10 Best National Trust Places to visit in Surrey

2022 10 National Trust Places in Surrey. We have long been fans of the National Trust, signing up as National Trust members over nine years ago when Charlie was firstborn. Over those last nine years, we have visited our fair share of National Trust Properties and Gardens. All of them are suitable for the whole family. These are in our opinion the best National Trust Places in Surrey all of which are family-friendly. I have also shared our favourite Sussex National Trust locations, many of which are close to the Surrey border. 

READ MORE – 10 Sussex National Trust Places to visit

The 10 Best National Trust Places in Surrey

Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey has to be at the top of our list. As one of our favourite National Trust properties in Surrey. I quite often like to explore on my own but there is a lot for kids too. It is one of the few that allow balance bikes and scooters in their grounds. There is a large natural play area, tree swings and they often put on a trail through the woods over the school holidays. The gardens are lovely with big sweeping lawns, deck chairs and plenty of space for a picnic or a catch up with friends.

There is a long herbaceous borders, a rose garden, vegetable gardens and formal gardens. Our favourite time to visit is when the peonies are in bloom and the beginnings of the roses. At the entrance, there are two cafes, a large shop and toilets. It is also possible to go into the house on certain days of the week but we have not done that yet. Despite visiting multiple times… I think we may try it this year as it will be decorated for Christmas.

Polesden Lacey Address – Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD

READ MORE – Polesden Lacey after Lockdown

Claremont Gardens

We have visited Claremont landscape garden a couple of times but for some reason, it always seems to rain when we do! But don’t let that stop you! One day we will visit and see the blue sky and white fluffy clouds reflected in its perfectly still waters. It is not a particularly large property but there’s enough for a morning or afternoon. Besides the lake, there are several stone statues to find, a beautiful veranda and a tower behind locked gates. Not to mention lots of opportunities to marvel at the large trees, explore nature finds and play on stepping stones.

Claremont Address – Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9JG

READ MORE – Claremont after lockdown

Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is beautiful all year round but really comes into its own in Autumn and Springtime. Which I think are the best time of the year to visit. In Autumn it is a riot of different coloured leaves. And so popular you have to book. Likewise in the Springtime when the ground is transformed into a sea of bluebells. The carpark is not large and definitely not big enough for its popularity. There is also a small cafe and a lovely oak play area for the children. Which has been made from wood from the arboretum itself. It is a little steep in areas so I would make sure that you use a baby carrier as a pushchair will limit your long walk. 

Winkworth Arboretum Address – Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD

READ MORE – The best place in Surrey for Bluebells

Leith Hill

A firm favourite with Charlie Leith Hill Place and Leith Tower are located very close to each other. With masses of woodland to explore and a house to marvel at. Which has recently been opened up almost fully to the public. But the tower is really the draw as it is at the highest point. So gives glorious views across Surrey and acres of countryside. Although it is currently closed because of the pandemic it is worth keeping an eye on the National Trust website. As it does tend to open at certain points throughout the year. Please note although there is a small cafe at the base of the tower there are no toilet facilities at Leith Hill. 

Leith Hill Address – near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey

Box Hill

One of our favourite National Trust places in Surrey to visit. Box Hill is another popular walking haunt with the boys you can make this one as demanding as you like. It is possible to walk up to 8km around the area. Or find a much easier walking trail from the National Trust website, that has several different trails you can download. On a sunny day, you can look across beautiful views of the rolling Surrey Hills and North Downs to the towns of Dorking and Tadworth below. There is also a cafe at the carpark to refuel or stock up before your adventure. However, the real draw has got to be the stepping stones over the River Mole at the foot of Box Hill. It is a little steep to get down but well worth the effort. With so much space to explore, it is a great day out for older children.

Box Hill Address – The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB

Hatchlands Park

Another expanse of parkland to explore. There is a house but it is not possible to go inside, however, you can access the old stable block. Which has been turned into a shop and cafe area. They also do very good ice cream in the Summer! When we visit we always make a beeline for the woodland play area. This is quite a walk from the entrance but worth the effort. With both a hobbit house and ree house to explore. It can get a little muddy so be warned. If you are collecting your National Trust Passport Stamps then it is very close to Box Hill. 

Hatchlands Park Address – East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT

Ham House

Another must see National Trust properties in Surrey, Ham House has been on my list for the longest time! A stately homes based near the River Thames the car park is not National Trust but it is free and the other side of the river. It is possible to go into the delicious house on certain days of the week and will lots to see and marvel at it is a must. The walled garden has lavender in the Summer months and stunning gardens produce cut flowers all year round. Plus there is an established vegetable garden which in the Autumn is full of pumpkins in all different shades of orange. With a cafe and shop onsite it has all the facilities you would expect from a National Trust. Although there is no play area for children.

Ham House Address – Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS

Clandon Park

I was lucky to attend a wedding at Clandon Park before the unthinkable happened in 2015 when a huge fire ripped through the building. Turning into ruin in a couple of hours. The National Trust are currently rebuilding it. Yet it is still worth a visit to see how they go about restoring such a historic building. The gardens remain open all year and over the Summer period, it is possible to visit the ruins via a pre-booked tour. The visitor reception and toilets are only open when the house is. However, there is also a garden centre and cafe close by. Which although not part of the National Trust remains open and can be reached from the gardens. There is also a wooden playground and a small onsite car park. It is also close to Hatchlands Park and the two other properties below.

Clandon Park Address – West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RQ

River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

The River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf have only come onto my radar recently. And is actually next on our list of things to do. I have added it in here because if you fancy something different other than parkland and houses then this is the one for you. When you visit you can book to go on a boat trip along part of the 20 miles of river and canals. Having recently been on our first stay on a narrowboat I know the boys would love a trip on the river. The trip does cost extra and is currently £34 per boat for up to ten people at a time for a 40-minute journey. Booking is easy and can be done online. The Dapdune Wharf is free to enter. There is also a tearoom and several different trails to follow along the towpaths and across the countryside. 

River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf Address – Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR

Shalford Mill

And finally, Shalford Mill is something different again. It is one of the reasons I do love the National Trust so much. That there is such a wide range of things to do. It is easily combined with some of the other locations in this blog post. As you do not need long to explore the 18th-century watermill. Unfortunately, it is no longer in operation but a lot of the machinery is still intact. Making it a great place to learn all about how life used to be. Because of the pandemic, it has been shut but definitely one of the lists once it opens again. 

Shalford Mill Address – Shalford, near Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8BS

If you are not a member of the National Trust then admission charges apply. Although keep an eye out for National Trust days where you can visit for free.

Have you visited any National trust properties in Surrey recently? Let me know your favourite National Trust Property in the comments below.

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