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THE BEST Surrey Castles

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1. Hampton Court Palace

2. Guildford Castle

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of the Best Historic Sites in Surrey

Uncover the rich history of surrey at these 10 unmissable historic sites..

15 Aug 2022

The affluent county of Surrey is renowned for its lush, leafy greenery, with much of the county being part of London’s Green Belt. It also is officially England’s most densely-wooded county, with more than one-fifth of the county covered by trees, including much of the Surrey Hills. Yet aside from its beautiful countryside, the county also boasts a wealth of historic sites – including the monument to where the Magna Carta was signed.

From Bronze Age burial mounds and Iron Age forts, the remains of Roman roads, castles to cathedrals, and settlements to stately homes, evidence of Surrey’s rich heritage can be found in abundance.

Here are 10 of some of the best historic sites to see in Surrey.

1. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a Grade I listed royal palace, built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1515 as a luxurious private residence. In 1529 the palace was relinquished to King Henry VIII . King George II was the last monarch to reside in the palace, and in 1838, during the reign of Queen Victoria , the palace’s restoration was completed and it was opened to the public.

Hampton Court Palace is still a magnet for visitors from around the world, and its gardens are also as spectacular and varied as the palace itself. Visitors can tour Henry VIII’s Kitchens and the Great Hall where he hosted lavish feasts, view art from the Royal Collection, or visit the palace gardens and explore the world’s oldest puzzle maze. The structure and grounds are cared for by an independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces.

2. Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede

Runnymede is famous as the location for the sealing of the Magna Carta – widely accepted as the first constitutional document that formed the basis of modern democracy. King John met with a group of barons at Runnymede and on 15 June 1215 he sealed the Magna Carta (though the 1225 version would go on to become the definitive version). Not much is known about why Runnymede – a water-meadow and Thames flood plain – was chosen for the sealing of such a significant document, but the location had been used for assemblies since ancient times.

The exact site where the Magna Carta was sealed is still unclear, though either the island, meadow or under the 2,500 year old Ankerwycke Yew are likely contenders. The site was acquired for the nation in 1929 and is owned by the National Trust. The monument to the Magna Carta was designed by Sir Edward Maufe and erected in 1957 by the American Bar Association.

3. Waverley Abbey

Waverley Abbey is the first monastery founded in the British Isles, dating back to the early 12th century. It is situated around 2 miles southeast of Farnham, on the River Wey. Founded by Bishop William Giffard of Winchester in 1128, the Abbey became home to a select group of Cistercian monks who emigrated from France, and the springboard for the reforming Cistercian religious order in southern England. The monks and lay brothers were active in the Cistercian wool trade and provided shelter for travellers and created an infirmary for the sick.

The abbey suffered a series of floods in 1201, causing it to be substantially rebuilt on higher ground. The famous Annals of Waverley, an important written source for the period, were written here. The impressive ruins remaining today include that of the lay brothers’ quarters, at the far end of the site. The long cellar has graceful columns supporting the vaulting above. Parts of the upper floor and the south wall remain standing and some remains of the chapter house are also still evident.

4. Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian house and estate, located on the North Downs at Great Bookham, near Dorking. The first house was built on the site in 1336, and the site has seen many new designs since then. The core house as it is today was originally built in 1821-1823 by Thomas Cubitt, and then transformed into an Edwardian dream house in 1906 under the instruction of socialite Dame Margaret Greville and her husband Captain Ronald Greville.

Margaret hosted her first party at Polesden in June 1909, with King Edward VII as the guest of honour. She continued to entertain lavishly at the house over the next 30 years, with guests including Winston Churchill , and the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother to spend the first part of their honeymoon there, cementing her reputation as an Edwardian society hostess. Margaret died in 1942, leaving Polesden Lacey to the National Trust, opening in August 1946.

5. Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills were first established in 1626 by the East India Company (to supply its forces abroad), and are one of the earliest examples of a gunpowder mill – an industry that dominated the area for almost 300 years. By the start of the 17th century, the gunpowder works were run by other private enterprises.

Although the Chilworth works were taken over by the Admiralty during World War One, most Admiralty structures were demolished at the war’s end, and the mills finally closed in 1920. A large majority of buildings were demolished in the 20th century, yet more than 100 key buildings still remain within this Surrey Hills site. Most visible surviving components date to the 1880s-1890s, including part of an associated water management system, a packhorse bridge and the remains of a tramway.

