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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Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punchbowl
The Devil’s Punchbowl is easily accessible for us via the
Frensham Little Pond
Another favourite of ours is Frensham Little Pond which was originally created in the 13th century to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester. These days it’s a sanctuary for wildlife with birds, damselflies and dragonflies during the warmer months. The landscape is a colourful mosaic of purples and yellows and there are plenty of trees to climb. We’ve even ventured into the water before but this is not something we’ve done for a few years – not sure you even can these days. Frensham is a Site of Specific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation. It’s a wonderful place to visit any time – even more so if you can get there before the working day. Frensham Little Pond: Priory Lane, Frensham, Surrey, GU10 3BT.
Witley and Milford Commons
Witley and Milford Commons is a great place to visit what with its trails and bridleways – it’s pretty hard to get lost too. There are some amazing trees and fungi to see there not to mention breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Witley and Milford Commons is a designated Site of Special Specific Interest. Haslemere Road, Witley, Surrey, GU8 5QA.
Winkworth Arboretum
If I had to pick one place to go in autumn where the colour combinations just blew me away, it would be Winkworth Arboretum. It’s great all year round but autumn with its reds, oranges and yellows is pretty special. Spring is also a joyous time to visit with the Azalea Steps always a sight for sore eyes. The one-hundred-year-old boathouse is always a joy, either looking out across the water or back at the boathouse with the reeds in the foreground. Created by Dr Wilfrid Fox, the arboretum has been managed by the National Trust for some 60 years and the clever planting combinations mean the colour lasts so much longer. There’s a new adventure play area at Winkworth now too which makes it much more family-friendly for us. Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD.
River Wey and Godalming Navigations
We can walk to the River Wey and Godalming Navigations albeit not the full 20 miles! The waterway was opened way back in 1764, connecting Guildford to Weybridge and then London. There’s a visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf which tells the story of the navigations and you can see where the Wey barges were built. We also enjoy venturing along the waterways towards Stoke Lock which has proved to be great cycling practice for POD. Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
Shalford Mill
Just outside Guildford town centre is the 18th-century watermill. Although the machinery no longer works you can find out more about the Ferguson Gang who were determined to save the fabric of England. Shalford, near Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8BS.
Clandon Park
Clandon Park was one of the first places we visited when we moved to Surrey. It was one of the best examples of a Palladian mansion until 2015 when a devastating fire tore through the building and causing significant damage. Plans have since been announced to rebuild Clandon Park. You can now visit the house between April and October to see inside the Saloon, State Bedroom and Marble Hall and basement areas. West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RQ.
Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park is located a stone’s throw away from Clandon Park and is probably the National Trust site we visit most often. This is partly down to location and also because there are 400 acres of parkland to explore all year round. There are waymarked trails to follow, an adventure playground to explore and plenty of trees to climb. When the spring comes the bluebells are a must, a carpet of purple that stretches as far as the eye can see. The classic country house at Hatchlands Park (open between April and October) was built for a naval hero but has since housed wealthy families, been a finishing school and even a printing press! East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT.
Abinger Roughs and Netley Park
Just off the North Downs and Pilgrims Ways, above the village of Abinger Hammer, is Abinger Roughs. With 300 year oak trees, it’s fairly flat so great for walking and cycling. The paths are easy to follow too so no chance of getting lost along the way. Netley Park is situated in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are over 200 areas to explore. White Downs Lane, Abinger Hammer, Surrey, RH5 6QS
Denbies Hillside
Denbies Hillside boasts the highest point in South East England and it’s a great place for watching wildlife. Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer, it also has several WWII pillboxes and with Hackhurst Downs to the west, you can savour the views towards the Tillingbourne Valley. Ranmore Common Road, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6SR.
Polesden Lacey
Favoured by the Queen Mother, Polesden Lacey has superb views across the Surrey Hills, woodland walks and beautiful gardens. Once home to the famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Grenville, it houses an extensive collection of art and ceramics including some Fabergé. Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD.
Bookham Commons
These ancient commons with their varied landscapes were mentioned in the Domesday Book. There is woodland, grassy plains and ponds to explore at this Site of Special Specific Interest. It has been surveyed since 1941 by the London Natural History Society making it one of the best recorded and studied areas in the country. Church Road, Great Bookham, Surrey, Nearest postcode KT23 3LT
Claremont Landscape Garden
The eighteenth century Claremont Landscaped Garden is steeped in nearly 300 years of history. It was previously a retreat for queens and heirs – somewhere to escape every day and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. There are still many unique features to discover including the large turf amphitheatre, serpentine lake, grotto and the
Box Hill
Part of the North Downs, Box Hill is a great place for a family walk whether it be down to the stepping stones or through the woodland. The views are pretty special and there is much to see along the way whether it be wildlife, flora and fauna or ancient trees. The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB.
Headley Heath
Finally, the beautiful Headley Heath with its mix of heathland, chalk slopes and woodland. It has a wide range of tracks to explore whether your cycling, walking or horse riding. Headley Heath is a Site of Special Significant Interest due to the rich, varied and rare wildlife. Headley Common Road, Headley Heath, Surrey, KT18 6NN.
There are a number of other National Trust sites to explore in Surrey, some of which we’ve visited and some we haven’t – Leith Hill, Ham House, Oakhurst Cottage (through Winkworth Arboretum), Hydon’s Ball and Heath, Holmwood Common and Reigate Hill. We are truly spoiled in our area!
Plus in nearby Hampshire, we have Mottisfont, The Vyne, Hinton Ampner, Winchester City Mill, Uppark House and Garden, Stockbridge Down. With Bodiam Castle, Bateman’s, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Sheffield Park and Garden, Petworth House and East Head in Sussex.
If you’d like to read posts from some of these special places, search National Trust on the blog. Alternatively, do visit the National Trust website for a full list of places to visit in Surrey and beyond.
We love being in the great outdoors and blowing away those cobwebs. If you do too, make sure you tag all your UK adventures with #UKExplore on Instagram. You could win yourself a National Trust day pass.
To read about our overseas travels, head over to our travel blog POD Travels.
