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*updated July 2020

When did our love of the National Trust start? The first Christmas after Monkey was born back in 2011, my parents kindly brought us a National Trust annual pass and it was one of the best presents we have ever been given. After excitedly flicking through the accompanying guide, we were pleasantly surprised to discover how many stunning estates, parkland and sites were so close to us.  Polesdon Lacey National Trust in Great Bookham, Surrey, is our closest one. And fortunately, it’s one of our favourites.

Polesden Lacey in Surrey | My Travel Monkey

Polesden Lacey during lockdown measures

As with all National Trust sites currently, entry is bookable in advance. Those without a timed ticket are unable to enter or park their cars. You can pre-book via the National Trust website up to two weeks in advance. Tickets do go quickly, so if you’re able to stay up until midnight on a Friday or get up early the following, this is your best chances of securing your preferred time slot.

Following the clearly signposted one-way system, the toilets are available to use at the entrance and once inside, while the main restaurant is not open to the public, the takeaway kiosk is open serving refreshments and ice cream. Meanwhile, the adventure play area has been scaled back significantly, to adhere to social distancing measures, although the tree swings are still in action. However, even though there are some changes, it doesn’t detract from what is still one of the National Trust’s most popular sites.

Exploring Polesden Lacey National Trust in Surrey

Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian estate that was once home to Margaret Greville, who purchased it in 1906. Margaret inherited a fortune from her father and was renowned for being a wonderful hostess, mixing in grand circles of royalty and politicians, as well as being generous to those less fortunate than her. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, spent her honeymoon here, and back in the day, Polesdon Lacey was the place to be seen.

Polesden Lacey National Trust has over 1,400 acres to explore around the main house including woodland trails, four sign-posted walks and several gardens from the Kitchen Garden to my favourite, the Walled Rose Garden – which is alive with colour and scent in summer months and home to more than 2000 roses, including over 100 rambling roses on the Pergola.

Gardens at Polesden Lacey | My Travel Monkey

The extensive South Lawn has stunning views across Surrey Hills and is dotted with deck chairs, large trees and plenty of space for picnic blankets – fantastic for relaxing, playing hide-and-seek, or just enjoying in the landscape.

Days out in Surrey | My Travel Monkey

Meanwhile, the house itself is well worth a tour. Wander the 26 showrooms and marvel at the grand designs including the Gold Saloon and the impressive Central Hall. It also houses a stunning collection of artwork, from Dutch Old Master paintings to Cartier and Fabergé pieces.

Things to do

There’s also plenty of activities for families. The adventure play area has an assault course, with tree stumps and climbing ropes, as well as large tree swings. Kids can also use the wheelbarrows around the orchards, and find so many different areas to get run-off steam.

The Polesden Lacey walk is for those looking to explore more of the surrounding woodland, hills and countryside. The Little Walk takes ramblers around the estate and through the wooded valley, while the Big Walk rewards walkers with views across Denbies Wine Estate and Ranmore Common via ancient woodland and rolling hills.

National Trust Surrey| My Travel Monkey

Polesden also puts on theatrical and musical performances, workshops and fun seasonal events. There is even the opportunity to stay on the grounds overnight. Polesden Lacey camping run by Embers is open during the summer months and offers a unique experience for those wanting to immerse themselves in the Surrey countryside.

For more Polesden Lacey events including the overnight camping, do check the website regularly.

For us, we always enjoy walking around the grounds and letting the kids run loose, hiding behinds trees, foraging for sticks and feeling like we’re the only people there – because amazingly, even though it’s always busy, it never feels like there are crowds. Polesden Lacey has plenty of nooks and crannies to claim as our own and we’re lucky that we can enjoy it again and again…

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Surrey RH5 6BD;  10.00am-17.00pm daily; Adult £10.00; Child £5.00; Family: £25.0