We’ve had National Trust membership for years now and they are always the first thing we think of when planning a family day out. There aren’t that many National Trust days out in Surrey but they are still some of our favourites in the South East, as they’re so close to home, and places that we venture to often. It’s so nice to explore the National Trust’s collection of historic houses and unusual buildings as a family.
So here are our favourite National Trust days out in Surrey:
Polesden Lacey – Dorking
Set in the Surrey Hills, Polesden Lacey gives fantastic views over the countryside below. There’s a lovely play area and so much outdoor space to explore – not forgetting the beautiful house!
Dogs are welcome and there’s a lovely cafe – perfect for a cup of tea and a slice of cake to break up any day out. There’s plenty of car parking, picnic benches if you want to pack your own lunch and bikes and scooters are welcome in the pleasure grounds too.
You can read about our trip to Polesden Lacey here:
Hatchlands Park – Guildford
We love the woodland play areas at Hatchlands Park and the house is so beautiful too. It’s been home to so many wealthy families and even a finishing school for girls! Set in a vast expanse of parkland it’s perfect for a picnic and enjoying time together as a family.
You can see inside the house at certain times only between April and October and dogs are welcome to explore the 400 acre estate with you all year round. You can also bring small children’s bikes on your adventure to explore more of what Hatchlands Park has to offer.
You can read about our time at Hatchlands Park here:
Claremont Landscape Gardens – Esher
Claremont Landscape Gardens is a Grade I listed garden which dates back to the 18th century. It’s a real oasis in the heart of Surrey and it has so many different trails to explore, so much to look at and just so much space to run around and burn off energy. There’s a play area for young children and a den building area for older children making it a great day out for all ages.
There’s a really lovely cafe at the entrance to Claremont Gardens and dogs are welcome in the cafe all year – and in the gardens October to April.
You can read more about our time at Claremont Gardens here:
- Claremont Landscape Gardens After Lockdown {National Trust}
- Claremont Landscape Gardens {National Trust}
Winkworth Arboretum – Godalming
Winkworth Arboretum is one of our favourite places and it’s somewhere that we enjoy visiting in any season and even in any weather. With a beautiful lake to walk around, the boat house and so many different levels to explore it’s always an adventure.
There’s over a thousand different species of trees and shrubs to look at, making the whole of the arboretum come alive through the changing seasons. There’s also a really lovely tea room, fantastic adventure play areas and family friendly events throughout the year.
You can read about our time at Winkworth here:
Morden Hall Park – Morden
Morden Hall Park is a beautiful green oasis in the city, giving you a taste of a country estate with a glimpse of its agricultural and industrial history but just a stone’s throw from London. Morden Hall Park is a former deer park, with the River Wandle running through it, creating a real haven for wildlife.
The estate is home to workshops run by local craftspeople and artisans plus there’s the Watermeads Nature Reserve and endless meadows, trees and the constant sound of running water. It’s a real gem and somewhere we love to visit.
You can read about our time at Morden Hall Park here:
Frensham Little Pond – Farnham
Frensham Little Pond is a medieval bishops’ fish pond, creating a tranquil wildlife haven in the middle of impressive heathland. Originally created in the 13th century, the area is now a sanctuary for wildlife and a fantastic family day out or beautiful place to walk the dog.
You can read about our time at Frensham here:
So there you have our favourite National Trust sites in Surrey. Have we missed your favourite from our list? Let me know and we’ll visit and add it in as soon as we can. We already have plans to venture to Dapdune Wharf and Leith Hill as soon as we can and Clandon Park will be back on our list as soon as it’s been restored.
We are very lucky to live in Surrey – so many beautiful places on our doorstep!
Oh how I long for National Trust sites to open again. Polesden Lacey is definitely a favourite of ours. Box Hill is another fave of ours also.