Winkworth Arboretum
Winkworth Arboretum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- barbcowdray3 contributionslovely back to nature experienceA dull , grey day but a visit here lifted our spirits. We enjoyed it very much snd it was obviously very popular with families. We look forward to another visit in the summer. Well worth the effort.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 21, 2023
- Louise L8 contributionsExcellent service, food and walkAlways enjoy a visit here and it was as lovely as ever on 13th April. However, our experience in the cafe was outstanding. The three young men serving were very organised, extremely courteous and helpful. Food (cornish pasty, soup and later, scones) was excellent. Thank you!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 17, 2024
- Sam S3 contributionsWell worth the visitWe visited Winkworth on a Sunday morning, being NT members and making the most of our membership. We got there early (around 10) and by the time we got back the car park was a lot busier as was the cafe and area at the top of the site. It was a bit different from a lot of the NT places we’ve been, mainly in that yes, the car park does have some pot holes and yes, the toilets are old and tired. But that’s not a surprise when they are clearly investing in the new visitor centre being built. So don’t hold that against them, and don’t let those things put you off going as it’s a beautiful place and well worth a visit. We got a sausage roll and cauliflower and chick pea pasty before we started our walk and they were amazing. Definitely recommend the cafe and the staff were so chatty and polite. The walks aren’t easy, it’s essentially down the side of a valley so there are hills which ever way you go, but there are plenty of places to stop and rest and the views and scenery are worth it. If you’ve got kids there are lots of trees to climb on/over/up and lots of places to stop for picnics (with choices of shade or sun depending on which you prefer). We went in summer and even then it was beautiful, so hoping to go back in Autumn to see it in those colours. I would definitely recommend Winkworth if you are going for the walking and scenery, but if it’s the car park and toilets that make or break your NT visit then probably best not to until the visitor centre is finished! One star removed because we collect magnets and there weren’t any for Winkworth which is such a shame with such a variety of views to potentially include on them! Hoping when the new centre is built this will be something they have - sounds silly but they are lovely little souvenirs!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Hong Kong, China195 contributions
Nov 2020
A sort of recommendation after watching Gardeners World. Pros: pleasant view of a lake, relaxing, lovely and vivid autumn colours on a few trees. Cons: Car park is a mud fest and so is much of the paths. Not suitable for pushchairs etc., some paths are quite steep and can be slippery when wet. Nothing much for kids. Only some trees labelled. £10 is expensive for what it is, literally just a dozen trees in autumnal colours, takes about 1-2 hours to walk around. As a comparison, went to visit Richmond Park, that's free, better managed woodland, bigger, much easier to walk about with more facilities. Wisley down the road is around £15/£16, which is outstanding when you know what you get. Box Hill not too far, about the same walking experience and again free.
Written November 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rama R
London, UK710 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
We visited in the last weekend of October as it came highly recommended by a nature loving friend. We are NT members but booking was still essential. We booked over a week in advance and there were lots of spaces available.
The park is simply beautiful. All around you the trees are bathed in bewitching autumn colours. There are reds and ochres, yellow and pink, lush green grass and a serene, rippling lake. It's a trip alright, an hour+ of a drive from London, but it's so worth it. I don't think there's anywhere else you'll be so happy to find these autumnal colours in full display. There are 3 trails that you can pick to walk along, or do your own thing. We picked the yellow trail, the medium challenging one that runs for 1.5 miles. It was a lovely walk alongside the lake and passes by a wooded playground for little ones. There are various types of Japanese Acers and Maples.
Everything is beautiful to look at. It was supposed to rain all through the afternoon but there was no rain at all for the time we were there. The sun shone beautifully and we could manage with just our regular jumpers. We stayed on for almost 3 hours and picked up some refreshments from the tiny tea room after waiting in a long queue.
I would highly recommend a visit, especially in the next couple of weeks, before winter finally sets in.
The park is simply beautiful. All around you the trees are bathed in bewitching autumn colours. There are reds and ochres, yellow and pink, lush green grass and a serene, rippling lake. It's a trip alright, an hour+ of a drive from London, but it's so worth it. I don't think there's anywhere else you'll be so happy to find these autumnal colours in full display. There are 3 trails that you can pick to walk along, or do your own thing. We picked the yellow trail, the medium challenging one that runs for 1.5 miles. It was a lovely walk alongside the lake and passes by a wooded playground for little ones. There are various types of Japanese Acers and Maples.
