What to do and see in Surrey, England: The Best Nature & Parks

January 28, 2022 Venice Greaves

Discover the best top things to do in Surrey, United Kingdom including Mini Me's Soft Play, Hampton Court Palace, Polesden Lacey, RHS Garden Wisley, Savill Garden, Painshill, Alice Holt Forest, Winkworth Arboretum, Loseley Park, British Wildlife Centre.
Restaurants in Surrey

1. Mini Me's Soft Play

The Ski Lodge, Sandown Sports Centre Sandown Racecourse, More Lane, Esher KT10 8AN England +44 1372 878225
Excellent
88%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Mini Me's Soft Play

We are a hidden gem in the Sandown Park and Race course estate offering exciting and adventurous indoor play for children from 0-7. We have four exciting rooms that every child will be able to enjoy and for those parents who need professional care for their child, we have a creche on site. We're your indoor play home from home. Open each day 10.00am-4.30pm, we look forward to welcoming you!

2. Hampton Court Palace

A308, East Molesey KT8 9AU England +44 333 320 6000 [email protected] http://www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace/
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,385 reviews

Hampton Court Palace

Visit the famous hedge maze, Tudor knot garden and the state apartments at this splendid red-brick Tudor Palace, which is set in formal gardens and open parkland along the Thames River.

Reviewed By Ritpetite96 - Bideford, United Kingdom

I've always wanted to visit Hampton Court Palace And It exceeded my expectations It's truly amazing It's Tudor and Baroque architecture are both equally wonderful, the gardens are beautiful you can easily spend a whole day wondering around and still not see it all. When we arrived which was at 9.15 they had just lit the fire in the kitchens (you could smell the smoke wafting over the East front gardens) you can go in and look around the front gardens at 9 am the roses smelt lovely at that time of the morning and we even saw some wild Parakeets flying around. When we we went we where lucky enough to go when you could meet Henry viii and interview a couple of his wives listening to the actors playing them was very interesting and really enjoyable, and it was a pleasure talking to the guides in the rooms of the palace their knowledge about the history of the place was enjoyable to listen to, it was the same talking to the people in the kitchens finding out what life was like working in a Tudor kitchen, Hampton court palace is well worth a visit and I would go back again.

3. Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey House Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, Great Bookham RH5 6BD England +44 1372 452048 [email protected] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,425 reviews

Polesden Lacey

Reviewed By stuffmatters - London, United Kingdom

Polesden Lacey is a National Trust gem with spectacular (& evolving) formal and natural gardens as well as a well presented insight into a early twentieth century country house. Entrance is £15 pp or free to NT members. Guided tours are available of the house in the morning before allowing free flow entry after 1230 whilst the gardens are open at all times with tours available at 1130, 1245, & 1415 Originally built by the Scottish brewer, William McEwan it became the country home of Maggie Greville, one of the premier socialites of the early twentieth century who counted royalty and prime ministers amongst her friends and guests. The gardens alone are worth the visit and are spectacularly laid out. We thoroughly enjoyed the garden tour and would recommend it. The house is also beautifully presented and easy to navigate. The volunteers in each room were as always helpful and interesting. The porcelain & art on display on the ground floor is well worth enjoying. It is easy to see how Polesden Lacey was one of the most popular “house parties” for those lucky enough to be invited. We ended our tour with lunch at the Cowshed Cafe in the courtyard which offers a range of options. Unfortunately however McEwans beer is not available on the menu!

4. RHS Garden Wisley

Wisley Lane, Wisley GU23 6QB England +44 1483 224234 [email protected] http://rhs.org.uk/wisley
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,363 reviews

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Garden Wisley is the flagship garden of the RHS and home to some of the largest plant collections anywhere in the world. Planting schemes are continuously evolving, with something to inspire visitors on every visit. Key highlights throughout the seasons include the Rock Garden, Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, Mixed Borders, Seven Acres, and the tropical-inspired Exotic Garden. Seasonal must-sees include a carpet of crocus in spring, blooming rose collection in summer, magnificent autumn colour and a crisp Winter Walk. In June 2019 RHS Garden Wisley opened the new Welcome building which features an airy arrivals hall, large shop and plant centre, spacious café, and relaxing restaurant.

Reviewed By iancW5253PO

We visited during the day as we had not been fast enough for the tickets for Glow, which sold out quickly. Initially, I felt a little disappointed as the main lawn was roped off due to one of the Glow installation and you couldn't appreciate Philip Haas's 'Spring' from the front. There were a few such restrictions elsewhere, but we enjoyed finding and visiting new places that we hadn't been to before, such as the display of squash in the Trials Field and the woods around Battleston Hill. It was good to see Philip Haas's 'Autumn' alongside the glasshouse - appropriate for the time of year, though 'Winter' has been fenced off due to building work in the Laboratory. Although the gardens were past their main flowering season, there were many grasses and other plants to admire, and some plants still in bloom or just, surprisingly like the camellias, coming into bloom, so there was quite an amount of autumn colour around. We always enjoy exploring the sculpture on display and found a new one for us - 'Diva' by Mark Swan in the Cottage Garden, in addition to our old favourites. Having been several times this year, it is surprising to find that there are still areas to be explored - one of the joys of coming several times a year is finding these new environments, plus seeing the gardens change with the season. It was a cold day, so we started our visit with a warming hot chocolate and finished with a snack lunch of a sausage roll and drink. There were several options open for food and drink takeaway and there were benches and other seats spread around near the different outlets. Always enjoyable to visit.