6. Loseley Park

Built in the reign of Elizabeth I, Loseley Park is a large Tudor manor house that stands in ancient parkland close to the North Downs. The estate was acquired by the direct ancestors of the current owners and residents, the More-Molyneux family, at the beginning of the 16th century. The present house was built between 1562-1568, replacing a smaller one that Elizabeth I had declared was not ‘adequate’ for her to visit. It was later visited several times by her and subsequent monarchs including James I and VI who presented the family with portraits of himself in gratitude for their hospitality.

Loseley Park is open to the public and is a Grade I listed building of exceptional historical importance, containing several historical artefacts including one of the few paintings of Anne Boleyn .

7. Strawberry Hill House

Strawberry Hill House is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was built by Horace Walpole, son of Sir Robert Walpole (Britain’s first Prime Minister) and the author of ‘The Castle of Otranto’, the world’s first gothic novel, in 1747. Walpole and two friends (John Chute and Richard Bentley) transformed the site into his vision of a ‘little Gothic castle’ with turrets, battlements, a round tower and a gleaming white façade. The castle-like house interested local residents, and soon became a tourist attraction – its popularity becoming a key contributing factor in the emergence of Gothic Revival architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries.

After changing ownership, falling into ruin and its collections largely sold, the house was expanded and embellished adhering to Horace’s vision by Lady Waldegrave in 1846. Today visitors enjoy tours of the house as well as of the surrounding gardens, and in winter, a small outdoor ice-rink is set-up for ice-skating.

8. Brookwood Cemetery

This picturesque Grade I listed Historic Park and Garden is the largest cemetery in the UK, covering 220 acres. It was conceived by the London Necropolis Company (LNC) in 1849 – a time when its increasing population meant London found it difficult to accommodate its dead, especially following the 1848-49 cholera epidemic.  An Act of Parliament passed in 1852 allowed the purchase of heathland near Woking to provide a cemetery, with grounds allotted to different London parishes, religious denominations, classes and faiths. The southern half of the cemetery was consecrated on 7 November 1854 and opened for burials and to the public soon after.

A railway served the cemetery, accessible from a dedicated station, ‘The London Necropolis Railway Station’ (London’s last ‘corpse railway’), next to Waterloo. There were two stations in the cemetery itself, one serving the non-conformist side (North), one the Anglican side (South). The train service ran an almost daily service from Waterloo for 87 years, carrying up to 2,000 bodies a year, until its closure in 1941 following destruction to the London station during the Blitz . The cemetery’s southern platform still exists, along with a short piece of track and commemorative plaque.

9. Leith Hill Tower

This striking Gothic tower was built on top of Leith Hill in 1765 by Richard Hull, who wanted to increase the height of Leith Hill to over 1,000 feet. He called it Prospect House, intending it as ‘a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside’ and loved his creation so much he was buried beneath the tower. The top of the tower marks the highest point in South East England (313 metres), offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, including 14 counties. On a clear day you can see the English Channel to the south and even the clock face of Big Ben in Westminster to the north.

In 1800 the interior was filled with rubble and cemented to form a solid block, and in 1864 neighbouring landowner W J Evelyn added a stairwell to gain access to the tower’s roof. In 1923 the Tower and surrounding grounds were granted to the National Trust, and by 1984 rubble and cement had been dug out to reinstate rooms and create a cafe at the base. Inside there is a small exhibit telling the history of the tower.

10. Richmond Park

Stretching over 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London and a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. It is also Grade I listed on Historic England’s Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England.

Charles I used the area as a refuge from a plague outbreak in London in 1625 and subsequently turned the land into a deer park. Retaining a pedestrian right of way, he enclosed the land in 1637. Custodianship of the park passed to the Corporation of the City of London, but was returned to Charles II in 1660. The park was used for cavalry training during World War One and later as a military convalescent depot during World War Two. Richmond Park contains many significant buildings, including White Lodge (now home to the Royal Ballet School) and Pembroke Lodge (home to Prime Minister Lord John Russell in 1847). The park is also famous for its view of St Paul’s Cathedral , 12 miles away.

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This page Farnham Castle Keep

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Farnham Castle is an impressive motte and bailey castle built by Bishop Henry de Blois in 1138. The castle served as the seat of the powerful Bishops of Winchester. The location at Farnham was conveniently located on the main route used by the Bishops between London and Winchester. Castle Street, Farnham, Surrey, England, GU9 0AG

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10 best historical sites and landmarks to visit in Surrey and SW London

by Onawa Skinner

10 best historical spots and landmarks in your area

The area of Surrey and South West London is rich with history that is just waiting to be explored. Take a trip into the past...

