National Trust Archives

Polesden Lacey: The perfect Edwardian retreat

With its glittering golden walls in the Saloon to the carved reredos in the Central Hall, Polesden Lacey was designed to impress. Situated near Dorking in Surrey, Polesden Lacey was left to the National Trust by Mrs Greville in 1942. Dame Margaret Greville was a super-rich socialite who used the estate as her weekend retreat from which to entertain royalty, politicians and celebrities. Even the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, spent part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey.

National Trust days out in Surrey

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.

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

We’ve always enjoyed the National Trust’s 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of family, it’s a great list to work from and there are plenty of opportunities to keep children engaged. Living in Surrey with so many National Trust places to explore, we’ve ticked quite a few off the list over the years. But did you know there are a whole host of fun activities that can be completed while on lockdown? Here are 20 of our favourites.

National Trust: Events in Surrey this summer

We love that there are so many National Trust properties to explore in Surrey. What’s more, there are LOADS of brilliant events coming up during the summer holidays (and into October half term) suitable for children of varying ages. Here’s a handy list of which National Trust properties you can visit in Surrey and a taste of what’s happening at each over the coming weeks.

The sanctuary of Frensham Little Pond

We’re truly spoiled having so many National Trust sites to visit, not just the abundance we have in Surrey but in nearby London, Hampshire and Sussex. With the school holidays fast approaching, we’ll no doubt be ticking a few more National Trust places we’ve not explored off the list. We do enjoy returning to our favourites too and the beautiful Frensham Little Pond is certainly one of those.

10 things to do in Surrey with the kids

We’re truly spoiled with things to do with the kids in Surrey. Just recently we highlighted some of our favourite National Trust sites to visit and we’re in the process of finding suitable places where young children can go cycling too. Now the Easter holidays are upon us, here are just some of the brilliant things you can occupy the kids with over the next couple of weeks.

National Trust: 15 places to visit in Surrey

We’ve been members of the National Trust for many years now. We joined after moving from London to Surrey and with so much choice available, National Trust membership really is a no brainer for the Dove family. We’ve got to explore a number of places over recent years, many of which we’ve returned to, and there’s still a wealth of discoveries to be made locally and in nearby counties. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer in Surrey.

Belly laughs at Hatchlands Park

Hatchlands Park is one of our favourite National Trust places to visit and open 363 days a year. Situated in East Clandon in the Surrey Hills, there’s over 400 acres of parkland to explore – more than enough to blow away a few cobwebs.

The picturesque Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is somewhere you can visit all year round but it really is spectacular in autumn. Created back in the early 20th century by Dr Wilfrid Fox, who used plants to paint a picture in the landscape, the best views can be found on the edge of the Magnolia Wood, at the top of the Azalea Steps and the eastern Meadow. Not forgetting my favourite place, the lakeside boathouse.

An autumn wander at Winkworth Arboretum

The picturesque landscape at Winkworth Arboretum near Hascombe in Surrey is a draw any time of year but especially in autumn. Maintained by the National Trust for 60 years, this hillside arboretum has a significant collection of shrubs and trees making it an ideal place to admire those magnificent autumnal hues. So much so we like to sneak in a couple of visits if we can. As luck would have it, POD and I ventured there just over a week ago when she had a rather well-timed inset day.

Older Posts

National Trust

Polesden Lacey: The perfect Edwardian retreat

National Trust days out in Surrey

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

National Trust: Events in Surrey this summer

The sanctuary of Frensham Little Pond

10 things to do in Surrey with the kids

National Trust: 15 places to visit in Surrey

Belly laughs at Hatchlands Park

The picturesque Winkworth Arboretum

An autumn wander at Winkworth Arboretum

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

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