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The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Surrey, England
Discover the best top things to do in Surrey, United Kingdom including Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Gatwick Aviation Museum, Spike Heritage Centre, Polesden Lacey, Ramster Gardens, Leith Hill, Painshill, Hogs Back Brewery and Tap, Winkworth Arboretum, Rural Life Centre.
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1. Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER - REOPEN APRIL 2021. Broadleaved and architectural plants, mature trees and ponds support, frame and enhance an ever changing collection of contemporary sculpture in the stunning garden that Hannah Peschar and Anthony Paul created over 35 years ago. The Sculpture Garden displays over 200 pieces by 50 plus artists from Britain & the rest of Europe every year; each carefully sited within the landscaped gardens. The placement of the sculpture is the key aspect that makes the garden so magical. A strong connection between art and nature is crucial; be it the way a plant frames the piece, how the piece accentuates the surrounding planting (such as the texture of the trees or the colour of the moss), or how a shaft of sunlight plays across the surface of the sculpture. Part of the joy is discovering pieces hidden in secluded parts of the garden; creating surprise and intrigue at every turn. The exhibition runs for 7 months over the spring, summer and autumn seasons.
Reviewed By OwlofWoodland - Surrey, United Kingdom
This is an amazing place. A tranquil garden with wonderful sculptures. If you enjoy looking at different, unusual sculptures made with a variety of different materials and textures, this is the place to go. The gardens have paths that lead you to the sculptures. Do visit if you can.
2. Gatwick Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By rockstar387 - Sarasota, United States
This was our first time to the Gatwick Aviation Museum. My wife and I worked as cabin crew out of LGW for many years and didn't know this even existed! Small but perfectly formed would be the phrase for the place. Well laid out and some great airctaft to get very close to, all with information to read about the specific aircraft you're looking at. We took our two young boys and I have to say the staff were what made the experience so special. Jeff White took it upon himself to give us a personal tour! His knowledge was great and my boys were somewhat mesmerised by his enthusiasm! A lovely chap. The history of Gatwick on the wall as you enter was my favourite, brought back some great memories. Thank you Gatwick Aviation Museum for a lovely visit.
3. Spike Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
We are open! All tours need to be pre-booked at least 3 days in advance. The Casual ward to the Guildford Union Workhouse was, and still is, known locally as The Spike. This is no ordinary visitor attraction but a unique visit to a time, place and a way of life for generations history often chose to forget. Prepare to be deeply moved as the tour guides escort you through an unforgettable Night at the Spike. 600 Casual wards were built in Britain, the Guildford Casual Ward is uniquely the only remaining with its working cells.
Reviewed By nickymay33 - Godalming, United Kingdom
Six retired teachers from the Guildford area, most of whom had not visited The Spike before, were treated to a guided tour conducted by Dave and TJ. School teachers are not always the easiest people to impress with a talk but this group unanimously agreed that the two volunteers combined to tell an interesting story of the lives of the inmates who were 'allowed' to either sleep for the night on payment of a penny or to work for a whole day in lieu of payment. Neither vagrants nor casuals were able to return within a month and had to find their next accommodation in other nearby towns. This visit illustrated the hardship suffered by the unfortunates who lived in the years before the welfare state came into being. The video shown was good backup for the guides' comments but undoubtedly the highlight of the tour was visiting the actual cells where the inmates slept and worked. The charitable trust which runs this historic gem is continuing to improve the visitor experience with additional information about the history of the workhouse which also stood on this site and which before being demolished became part of St Luke's Hospital. Do visit, knowing that your entrance fee will help to preserve this small part of Guildford's disappearing history.
4. Polesden Lacey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,425 reviews
Reviewed By stuffmatters - London, United Kingdom
Polesden Lacey is a National Trust gem with spectacular (& evolving) formal and natural gardens as well as a well presented insight into a early twentieth century country house. Entrance is £15 pp or free to NT members. Guided tours are available of the house in the morning before allowing free flow entry after 1230 whilst the gardens are open at all times with tours available at 1130, 1245, & 1415 Originally built by the Scottish brewer, William McEwan it became the country home of Maggie Greville, one of the premier socialites of the early twentieth century who counted royalty and prime ministers amongst her friends and guests. The gardens alone are worth the visit and are spectacularly laid out. We thoroughly enjoyed the garden tour and would recommend it. The house is also beautifully presented and easy to navigate. The volunteers in each room were as always helpful and interesting. The porcelain & art on display on the ground floor is well worth enjoying. It is easy to see how Polesden Lacey was one of the most popular “house parties” for those lucky enough to be invited. We ended our tour with lunch at the Cowshed Cafe in the courtyard which offers a range of options. Unfortunately however McEwans beer is not available on the menu!