1. Guildford Castle

@helen_h1982

📍 Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX

📅 Mon-Sun; 10 am - 5 pm

Prices: Castle Keep entry £3.90 adults, £2.30 children (under 5s free); entry to castle grounds is free

A Norman built fortress, Guildford Castle was likely constructed to protect the important Surrey town from rebellion and secure routes between London, the south coast and the west of England. Starting life as a motte-and-bailey castle, this site has served a variety of purposes ranging from a county gaol to a royal residence. 

What remains at the location is the restored Great Tower, which visitors can climb to take in 360-degree panoramic views of Guildford and the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, visitors are invited to walk around the castle grounds that feature vibrant flower beds and a life-size A lice Through the Looking Glass statue.

2.  Waverley Abbey

📍 Location: Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8EP

📅  Open daily; during daylight hours

Free admission

Waverley Abbey holds the title of being the first monastery founded in the British Isles. Dating back to the early 12th century, the Abbey became the home of a select group of Cistercian monks who emigrated from France. What now remains of the original dwelling of those religious trendsetters is a set of atmospheric ruins, which have provided the setting for scenes in Elizabeth (1998) and Disney’s Into the Woods (2014).

Take your family and the dog along and enjoy a picnic next to the ruins of the 13th Century vaulted refectory where the monks ate their meals hundreds of years ago. This site provides a fun and free holiday outing for adults and children alike.

3. Richmond Park

Richmond Park

📍 Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HS

📅  Daily; 7 am - 8 pm

Stretching over an area of 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is an example of ancient parkland that has remained unchanged for centuries. This park has close ties to past royals; Henry VIII used the space for hunting and was long thought to have watched a rocket fired from the Tower of London, signalling Anne Boleyn’s execution from a spot in the park. 

Meanwhile, in 1625 Charles I used the area as a refuge from an outbreak of the plague in London and subsequently decided to turn the land into a red and fallow deer park. If you get peckish whilst wandering around this green space, you can stop off at the Georgian Tea Rooms of Pembroke Lodge for lunch. Or, you can check out the famous evergreen azaleas of the Isabella Plantation.

4. Sir John Soane's Museum

travelguide.michelin.com

📍 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3BP

📅 Wed-Sun, 10 am - 5 pm

Free admission (must book times ticket slots)

Down a street in Lincoln’s Inn Fields nestles the former home of eccentric 18th-century architect Sir John Soane. Soane created this remarkable house through the purchase, destruction and rebuilding of three neighbouring properties. Filling his home with a large collection of artefacts, he later negotiated an 1833 Act of Parliament which stipulated that after his demise the house would be preserved as he left it.

This extraordinary treasure-trove now welcomes 100,000 visitors each year, who marvel at collection highlights including the sarcophagus of Egyptian king Seti I. With a museum shop, and a café in the park across the road, this site has all the ingredients for an enjoyable day out.

5.  Strawberry Hill House & Garden

📍268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4ST

📅 Sun-Wed 11 am- 4 pm (house and shop); Sun-Thurs 10 am - 4 pm (garden and cafe)

Prices: House; £14.50 adult, £7.25 student, children under 16 free; Gardens: free admission

This beautiful example of gothic revival architecture was transformed by high society figure Horace Walpole in 1747 from a potential-filled riverside site named ‘Chopp’d Straw Hall’. Building his ‘little Gothic castle’ with crenellations, a turret and a gleaming white façade, Walpole welcomed royalty, aristocracy and touring visitors into his creation. 

Almost allowed to fall into ruin when inherited by the Seventh Earl of Waldegrave, his wife rescued the site upon his death. Today, visitors can venture into this fairy-tale mansion and take in the sight of grand staircases and intricate stained glass windows. Also on offer is a chance to take a stroll around the grounds and then stop off at the Garden Café.

Upcoming events: 

Strawberry Hill House frequently holds a range of events. HandleBards, a sustainable living Shakespeare troupe that transport their entire set from venue to venue by bicycle, will perform ' A Midsummer Night's Dream ' (3 Sep 2023). Bring along your camping chair and cagoule for this outdoor production.

