Surrey's most beautiful gardens and parks: 7 green oases to visit
April 11, 2025
Surrey, a county located in southeast England, is famous for its beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and magnificent gardens. It is an ideal place for lovers of nature, history and the art of gardening. In this article, we will take you on a journey through seven of Surrey's most beautiful gardens and parks that will delight adults and children alike. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere, fascinating history and unique attractions. From world-renowned botanical gardens to picturesque country parks, Surrey offers unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Get ready to stroll among colorful flowers, relax by tranquil ponds and discover nature's hidden treasures. Regardless of the season, Surrey's gardens and parks always have something special to offer. We invite you to discover these green oases where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the English countryside.
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RHS Garden Wisley and Painshill - gems of Surrey horticulture
Our tour of Surrey's most beautiful gardens begins with two gems that will delight any gardening and nature lover.
RHS Garden Wisley is a true Mecca for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. This sprawling botanical garden, managed by the Royal Horticultural Society, offers a remarkable variety of plants and landscapes. On its 97 hectares, you'll find both formal gardens and wild corners of nature. Wisley is famous for its impressive collection of plants from around the world, displayed in a variety of themed gardens. Particularly noteworthy is the spectacular Glasshouse, where you can admire exotic plants from different climate zones. There are special attractions for families with children, such as nature trails and a nature-inspired playground. RHS Garden Wisley is a place where you can spend a whole day discovering the beauty and richness of the plant world.
Another remarkable place is Painshill, an 18th-century landscape park that delights with its romantic atmosphere and picturesque views. This 64-acre garden was created by Charles Hamilton as a 'living painting' and still impresses today with its beauty. Walking around Painshill, one will discover a number of fascinating attractions, such as the Crystal Grotto, the Abbey Ruins and the Gothic Tower. Particularly noteworthy are the Venetian Bridge and the amphitheater, which make a charming backdrop for romantic strolls. Painshill also offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills, making it the perfect place for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll.
When comparing the two places, it's worth noting that RHS Garden Wisley offers a more educational approach to gardening, with an extensive plant collection and regular workshops. Painshill, on the other hand, focuses more on the aesthetic and historical aspect, transporting visitors into the atmosphere of 18th-century landscape gardens. Both sites are well suited for family visits, offering a variety of activities for children and adults.
In terms of accessibility, RHS Garden Wisley is a bit easier to visit for those with limited mobility, thanks to its well-maintained paths and numerous amenities. Painshill, due to its natural, hilly terrain, can be more challenging in places. However, both gardens offer wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled, making visiting much easier.
Ticket prices are comparable at both sites, with a slight price advantage for Painshill. It is worth noting, however, that members of the Royal Horticultural Society have free admission to RHS Garden Wisley, which may be beneficial for those planning frequent visits.
Whether you choose RHS Garden Wisley or Painshill, you can be sure you're in for an unforgettable experience surrounded by beautiful nature and Surrey's fascinating horticultural history.
National Trust - the guardian of Surrey's natural heritage
Continuing our tour of Surrey's most beautiful gardens and parks, we can't leave out three exceptional sites managed by the National Trust: Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park and Winkworth Arboretum. Each of these places offers unique experiences and beauty to be discovered.
National Trust - Polesden Lacey is not only a beautiful Edwardian estate, but also has extensive gardens and park areas that delight in every season. The rose garden, spring garden and long avenues planted with a variety of flowers create a fairy-tale setting. Of particular note is the terrace overlooking the North Downs valley, which offers breathtaking panoramas. There are special explorer paths and natural playgrounds for families with children. Polesden Lacey is also famous for its rich history - it was the favorite residence of the Queen Mother, where she spent her honeymoon.
Nearby is the National Trust - Hatchlands Park, an 18th-century estate surrounded by 170 acres of landscaped parkland. This place impresses not only with its architecture, but especially with its vast green areas, ideal for long walks and picnics. The park has many interesting attractions, including a nature-inspired playground, educational paths and numerous trails for hikers and cyclists. In spring, the park delights with blooming daffodils and snowdrops, creating a veritable carpet of flowers.
