Sometimes, when you've spent years living in the same place, you can easily overlook the wonders that are sitting right on your doorstep. So, if you feel like rediscovering your area and visiting some glorious, little-known spots, here is a handy list of Surrey's hidden gems...
1. Tillingbourne Waterfall, Wotton
This set of beautiful waterfalls in Tillingbourne is one of the best kept secrets of Surrey's landscape; the nature spot is hidden away on Wotton Estate, near the hamlet of Friday Street. Explore the north slopes of Leith Hill and you will come across the waterfall and, while the site is on private lands, you can take advantage of this brilliant photo opportunity from the footpath.
2. The Shell Bridge, Leatherhead
If you take a stroll along the River Mole, a tributary of the Thames, you will hit the Shell Bridge in Leatherhead. This pretty landmark sits in the grounds of Thorncroft Manor, linking two islands, and at its centre instead of a keystone there is a large scallop imbedded in the flint wall. You will not be able to walk across the 18th century bridge, as it is on private land, but you can snap photos to your heart's content.
3. Gatton Park, Reigate
@fiflamb
It is likely that you have already heard of Gatton Park, but have you really explored this 600 acre green space? Famously, this parkland was transformed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown between 1762 and 1766, the landscape architect often hailed as "England's greatest gardener." To experience the full glory of this park, take the National Trust recommended walking trail and spot sights such as The Millennium Stones, a stone circle which commemorates the double millennium from AD1 to AD2000.
4. Windlesham Arboretum, Windlesham
@hugh_robinson
Hidden off the M3, The Windlesham Arboretum is a 180 acre park and home to lakes, monuments, follies and a collection of bridges. Rich with history, after the site was excavated in the 1980s, a coin was found in the grounds that dated to the reign of the Celtic king Addedomaros, along with several pieces of pottery. After a pleasant countryside stroll, head to the Half Moon pub nearby for a spot of refreshment.
5. Limpsfield Common Mini Woodland Houses
www.surreyhills.org
Discover the adorable miniature world that National Trust volunteers have created at Limpsfield Common; take the little ones along with you to see Peter Rabbit's Post Office and Hedgehog Hall. For the optimum experience and the chance to spot some woodland creatures snuffling around, go at dawn or dusk. The site can be found off Ridlands Lane near the A25.
6. Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Ockley
@bodil.hasle
Dotted around this beautiful garden are over 200 stunning contemporary pieces of sculpture, which visitors can enjoy as they wander around the harmonious setting. The collection is constantly mutating as every summer welcomes pieces by a different set of artists, who use a range of building materials including metal, ceramics, glass, stone and bronze. Witness the intersection between nature and art at this unique site.
7. Brookwood Cemetery, Woking
brookwoodcemetery.com
In 1852 the London Necropolis Company bought up an expanse of land near Woking to build a cemetery. This sprawling graveyard was, at one point, serviced by a train complete with Hearse Carriages that transported bodies from the London Necropolis Railway Station in Central London. Visitors today can see a small section of that track set next to an informative plaque, as well as the graves of artist John Singer Sargent and controversial anatomist Robert Knox.
8. Reigate Caves, Reigate
@erica_parrett
Reigate is know for its historical caves, which lurk directly under your feet as you do your shopping in the town centre. Interestingly, while the locals may describe these passages and caverns as 'caves', they are in fact old sand mines which served as a hub for mining activity over several centuries. This subterranean attraction is not easily accessible with steep steps at some points, however if your kids are the adventurous type then a trip to this site will be right up (or under) their street!
9. The Sculpture Park, Churt
@thesculpturepark
Displaying the work of over 300 artists with 800 sculptures, this magical woodland sculpture park offers the perfect day out. Go on a ramble through ten acres of trees and water gardens to make sure you don't miss a single artwork, most of which are for sale. This park will be a little more fun than the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden for young children.
10. Albury Organic Vineyard, Albury
@sabrina_sxo
Go down to the Albury Organic Vineyard for a spot of romantic wine tasting in a relaxed environment. Visitors can then savour a glass or two alongside a cheese platter on the patio, or roam around the picturesque vineyards on site. If you want to bring the children along, there is a vineyard toy trail to keep them happy.
