Last Updated on 05/03/2026 by Ting Dalton
Having been a National Trust member for many years, I’ve made it a family mission to visit as many National Trust properties in Surrey and the surrounding counties. What’s not to love? A great day out for the whole family, fresh air, delicious cream teas and a chance to learn about wildlife and history, as well as explore wonderfully picturesque landscapes and gardens – some of which are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are over 20 different National Trust properties in Surrey, so if you’re planning days out in Surrey with the National Trust, it can be hard to decide where to go or which one to visit first. I’ve taken the stress out of finding a National Trust property or site by listing all of them below with direct links, as well as in-depth reviews and photographs from our visits.
Quick facts
- Number of NT properties in Surrey: 20+
- NT membership: Covers free parking and entry at most properties
- Best for young children: Polesden Lacey, Claremont Landscape Garden, Morden Hall Park
- Best for walkers: Box Hill, Headley Heath, Hindhead Commons, Leith Hill
- Best for history: Ham House, Hatchlands Park, Runnymede
- Always check: Opening times and seasonal access before you travel – nationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust properties in Surrey
Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey near Dorking is probably our most visited National Trust property in Surrey because it’s the closest (read here for a full review). It’s also one of the National Trust’s most popular houses – the former home of Margaret Greville, who was known for her wild parties. The views across the Surrey Hills are stunning, as are the gardens. Wander the extensive grounds, take the kids to the woodland play area or just pull up a deck chair on the lawn. We also love coming to the outdoor cinema they run during the summer months.
Polesden Lacey – Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
Claremont Landscape Garden
Another National Trust Surrey favourite, Claremont Garden in Esher’s main attraction is the beautiful serpentine lake, which is worth a visit at any time of the year (read here for more about a day out at Claremont). Apart from trying to spot the fish, marvel at the ingenuity of the amphitheatre cut into the landscape and explore the stunning gardens. There’s also dressing up for the kids and a great playground.
Claremont Landscape Garden – Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9JG
Box Hill
If you’re keen walkers then Box Hill is a must – but even if you’re not, there is still plenty to see and do (read here for more on Box Hill). There are several routes for all abilities – one of our favourites is to head to the stepping stones across the Mole River. If you don’t fancy trekking too far or have young kids in tow, just take in the landscape from Box Hill’s viewpoint and discover why the Surrey Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Box Hill also has a brilliant nature trail through the woods. The ice creams from the café are a must in summer.
Box Hill – The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB
Bookham Commons
The ancient Bookham Commons is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is a great National Trust destination to blow the cobwebs away and take a stroll. Explore the wildlife in the woodland, grasslands and ponds and go bird spotting. If you’re lucky, you may even spot wild roe deer.
Bookham Commons – Church Road, Great Bookham, Surrey, nearest postcode KT23 3LT
Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park is a Georgian estate on sprawling grounds, which are perfect for family walks and exploring. Built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen, it has since housed wealthy families, World War One evacuees, a finishing school for girls and even a printing press. There is much to discover on the 400 acres of parkland, including bluebells in season, as well as a bat and tree walk (read here to discover what we got up to at Hatchlands Park).
Hatchlands Park – East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT
Winkworth Arboretum
Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust in Surrey that changes with the seasons. A botanical garden made up exclusively of trees, we spent a lovely morning marvelling at the blooming flowers and discovering little nooks across the grounds. Our favourite spot is at the lake, watching the ducks and geese – and for the kids, the wooded play area (read here about our family walk at Winkworth). Winkworth Arboretum is popular in summer for those looking to relax with a picnic and admire the colours.
Winkworth Arboretum – Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD
Abinger Roughs and Netley Park
Back in 1870, naturalist Charles Darwin walked the Roughs while staying at Abinger Hall. Abinger Roughs is a combination of woodland and grassland, home to oak trees that are hundreds of years old. A fantastic spot for nature lovers and young explorers.
Abinger Roughs – Car park on White Downs Lane, Abinger Hammer, Surrey, RH5 6QS
Margery Wood and Colley Hill
Tucked away off the A217 towards the M25 is a National Trust car park called Margery Wood – free for members. From here you can walk through Margery Wood, where we found a huge den and beautiful trees to admire – and where bluebells like to spring when it gets warmer. After heading over a bridge across the motorway, you’re met with sweeping views across Surrey and the South Downs. We even found grazing wild cattle and the Inglis Memorial, which dates back to 1909 and was once a water fountain for horses.