5. Savill Garden

Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UU England +44 1784 435544 http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 928 reviews

Savill Garden

The Savill Garden is a tranquil place to discover rare plants from around the world, arranged in stunning seasonal displays. Since its creation in the 1930s, The Savill Garden has been an inspiration for all. This natural haven of beautifully designed gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone, from dedicated horticulturists to those who just want to spend a relaxing day out with family or friends. The 35 acres of interconnected gardens include the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds.

Reviewed By R0bbie78 - Wickford, United Kingdom

Our first ever visit to The Savill Garden did not disappoint Luckily we had a free parking voucher but entry to the garden is £11 pp for non members. Despite it being a Bank Holiday the garden was very quite and peaceful. A sturdy flat path leads you around to the various specialized areas of the garden including Summer Wood Spring Wood The Summer Garden and the Azalea walk. To explore these areas you need to leave the main path onto neatly mown grass. The flower bed displays are exceptional and I loved the use of pea sticks to support the tall colourful dahlias. With plenty of benches to rest and take in the vistas makes this a great place to spend some wind down time.

6. Painshill

Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE England +44 1932 868113 [email protected] http://www.painshill.co.uk/
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 678 reviews

Painshill

Painshill is a beautiful award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey. The 158 acre wonderland has something for everyone and makes a great family day out. Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG), and some of Surrey's amazing wildlife. You can spend a whole day at Painshill or there are shorter accessible routes around the Serpentine Lake. Dogs on short leads are welcome. Bring a picnic or visit Hamilton's Tea Room. Visit the Painshill Shop for gifts, greeting cards and to buy Painshill English Sparkling Wine.

Reviewed By bettydisco

Visited here with Family Stunning Views The crystal grotto is amazing Various different walks to suit everyone Very tasty homemade food Good choice of gifts in shop Would definitely come back for a return visit

7. Alice Holt Forest

Bucks Horn Oak Farnham, Surrey, Farnham GU10 4LS England +44 1420 520212 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 709 reviews

Alice Holt Forest

Reviewed By MatElaOsc - Normanton, United Kingdom

New year's day, great choice of walks and trails. Superb Gruffalo trail with wooden sculptures to find as well as some great children's play sculptures on the other trail. Our 3 year old loved climbing and exploring. Cafe us also great food always busy. But were able to eat outside on New Year's day!!

8. Winkworth Arboretum

Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD England +44 1483 208477 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 560 reviews

Winkworth Arboretum

A tranquil hillside arboretum created by Dr Wilfred Fox in the early twentieth century, now cared for by the National Trust. Open 363 days a year with stunning botanical displays all year round.

Reviewed By SarcasticPingu - Norwich, United Kingdom

Such a beautiful place! Lovely for a short or longer visit with a variety of walks and areas to explore. Most of the walks have some steep areas, so it may not be suitable for everyone, but the cafe is easily accessible. Lots of plants, flowers and wildlife to be seen. We went on a partially rainy day, so some of the paths could be a little slippy and one of the pathways was unfortunately closed, but we still got to see quite a lot of the Arbortetum. The cafe is relatively small, so if there is bad weather, there may not be room to sit inside, but lots of seating outside. Would gladly visit again, worth the visit if you have a NT members card.

9. Loseley Park

Estate Office Loseley Park Loseley Park, Guildford GU3 1HS England +44 1483 304440 [email protected] http://www.loseleypark.co.uk/house
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 258 reviews

Loseley Park

LOSELEY PARK ( GARDENS ONLY) IS OPEN FROM MONDAY'S TO THURSDAYS- 10-5PM UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2020 . Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park stands in ancient Surrey Parkland close to the North Downs yet within reach of London. Still the home of the More-Molyneux family, it is remarkably unchanged since 1562 when Sir William More laid the first stones, and remains, as he intended, a place of calm, grace and subtle beauty. From the house itself, where the intricate panelling in the Great Hall was once in Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace; to the Tithe Barn with its ancient oak beams; to the elegant and restful walled garden, Loseley Park is sought after for civil weddings, corporate events, and as a location for films such as Sense and Sensibility. But it’s also a place to visit, to enjoy the grounds, the garden and house, and relax in one of England’s friendliest historic homes. ‘Invidiae claudor, pateo sed semper amico’ Shut to envy, but always open to a friend.

Reviewed By Banjo371

I often attend their garden events and they are wonderful. I went this year in April with a group of friends. They had a wide range of sellers from food and drink, plants, clothes, sculptures and garden ornaments, garden tools and lots more. We had a lovely lunch and tea and cake later in the day, Definitely would recommend any and all of their events. I missed their Summer event but friends that went said it was great as usual and they made lots of purchases

10. British Wildlife Centre

British Wildlife Centre Eastbourne Road, Lingfield RH7 6LF England +44 1342 834658 [email protected] http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 591 reviews

British Wildlife Centre

Reviewed By Travel-Knights - Stafford, United Kingdom

We went for a photo day there. Excellent experience with close ups of the animals to take photos. Beautiful animals :-) Knowledgable keeper and good care for COVID.

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