MOLE VALLEY / 12–21 SEPTEMBER 2025
WELCOME TO
MOLE VALLEY HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2025
Welcome to Heritage Open Days 2025 –a totally free festival celebrating everything that is unique about our local and national heritage. This year’s theme is ‘Architecture’, and we’ve got a packed programme including buildings from Medieval to Modern and everything in between. You can explore famous local landmarks, discover hidden gems that you didn’t know existed and go behind the scenes at places which are usually off limits!
As ever, we are indebted to the volunteers who make the festival happen each year. Without them giving up their time and energy to support us, we wouldn’t have such a fantastic line up of events for everyone to enjoy!
We hope you enjoy the festival!
The Mole Valley Heritage Open Days Committee
INDEX
TALKS
All Heritage Open Days events are free to attend. Pre-booking isn’t required unless stated. All information is subject to change without notice; please see the Heritage Open Days website for the latest information for each event. Accessibility:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TALKS
Underground Cathedrals – but ‘Mind the Gap’
Friday 19 September: 7.30pm
The Leatherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8SE
The world’s first underground railway has a unique heritage of architecture, ingenious design, powerful advertising posters and unique calligraphy.
Ian Swankie’s talk plots the early development of the Underground, examines the legacy of Frank Pick and Charles Holden, looks at some of the iconic posters and celebrates the award-winning architecture of the modern tube in the Jubilee Line Extension.
Ian will also take a look at a few of the new Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) stations, designed by some of the world’s top architects.
Ian is an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society, a fully qualified City of London tour guide, a City of Westminster guide and a green badge holder from the Institute of Tourist Guiding. He’s also an official guide at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Guildhall Art Gallery.
How Geology Impacts Mole Valley’s Pubs, Churches & Other Architectural Features
Sunday 21 September: 3pm
United Reformed Church, 53 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS
Mole Valley Geological Society’s talk will illustrate how the district’s diverse geology provides a wide range of building materials used in the area.
The philosopher Will Durant opined that ‘Civilisation occurs by geological consent –subject to change without notice’. This talk describes the truth of this statement as shown by Mole Valley’s pubs and churches; symbols of English life that have served as spiritual and social centres for centuries. Consequently, they are often features of significant historic, architectural and cultural value, each with unique stories to tell. We’ll describe how the geology of Mole Valley provides many different building materials including chalk rock, flint, ragstone, carstone, firestone, sand and clay. These rocks control the location, construction and architectural character of Mole Valley’s buildings.
The talk is followed by an optional walk around Dorking to view Mole Valley’s many different rock types in their architectural context.
Tea-Time Talk with Timothy Crawshaw. ‘Healthy Places, Healthy People’
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED
Saturday 20 September: 3pm
Leith Hill Place, Leith Hill Lane, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, RH5 6LY
Join international planning and development consultant, Timothy Crawshaw for a fascinating Tea-Time Talk on the theme ‘Healthy Places, Healthy People’.
Timothy David Crawshaw MIED MCIAT MRTPI
FRSA is a highly experienced built environment professional and advocate for planning as a key part of the solution to the challenges of our time. With over 20 years’ experience in a UK and international contexts Timothy is an expert in nature-based solutions, healthy placemaking, culture and economic development. An adjunct professor of planning and urban design at Newcastle University he is an acclaimed and inspiring public speaker and facilitator with a passion for great places and community involvement. Timothy was formerly the Director of Planning and Placemaking for Surrey County Council, is the Chair of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership, and a past President of the RTPI.
DAVID OLUSOGA
HISTORY ' S MISSING CHAPTERS
Monday 20 Oct 7:30pm TICKETS: £31
Multi-Award-Winning, Professor David Olusoga examines some of history's missing chapters to uncover how and why some events and some people are remembered and others forgotten. David is widely known for his huge contributions to BBC's 'House Through Time', 'The Union' and recently announced to be a guest on Celebrity Traitors.
Talk includes Q&A + book signing.
dorkinghalls.co.uk | 013060881717
WALKS
Guided Tour of Betchworth Castle
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED
Sunday 21 September: 2pm
Opposite Hilliers Garden Centre, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1NZ
Join a knowledgeable Dorking Museum guide for an hour and a half tour of the surrounds and ruins of Betchworth Castle. Learn the medieval history of the castle, its owners and its transformation into a picturesque adornment to the Deepdene estate in the 1800s. A gentle walk across Betchworth golf course with views of Box Hill takes you into the castle enclosure that is not usually accessible to the public.
