There’s much to see in Surrey and we’re truly spoilt especially at this time of the year. Somewhere I have to visit in autumn is Winkworth Arboretum. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a picturesque sight throughout the seasons but when those red, orange and yellow hues arrive – it’s quite spectacular. And the clever planting of their maples, oaks and rowans ensures the views are impressive and last for weeks. The arboretum has been looked after by the National Trust for some 60 years now.
As fans of the great outdoors, we love nothing more than escaping to blow away a few cobwebs. There are a wide variety of places to choose from in Surrey and the surrounding area with one of the favourites the beautiful Alice Holt forest.
Yes I know it’s a hard life! Although truth be told we really wanted to go to the Gin Festival. Devised by Jym and Marie Harris, it enables visitors to try a plethora of gins with expert advice on tap. The Gin Festival has seen enormous growth since its 2012 inception, growing from a single event to reaching thousands of gin enthusiasts all over the country.
Clandon Park is a Palladian-style mansion which was built in the 1920’s for Lord Onslow to impress guests like King George V and Queen Mary. The estate remained with the Onslow family for 400 years and was given to the National Trust way back in 1956. On the 29th April last year, a fire broke out in the basement of Clandon House and it suffered extensive damage. It took fire crews some 12 hours to put out the fire.
We’ve written about Surrey many a time since relocating and becoming parents five years ago. Situated a stones throw from London, there’s a rich heritage that spans many thousands of years. It’s no stranger to ancient folklore either with ghostly sightings, highwaymen and dragons all forming part of its history. This beautiful county is home to all manner of tales from the weird and wonderful to the undeniably intriguing.
This summer marks our sixth year in Surrey. While we’ll always have a fondness for the big smoke, that pre-parenting life seems such a long time ago now. We wouldn’t change it for the world though, five year old POD has grown up in the countryside, just as we did albeit in different counties.
“Glamping is likely to satisfy any city slicker seeking a little refuge in nature – without foregoing any of life’s luxuries”. So what can you expect from the new Explorer Glamping at Chessington World of Adventures?
Having recently visited the glorious Hatchlands Park to see the bluebells, we were back to show POD their swanky new treehouse. Managed by the National Trust, Hatchlands Park is a superb place for families especially. As well as the mansion, there’s more green space than you can shake a stick at, lots of trees to climb and an adventure play area. Oh and at this time of year bluebells too.
There are a number of places that are great for bluebells at this time of year. Although we’re a little bit spoilt in Surrey, our favourite has to be Hatchlands Park. Managed by the National Trust and located a stones throw away from Guildford, it’s somewhere we head to regularly. While we mostly visit as a family, on this occasion it was brilliant to meet up with a couple of my favourite people, Mummy Barrow and HPMcQ.
As soon as you leave the car and head down a pathway lined by the tallest of trees, you know Frensham Little Pond will be a bit special. It says a lot about a place if you instantly feel relaxed the moment you arrive. You can almost sense the tension slipping away from your shoulders while you take a deep intake of breath. Arriving at the waters edge to admire the view, you can’t help but smile at this 13th century gem and the stunning heathland that surrounds it.
