We always hear about great cycle routes in Surrey. The challenge comes when you’re not all on bikes and therefore don’t need a full on cycling trail. POD has come on leaps and bounds with her cycling since she got her new bike at Christmas. With us mostly on foot, we’ve been on the hunt for places that are great for her to enjoy the independence cycling brings but not too challenging for the two of us! Here are our favourites so far.
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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.
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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.
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I honestly can’t remember the last time we were at Windsor Great Park, we’ve been long overdue a visit that’s for sure! With nearly 5,000 acres to explore and a royal history spanning a thousand years, there’s no shortage of things to do.
There are historical monuments, ancient forests and horticultural displays aplenty. What’s more, William the Conqueror adopted the landscape as his hunting ground, Queen Victoria used the shores of Virginia Water for entertaining and the Duke of Edinburgh is a current Ranger. In 2018, thousands of people lined the Long Walk to await the carriage procession of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
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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.
Just over a week ago we were enjoying thirty-degree temperatures in Sardinia – even hotter in Venice the week prior. Our return to the UK seemed to be marked by the arrival of autumn. Gone are the maxi dresses, sandals and sunnies, replaced with long sleeved tops, trousers and boots. Even the favourite leather has made an appearance. While we acclimatise ourselves to these cooler temperatures, I can’t help get a little excited. You see autumn is one of my favourite seasons and I relish capturing those red, orange and gold hues.
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Situated around 15 miles from London in Banstead is Mayfield Lavender. We’ve visited this 25-acre farm on a few occasions since we moved to Surrey in 2010. At the right time, you can expect to see row upon row of purple hues and the smell of lavender is delicious. It can get busy at weekends during the peak period (July and August) so it’s worthwhile going Monday to Friday if you can. We didn’t have that luxury this time around so last Sunday, we set off early with the view to visiting before the masses descended. A lavender farm in full bloom is so worth setting the alarm for, isn’t it?
How amazing has the weather been recently? We were thrilled to come back from holiday to find the UK basking in sunshine, potentially more so than Corsica if I’m honest. We had such a brilliant time though. A really good week away which largely involved POD trying just about every activity Mark Warner had on offer! From sailing, windsurfing and kayaking to tennis, badminton and volleyball – she just didn’t stop! It’s been a very busy time what with work and heading off again shortly after our holiday. I wouldn’t change a thing though, we relish exploring new places.
Having been a climber even before she could walk, we always presumed POD would relish taking to the trees. But her first experience of a treetop adventure, at Center Parcs last year, didn’t quite go to plan. She had to be rescued after accidentally letting go of a zip wire rope which led to her dangling mid-air. The heavy rain that followed didn’t ease the situation that’s for sure although she was back to her usual chirpy self after a hot chocolate.
Those of you that have been following PODcast for a while will recall our previous school place challenges. Back in 2015, we’d expected POD to join the local school when she started reception. Everyone told us we’d get a place and we’d have nothing to worry about given the school was just up the road. We were well within the catchment too. As it happens, we were all wrong as POD didn’t get offered a place. We appealed against the decision but it was a battle we were never going to win. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn’t it?