Dorking Historic Pub Walk
Saturday 20 September: 6pm
Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS
At one time Dorking and the surrounding area boasted 39 pubs. Come and explore the stories of some that we have lost and some that remain on a town centre walk to explore the town’s drinking history. Learn the key part played by pubs in the transport, business and social history of the town, meet some of the characters associated with local inns and finish with a pint in a historic hostelry.
Making Dorking’s History Relevant Today
Travel with us from the age of the dinosaurs through to modern times
Come along to our free family activities at the Museum and Library
Join our guided walks in the town, on the Deepdene Trail and at Betchworth Castle
Take a tour of the South Street Caves below the streets of the town
Download our digital guide at dorkingmuseum.org.uk/digital-guide Visit www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk and follow us on social media Tel.: 01306 876591. E-mail: museum@dorkingmuseum.org.uk
Would you like to join us as a volunteer? See website for opportunities
Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS Free entry, Thursday 1pm-4pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm
Dorking Museum tells the story of Dorking and the surrounding villages
Best Face Forward: Architecture along Dorking High Street
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED
Sunday 14 September: 6pm
Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS
Join a guide from Dorking Museum to explore the High Street’s architectural heritage, little noticed and hidden features.
Denbies Wine Estate
Available daily: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane, Dorking, RH5 6AA
Take a self-guided tour of the Denbies Wine Estate, taking in the magnificent views and exploring all areas of the vineyard. There are two different trails to explore across the estate. Walk 1 takes you along the family friendly route, along the gentler slopes. Walk 2 is the Vineyard Explorer Trail, covering the wider estate.
The Visitor Centre is open daily with a restaurant, café, gift shop and art gallery.
Upper Stories
Available anytime
Dorking Town Centre
Out in the town, most of us never really look up! This competition will certainly make you, and add surprise and reward as you look above the shop fronts to the history of 500 years above! Dorking is very fortunate in having some of the finest old buildings in the County and most are in the three main streets. This competition asks you to identify the shops beneath these excellent examples of Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian upper storeys. The entry form link can be found on the Dorking Society & Hello Dorking websites. The winner will be drawn at random from all entries, on 22 September.
PROPERTIES & EVENTS
St Mary’s Church, Pixham
Saturday 20 September: 10.30am – 3.30pm
St. Mary’s Church, Pixham Lane, Pixham, RH4 1PT
St Mary’s is a simple but much-admired barrelvaulted church, designed by the celebrated Edwardian architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Displays will highlight the history of Pixham, and the part taken by a remarkable woman called Mary Mayo.
St
Barnabas Church, Ranmore
Saturday 13 September: 2pm – 5pm
Sunday 14 September: 2pm – 4pm
St Barnabas, Ranmore Common Road, Ranmore Common, Dorking, RH5 6SP
St Barnabas was commissioned in 1859 as the Denbies Estate church by George Cubit, 1st Baron Ashcombe. Designed by the eminent architect, George Gilbert Scott, the interior is
a Victorian time capsule with much local and national history to be explored.
Choral Evensong will follow at 4pm on Sunday 14 September, led by The Whyte Effect Choir.
Dorking Halls
Saturday 20 September: 10am & 11.30am
Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SG
Designed by architect Percy W. Meredith, this striking Art Deco venue was built in 1931 to house the Leith Hill Musical Festival and host renowned composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ staging of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
The venue was designed to host a range of community events. It comprised three Halls: the Masonic, the Martineau and the impressive Grand; all of which remain today.
The Grand can seat 900 people, and its original stage could accommodate 300 singers and a full orchestra. The acoustics were exceptional and there was also a fully-sprung dance floor.
The Halls remained the property of the Leith Hill Musical Festival until the Second Word War, when the building was commandeered by the Meat Marketing Board and the Army. Once the war was over, the Halls was left in poor condition and would have cost too much to restore, so it was sold to the Dorking Urban District Council for the knock-down price of £15,000.
The council, which still owns the venue, brought it back to life, and by 1946 activities were
happening daily, including flower shows, Scouts and dance evenings. Due to its popularity, the council began welcoming professional, higherprofile acts and productions.
Today the venue is a modern multi-purpose space, hosting hundreds of events each year alongside cinema screenings and conferencing facilities.
The Green Room Theatre
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
Behind Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SG
The Green Room Theatre was built during WWII by the Canadian Army as barracks for their troops prior to shipping out for D-Day. Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society (DDOS) moved in during the 1960’s and has called it home ever since. They have converted three huts into backstage, dressing rooms, 86-seat theatre & bar and use a fourth one as a unit for building & storing sets, props & wardrobe!
Members of the society will be serving up teas, coffees & cakes, costumed in appropriate period dress, and will take you on a guided tour around the theatre which has been used for numerous musicals and plays over the last 60 years.