5. Ramster Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
The garden is now open from 12th March - 13th June 2021 daily 10am - 5pm, from 16th June - 31st October we will be open Wednesday - Sunday 10am-4pm. See website for more information. Ramster Garden is a stunning woodland garden of over 20 acres, famous for its outstanding collection of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Reviewed By Q7531 - Berkshire, United Kingdom
Firstly we'd like to thank the owners & staff for their efforts in opening the gardens to the public at this difficult time. Normally we would visit in May when the Rhododendrons are at their best but even in mid-June there are still some in flower. This garden is very peaceful, mainly trees & shrubs & some very tall Gunnera's!. There is also a couple of water features & a woodland walk which adds to the beauty & interest of the garden. The woodland walk does though involve different levels so may not be best for those with walking difficulties but this is only a small part of the gardens, there's plenty of level walking. There is also a facility for take-away sandwiches, cakes & tea & coffee with picnic tables near the car park. All in all an excellent day out & well worth a visit. Don't miss it.
6. Leith Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By JanineW264 - Addlestone, United Kingdom
We parked in the Windy Car Park, which I believe is the closest car park, but not necessarily the easiest way to Leith Hill Tower. It was approximately 1/4 of a mile up very steep (and slippery steps, because of the inclement weather), and I would add, that if you have a lung condition, you would need to stop every few seconds to regain your breath - however, it took me about 20 minutes and I was very glad I did as the views are spectacular - 360 degrees from the top of the tower, which is free to National Trust Members. There are areas to stop off on the way up and there are picnic areas at the summit, as well as hot and cold drinks etc. There are easy to follow signposts to get one up and down the hill. I chatted with a very nice lady serving the drinks who recommended the Starveall car park as being the gentler, albeit slightly longer climb. One can also access Leith Hill from Ranmore Common and there were plenty of youth (probably doing their DofE) stopping to rest, have a drink and take in the views! My husband climbed the tower, which I attempted, but it really was a very tight, circular, and at times unlit stair case, so I came back down, but he said that at the top of the tower there is a table of what you are looking at view-wise. I would really welcome the National Trust placing such tables outside the tower for those who are unable/don't choose to climb the tower. It's truly a beautiful part of the North Downs and I would highly recommend it, despite the rainfall we endured!
7. Painshill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
Painshill is a beautiful award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey. The 158 acre wonderland has something for everyone and makes a great family day out. Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG), and some of Surrey's amazing wildlife. You can spend a whole day at Painshill or there are shorter accessible routes around the Serpentine Lake. Dogs on short leads are welcome. Bring a picnic or visit Hamilton's Tea Room. Visit the Painshill Shop for gifts, greeting cards and to buy Painshill English Sparkling Wine.
Reviewed By bettydisco
Visited here with Family Stunning Views The crystal grotto is amazing Various different walks to suit everyone Very tasty homemade food Good choice of gifts in shop Would definitely come back for a return visit
8. Hogs Back Brewery and Tap
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Welcome to the famous Hogs Back Brewery, Surrey's largest independent brewery. We are a small craft brewery based in Surrey situated just north of the A31 Hogs Back road between Guildford and Farnham. A visit to the Hogs Back Brewery is a fascinating experience. We are open to the public for Brewery Tours and summertime Hop Garden tours most weeks which provide a fun and informative experience with plenty of samples! Our Brewery Shop not only sells our own fine ales in both Brewery Fresh and bottled formats, but also hundreds of other bottled beers from around the world. We have also opened the Hogs Back Tap next door, which serves the freshest Hogs Back beer you can find. Open Thursdays to Sundays you can book a table online or turn up and enjoy a drink. There are delicious Wood-fired Pizzas cooked on site and a programme of events you can find on our website.
Reviewed By MB1982-travel
Popped in for some beers after trying in a local hotel. Beautiful beer, great brewery and unique layout. Will make effort to book in for a tour in the future.
9. Winkworth Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
A tranquil hillside arboretum created by Dr Wilfred Fox in the early twentieth century, now cared for by the National Trust. Open 363 days a year with stunning botanical displays all year round.
Reviewed By SarcasticPingu - Norwich, United Kingdom
Such a beautiful place! Lovely for a short or longer visit with a variety of walks and areas to explore. Most of the walks have some steep areas, so it may not be suitable for everyone, but the cafe is easily accessible. Lots of plants, flowers and wildlife to be seen. We went on a partially rainy day, so some of the paths could be a little slippy and one of the pathways was unfortunately closed, but we still got to see quite a lot of the Arbortetum. The cafe is relatively small, so if there is bad weather, there may not be room to sit inside, but lots of seating outside. Would gladly visit again, worth the visit if you have a NT members card.
10. Rural Life Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The Rural Life Centre is an accredited open-air museum and visitor attraction which collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local craftsmen circa 1750-1960. Many aspects of village and rural life are displayed recalling a way of life once common to the local people. The museum is distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns. The extensive programme of events offers the perfect way to experience the museum as volunteers set about to bring the museum alive by educating and entertaining visitors with crafts, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Reviewed By Selsea - Herne Bay, United Kingdom
Fantastic place to visit, tucked away off the beaten track. Staff were lovely ate in the cafe sandwiches were delicious. Plenty to see and buildings to go in and experience. Well laid out, extremely interesting some of the buildings were packed with artefacts of bygone days. My only minor complaint was that you had to pay extra for the train ride! But that would have not put me off of going. Definitely will visit again and would most certainly recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