6. Hampton Court Palace

@hamptoncourtpalace / www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

📍Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU

📅 Mon-Sun; 10 am - 5:30 pm

Prices: £26.30 adult, £13.10 child (under 5s go free)

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey built Hampton Court Palace in the early 16th century as a private residence. The grand palace captured King Henry VIII’s attention; he later added it to his own property portfolio. Christopher Wren almost tore down the palace in 1689 when commissioned to build a new baroque royal residence; this plan was abandoned in favour of the creation of the Fountain Court. 

Today, visitors can experience a tour of Henry VIII’s Kitchens, then cool off in the palace gardens and explore the world’s oldest puzzle maze. The entrance fee also includes access to the Great Hall where you can see Anne Boleyn’s coat-of-arms carved into the roof, as well as the luxuriously woven Abraham Tapestries.

Hampton Court Palace often holds events that can be enjoyed by the whole family. There will be a family-friendly food festival over the August bank holiday weekend (Aug 26-28 2023) , with live cooking demonstrations from famous chefs and stalls ranging from seafood to delicious baked goods. Face painting, arts and crafts activities, and live music mean there is plenty to entertain young children.

7.  Painshill Park

www.painshill.co.uk

📍Portsmouth Rd, Cobham KT11 1JE

📅 Daily; 10 am- 6 pm (check the website for individual attractions within the grounds)

Prices: £11 adult (£10 online), £5.50 children (£5 online), children under 5 go free

This picturesque 18th-century landscape is the creation of Hon. Charles Hamilton, who was inspired to design a series of ‘living paintings’ in the form of a garden following his return from two Grand Tours of Europe. Grand Tours were routine practice for wealthy young men in the 18th century, with popular destinations including Rome and Paris.

Hamilton’s adventures in the continent and his interest in Renaissance art are clearly reflected in the gardens. Highlights of this site include the Crystal Grotto, a naturalistic cave with glistening stalactites, as well as the Mausoleum which resembles the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This historically and culturally rich garden makes the perfect holiday day out.

Upcoming events:

Painshill frequently organises workshops; the  'Papercut Lightbox Workshop'  is being held on 10 Sep 2023.

8.  Leith Hill Tower

@jamesfdaly89

📍Leith Hill, Dorking RH5 6LX

📅 Daily; 11 am - 3 pm

Prices: £3 adult, £1.50 child

Built-in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place, Leith Hill Tower holds the title of being the highest point in South East England at 1029ft. Constructed to allow the public to ‘enjoy the glory of the English countryside’, a climb up the spiral staircase reveals breath-taking views that stretch as far as the English Channel.

From the top of the tower, visitors can also spy old quarrying sites in the surrounding hills that provided the materials for the building. An information room halfway up the tower means you can pause to read up on the story of the site. Then, if you feel like a spot of lunch after your visit, pop along to the Servery, managed by the Tanhouse Farm Shop. 

9. Brookwood Cemetery

brookwoodcemetery.com

📍Glades House, Cemetery Pales, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey GU24 0BL

📅 Mon- Fri; 8am - 5pm

Following an 1852 Act of Parliament, the London Necropolis Company bought up an expanse of land near Woking to build a cemetery that was designed to improve the dire burial situation in London. This sprawling graveyard is believed to have been landscaped by the renowned architect William Tite, and at one point was serviced by a train complete with Hearse Carriages that transported bodies from the London Necropolis Railway Station in Central London.

Today, visitors who come to the Cemetery can see a small section of the track set next to an informative plaque. Also on offer is the chance to spot the graves of some of the famous residents of the Cemetery including artist John Singer Sargent and controversial anatomist Robert Knox. Visit the largest cemetery in Western Europe for a unique, if slightly macabre, historical experience!

10. Polesden Lacey

@PolesdenLaceyNT

📍Great Bookham, Dorking RH5 6BB

📅 Daily; 11 am - 3:30 pm (house), 10 am - 5 pm (garden and cafe)

Prices: £15 adult, £7.50 child

Originally built in 1821-3 by Thomas Cubitt, the site was transformed into an Edwardian dream house in 1906 by Mewès & Davis, the architects of the Ritz Hotel, under the instruction of socialite Dame Maggie Greville. The Queen Mother, who described the property as 'a delicious house', spent a week at Polesden Lacey for her honeymoon, engaging in activities such as golf and garden strolls with her new husband, the future King George VI.

The entrance fee to this stately home includes access to 14 showrooms including the library, central hall and the gold Saloon which features extravagant interior decoration and was created to impress royalty. After you finish exploring the house, wander around the estate grounds which sit in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and spot the range of rare wildlife that calls this area their home. 