DDOS will also have a fascinating collection of programmes, posters, and theatre & cast pictures from down the years on display.
Wednesday 17 September: 11am – 3pm
Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SH
Built in 1856, Pippbrook House is a Grade II*
listed country mansion with richly decorated interiors and beautiful wood carvings.There has been a house on the estate since perhaps the late 14th century with the present house designed by George Gilbert Scott for William Henry Forman, a wealthy ironworks owner from Doncaster. A large portion of the house was given over to a museum wing, where William displayed the extensive private collection of art and antiquities he and his late brother had amassed.
After his death, the house and estate was handed down, sold twice and eventually purchased in 1930 by Dorking Urban District Council to use as their offices and council chamber. After construction of the present MVDC offices at Pippbrook, the house was leased to Surrey County Council and became Dorking Library from 1984 until 2012.
Since then, the house has remained unoccupied. In 2024, restoration work began on the roof, chimneys and windows as well as work to repair damage to some of the interior ceilings and cornices.
Visitors will be able to explore the ground floor and see displays about the recent restoration, the history of the house, its occupants and what became of that amazing collection of art and antiquities. Plaster restoration specialists Hirst Conservation will be onsite to explain the work they have undertaken in the interior of the house.
Pippbrook House
St Martin’s Church, Dorking
Saturday 13 September: 10am – 4pm
Sunday 14 September: 12pm – 4pm
Church Street, Dorking, RH4 1DW
St Martin’s is one of the great churches of Surrey. Externally its 210ft spire, one of the tallest spires in England, is a feature of the landscape for miles around. Internally it is a treasure trove of beautiful, decorative elements ranging from its pulpit to the stained glass and opus sectile. As Heritage Open Days features the theme of ‘Architecture’, St Martin’s celebrates its connections to the designers, past and present, who made this wonderful building what it is today. On Saturday you can visit the bell tower and try your hand at bellringing and there will be a lunchtime organ recital with tea and cakes in the afternoon.
Dorking Museum: Family Brick Frog Workshop and Town Trail
Saturday 13 September: 11am – 1pm
Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS
Bring your family down to Dorking Museum to look at bricks from local brickworks. Can you identify them by their frogs? Can you recreate local building brick patterns in Lego? Pick up a Detective Town Trail and see how many different buildings materials you can find in Dorking and how many different brick patterns you can spot.
Dorking Museum: Maps Fantastic!
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 2pm
Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS
A chance for adults and children to examine maps from Dorking Museum’s collection and explore the wonders of LIDAR with the amazing ‘Side by Side Map Viewer’. What was there before your house or school? Dorking mysteries will be revealed using LIDAR. You’ll be able to create your own treasure map in collaboration with Arts Society Dorking.
Mullins House & Coffee Shop
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September, Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 September: 9.30am – 4pm
58 West Street, Dorking, RH4 1BS
Mullins House, situated in the historic market town of Dorking, Surrey, is a notable building dating back to around 1590. It is best known as the former home of William Mullins, one of the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620.
Between 1612 and 1620, William Mullins lived and worked here as a shoemaker. A prosperous businessman, historical records show he owned a large stock of shoes and boots, likely intended for sale in the New World. Mullins, along with his wife, son, and daughter, made the perilous journey seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity. Tragically, most of the family died during the harsh first winter in Plymouth Colony (1620–1621), but his daughter, Priscilla Mullins, survived. She later married John Alden and became an ancestor to many prominent American families.
The house remains a vital historical landmark, reflecting late Tudor architecture and serving as a tangible link between British and American history. Visitors are drawn to its rich heritage and the story it represents.
Sunday 14 September: 1.30pm – 4pm
1 Moores Road, Dorking, RH4 2BG
Visit the brand-new Christian Science Church, recently rebuilt on the site of their former 1950s building. There is now a lightfilled, welcoming church for the community with a street-side Reading Room and a rear auditorium.
Saturday 20 September: 1pm – 5pm
Yewdells, Dungates Lane, Buckland, Betchworth, RH3 7BD
Buckland Windmill is the only surviving windpowered sawmill in the UK, built in the 1860s. It was restored between 1995 – 2004 and now has a circular saw and lathe which is powered for demonstration purposes. Visitors can see a new photographic display of the traction engines that used to be on site to power the
Christian Science Church, Dorking
Buckland Windmill
saws. The garden of ‘Yewdells’, a listed timberframed cottage will also be open.
St Michael’s Church, Betchworth
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
Sunday 21 September: 11am – 4pm
St. Michael’s Church, Church Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DH
St Michael’s is a beautiful church, set in the picturesque village of Betchworth, between Dorking and Reigate. Film enthusiasts may recognise it as the first church in the 90s blockbuster, ‘4 Weddings & A Funeral’.
