Having recently visited Polesden Lacey, we’re exploring another National Trust gem. Located in Godalming in Surrey, Winkworth Arboretum is described as being far more than a walk in the woods. With twisting paths leading to secret glades and hidden views, it’s a dramatic location.
The wooded valley and lakes were purchased by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 and given to the National Trust in 1952. Winkworth now consists of 46 hectares of wonderful colours including massed plantings of species such as Japanese, American and Norway Maples. Each was planted with their Autumnal impact in mind creating a beauty that blends in with the valley.
Much of the Arboretum is planted on steep slopes but there are ‘access all areas’ paths which enable visitors to make the most of their visit. This was great for us given we had a buggy laden with ‘stuff’ and a toddler.
The peak time to visit the Autumnal display at Winkworth is probably a couple of weeks away. We decided to visit slightly earlier so we could take in the wonder of it all. This had its advantages in that we had the viewing platform all to ourselves. POD found it a hugely exciting experience. It was a fabulous introduction to Winkworth given a few trees had already turned from green to yellow. As you’d expect, the views are incredible.
The Magnolia Wood was originally planted by Dr Fox. There are some fine specimens to be found including a rare Ginko tree. We spent a fair amount of time there as POD discovered different coloured leaves, acorns and twigs. We also found a wooden owl bench which she absolutely loved. It was a great location for views of the lake and pulling faces!
As we were minus Daddy and we had the buggy, the ornamental Boat House and surrounding lake was the only area we didn’t get to visit. The Azalea steps that connect the lake to the upper arboretum looked incredible as well. They were already ablaze with colour.
In the Badgers bowl you can see American Sweet Gum, native to the warm temperature areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico and Central America. There is also a splendid display of Sorrell Trees, Maple, Acer and the Katsura tree which is native to Japan and China.
The paths that lead down to Sorbus Hill provided the most stunning views. Not only were the trees displaying reds and oranges but clusters of bright berries were also visible. Such an amazing sight.
Also at Winkworth is a Holly wood which contains numerous kinds of Holly and a Winter garden. We can’t wait until Spring when Winkworth will be a carpet of bluebells although I’m certain we’ll be back before then. It’s a beautiful location whatever the time of year.
We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus. To join in click on the badge below.
oh Charly what a beautiful place!! i just love autumn and it is one of the things i miss most about not living north. thank you for sharing these. xo
Thank you Claudia, it’s a wonderful place. We’ve not been before but heard it was at its best in the Autumn. I think it’s great all year round – beautiful 🙂
Look fab and has whetted my appetite for a National Trust Autumn Colour walk I’m going on next week. I was due to go last weekend but noticed that the trees here haven’t changed colour much so swapped for a later walk. Have you ever been on a NT walk before? I haven’t – have no idea what to expect. Have totally roped Papasaurus in to coming too 😉
So good that Winkworth Arboretum is pushchair accessible, I bet POD loved all the colours of the trees!
Beautiful photos – I’m feeling really seasonal now! Thanks for joining in again x
It’s a wonderful location, really beautiful. POD loved looking at the trees and seeing all the brightly coloured leaves. I’m tempted to go back later this month just to have a nose around the boathouse area! Where are you doing the Autumn colour walk? I’ve not been on one before but there is one happening at Hatchlands on the 21st. Monday is the only weekday I have with POD so that works. I hope they’re not too organised, POD likes to explore and collect things!
Its at Hinton Ampner on the 16th -Papasaurus was swung by the warming bowl of soup at the end.Men!
Charly, I love your posts about these beautiful public gardens to visit, great inspiration for days out, and, as ever, lovely photographs too.
Thank you, very kind of you to say. There’s so much to see in Surrey think it’s going to take a while to get through everything 🙂
That looks like a lovely place to visit. gorgeous photos x
Thank you, totally wonderful place to visit 🙂
Oh So Gorgeous! I love the climbing view point! We’re off to find some colourful trees today too!
Thank you Katie – it’s a fabulous place. Really great woods and the viewing point was fab. Love your post 🙂
Your blog posts make me feel like I need to get out and explore more of the countryside and gardens in my local area more. Great photos as usual – look forward to see your photos of the carpet of bluebells in a few months time 🙂
That’s very kind of you Gemma, it’s a substitute no doubt for not growing our own fruit and veg! There are some fabulous places around us though so we’re very lucky. I bet the bluebells will be amazing here 🙂
[…] National Trust properties in Surrey. We’ve discovered six now, including Polesden Lacey and Winkworth Arboretum we’ve visited month. There are several others still to explore and we will of course be back […]
You have such a wealth of lovely NT places near you. The steps in the tree look fantastic!
We do indeed, didn’t realise quite how many until the other day! Think there are still another 6 to explore in addition to what we’ve seen already. The steps were fabulous if a little high 🙂
I haven’t been to Winkworth for years. It was on my list for this year, but looking like it might be knocked off. Reading your post has got me determined to fit in an autumn visit. The treee look like they are just beginning to turn there. Lovely post.
Stunning pictures Charly. I love the one of POD investigating the path! Those autumn colours are beautiful xx
oh Charly stunning the Autumn colours are glorious and I am a bit in love with your mushrooms. Pod on the path is just adorable, I love how interested in everything she always is.
You have really shown off these National Trust properties so fantastically. I’ve been invited to a National Trust festival of lights at one of their gardens and your posts have really made me get excited about it, but now don’t know if I’ll be well enough to do it – argh!
[…] you’d like to hear more about Winkworth Arboretum, October’s post is here. Other National Trust reads include The Sanctuary of Claremont, Exploring Polesden […]
[…] started our quest for those Autumnal hues at Winkworth Arboretum, returning just a few weeks later! Another National Trust property we saw for the first time […]
Gorgeousness. Can you take dogs? x
Thank you Suzanne – 99% sure you can take dogs. There’s lots of woodland there 🙂