Margery Wood and Colley Hill – Car park on Margery Lane, Tadworth, KT20 7EJ
Runnymede
Runnymede sits on a peaceful spot by the River Thames, and with postcard-perfect scenery, rolling hills and open meadows, it makes for a wonderful walk, cycle ride or place to enjoy a picnic. It is also an area steeped in history – seen as the birthplace of democracy, it was here that King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215. As well as a monument to the democratic legacy of the Magna Carta, you’ll find further memorials to John F. Kennedy, the Commonwealth Air Forces, and a unique installation by artist Hew Locke.
Runnymede – Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL (SatNav: TW20 0AE)
Clandon Park
Please note: the house at Clandon Park is closed until at least 2029 while major restoration work takes place. Always check the National Trust website before visiting.
Clandon Park hit the headlines after a devastating fire tore through it in 2015. Now, one of the National Trust’s most ambitious restoration projects is underway – conserving the surviving 18th-century shell, reinstating the exterior and creating an entirely new visitor experience, including a public rooftop terrace with views across the Surrey countryside. The gardens are open in summer and there are occasional events throughout the year. It’s worth a visit if you want to witness heritage conservation in action, but do check the website first as access is limited and varies.
Clandon Park – West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RQ
Leith Hill Place and Leith Hill Tower
Leith Hill Place is the childhood home of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, open to the public since the 1960s. There’s a real sense of art and creativity here, so explore the house and enjoy the views. Afterwards, head a few minutes up the road and you’ll find parking for Leith Hill – the highest point in South East England. The route through woodland is easy, and the views of the countryside are worth the short climb up Leith Hill Tower. Grab a bite from the café and drink in the views (read here about our day out at Leith Hill).
Leith Hill – near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey
Headley Heath
With plenty of tracks to explore and far-reaching views of the countryside, Headley Heath is a great place for walking, cycling and horse riding. With an abundance of wildlife – from deer and badgers to rare birds such as linnets and dragonflies – the open heath, woodland and chalkland is the perfect habitat for all manner of creatures. What will you spot?
Headley Heath – Headley Common Road, Headley Heath, Surrey, KT18 6NN
Reigate Hill and Gatton Park
We first went to Gatton Park one Easter and didn’t realise there was such a huge estate so close by. Situated in the North Downs, this property can only be visited during certain open days throughout the year – do try and check it out. The dramatic parkland was originally landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 1760s, and the Edwardian pleasure gardens – designed by Henry Ernest Milner – were added in the late 19th century. We spent hours wandering both. Meanwhile, walk up nearby Reigate Hill and head to the Fort for amazing views.
Reigate Hill – Wray Lane, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0HX
Dapdune Wharf
For a National Trust visit in Guildford, head to Dapdune Wharf (read here about our fun day at Dapdune Wharf) – a little hidden gem off the main road. Situated on the banks of the River Wey – which has over 20 miles of waterways through Surrey – Dapdune Wharf pays homage to the stories of navigations past and the barges which operated on the water from the 1600s. Learn about the history, take a boat ride and enjoy refreshments by this picturesque river spot.
Dapdune Wharf – Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
Shalford Mill
Shalford is a quaint medieval village where you can admire the artisan cottages and learn about the workings of the ancient Shalford Mill, which sits on the banks of the Tillingbourne stream. Although the machinery is no longer in action, visitors can learn about the mill and the stories of the decline of traditional village work and life.
Shalford Mill – Near Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8BS
Morden Hall Park
While not technically in Surrey, we still often make the journey towards south London for a wander at Morden Hall Park. We love admiring the open expanse of land in the middle of the city and stopping at the huge watermill, which still fascinates the children. Morden Hall used to be a former deer park and is one of the few remaining estates that once lined the River Wandle during its industrial heyday. With nature trails, a woodland play area, a great café and lots of events, this is a brilliant destination for the family.
Morden Hall Park – Morden Hall Road, Morden, London, SM4 5JD
Harewoods
We came to Harewoods in Redhill for one reason – to see the marvellous blanket of bluebells and wildflowers that adorn the ground at Hornecourt Wood. You can’t fail to be mesmerised by the colour and scents. There are also over 100 ponds to discover, ranging from large open ponds to marshes, where keen bird-watchers and nature lovers will find plenty to explore.