The earliest reference to a church in Betchworth is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. St Michaels is now a much-remodelled building, retaining the history of the parish over the last thousand years.
Visitors will be able to visit the bell tower, listen to history talks and indulge in tea and cake! Local art will be on sale throughout the weekend and visitors can listen to live music in the most beautiful setting.
St Michael & All Angels, Mickleham
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
St. Michael and All Angels Church, Old London Road, Mickleham, RH5 6DU
St Michael and All Angels is a beautiful church at the heart of the picture postcard village of Mickleham.
A church has stood on this site for over one thousand years and is mentioned in the Domesday Book with evidence of the Saxon origins still visible today. The mainly Norman building that we see now dates from around 1180 with many interesting features to discover and enjoy.
Discover the Churchyard and its seasonal pond, orchard and recently planted hedgerows, all designed to encourage local flora and fauna.
Where is it?
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
St. Michael and All Angels Church, Old London Road, Mickleham, RH5 6DU
Mickleham and Westhumble Local History Group’s exhibition will draw on photographs and archive material to explore the architecture and history of notable local structures. Maps will be available to take a self-guided walking tour of the village to see the buildings first hand.
Quizzers will be able to attempt the ‘Where is it?’ quiz, using photos of architectural features to identify the building they are from!
Surrey Archaeological Society Research Centre
Sunday 14 September: 10am – 3pm
The Society was established in 1854 ‘for the investigation of subjects connected with the history and antiquities of the County of Surrey’. Despite subsequent changes in administrative boundaries, the Society’s objectives remain substantially the same, and the present area of interest includes the historic county up to the Thames.
The library and research centre will be open, with its collection of journals, books and reports on both archaeology and local history. There will also be a working party studying and cataloguing medieval pottery from previous excavations.
Hackhurst Lane, Abinger Hammer, RH5 6SE
Keymer Handmade Clay Roof Tiles & Wienerberger Factory Tour
Saturday 20 September: 9.30am – 2pm
Ewhurst Works, Horsham Road, Walliswood, RH5 5QH
Wienerberger’s Ewhurst factory is one of the largest brick manufacturing sites in the Southeast of England. The site opened in the 1920s and has an overall area in excess of 350 acres including large areas of historic woodland and farmland, which help to screen the quarry and factory operations. The factory uses Weald clay from the extensive reserves in the adjacent Smokejacks clay pit. This quarry site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geological characteristics and was the source of two of the most significant finds of dinosaur remains in the UK. The site was previously recognised as ‘Ockley Works’, home of the famous Double Diamond brick, from the 1920s right through to 2004, when Wienerberger Ltd acquired ownership of the site from its previous owners ‘the brick business Ltd’, with the newest factory on site having been built in 1999.
The factory is split into two areas. The main factory makes Wienerberger Bricks, and at the back of the factory, Keymer clay tiles are made by hand. Keymer tiles have been made using the same methods for over 400 years. As well as the opportunity to make your own Keymer tile, you will see bricks being both handmade and machine-made.
Buckinghill Farm
Thursday 18 September: 11am & 2pm
Buckinghill Farm, Beare Green Road, Beare Green, RH5 4PY
The owner will lead the group through this medieval hall house, early 17th Century three storey parlour wing with 2nd floor jetty, various later extensions, and an 18th Century separately listed barn, all within the beautiful setting of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
During the tour, visitors will be given a brief account of the architectural history of the property. They’ll be able to see historic features including three inglenook fireplaces, a bread oven, a later brick cooking range, stone flooring and the exposed part of the original crown post roof with its smoke-blackened braces. There are carpenter’s assembly marks, witches and other markings on historic beams and a post with rare carved balls on its capital, plus plenty more.
St Mary Magdalene, Holmwood
Sunday 21 September: 2.30pm – 5pm
Betchetts Green Road, South Holmwood, Dorking, RH5 4JY
Built in 1838 and subsequently enlarged as the local population increased with the coming of the railways, St Mary Magdalene is a beautiful Victorian country church in The Holmwood. There are a number of striking memorials to discover both inside and out.
The church is situated in an ideal position to take advantage of the surrounding countryside of Redlands Wood and Leith Hill.
Visitors will be able to climb the tower, ring the carillon bells then relax with a cream tea or glass of prosecco!
Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Saturday 20, Sunday 21 September: House 11am –5pm. Tower 11am – 4pm
Leith Hill Lane, Holmbury St Mary, RH5 6LY
Visit Leith Hill Place, your home from home Mansion house. Enjoy a fabulous cream tea in the most spectacular location that has inspired many notable people before like Caroline Wedgwood, Charles Darwin, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Hans Zimmer.