Feeling adventurous? Why not travel into Kent to visit these captivating historical sites that are both less than an hour’s train ride from central London….

11. hever castle.

@hever_castle / www.hevercastle.co.uk

📍Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

📅 Daily; 10:30- 18:00 (Grounds open at 10:30 am, Castle opens at 12 noon)

Prices: £23.10 adult (£20.80 online), £13.10 child (£11.80 online)

Originally built in 1270, Hever later served as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. While the Boleyns made many additions to their abode, the majority of what is on view today is a testament to the work of American politician William Waldorf Astor who restored the castle in the early 20th century using traditional Tudor building methods.

Amongst many treasured artefacts in the castle lies Anne’s personal prayer book, which bears her handwritten annotations. Other highlights include the Months and Seasons Tapestry, which dates back to 1550. With 125 acres of grounds, a water maze, and Tudor-themed playgrounds, there is plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.

Upcoming Events: 

Hever Castle is hosting a falconry experience, providing a 2-hour demonstration of falcon's adept aerial grace, alongside other birds of prey. The event is on until 25 Oct 2023

12.  Knole House & Park

@KnoleNT / https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

📍Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP

📅 House times are variable, check the website before your visit. Park; daily, from dusk till dawn

Prices: £15 adults, £7.50 child, free entry to the park on foot

Knole House, which sits in parkland inhabited by a herd of wild deer, has been the home of the Sackville family for over 400 years. The house was the childhood home of acclaimed writer Vita Sackville-West, who was left heartbroken when passed over as direct heir to the estate due to her gender. 

Built to impress, the property is so expansive that it is impossible to ascertain the number of rooms it holds as every count produces a different figure. Step back in time inside Knole’s showrooms, which are filled with a cherished collection of Stuart furniture and paintings by artists Reynolds and Gainsborough. After exploring the house, stomp around the grounds to encounter the occasional curious stag.

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Historic Surrey Guide

Ben johnson, facts about surrey.

Welcome to Surrey, England’s most wooded county and home to two of what many would think of as ‘London’ attractions: magnificent Hampton Court Palace and glorious Kew Gardens.

The beautiful red-brick Tudor palace of Hampton Court, built by Cardinal Wolsey and gifted by him to Henry VIII , is a must-see. Visit Henry VIII’s Great Hall, experience the sights and smells of the Tudor kitchen, lose yourself in the world famous Maze and wander through the lovely gardens by the River Thames.

Kew Palace is the smallest royal palace and is set in what once was a royal park, now the world famous Kew Gardens. Explore over 300 acres of gardens and glasshouses and get inspired! There are also notable gardens at Wisley Garden and Painshill Landscape Garden, a fine example of an 18th century landscape park.

Surrey is home to no less than four racecourses including Epsom Racecourse, where the world famous Derby is run in June every year. It was here in 1913 that the suffragette Emily Davison tragically died after throwing herself under the king's horse during the race.

There are many wonderful stately homes and historic houses to visit in Surrey, such as elegant Polesden Lacey, Elizabethan Loseley Park and the Palladian mansion, Clandon Park.

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23 castles within easy reach of Surrey and north-east Hampshire

Enjoy a family day out at one of these historic sites, rich in culture and imagination

• 06:37, 25 MAY 2018
• Updated 10:51, 25 MAY 2018

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The south east is home to more than 20 castles, making them a great day out for families during the school holidays or at the weekend.

Kings and queens throughout the ages turned south-east England into the fortress of Britain, by building some of the most impressive, imposing and famous castles in England that are still around today.

So why not relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot by exploring spiral staircases, striking moats, romantic ancient monuments, windows where arrows were fired from and ruins that were once walked upon by knights?