Harewoods – Outwood Lane, Outwood, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5PW
Frensham Little Pond
Set within over 1,000 acres of Surrey heathland – now part of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve – Frensham Little Pond is a beautiful spot to visit at any time of year. The sandy shoreline gives it an almost beach-like feel, and it’s a fantastic place to walk, watch wildlife and breathe in some proper fresh air.
The pond itself is a nature sanctuary, so swimming is not permitted in order to protect the wildlife and habitats here. If you’re after a swim, neighbouring Frensham Great Pond (run by Waverley Council) does allow it when water quality is safe – but blue-green algae is a recurring seasonal issue there, so always check Waverley Borough Council’s website before you go.
Listen out for reed buntings, sedge warblers and great crested grebes as you walk the banks, and stop in at the Tern Café for a hot drink and a slice of cake. It’s a genuinely lovely corner of Surrey.
Frensham Little Pond – Priory Lane, Frensham, Surrey, GU10 3BT
Parking: NT members park free. Non-members pay £2 up to 1 hour / £4 up to 2 hours / £6 up to 4 hours / £9 all day. Download the JustPark app before visiting, as there’s often not much phone signal on site.
Hindhead Commons and Devil’s Punch Bowl
For spectacular views over the Surrey countryside, head to Hindhead Commons and Devil’s Punch Bowl. Another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of accessible footpaths and picnic spots in the open heathland and woodland. See if you can spot wild ponies – and then perhaps grab some lunch at the café?
Hindhead Commons – London Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6AB
Ham House
If you’re looking for a grand house, Ham House in Richmond makes for a perfect National Trust day out. Set on the banks of the River Thames, it’s full of 17th-century history and became a place for entertaining in the 1660s. Monkey enjoyed learning about life upstairs and downstairs in the house (read here for more on what we got up to at Ham House), as well as running free in the extensive grounds and gardens.
Ham House – Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS
Oakhurst Cottage
Book ahead for one of Oakhurst Cottage’s tours and you’ll get to see a simple timber-framed house that has stood the test of time since the 16th century. The labourer’s dwelling has been restored to bring four centuries of uninterrupted occupation to life. See first-hand the radical changes home life has undergone over the past few centuries, then explore the pretty cottage garden outside.
Oakhurst Cottage – Hambledon, near Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4HF
Hydon’s Ball and Heath
Hydon’s Ball and Heath near Godalming is a peaceful heath and woodland, with a surprise of non-native shrubs planted by the British garden designer and artist Gertrude Jekyll. It’s also one of the National Trust’s earliest acquisitions, and there is a memorial in honour of co-founder Octavia Hill, who died in 1912. One of the highest points in Surrey – and you will be rewarded with commanding views of Sussex and beyond.
Hydon’s Ball and Heath – Salt Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4BB
FAQs about the National Trust in Surrey
How many National Trust properties are in Surrey?
There are over 20 National Trust properties and sites in Surrey, ranging from grand country houses like Ham House and Polesden Lacey to open heathland, ancient commons and historic mills.
Which National Trust Surrey properties are best for young children?
Polesden Lacey, Claremont Landscape Garden and Morden Hall Park all have good play areas and open space for younger children. Box Hill and Winkworth Arboretum are also great for families who want a walk with something to see along the way.
Is a National Trust membership worth it for Surrey?
If you plan to visit more than two or three properties a year, membership pays for itself quickly in Surrey alone – especially as it covers parking, which adds up fast at popular sites like Box Hill and Frensham. You can check current membership prices on their website.
Can you swim at Frensham Ponds?
Swimming is not permitted in Frensham Little Pond (a National Trust site). Swimming is allowed seasonally at Frensham Great Pond, which is managed by Waverley Borough Council – but blue-green algae closures are common in summer, so always check current water quality on the Waverley Borough Council website before you go.
Is Clandon Park open to visit?
The house at Clandon Park is closed for major restoration until at least 2029. The gardens open in summer and there are occasional events – always check the National Trust website before visiting.
Which National Trust Surrey property has the best views?
Box Hill, Leith Hill Tower and Colley Hill are hard to beat for views across the Surrey Hills and South Downs. On a clear day from Leith Hill – the highest point in South East England – you can see all the way to the sea.
Do I need to book National Trust Surrey visits in advance?
For popular properties like Polesden Lacey and Box Hill, booking in advance is recommended during busy periods and school holidays. Gatton Park operates on open days only, so planning ahead is essential. Check the National Trust website for each property before you visit. Always verify opening times and access directly with the National Trust before travelling, as seasonal changes apply.
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