This year the focus is the theme of ‘refuge’, whether it be in nature, art or music. With stunning photos on display from Dorking Camera Club and poems from Mole Valley poets, you are invited to step away from the busy-ness of the world and seek peace and beauty in this welcoming home nestled in the landscape.
The Tower is the highest point in South East England with views from Shoreham on the coast to the London skyline. The prospect tower is a folly built by Richard Hull who is buried beneath its walls.
The South terrace of the House boasts views across the Weald and is the perfect place to dream away the afternoon enjoying homemade cream teas and cakes.
Guided tours of Leith Hill Place: book onto your selected time for a half hour guided tour with a knowledgeable volunteer. Learn about the history of the house and its various alterations over the years including the recent renovation project. (Saturday 13th only – nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/surrey/leith-hill/events)
Leith Hill Place & Tower
by Bus & Rail
Storytelling at Leith Hill Place
Saturday 13 September: 11am
Leith Hill Lane, Holmbury St Mary, RH5 6LY
Sit back, relax and step into another world with children’s story telling in the cosy library at Leith Hill Place.
Sue Pollard (not that one!), a talented actor and theatre manager with over 30 years of experience, will be bringing her trademark warmth and enthusiasm to the storytelling line-up. She’ll read a variety of classic children’s books throughout the season. Check the Leith Hill Place website for further details closer to the date.
Modern Elfland: Architects of a Cumulative Landscape
Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 September: 11am – 4pm
Rowhurst Forge, Fire & Iron Gallery, Oxshott Road, Leatherhead, KT22 0EN
Who (or what) shaped Grade II* Listed ‘Rowhurst’ and its enigmatic setting? This year themes of how a place evolved over millennia to become what it is today will be explored. See a historic home, a working forge and an arboretum, wrapped up in the M25.
Rowhurst is not a neat historic house designed by one architect and placed in a simple setting moulded to suit it. It is a complex survivor in a confusing landscape, shaped by thousands of years of human activity and natural events. In its 31st year as a Heritage Open Days participant, this atmospheric building has already caused hundreds of extraordinary stories to come to light, and it undoubtedly has many more gems to offer.
Many things created this wonderful place: geology, topography, nature, agriculture, trade, war, industry, disease, accident, fashion, passion, serendipity, wealth and poverty, and so on. The noisy, fast-paced modern world has very rapidly encroached on what was, in living memory, a quiet farm with fields stretching out to rivers and woodland. A closer look and a careful listen, however, will be rewarded with the comforting realisation that the beating heart of something much older and more fundamental is still going strong here. Come and experience the mood of the site.
Visit the house at your own pace, still lived in by owner Lucy Quinnell, and enjoy a rare chance to see live blacksmithing inside the adjacent working forge. Enjoy the private garden, which - in response to the depletion of Britain’s biodiversity - Lucy is gradually nurturing as what she calls the ‘Tree Museum’. Fire & Iron Gallery will also be open as usual next door, with a special exhibition of metal tree-inspired art.
Leatherhead Theatre: The Design of the Thorndike Theatre
Sunday 14 September: 11am – 4pm
7 Church Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8DN
The Leatherhead Theatre, formerly known as the Thorndike Theatre, was the brainchild of Hazel Vincent Wallace, Managing Director of the Leatherhead Repertory Company, and architect Roderick Ham. The venue was subsequently awarded Grade II listed status as a structure of architectural significance having been recognised as one of the best and most influential theatre designs of its time.
It is said that coffee, hard work, enthusiasm and goodwill built the new theatre. The Sunday Times reported ‘community identity has been the keynote all the way through’. More than half of the money raised to cover the construction cost was in small sums from thousands of wellwishers.
An exhibition of material from the theatre archive will focus on the development of the building, its link with Dame Sybil Thorndike, and showcase some of the subsequent productions at the venue.
St John’s School, Leatherhead
Saturday 13 September: 10am & 12pm
St Johns School, Epsom Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8SP
St John’s School was founded in 1851 by the Reverend Ashby Haslewood, vicar of St Mark’s, Hamilton Terrace in St John’s Wood, north London, to educate the sons of clergymen. In 1854, the school moved outside the parish boundaries of St Mark’s into neighbouring Kilburn. This was the first of three moves before the school moved to Leatherhead in 1872 with just 67 pupils.
Since then, the school has continued to expand and is now a community of over 850 pupils. Set on 50 acres, the school site is a splendid mixture of old and new, with mid-Victorian architecture complemented by a state-ofthe-art Science Centre, modern classroom blocks and boarding houses. The school’s Old Chapel re-opened in April 2014 after extensive renovation and restoration.
