The area of Surrey and South West London is rich with history that is just waiting to be explored. From Norman strongholds and medieval abbeys to hidden ruins tucked away in the countryside, it’s easy to forget just how much of the past is sitting right on our doorstep.
Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re just passing through, there’s something very rewarding about visiting places that have stood for centuries.
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Guildford Castle
A Norman built fortress, Guildford Castle was likely constructed to protect the important Surrey town from rebellion and secure routes between London, the south coast and the west of England. Starting life as a motte-and-bailey castle, this site has served a variety of purposes ranging from a county gaol to a royal residence.
What remains at the location is the restored Great Tower, which visitors can climb to take in 360-degree panoramic views of Guildford and the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, visitors are invited to walk around the castle grounds that feature vibrant flower beds and a life-size Alice Through the Looking Glass statue.
Waverley Abbey
Waverley Abbey holds the title of being the first monastery founded in the British Isles. Dating back to the early 12th century, the Abbey became the home of a select group of Cistercian monks who emigrated from France. What now remains of the original dwelling of those religious trendsetters is a set of atmospheric ruins, which have provided the setting for scenes in Elizabeth (1998) and Disney’s Into the Woods (2014).
Take your family and the dog along and enjoy a picnic next to the ruins of the 13th-century vaulted refectory where the monks ate their meals hundreds of years ago. This site provides a fun and free holiday outing for adults and children alike.
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Richmond Park
Stretching over an area of 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is an example of ancient parkland that has remained unchanged for centuries. This park has close ties to past royals; Henry VIII used the space for hunting and was long thought to have watched a rocket fired from the Tower of London, signalling Anne Boleyn’s execution from a spot in the park.
Meanwhile, in 1625, Charles I used the area as a refuge from an outbreak of the plague in London and subsequently decided to turn the land into a red and fallow deer park. If you get peckish whilst wandering around this green space, you can stop off at the Georgian Tea Rooms of Pembroke Lodge for lunch. Or, you can check out the famous evergreen azaleas of the Isabella Plantation.
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Sir John Soane's Museum
Down a street in Lincoln’s Inn Fields nestles the former home of eccentric 18th-century architect Sir John Soane. Soane created this remarkable house through the purchase, destruction and rebuilding of three neighbouring properties. Filling his home with a large collection of artefacts, he later negotiated an 1833 Act of Parliament which stipulated that after his demise, the house would be preserved as he left it.
This extraordinary treasure-trove now welcomes 100,000 visitors each year, who marvel at collection highlights including the sarcophagus of Egyptian king Seti I. With a museum shop and a café in the park across the road, this site has all the ingredients for an enjoyable day out.
@StrawberryHillHouse / www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/
Strawberry Hill House & Garden
This beautiful example of Gothic revival architecture was transformed by high society figure Horace Walpole in 1747 from a potential-filled riverside site named ‘Chopp’d Straw Hall’. Building his ‘little Gothic castle’ with crenellations, a turret and a gleaming white façade, Walpole welcomed royalty, aristocracy and touring visitors into his creation.
Almost allowed to fall into ruin when inherited by the Seventh Earl of Waldegrave, his wife rescued the site upon his death. Today, visitors can venture into this fairy-tale mansion and take in the sight of grand staircases and intricate stained glass windows. Also on offer is a chance to take a stroll around the grounds and then stop off at the Garden Café.
@hamptoncourtpalace / www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace
Hampton Court Palace
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey built Hampton Court Palace in the early 16th century as a private residence. The grand palace captured King Henry VIII’s attention; he later added it to his own property portfolio. Christopher Wren almost tore down the palace in 1689 when commissioned to build a new Baroque royal residence; this plan was abandoned in favour of the creation of the Fountain Court.
Today, visitors can experience a tour of Henry VIII’s Kitchens, then cool off in the palace gardens and explore the world’s oldest puzzle maze. The entrance fee also includes access to the Great Hall, where you can see Anne Boleyn’s coat-of-arms carved into the roof, as well as the luxuriously woven Abraham Tapestries.
www.painshill.co.uk
Painshill Park
This picturesque 18th-century landscape is the creation of Hon. Charles Hamilton, who was inspired to design a series of ‘living paintings’ in the form of a garden following his return from two Grand Tours of Europe. Grand Tours were routine practice for wealthy young men in the 18th century, with popular destinations including Rome and Paris.
