8 minute read
Seven Wonders of Surrey
FEATURES 7 NATURAL WONDERS 7 NATURAL WONDERS OF SURREY OF SURREY
There are so many beautiful sights to see in Surrey, choosing just the top seven was hard pushed. Steeped in history, Surrey first earned its name meaning ‘Suthrige’ or ‘Southern Kingdom’ in the 5th Century by the Saxons. The names of the Saxon tribes still live on in modern place names such as Woking and Godalming. Surrey was largely protected from attacks by the Vikings due to its position inland, however the invaders were defeated by the army of Edward the Elder in 892. (No, we haven’t left off a digit.) Surrey was always considered a strategic point to London and was sought after by many invaders. It has always possessed a beautiful charm and natural heritage. You may not agree but after a reader survey we discovered these 7 places in Surrey to come under the ‘7 Natural Wonders of Surrey.’ Have you seen these stunning, scenery hotspots from Box Hill’s Viewpoint to the legend of Thor at Devil’s Punch Bowl and Mayfield Lavender Farm? If not get them crossed off your list now.
1. TILLINGBOURNE WATERFALLS
This hidden gem is tucked away on the Wotton Estate on the north slopes of Leith Hill.
While you can’t actually jump in the water as it is located on private land there is a public bridleway nearby that brings you within metres of the waterfall allowing you to soak up the sights and take photographs.
Not the easiest to find and you will have to take a short walk to get there, which has been known to get quite waterlogged. So to avoid a really muddy walk the best time to go is when we have not been hit by too much rain.
If you remember the Timotei shampoo adverts of the 80’s then this stunning waterfall will truly excite.
Instagram @richard_taylorphotography
2. WINKWORTH ARBORETUM
Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust owned arboretum which has over 1000 species of trees and plants leading down to beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes.
Located between Godalming and Hascombe, it was set up by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1938. The National Trust took ownership in 1952.
There are play areas for the kids and tea rooms to enjoy meals and snacks. Booking is via their website during lockdown so be sure to book before you arrive. A great time to visit the arboretum is April and May when there is a gorgeous bluebell walk on offer. Winkworth is dog friendly too.
Instagram @zehrazem
3. VIRGINIA WATER LAKE
Enjoy a beautiful walk around the Virginia Water Lake, located on the edge of Windsor Great Park just off London Road and the A30.
The walk which is approximately 2-3 hours has various routes that can take you to such sights as a cascade, a 100 foot high totem pole and obelisk raised by George II and part of a ruined city imported from North Africa.
With parking from £1.50 per hour, there is also a cafe selling hot food and beverages on site. The largest lake in Surrey is also the most beautiful, get stunning scenery shots here with the family.
Instagram @charly_dove
4. DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL
As featured on the TV programme ‘Seven Natural Wonders’ the Punch Bowl is a large natural amphitheatre situated just east to the village of Hindhead. The diversity of nature and beauty of the area has earned it the title of a ‘Site of Scientific Interest’ with the bowl seen as a natural nature reserve encompassing heathland, streams, bracken and woodland.
The highest point of the bowl is Gibbet Hill, which is 272 metres above sea level where you can see panoramic views of London’s skyline 38 miles away on a clear day.
Local legend has it that the 697 acre site was named ‘Devil’s Punch Bowl’ after the devil threw lumps of earth at Thor, the god of Thunder, to annoy him which then made the hollowed out bowl. A great one for the kids that are into the Marvel Films.
5. MAYFIELD LAVENDER FARM
The purple haze that hovers over Mayfield lavender Farm in Banstead is truly unbelievable. It is a definite must visit place in Surrey.
Plus, the story behind the farm is truly inspirational. The brainchild of former Wella Managing Director Brendan Maye to promote failing lavender sales at sister brand Yardley, the farm was eventually bought (after years of rejection from Wella’s head honchos and perseverance by Maye) by charity Bio Regional and Wella with Brendan Maye as a financial guarantor in 2002.
Fast forward 19 years and the farm is still going strong – providing lavender to a host of national and international brands.
It is a natural tourist site and open to the public. Entry is only £4 for adults and free for kids. Plus, there is onsite free parking.
Shutterstock SJMPhotos
7. BOX HILL & STEPPING STONES
Box Hill is the summit of the North Downs in Dorking and is 224 metres high at the Betchworth Clump. The western part of the hill is owned by the National Trust and the most popular viewpoint Salomon’s Memorial overlooks the town of Dorking at 172 metres. It’s a great place to visit with kids as there are detailed adventure walks to do as well as having cafes, restaurants and ice cream vans for visitors to enjoy on their trip.
There is also 38 species of butterfly and both the north and south facing slopes support an area of chalk downland noted for its orchid and other rare plant life. There are great picture opportunities here too for budding photographers, as well as the beautiful summit views there is an upside down grave and World War 2 bunkers and lookouts.
Plus, at the foot of the hill there is another National Trust car park that leads to the famous ‘Stepping Stone’ formation of rocks across the river pictured here.
Instagram @alotlikelifejourney
6. WAVERLEY ABBEY
Waverley Abbey was the very first monastery founded in Britain by the reforming Cistercian religious order. A small group of monks from France settled in this quiet spot by the River Wey in 1128 near Farnham. Waverley and the area of natural beauty soon became the springboard for Cistercian settlement in southern England.
The impressive remains include the fine 13th century vaulted refectory or dining hall for the lay brothers, the Cistercians' labour force.
In more recent times, the Abbey and beautiful surrounding fields have been used as a backdrop to the films ‘Elizabeth’ (1998) and Disney's ‘Into the Woods’ (2014).
OXTED
01883 722207 oxted@thegrumpymole.co.uk
BROCKHAM
We are delighted you have found us and sincerely hope that you are persuaded to visit one of our five beautiful venues. Our ethos has always been a simple one - to offer delicious food in stylish but cosy surroundings and to make your experience a relaxing and special one. The food we serve is always cooked fresh on the premises and, where possible, we use local ingredients and suppliers. Our dedicated staff and professional management team will do everything possible to make your experience a memorable one - be it for business, pleasure or just to pass the time. Whether you visit for a quick sandwich in the bar, a traditional afternoon tea on linen-clad tables, or an exquisite candle-lit three course dinner, the attention to detail is the same. Our venues are often busy, particularly at weekends and Bank Holidays, so advance booking for larger parties is advisable. We hope you too will make The Grumpy Mole your special place.
020 8394 2000 cheam@thegrumpymole.co.uk TADWORTH
01737 353529 tadworth@thegrumpymole.co.uk
EPSOM
01372 721309 epsom@thegrumpymole.co.uk
We are delighted you have found us and sincerely hope that you are persuaded to visit one of our five beautiful venues. Our ethos has always been a simple one - to offer delicious food in stylish but cosy surroundings and to make your experience a relaxing and special one. The food we serve is always cooked fresh on the premises and, where possible, we use local ingredients and suppliers. Our dedicated staff and professional management team will do everything possible to make your experience a memorable one - be it for business, pleasure or just to pass the time. Whether you visit for a quick sandwich in the bar, a traditional afternoon tea on linen-clad tables, or an exquisite candle-lit three course dinner, the attention to detail is the same. Our venues are often busy, particularly at weekends and Bank Holidays, so advance booking for larger parties is advisable. We hope you too will make The Grumpy Mole your special place.