Former pupils include the architect, Lord Rogers; novelist and playwright, Sir Anthony Hope; legendary dance band leader, Victor Silvester; missionary and modern martyr, Father Vivian Redlich and the renowned archaeologist, Sir Leonard Woolley.
Leatherhead Library
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September.
Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 September: 9.30am – 5pm
70 Church Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8DP
Leatherhead Library is housed in The Mansion, a Grade II* listed building built on the site of a Tudor Mansion. In Georgian times, Leatherhead was a day’s ride from London, so wealthy merchants had a second home in the country.
The site has an interesting and varied history which will be explored in a display set up in the library. A second display will show how Leatherhead was impacted by World War Two, including a map detailing the areas targeted by bombing campaigns.
Grade II* listed & dating from the 11th Century, Leatherhead Parish Church is reputed to be the oldest building in Leatherhead in continuous use. It is notable for its early architectural features and completely restored 18th Century Organ.
Visitors will have access to the Church Wi-Fi and using their mobile phones will be able to follow to a web-based self-guided tour of all the architectural features and artefacts.
Friday 19 & Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
Leatherhead Art Club, a well-established group of local artists, will be exhibiting a selection of paintings in a range of styles and subjects, all inspired by the lovely Mole Valley. Greetings cards will also be on sale and members of the club will be available for discussion and comment.
Saturday 13 September: 10am – 3pm
Church Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8BD
St Mary & St Nicholas, Leatherhead Parish Church
Leatherhead Art Club –Mole Valley in Art
The Leatherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH
Surrey Figurative Artists – The Drawing Room
Friday 19 September: 10am – 9pm
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
Leatherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH
Surrey Figurative Artists have been meeting to draw and paint from the live model for over 25 years. Currently meeting regularly in Leatherhead Institute, a membership of 20 local talented artists produce both traditional and contemporary figurative work. This exhibition will feature many works, including sketches produced on their meeting days, plus paintings and drawings in their eclectic and individual style. The artists will be available to discuss their art and hopefully encourage visitors to look carefully at what is on show and be inspired by what they see.
Many pieces will be on sale, including framed and unframed work and greetings cards.
Sing and Sign Baby & Toddler Taster
Thursday 18 September: 10am
Leatherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH
Join a free 35 minute Sing and Sign taster session, suitable for babies aged 6 weeks to 2 years. Sing and Sign draws on our rich cultural musical heritage of traditional nursery rhymes, action songs and familiar melodies to help stimulate language development in babies.
Saturday 20 September: Various Times
Leatherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH
Lisa Allen Dance & Arts would like to invite you to join us for a fun day of performing arts at The Leatherhead Institute.
Lisa Allen Dance & Arts
Classes are available in Acro, Ballet, Musical Theatre & Tap. A free trial is available in all classes as part of Heritage Open Days.
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4.30pm
Lower Road, Fetcham, KT22 9HD
Step inside one of Surrey’s hidden gems, as Fetcham Park House opens its doors for a rare opportunity to explore the historic rooms of this magnificent house and its beautifully landscaped grounds.
Admire the elegant 18th-century interiors, including the breath-taking cantilevered staircase adorned with intricate wood carvings and surrounded by original Louis Laguerre murals - whose work also graces the walls of Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House.
Take your time to admire the fountains and stroll around the serene lawns and garden borders. Originally landscaped by the famous nurseryman and garden designer George London, details of which will be on display within the House with other historic information of how the grounds have changed over the years.
Bring a picnic, find a peaceful spot on the lawns, and soak in the charm of a place usually closed to the public.
There’s ample free parking on site, and just a short walk through the gate brings you to the adjacent historic St Mary’s Church, a beautiful building with parts dating back over 1,000 years, and well worth a visit during your day.
Whether you’re a lover of art and architecture or simply looking to discover some hidden history, Fetcham Park invites you to step into its rich past and discover the story of the House, which is now a business centre offering serviced offices and meeting rooms.
St Mary’s Church, Fetcham
Saturday 20 September: 10am – 4pm
The Ridgeway, Fetcham, Leatherhead, KT22 9AZ
St Mary’s is nestled in the historic heart of Fetcham village, situated next to Fetcham Park House, where traces of its long past still exist to this day. Come and enjoy walking around the church and grounds and admire the newly conserved painting of the Charles II Royal Coat of Arms with detail and colour not seen for nearly 400 years since its creation.