The National Trust's third treasure in Surrey is the Winkworth Arboretum, a remarkable collection of trees and shrubs that changes its appearance with the seasons. It's a particularly beautiful place in autumn, when the leaves take on intense colors, creating a spectacular palette of colors. The arboretum offers scenic paths through forests, around lakes and streams. Nature lovers will find many interesting attractions here, including bird and wildlife observation points.
When comparing the three places, it is worth noting that each has its own unique character. Polesden Lacey stands out for its elegance and formal gardens, ideal for lovers of the art of gardening. Hatchlands Park offers the most space and freedom, being ideal for active outdoor recreation. Winkworth Arboretum, on the other hand, is a paradise for tree and plant lovers, offering an extraordinary nature experience.
In terms of accessibility, all three sites are well suited for family visits and those with limited mobility. Polesden Lacey and Hatchlands Park offer electric wheelchair rentals, making it easy to explore the vast grounds. Winkworth Arboretum, due to its natural, hilly terrain, can be more challenging in places, but most of the main paths are wheelchair accessible.
Ticket prices are comparable at all three sites, with slight seasonal differences. However, it's worth considering purchasing a National Trust membership, which gives free admission to all of the organization's managed sites across the country.
Whichever site you choose, you can be sure that you're in for an unforgettable experience surrounded by Surrey's beautiful countryside and fascinating history. Each of these sites offers not only beautiful views, but also a rich program of educational and cultural events, making them ideal for family outings at any time of the year.
Surrey Hills and The Savill Garden - natural beauty and regal elegance
To conclude our journey through Surrey's most beautiful gardens and parks, we will visit two unique sites that represent different facets of the region's natural wealth: Surrey Hills National Landscape and The Savill Garden.
The Surrey Hills National Landscape is a vast area of outstanding natural beauty that has been declared a protected landscape area. This place is stunning in its natural beauty, offering incredible views, scenic trails and an abundance of wildlife. The Surrey Hills is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts - you'll find numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that lead through charming forests, moors and hills. Of particular note is Box Hill - one of the highest hills in the region, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Weald Valley. There are many activities for families with children, such as nature trails and viewpoints. Surrey Hills is an ideal place for those who seek contact with wild nature and want to be active outdoors.
On the other hand, The Savill Garden, located within Windsor Great Park, represents a completely different kind of beauty - an example of masterful horticultural art with a royal pedigree. Established in the 1930s, this 35-acre garden is stunning in its variety and elegance. The Savill Garden is divided into several thematic sections, each with a different character and atmosphere. These include a spring garden, a rose garden, a summer garden and a shady forest garden. Of particular note is the New Zealand Garden, showcasing plants from the antipodes, and the Hidden Gardens, a series of smaller, intimate gardens. The Savill Garden is also famous for its extensive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, which create spectacular displays of color in spring.
Comparing the two places, we see two different approaches to presenting nature. Surrey Hills offers natural, wild beauty and freedom of exploration, ideal for those seeking adventure and active recreation. The Savill Garden, on the other hand, presents carefully designed and nurtured gardens that delight with their composition and abundance of plants. This place is ideal for gardening enthusiasts and those who appreciate quiet, contemplative walks.
In terms of accessibility, the Surrey Hills, due to its natural, varied terrain, can be difficult to visit in places for those with limited mobility. However, many popular viewpoints and attractions are accessible to all. The Savill Garden is much more wheelchair-friendly, offering well-maintained paths and numerous amenities.
Admission prices vary considerably - admission to Surrey Hills is free, making it attractive to families looking for budget vacation options. The Savill Garden requires the purchase of a ticket, but offers a more exclusive and structured experience in return.
Both Surrey Hills and The Savill Garden offer cafes and food outlets where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal while exploring. Surrey Hills also offers numerous scenic spots perfect for a picnic.
Whether you choose the wilderness of the Surrey Hills or the regal elegance of The Savill Garden, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience. Both places perfectly illustrate Surrey's natural wealth and diversity, offering unique experiences for nature lovers of all ages.
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