The mysterious Silent Pool

The beautifully peaceful yet mysterious Silent Pool is just over a mile from Newlands Corner. Both are owned by the Albury Estate and managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. Silent Pool and Sherbourne Pond is the only major spring source on the slope of the North Downs hence the crystal clear water. Poet Lord Tennyson was a regular visitor and crime writer Agatha Christie was said to have disappeared at Silent Pool after her car was discovered at Newlands Corner. She was found alive and well in Harrogate 11 days later, said to be suffering with amnesia. But the fate of Emma, a woodcutter’s daughter, continues to captivate and bemuse.

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Newlands Corner with its panoramic views

Newlands Corner, with its panoramic views, is a popular beauty spot situated in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty. Owned by the Albury Estate and managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, there are grass slopes, chalk downland and woodland to explore. Newlands Corner is only 4 miles from Guildford Town and offers probably the best views in Surrey across the Weald to the ridge of the South Downs.

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Places to visit in Guildford, Surrey

There are so many places to visit in Guildford, we’re still discovering spots we’ve not seen before a decade after relocating from London! We’re pretty spoiled in the area though what with commons, woodland, gardens, parks and nature reserves. Here are just some of the places you should visit in Guildford and the nearby area in 2021.

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Pumpkin picking in Surrey 2020

We always enjoy Halloween what with the dressing up, going trick or treating and catching up with friends. This year is going to look rather different (trick or treating in the house anyone?) but it’s not to say we can’t have some fun! We’re pleased to hear the local farms are still able to offer pumpkin picking as it’s such a great laugh. The whole process of selecting a pumpkin or two that are the right size for carving – or eating depending on how creative you’re feeling. There are inevitable changes this year, due to COVID, primarily in that, all tickets must be purchased in advance and groups must be six or less.

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Celebrating Pixar on Disney Plus

When we’re not outside exploring we relish time indoors to recharge the batteries. The Disney+ streaming service is brilliant for this as there are thousands of films, shorts and originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic to choose from. Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year (I know, I know!) so as well as all the Pixar movies available on Disney+, they are celebrating all things Pixar.

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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.

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Five reasons to love Gousto

Remember during lockdown when items such as meat, rice and pasta were in short supply? Our local Co-Op served us well but it got to the point where we couldn’t get the ingredients we needed to make a meal. Although we hadn’t considered the likes of Gousto before, the initial decision to give a meal delivery service a try was prompted by the desire for a proper dinner. You know the meat and two veg kind! Gousto wasn’t taking on new customers then but we were able to order a Chosen By Gousto box with the ingredients to make three meals.

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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.

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Delicious cottage pie recipe

One of the nice things about spending more time at home has been the cooking. While much of it has been focused on baking with nine-year-old POD, we had to share this cottage pie recipe as it’s SO good! It makes enough for around six large portions which is great if you want seconds.

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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.

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