Leith Hill Place was the childhood home of Ralph Vaughan Williams who gave it to the National Trust in 1944. His grandparents, Josiah Wedgwood III and Caroline (née Darwin) moved there in 1847 and his great uncle, the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, conducted experiments in the grounds.
In July of 2013 the house was opened to the public for the first time since the 1960s and welcomed over 8000 visitors. As a work in progress there is still a lot of work to be done but the house is starting to feel loved again and the National Trust is breathing life back into it.
Leith Hill Lane
Dorking
United Kingdom
Surrey
Rh5 6LY
Tel:
South Street
Farnham
United Kingdom
Surrey
GU9 7RN
Tel:
Steeped in nearly 300 years of history, this eighteenth-century garden is a green oasis in the heart of Surrey within easy reach of London. Previously the countryside retreat of queens and heirs, Claremont has always been somewhere to escape everyday life and enjoy simple outdoor pleasures.
Portsmouth Road
Esher
United Kingdom
Surrey
KT10 9JG
Tel:
Wisley was given to the RHS in 1903 and is now a hub of horticultural excellence and a top visitor attraction, with 97ha (240 acres) to explore. It is home to some of the largest plant collections anywhere in the globe and showcases inspirational gardening. Planting schemes are constantly evolving to ensure there’s always something new to excite and inspire visitors.
Wisley Lane, Wisley
Woking
United Kingdom
GU23 6QB
Tel: 08452609000
The Spike Heritage Centre
Warren Rd
Guildford
GU1 3JH
Parking Available.
On the periphery of Guildford, the Guildford Union Workhouse stands as a testament to the current welfare system. Built in 1838 as a result of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, it houses the forgotten classes of Edwardian England – the poor, the infirm, the ill and the destitute.
Warren Road
Guildford
United Kingdom
Surrey
GU1 3JH
Tel: 01483 598420
Visit Guildford Castle and head to the top of the Great Tower for a 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
In 2003 – 2004 the Great Tower was conserved and the original crenulations and other features were discovered. A roof and floor were re-instated at first floor level, which has made the building more accessible to visitors.
The Tower contains a model of the original castle circa 1300, and interpretation panels tracing its history to the present day. There is a visitor platform on the roof offering panoramic views of Guildford. There is a small gift shop on the ground floor of the castle.
Please note the castle is open April to September every day from 10am – 5pm, final admission 4.30pm. It is open at weekends in March and October and autumn half term 10am until 3.30pm.
Admission:
Adult: £3.20
Child & concession: £1.60
Castle Street
Guildford
United Kingdom
GU1 3SX
Tel: 01483 444751
Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park stands in ancient Surrey parkland with stunning views towards the North Downs. Still the home of the More-Molyneux family, it is remarkably unchanged since 1562 when Sir William More laid the first stones. From the House itself, where the intricate panelling in the Great Hall was once in Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace, to the unchanged rooms Elizabeth I slept in, and the elegant Walled Garden with its award-winning rose garden, flower, herb, vegetable and white gardens and delightful moat walk, Loseley Park is a place to visit and relax in one of England’s friendliest historic homes.
Guildford
United Kingdom
GU3 1HS
Tel:
This friendly museum in the oldest medieval house in Godalming tells the story of the town and surrounding area.
Discover the art, architecture and gardens of Gertrude Jekyll, Sir Edwin Lutyens and the South West Surrey Arts and Crafts movement, and enjoy the work of local artists and craft workers. The local studies library holds a wealth of information.
109A High Street
Godalming
United Kingdom
GU7 1AQ
Tel: 01483 426 510
Formerly used as a courtroom and later as a Council Chamber. Constructed in the 14th century, the Guildhall stands today as a noticeable landmark of Guildford. The north end was extended in 1589 and the Council Chamber was added in 1683. The building facade was also constructed in 1683 and features an iconic projected clock which can be seen throughout the High Street. An extensive restoration was conducted in 1987. It is a Grade I listed building.
(Wikipedia)
High Street
Guildford
United Kingdom
Surrey
GU1 3AA
Tel: 01483 444751
