Box Hill
Situated in Tadworth, about a mile from Dorking, is Box Hill. It’s an ideal place for a walk with views across the countryside. There are several walks available over the hill with plants and wildlife to enjoy along the way. We particularly enjoy the Stepping Stones walk which is steep in places but so worth it for the views!
Clandon Park
Clandon Park was one of the country’s most complete examples of a Palladian mansion. In 2015, a fire broke out which caused significant damage leaving the house a shell. Clandon Park is currently closed because of COVID-19 but usually shares its progress between April and November.
Claremont Landscape Garden
Located in Esher is the 18th century Claremont Landscape Garden. Grade I listed, the garden is steeped in 300 years of history and was once the countryside retreat of queens and heirs. Today it’s a beautiful landscape from which to enjoy unique and unexpected features like the turf amphitheatre, grotto, serpentine lake, Camellia Terrace and Belvedere Tower. There is a children’s play area and a Thatched Cottage filled with Victorian toys, games and clothes. Claremont Landscape Garden is pre-booking only.
The Devil’s Punchbowl and Hindhead Commons
The Devil’s Punchbowl and Hindhead Commons is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. With spectacular scenery across the bowl, you don’t have to walk far to reach Gibbet Hill which is the second-highest point in Surrey. It’s a great spot for a walk with heathland, woods and plenty of space. If you’re lucky you may come across the grazing cattle or wild ponies.
Denbies Hillside
With dramatic views towards Leith Hill, Denbies Hillside near Dorking is the highest point in South East England. Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer, it’s home to a range of plants and animals and it’s an excellent spot for wildlife watching. There are more spectacular views at White Down which also hides several pillboxes from the Second World War.
Frensham Little Pond
Frensham Little Pond (and the Great Pond) were originally created in the 13th century to provide the Bishop of Winchester with fish while he was at Farnham Castle. Today it’s a sanctuary for wildlife and many rare birds can be spotted around the pond. There are many footpaths to explore and the heathland comprises of heathers, gorse and bracken. Frensham is a Site of Special Specific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation.
Gatton Park and Reigate Hill
With flower-sprinkled grasslands and shady woods, this part of the North Downs is good walking country and a great spot for picnics. At the top of the hill is the 19th century Reigate Fort which looks over the Weald towards the South Downs. Gatton Park has lush pastures, mighty trees and sparkling lakes designed by Lancelot Capability Brown. Reigate Hill and Gatton Park are both designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Ham House and Garden
Sitting on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond is Ham House, a 17th-century treasure trove. The Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband transformed it into one of the grandest Stuart houses in England. Internationally recognised for its paintings, furniture and textiles, some of the objects said to have been used by the Duchess. Outside there’s a kitchen garden and ample space for picnics. Ham House is currently pre-booking only.
Harewoods Estate
The Harewoods Estate in Redhill comprises of a large part of the countryside in and around the village of Outwood with hidden woodland, lush green meadows and tranquil ponds. Created by a Victorian London stockbroker, Alfred Howard Lloyd, the bridleways and footpaths take you across working farmland, meadows, an ancient common and woodland.
Hatchlands Park
Built in the 1750’s for Admiral Edward Boscanwen and his wife fanny, Hatchlands Park has housed wealthy families, was a finishing school for girls and even a printing press. Situated in the Surrey Hills, it is one of the largest country estates in the area with 400 acres of parkland and woodland. Hatchlands Park (currently pre-book only) has waymarked walks, a quiet garden and a natural play area for children.
Headley Heath
Headley Heath is a Site of Special Specific Interest, a mix of heathland woodland and chalk downland with rich, varied and rare wildlife. There’s a network of tracks to discover and wonderful views whether walking, cycling or horseriding.
Holmwood Common
Holmwood Common is an ancient common, once owned by King Harold and William the Conqueror, which is near Dorking. The countryside is home to British wildlife and fairly flat so ideal for walking, horse riding and cycling.
Hydons Ball and heath
With lovely walks across the heath and woodland, Hydon’s Ball and heath is a haven for wildlife. There’s a mix of trees including shrubs planted by British garden designer, writer and artist Gertrude Jekyll. A memorial to Octavia Hill, it overlooks the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Leith Hill Place
Offering panoramic views across the Surrey countryside, Leith Hill Place was the childhood home to Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of England’s greatest composers. His great uncle, the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, even conducted experiments in the grounds. Leith Hill Place is currently closed due to the pandemic and will re-open again once it’s safe to do so.
Leith Hill Tower and countryside
Situated in the Surrey Hills, Leith Hill Tower is the highest point in South-East England offering views towards London and the English Channel. Popular since Victorian times, you can climb Leith Hill Tower and look through a telescope or follow trails through woodland, heathland and farmland. Leith Hill is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Leith Hill car parks are now open but the tower remains closed.
Limpsfield Common
Once used to graze animals, Limpsfield Common is an ancient common in Oxted. With its extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the countryside – there’s even a Roman road. There are flat paths to follow, woodland and a partly hidden Second World War air-raid shelter.
Oakhurst Cottage
Lived in up until the mid-Eighties, Oakhurst Cottage is a 16th-century labourer’s dwelling. Guided tours run between April and October (bookings through Winkworth Arboretum) with spaces limited due to the fragility of the timber-framed cottage. Oakhurst Cottage is currently closed.
Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey was home to the famous hostess Mrs Greville who entertained royalty and celebrities of her time. Even the Queen Mother spent part of her honeymoon at this Edwardian country retreat. Situated near Dorking, Polesden Lacey houses Mrs Greville’s extensive collection of art and ceramics with the wider estate offering superb views across the Surrey Hills with gardens and woodland to explore. The parkland is open again but you must book in advance on the National Trust website.
River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf
The River Wey is a 15-mile waterway that runs from Guildford to Weybridge on the Thames and then to London. Although it has been busier during the lockdown, it’s typically a tranquil waterway running through the heart of Surrey which is great for walking, running or cycling. The visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf, which tells the story of the navigations and the people who lived and worked on them, is currently closed.
Shalford Mill
Shalford Mill is an 18th-century watermill near Guildford. With well-preserved machinery, you can feel the stories of times gone by with guides sharing their stories. Shalford Mill is currently closed.
Swan Barn Farm
Swan Barn Farm is a quiet retreat of woodland and pasture in Haslemere where you can enjoy a picnic and take in some of the best views in the south-east. It’s also somewhere frequented by walkers because three major routes are close by.
Winkworth Arboretum
Created in the 20th century by Dr Wilfred Fox, Winkworth Arboretum is somewhere that reflects the colours of the changing seasons. There is a significant collection of different trees and shrubs, many of which are rare, with an impressive backdrop. Winkworth Arboretum is a natural masterpiece and is at its most spectacular in autumn and spring albeit a must-see all year round. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Witley and Milford Commons
Witley and Milford Commons is a varied landscape with easily accessible footpaths and bridleways. There’s a natural play trail with plenty of countryside to explore and wildlife to discover. Witley and Milford Commons are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
We hope our round-up of National Trust places in Surrey has provided you with some inspiration. Do keep checking the National Trust website as the situation is changing all the time. We really are spoiled as there are so many places to visit. Check out this post if you want to see more of the National Trust in Surrey and nearby counties.