Great family things to do around Surrey

Arundel Castle

This towering stately home and fortified castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since 1067. The castle conceals a very fine collection of furniture, paintings, clocks, tapestries, armour and much, much more, including personal possessions of Mary, Queen of Scots. Address: High Street, Arundel, BN18 9AB. Tel: 01903 882173

Bodiam Castle

Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Address: Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA.Tel: 01580 830196

Broughton Castle

The original medieval manor house, of which much remains today, was built in about 1300 by Sir John de Broughton. It stands on an island site surrounded by a three acre moat. Address: Broughton, Banbury, OX15 5EB. Tel: 01295 276070

Carisbrooke Castle

The quintessential romantic castle, Carisbrooke is at the very heart of the Isle of Wight's history. An Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king's prison and a royal summer residence, here you'll find loveable donkeys, a fascinating museum and an Edwardian garden. Address: Castle Hill, Newport, Isle Of Wight, PO30 1XY. Tel: 01983 522107

Chiddingstone Castle

Home of the collections of Denys Eyre Bower: Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart and Buddhist art and antiquities, the castle is set in a stunning Gothic Revival Castle and grounds. There are family activities and a cafe tea room available. Address: Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD. Tel: 01892 870347

Deal Castle

Built by the order of King Henry VIII, today you can explore the whole Tudor artillery castle from the storerooms to the first-floor captain’s residence. Take a walk around the defences and admire the squat, rounded bastions and canons. Address: Victoria Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7BA. Tel: 01304 372762

Dover Castle

Discover 2,000 years of history at Dover Castle. Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry ll. Travel deep inside the White Cliffs and tour the Underground Hospital. Address: Castle Hill Road, Dove, Kent, CT16 1HU. Tel: 01304 211067

Farnham Castle

The impressive motte and shell keep of Farnham Castle was founded in 1138 by Bishop Henry of Blois. The keep was abandoned after Civil War service: but much-altered parts of the medieval bishops' residence remain in private hands and you can visit the site for free throughout the year. Address: Castle Hill, Farnham , GU9 0AG. Tel: 01252 721194

Fort Nelson

The restored 19 acre Victorian fort overlooking Portsmouth Harbour is home to the Royal Armouries national artillery collection with more than 350 historic guns on display. There is everything from pre-gunpowder siege machines to the massive 200-tonne railway gun. Address: Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. Tel: 01329 233 734

Guildford Castle

Head to the top of the Great Tower for a 360 degree panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside. 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. Address: Off Castle Street, Guildford, GU1 3SY. Tel: 01483 444751

Hastings Castle

The castle is a fascinating part of history and includes The 1066 Story - an exciting 20 minute audio-visual programme covering the conquest and the history of the castle through the centuries. Address: Castle Hill Road, West Hill, Hastings, TN34 3AR. Tel: 0844 5499088

Herstmonceux Castle

The Tudor castle is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England; brick was an unusual material for the time in Britain. The builders concentrated more on grandeur and comfort than on defence. Address: East Sussex, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN. Tel: 01323 833816

Hever Castle

Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The splendid rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, an important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself. Address: Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG. Tel: 01732 865224

Leeds Castle

Set in more than 500 acres of lush green parkland, it is ideal for long relaxing strolls and picnics. Dating back to 1119, you'll find medieval gatehouses and Norman foundations, Tudor towers and a Gloriette updated during Henry VIII's reign, as well as 19th century additions. Address: Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL. Tel: 01622 765400

Lewes Castle

Climb to the top of this 1,000 year old Norman Castle for stunning panoramic views across Sussex. The adjoining Barbican House is home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology and houses local collections from the Stone Age to medieval times. A mini-cinema tells the story of Lewes from prehistoric to Victorian times. Address: Barbican House, High Street, Lewes, BN7 1YE. Tel: 01273 486290

Odiham Castle

Known locally as ‘King John’s Castle’, Odiham Castle is located within a tranquil site adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal. This site has witnessed and been part of many historical events, from the signing of the Magna Carta , a French siege to the ownership of the de Montforts, a revolt and even the imprisonment of a Scottish King. Address: North Warnborough, Hook, RG29 1HQ. Tel: 0845 6035638

Portchester Castle

Norman kings used the castle when crossing the Channel, while Richard II built a palace within the walls, and it served as a rallying point for the troops who embarked from here on the expedition that led to the Battle of Agincourt. Address: Castle Street, Portchester, PO16 9QW. Tel: 023 92378291

Redoubt Fortress

An impressive Napoleonic circular brick fortress which provides the perfect home for the largest military museum in the South East. Address: Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AQ. Tel: 01323 410300

Rochester Castle

As one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England, its great keep is one of the tallest in the country. A model has been installed in the castle’s chapel showing how the castle would have looked in the 14th century Address: The Keep, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SW. Tel: 01634 332901

Southsea Castle

Built in 1544, the castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders. In the 19th Century a tunnel was built to defend the castle moat. Visitors can still enter the tunnel and see how the castle would have been defended against invaders. Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PA. Tel: 0239284 1625