11. Waverley Abbey
The first monastery founded in Britain, this 12th-century site was built by a group of French Cistercian monks who crossed the channel in 1128 to settle on the banks of the River Wey. What now remains of the original site is a collection of atmospheric ruins, which have provided the setting for scenes in films Elizabeth (1998), Into the Woods (2014), and BBC series Howard's End (2017). Take the family and a picnic along to this historical site.
12. Divers Cove, Godstone
@DiversCoveLtd
Tucked away in the village of Godstone sits a 7.3-acre reservoir known as Divers Cove. The site was once used for sand extraction but today visitors can pay a membership fee to swim or scuba dive up to 40ft in this beautiful setting. There are male and female changing rooms and toilets onsite as well as a cafe where you can grab a hot drink and snack to warm up after your swim/dive.
13. Silent Pool, Albury
Photo from Flickr user KatherineDavis
Visitors who gaze across this picturesque spring-fed lake near Guildford often report an eerie atmosphere. This could be due to the tragic myth that surrounds the place; it is believed that King John once saw a woodman's daughter bathing in the lake, and as he tried to pursue her she walked back farther and farther into the water, then drowned. Local legend has it that the ghost of the young maiden still haunts the site. The Silent Pool is the perfect setting for a slightly spooky outing.
14. Royal Holloway Picture Gallery, Egham
www.royalholloway.ac.uk
The founder of the Royal Holloway University of London, Thomas Holloway, started collecting artwork for this unique picture gallery in 1881, for the benefit of the college's female students. Housed in the impressive red-brick Founder's Building, the gallery includes works of the pre-Raphaelite artist Sir John Everett Millais, as well as a supposedly cursed painting by Edwin Landseer that is covered up when students sit exams. The gallery is open to the public from 10 am- 3 pm every Wednesday during the autumn and spring terms.
15. The Peace Garden, Woking
www.horsellcommon.org.uk
The Peace Garden sits on a site that was once home to the Woking Muslim Military Cemetery, where 19 WW1 and 8 WW2 Muslim Indian soldiers were buried. In 1969 the Commonwealth War Graves Commission made the decision to exhume the bodies and move them to Brookwood Military Cemetery after a series of acts of vandalism. However, in 2011 Woking Borough Council restored the site and created a harmonious memorial garden which pays tribute to those originally buried there. The site is open daily and has an area for parking.
16. Garsons Farm, Esher
www.garsons.co.uk
Head to Esher to visit Garsons' award-winning Garden Centre and Farm Shop and spend an afternoon browsing amongst the varied, high-quality products on sale. You can also take the opportunity to pick your own fruit, vegetables and even sunflowers at the 150-acre farm. The crops are seasonal so check the crop availability list on the website before your visit.
17. Thames Ditton Miniature Steam Railway
www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk
Situated in the village of Thames Ditton, this miniature railway has been running passenger trains for over 70 years and is managed by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. The attraction is open for train rides on the first Sunday of each month between Easter and October, 2 pm - 5.30 pm.
18. Oakhurst Cottage, Godalming
@smpgrant
This 16th-century labourer's dwelling in Goldaming has remained virtually the same for centuries and offers visitors the chance to see how our rural ancestors used to live. This charming site includes a barn where a collection of old tools are held and can be viewed by the public. To explore this National Trust property, you must book a guided tour.
19. Ramster Gardens
@RamsterEvents
These beautiful public gardens were first planted by Sir Harry Waechter in collaboration with the nursery Gauntletts of Chiddingfold in 1890. Now a popular wedding venue, the garden is famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas and is appreciated for its peaceful woodland atmosphere. Ramster will be opening for autumn 2019 on 1 Oct and visitors can expect to enjoy a colour explosion of crimson, copper and gold shades.
20. Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
@findjoel
Take a lovely woodland, riverside stroll amongst the ruins of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills, the site that at one point in 1909 employed over 300 workers. The gunpowder produced here headed in a variety of directions once shipped down the Wey; some of the powder ended up in military weapons while other cargos were used in mine explosives. Visitors can download and follow a historical trail leaflet.