Fetcham Park House
Polesden Lacey
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September: 10am – 5pm
Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, RH5 6BD
Polesden Lacey is set in the glorious Surrey Hills, 25 miles from London. An ideal place for spending time with family and friends, its 1,600-acre estate is home to rare birds and butterflies and the gardens display year-round interest. The Edwardian house once belonged to socialite Margaret Greville and overflows with fine paintings, ceramics and furniture.
Highlights this year include: Live music performances on both days on the South Lawn. Grab your deckchair and picnic and relax to the soulful sounds of jazz. 2-4pm.
Ride the Woolsey Miniature Railway! Running both days from 10.30am to 4pm. Train rides are £2 per person with profits going back to Polesden Lacey.
Discover the Dress to Impress exhibition running on both floors of the house. A fascinating insight into fashion, personality and power. 11am to 3.30pm.
Join Grizwald the Griffin as he learns about the work of the gardeners and rangers at Polesden Lacey. Enjoy interactive games and children’s activities inspired by nature.
Follow a free family trail around the grounds based on the classic children’s story, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Meet people from local groups based around Mole Valley. Find out what they do as we welcome the wider community to Polesden Lacey and celebrate local talent, creativity and expertise.
Slyfield House
Saturday 13 September: 11am
Slyfield House, Cobham Road, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, KT11 3QE
Slyfield House is a Grade I listed Jacobean house with a rich history. Visitors will be able to take a private tour with the owners and discover the many original features.
Ashtead Park House & St Giles’ Church
Sunday 14 September: 1pm – 5pm Park Lane, Ashtead, KT21 1EJ
Formerly known as Ashtead Park Manor, Ashtead Park House was rebuilt in 1790 in a neoclassical style designed by architect Samuel Wyatt. The impressive mansion boasts three storeys with a white brick exterior and stone dressings. It was acquired by the City of London Corporation and has been occupied by The City of London Freemen’s School for 100 years. St. Giles’ Church rises from a lovely, wooded churchyard in the north-western corner of
Ashtead Park. From its approach through an avenue of cedar trees, it looks like a typical country church, but people have worshipped here since 1115.
Visitors can wander the house, church and grounds throughout the afternoon. In St Giles’, you can try your hand at bellringing, join the church choir or enjoy a scavenger hunt. At the house you’ll be able to take in impressive original features as well as a display of late 19th Century conveyancing documents.
Ashtead Rye Meadows Wetlands
Open daily: 10am – 4pm. Volunteers on hand Sunday 14 September only.
Fairholme Crescent, Ashtead, KT21 2HN
In the last 14 years, the landowners and volunteers have been creating a wetland area alongside the Rye Brook. During that time, they have planted a Jubilee Wood, reshaped riverbanks, and created ponds and scrapes to encourage the biodiversity of the area. They have laid a hard surface on the two public footpaths to enable circular walks to take place without the need to cross muddy ground. Volunteers have recently taken on a new skill of hedge laying and the results of this can be seen adjacent to Footpath 24.
They have also created a Centenary Field commemorating those Ashtead residents who fell in the Great War and constructed a wooden walkway to the ponds where there is new seating.
Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September: 2pm – 5pm
Lowfield Heath Windmill, Russ Hill, Charlwood, RH6 0EQ
Lowfield Heath Windmill is a Grade II listed building. Originally built in 1737 at Lowfield Heath, it worked until the 1880s before falling into disrepair over the next 100 years. It was rescued by a newly formed trust in 1987, dismantled and moved to its present site in Charlwood then restored to working order over the following 15 years. This mill is the twelfth oldest post mill out of the fifty remaining in the UK.
Within the roundhouse there are display boards and a short film will be running.
Seating is available within the area surrounding the mill where delicious tea and cakes will be available.
Lowfield Heath Windmill, Charlwood
Charlwood Providence Chapel
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September: 12pm – 4pm
Chapel Road, Charlwood, RH6 0DA
A unique and remarkable Grade II* listed nonconformist chapel in an American colonial style, with veranda and charming interior. Built in 1796 in Horsham as part of a Napoleonic barracks, it was moved to Charlwood and opened as a chapel in 1816.
In 2019 the Chapel was completely restored, mainly thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and a permanent exhibition which tells the history of the building and the village has been installed.
St Nicholas’ Church, Charlwood
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September: 2pm – 5pm
The Street, Charlwood, RH6 0EE
St Nicholas’ contains a treasure trove of medieval wall paintings, once hidden but now rediscovered. Painted around 1300, they are older than the earliest English paintings in the National Gallery and are unusual in telling graphic short stories rather than scenes from the Bible or the Last Judgement.
Local community work will also be on display, from unique kneelers to huge textile hangings.