Upnor Castle

Situated on the banks of the River Medway, this attractive turreted castle is set in a picturesque village area backed by rolling, wooded hills. The castle was originally built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559 as a gun fort to defend her warships at anchor in the reaches of the Medway and Chatham Dockyard. Address: High Street, Upper Upnor, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4XG. Tel: 01634 718742

Walmer Castle

Built in 1540 as part of Henry Vlll's chain of coastal defences, visitors can see the Duke of Wellington's room, the reception rooms and magnificent commemorative gardens of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Address: Kingsdown Road, Walmer, Deal, Kent, CT14 7LJ. Tel: 01304 364288

Windsor Castle

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor is the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1,000 years. The castle's lavish, early 19th-century State Apartments are architecturally significant, described by art historian Hugh Roberts as "a superb and unrivalled sequence of rooms widely regarded as the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste". Address: Windsor, SL4 1NJ. Tel: 0207766 7304

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Bluebells at Hatchlands Park

Image credit: National Trust, James Duffy

Beautiful tranquil Claremont Landscape Gardens

Image credit: National Trust

Family Fun at the National Trust Winkworth Arboretum

Image: copyright National Trust

Polesden Lacey

Walking at runnymede.

Copyright National Trust

The National Trust in Surrey

Discover more than 24 places in Surrey to visit and lots of events to get involved in.  From the royal landscape garden at Claremont to the best hilltop views in Surrey at Box Hill and Hindhead, there are so many places to discover. Historic houses like Polesden Lacey are treasures trove of stories, art and collections, with sumptuous decoration at Christmas. From classic romantic walled gardens to beautiful woodland, like Winkworth Arboretum, famous for autumn colour and bluebells.    Throughout the holidays, National Trust places like Hatchlands Park are bursting with events and activities, from natural play areas to children’s adventure trails, outdoor theatre and glittering decorated houses at Christmas. For unique gifts National Trust shops are one of Surrey’s best kept shopping secrets. Tuck into one of their legendary scones in the cafe, over a pot of with friends. Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and bring up the kids with a love of culture, all near you in Surrey.

Upcoming event at Polesden Lacey

The last tree & the art of nature in collaboration with luke adam hawker |polesden lacey.

Saturday 27 April – Friday 25 October 2024 Gardens open from 10am-5pm and the house from 11am – 3.30pm daily. No booking necessary In 2024 the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey in Surrey is collaborating with best-selling author and celebrated nature artist Luke Adam Hawker. The…

Discover somewhere to visit in Surrey

• Claremont Landscape Garden

A family enjoying Claremont Landscape Garden Image credit - National Trust: Arnhel de Serra

The East front of Polesden Lacey Image Credit- National Trust Images: Chis-Jonas

Hatchlands Park

Dapdune wharf.

Image Credit: National Trust

• Winkworth Arboretum

Rowe's Flashe Lake and Boathouse at Winkworth Arboretum

Runnymede and Ankerwycke

The Jurors, by artist Hew Locke at Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Clandon Park

National trust countryside, national trust events in surrey, conifer collection walk.

Join Heritage Volunteer Hilary for an extra special guided walk around Claremont to learn more about…

Blossom Hapa-Zome printing | Winkworth Arboretum

This spring get creative at our weekend craft sessions. What better inspiration than the sights and…

Doggy Celebration Day at Claremont Landscape Garden

Saturday 27 April, 10am – 5pm We welcome dogs all year round at Claremont Landscape Garden and…

Bluebell card making | Winkworth Arboretum

Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 May This spring get creative at our weekend craft sessions. What better…

Connecting and Capturing | Winkworth Arboretum

Following a mindful and sensory exploration of this wonderful location you will be able to draw…

Garden Friends Half Term Trail & Storytelling | Claremont Landscape Garden

We're delighted to bring award-winning author Rachel Lawston's children's books to life…

Wild Learning Holiday Club | Claremont Landscape Garden

Den building, stealth games, mud sculpting, dam making, fire lighting, minibeast hunts, assault…

Claremont Live! Hamlet

Experience incredible outdoor theatre this summer at Claremont Landscape Garden! The Lord…

Claremont Live! Ember Big Band | Claremont Landscape Garden

Ember Big Band will be bringing an evening of swing classics, contemporary Latin and rock, and lots…

Claremont Live! Wild Arts Opera | Claremont Landscape Garden

Join us for a magical evening of live opera as Wild Arts presents some of the greatest stories of…

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