Hamilton’s adventures on the continent and his interest in Renaissance art are clearly reflected in the gardens. Highlights of this site include the Crystal Grotto, a naturalistic cave with glistening stalactites, as well as the Mausoleum, which resembles the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This historically and culturally rich garden makes the perfect holiday day out.
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Leith Hill Tower
Built-in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place, Leith Hill Tower holds the title of being the highest point in South East England at 1029ft. Constructed to allow the public to ‘enjoy the glory of the English countryside’, a climb up the spiral staircase reveals breathtaking views that stretch as far as the English Channel.
From the top of the tower, visitors can also spy old quarrying sites in the surrounding hills that provided the materials for the building. An information room halfway up the tower means you can pause to read up on the story of the site. Then, if you feel like a spot of lunch after your visit, pop along to the Servery, managed by the Tanhouse Farm Shop.
brookwoodcemetery.com
Brookwood Cemetery
Following an 1852 Act of Parliament, the London Necropolis Company bought up an expanse of land near Woking to build a cemetery that was designed to improve the dire burial situation in London. This sprawling graveyard is believed to have been landscaped by the renowned architect William Tite, and at one point was serviced by a train complete with Hearse Carriages that transported bodies from the London Necropolis Railway Station in Central London.
Today, visitors who come to the Cemetery can see a small section of the track set next to an informative plaque. Also on offer is the chance to spot the graves of some of the famous residents of the Cemetery, including artist John Singer Sargent and controversial anatomist Robert Knox. Visit the largest cemetery in Western Europe for a unique, if slightly macabre, historical experience!
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Polesden Lacey
Originally built in 1821-3 by Thomas Cubitt, the site was transformed into an Edwardian dream house in 1906 by Mewès & Davis, the architects of the Ritz Hotel, under the instruction of socialite Dame Maggie Greville. The Queen Mother, who described the property as 'a delicious house', spent a week at Polesden Lacey for her honeymoon, engaging in activities such as golf and garden strolls with her new husband, the future King George VI.
The entrance fee to this stately home includes access to 14 showrooms, including the library, central hall and the gold Saloon, which features extravagant interior decoration and was created to impress royalty. After you finish exploring the house, wander around the estate grounds, which sit in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and spot the range of rare wildlife that calls this area its home.
Farnham Castle
Overlooking the historic town of Farnham, Farnham Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest and served for centuries as a residence for the powerful Bishops of Winchester.
The castle’s stone keep, which dates from the 12th century, still stands proudly on its hilltop mound and offers impressive views across the surrounding countryside. Visitors can wander around the castle grounds freely, while guided tours provide a closer look at the interior of the keep and explain the site’s long ecclesiastical and military history.
With its commanding position above the town and centuries of history tied to the English church and crown, Farnham Castle remains one of Surrey’s most impressive historic landmarks.
@hever_castle / www.hevercastle.co.uk
Hever Castle
Originally built in 1270, it later served as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. While the Boleyns made many additions to their abode, the majority of what is on view today is a testament to the work of American politician William Waldorf Astor, who restored the castle in the early 20th century using traditional Tudor building methods.
Amongst many treasured artefacts in the castle lies Anne’s personal prayer book, which bears her handwritten annotations. Other highlights include the Months and Seasons Tapestry, which dates back to 1550. With 125 acres of grounds, a water maze, and Tudor-themed playgrounds, there is plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
@KnoleNT / https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole
Knole House & Park
Knole House, which sits in parkland inhabited by a herd of wild deer, has been the home of the Sackville family for over 400 years. The house was the childhood home of acclaimed writer Vita Sackville-West, who was left heartbroken when passed over as the direct heir to the estate due to her gender.
Built to impress, the property is so expansive that it is impossible to ascertain the number of rooms it holds, as every count produces a different figure. Step back in time inside Knole’s showrooms, which are filled with a cherished collection of Stuart furniture and paintings by artists Reynolds and Gainsborough. After exploring the house, stomp around the grounds to encounter the occasional curious stag.