Everything is beautiful to look at. It was supposed to rain all through the afternoon but there was no rain at all for the time we were there. The sun shone beautifully and we could manage with just our regular jumpers. We stayed on for almost 3 hours and picked up some refreshments from the tiny tea room after waiting in a long queue.
I would highly recommend a visit, especially in the next couple of weeks, before winter finally sets in.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely review - we're really pleased that the colours and the weather worked together to make your visit enjoyable, especially after your long drive from London.
Written November 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandra M
12 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Winkworth Aboretum is a delightful place to visit. However we were very disappointed about the lack of facilities. There was a block of toilets near the front entrance, only three cubicles in the Ladies and there was always a long queue. There were only a couple of benches near the lake, not enough for visitors who would like to sit down to admire the beautiful views.
With the level of admission fee, I hope National Trust would invest and improve on the facilities at Winkworth!
With the level of admission fee, I hope National Trust would invest and improve on the facilities at Winkworth!
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ewyena
Crowland, UK12,581 contributions
Mar 2020
Visited on 1st March, just after winter and just before the lock down. It was the only real day out for me for a long while in 2020.
The park is huge enough to spend a few hours and we can have lovely long walks around. It is just amazing as it is and if I found it beautiful on 1st March, so can you imagine how it is in April and May? (Well, we all lost this year spring being within the walls, so none of us know, but maybe next year). It definitely worth to visit and enjoy the fresh air.
Car park was pretty muddy though, but in dry weather it can be luckier. Toilets/tea-room are in the visitor centre. Dog-friendly.
The park is huge enough to spend a few hours and we can have lovely long walks around. It is just amazing as it is and if I found it beautiful on 1st March, so can you imagine how it is in April and May? (Well, we all lost this year spring being within the walls, so none of us know, but maybe next year). It definitely worth to visit and enjoy the fresh air.
Car park was pretty muddy though, but in dry weather it can be luckier. Toilets/tea-room are in the visitor centre. Dog-friendly.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cliff J
London, UK2,075 contributions
May 2021
The Daffodils have just about finished, the Bluebells are at their magnificent best and the Rhododendrons and Azaleas are just coming out; a wonderful experience at this National Trust property just south of Godalming in the wonderful Surrey countryside. Due to Covid-19 you still have to pre-book to visit the Arboretum. There are three main walks - all colour coded and well signposted; Blue at 1 km; Yellow at 1.6 kms and Red at 3.6 kms as well as many other paths. You enter the Arboretum at the top and walk down into the bowl, it's quite steep going down and of course, you have to walk back up again! There is plenty of seating along the various paths to rest up and enjoy the views across the lake and hillside opposite. Lots of ducks and geese in and around the lake and several ducklings and goslings are around at this time of year. Refreshments are available at the cafe located near the entrance/car park.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
103er
Virginia Water, UK138 contributions
May 2022
We have now joined the National Trust so this was our first place to visit as members.
Lovely woodland with plenty of signposted walks some with steep climbs and narrow paths, good test for you fitness.
The bluebells were magnificent with carpets of blue under the trees
The cafe had a queue and the tables outside were well occupied but lots seem to have there own food.
The toilets need a dam good clean they smelt like you would expect after a coach load of rugby fans had visited
Lovely woodland with plenty of signposted walks some with steep climbs and narrow paths, good test for you fitness.
The bluebells were magnificent with carpets of blue under the trees
The cafe had a queue and the tables outside were well occupied but lots seem to have there own food.