St Nicolas Church, Great Bookham
Saturday 13 September: 9am – 5pm
St Nicolas Church, Great Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23 3PA
Grade I listed St Nicolas Church dates to the 11th century, with many later additions and alterations. Visitors will be able to learn about the many interesting connections with local families including the Slyfields, Shiers, Grevilles and Howards, all of whom are commemorated throughout the building.
The Grange Centre
Friday 19 September: 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Rectory Lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23 4DZ
Explore the fascinating architectural history of The Grange Centre. From its historical roots through to its current role, you’ll discover the layers of architectural changes that have shaped its unique environment.
Once home to The School of Stitchery and Lace, The Grange is now a charity providing support for people with learning disabilities, enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Effingham & Little Bookham
Heritage Open Days Group
The following properties are all part of the Effingham & Little Bookham Heritage Open Days Group, coordinated by the Effingham Residents Association.
Most properties can be visited by walking the Effingham Heritage Trail and Bishop’s Walk. Trail maps are available at all properties, or available to download via the QR code below.
Parking is available at Manor House School and Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.
Visit the Heritage Board by the shop parade in The Street in Effingham, with details of the history of the village and an illustrated map showing the Heritage Trail.
The Buildings and History of Little Bookham
Saturday 13 September: 9.30am – 5pm
Manor Farm Tithe Barn, Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, KT23 4EW
Explore the history of Little Bookham and find out about its historic buildings via illustrated displays and audio-visual presentations at the impressive 15th Century Grade II listed Tithe Barn.
Displays will include information about how the village was founded between two Anglo Saxon routeways, the historic buildings, Sir Benjamin Maddox and Little Bookham in World War I.
Refreshments can be enjoyed in the barn or terraced courtyard garden which has been recreated from photographs taken in the 1920s.
Saturday 13 September, 9.30am – 5pm
Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, KT23 4EL
Visit this ancient, Grade II* listed church in a beautiful setting with a 1,300-year-old yew tree and see probably the finest set of hatchments in Surrey.
The hatchments and memorials in the church are mainly of the Pollen/Maddox/Boileau family who were lords of the manor of Little Bookham from around 1640 to 1935. Discover their family tree and fascinating information about the hatchments.
All Saints’ Church, Little Bookham
Manor House School
Saturday 13 September: 10am – 5pm
Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, KT23 4EN
An elegant 18th Century manor house in Little Bookham, extended in the 19th & 20th Centuries, and the home of the Manor House School since 1937. There will be displays from the archives as well as self-guided tours of the house. It is set in beautifully landscaped grounds which visitors are free to explore.
Effingham Golf Club
Saturday 13 September: 9am – 12pm
Guildford Road, Effingham, KT24 5PZ
Experience the history of this magnificent building from Georgian times through to it being the club house to one of England’s top 100 golf courses.
Formerly Effingham House, the Club House originates from the early 18th Century and was extensively remodelled later in the same period. Internally many early decorative features remain, including an oak beam in the Armada Room, bearing the date 1591. The room is so named because of the early date of the beam and the association with Lord Howard of Effingham.
The course itself was designed and set out in 1927 by Harry Shapland Colt, perhaps England’s most famous course architect, who designed more than 300 courses worldwide. Illustrated displays will explain the history of the house and the Golf Club.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Effingham
Saturday 13 September: 10am – 4pm
Lower Road, Effingham, KT24 5AD
Designed on the early English Saxon style and faced in flint, the church was consecrated by the Catholic Bishop of Southwark in 1913. The church was funded by Mr George Pauling, a railway engineer who made his fortune in South Africa and who lived locally. His grave, along with several others of his family can be found in the cemetery along with a Pieta, carved in Carrara marble, as a memorial to him.
St Lawrence Church, Effingham
Saturday 13 September: 10am – 4pm
Church Street, Effingham, KT24 5LX
Visit this Grade II* listed church, with origins in the 12th Century. Sir Barnes Wallis, inventor of the Bouncing Bomb for the Dambusters Raid, was an active member of the church and is buried in the churchyard.
Displays will depict the history of the church and its parishioners.
Effingham Methodist Chapel
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September: 10am – 5pm
Chapel Hill, Effingham, KT24 5NB
This Wesleyan Chapel was built from local flint and bricks in 1854 by Non-Conformists who used to worship on Effingham Common in the 1840s.
There will be an exhibition about the Chapel & village history, including; fossils, meteorites, the Surrey dinosaur Baryonyx and local heroes Admiral Lord Howard of Effingham and inventor Sir Barnes Wallis. Enjoy crafts and quizzes as well as an RSPB display.
MOLE VALLEY / 12–21 SEPTEMBER 2025