The toilets need a dam good clean they smelt like you would expect after a coach load of rugby fans had visited
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie024
Llantwit Major, UK478 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Having parked the car, we made our way to the cafe, and enjoyed sitting at a wooden table under the trees. Interesting to read of a planning application aimed at building a larger cafe and offices, and demolishing the existing small cafe. It said that the generation of more profit was the motivation, alongside the provision of office space. I very much hope that these ‘improvements’ do not spoil this lovely peaceful place by making it more crowded and commercial, so that a visit here would be less enjoyable.We decided to follow the Blue Route, as our walk, pleased to be kept on the straight and narrow by waymarkers. Accessible for all, and blessedly flat, very pleasing as this was our second NT property of the day, with Leith Hill Place, and a short walk punctuated by several quiet sits down was what was required. The trees were very interesting, and although we had missed the rhododendrons, a few were still showing colour. Helpful that some trees were labelled, and pleased to see heaps of vegetation lying, presumably intended as retreats for hedgehogs. This visit was about the best thing in a week’s holiday in the area, and those who live nearby have a delightful place on their doorstep, very suitable for walkers and dogs.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We're glad you enjoyed your visit as part of your holiday. We hope to see you again if you return to the area.
Written October 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bushi P
London, UK14 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Nice enough but nothing special. Lots of other places with a lot more going for them. Most trees not labelled, which was disappointing. The most appealing area is near the lake but the terrain down is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs as it’s steep. Not an issue for us but could cause disappointment for others.
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan sparky
Milton Keynes, UK10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
When there is so much beautiful countryside to walk and explore for free nearby and this arboretum is charging £12 per person, with nothing special in it, is quite insulting. Visit bedgebury pinetum in Kent instead (charges apply) or frensham common (for free), so much better. You can tell Winkworth is all about the money because they’ve ripped down a large area of trees to build a much bigger cafe.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vistablue
Surrey, UK353 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Always a treat to visit, but especially in autumn. The Arboretum is located on a hillside with far reaching views at the top and a man-made lake at the bottom. Due to its popularity, numbers are restricted in September/October and it's advisable to book. Plenty of benches to sit and admire the views.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we have a barbecue there?
Written August 20, 2019
I am sure that you may not .... and there are no facilities for doing so ... there is a Cafe that is operated by the Trust .. just before you pay to enter the grounds ... it does sausage rolls, cakes, sandwiches etc
Written September 4, 2019
Not that I have ever seen it on my many visits
Written July 17, 2019
How long do people usually spend there to have a good walk
Written October 5, 2018
For mainly walking, an hour or two is plenty but on a sunny day, you may like to enjoy the views from the scattered benches or relax for a while in the boathouse.
Written December 30, 2018
The dig or the dog?...yes, dogs can go there!! You can't do an archaeological dig tho'!!!
Written August 19, 2017
Hi all,
How long roughly it takes to walk to Lake from the car park ? Is it good for disabled people ? (taking my friend there who can't walk for long)
Written April 7, 2017
That's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question, without a reference to the speed of walking. I remember it as about 500m, so less than 5 minutes walking for me walking quickly or 10 minutes at a dawdle looking at things, but probably 15 minutes or more for someone less able. The lake is down a hill, which you need to climb back to the car park, so maybe that might be an issue for you, either up or down. The surface was pretty good for stout shoes even in mid winter, so no need for wellies or walking boots. But it isn't a tarmac path to wear high heels on!
There are a few benches dotted about, so may well be good to ask about them before starting off, so you could pause part of the way.
The lake is certainly worth a visit if you can though. Beautiful, but get there when there are not lots of screaming children running about under less than considerate parenting supervision, which spoils the peace and tranquility.
Written April 7, 2017
Are there any play areas for young grandchildren?
Written October 25, 2016
An update for 2018! There is a super playground for children.
Written May 12, 2018
Hi, Can I walk the public footpath in the arboretum without paying an entry fee?
Written August 17, 2016
Yes you can although it enters from the rear of the property not the main gates, if that makes sense. And obviously you are meant to stay on public football path! It's lovely though!
Written August 18, 2016
is this a good place for 2 mums with pushchairs?
Written November 29, 2015
FelixStowe10
Cuckfield, United Kingdom
39 contributions
It depends on how adventurous you wish to be. From memory there is a relatively large flat area at the start. In theory you can probably access a number of the more hilly paths, although some have steps which would be more awkward. There is a cafe near the car park which is another plus point. So go, ideally during term time and enjoy the wildlife and plants.
Written August 23, 2016
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