Winkworth Arboretum with kids – Surrey National Trust

There’s nothing like repeated lockdowns to inspire you to finally visit all those places you’ve intended to go – but while there are plenty of Surrey National Trust sites to tempt us out, first was finding out what a visit to Winkworth Arboretum with kids was like.

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On a gorgeous sunny (if chilly) day in early spring, the flowers were beginning to bloom and we were more than ready for a new walk after months of groundhog day. But saying Winkworth Arboretum is a lovely place for a walk would be a giant understatement.

Created by a local doctor who wanted to preserve the wooded hillside near his home, there are over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs at the arboretum near Godalming, including rare ones, with trails to explore them and play areas to enjoy too.

For more Surrey National Trust inspiration, check out our visit to Polesden Lacey after lockdown

You could simply wander aimlessly around the arboretum, seeing what you stumble across along the way, but if you want to explore every corner, or have a focus, there are three different walks you can follow.

Each is colour-coded on the map at the entrance (you’re advised to take a photo on your phone at the moment, as there aren’t always paper maps), including an accessible route, a more challenging walk which is almost 4km long and one option showing some of the highlights at Winkworth.

In the end, I think we probably walked about 3/4 of them, past flowering magnolia, camellia and daffodils, spotting the first bluebells under the trees, primroses and trees galore.

Within a few weeks of our visit, the azaleas were due to start flowering as well, making it even more beautiful, but the flashes of blue in the woodland and the clouds of white blossom on the trees were gorgeous – always a real mood booster after winter.

For more inspiration to visit Winkworth with kids, check out some of the beautiful photos taken by Charly Dove, which helped inspire my visit, as well as my video of our day

I can imagine it’s beautiful in autumn with all the leaves blazing golds and reds – one for our wishlist later in the year – and a bit of a winter wonderland in the snow.

Although I was quite glad we weren’t slipping and sliding on snow as we headed down the steep paths on the hillside, following the steps cut into the slope and climbing back up the other side.

If that was ever a bit too taxing, there were amazing views around every corner to stand, drink in the scenery… and catch my breath.

Don’t miss the wooden viewing platform once it reopens as well: closed for social distancing during our visit to Winkworth, it’s perched right up on the hillside to look out across the whole site. There are benches dotted all over where you can sit and soak up the views too.

One of our favourite stretches was down by the lake – Rowe’s Flashe Lake to give it its proper name – with an old boathouse at one end, where ordinarily you can go inside and look out the whole way along the lake.

The water was almost mirror-still, apart from a few energetic ducks and geese splashing and soaring over the surface as the swans sailed serenely by.

Along with a few unexpected finds, such as the Owl Bench, one throne-like structure with a carved owl on (where several other kids were playing as we passed), we couldn’t help enjoying the names of all the areas inside the arboretum – the Azalea Steps, Badger’s Bowl and Magnolia Wood were just a few of the most evocative.

All of which helped burn off some of my daughter’s energy. But if the walking doesn’t do it, the natural play areas at Winkworth Arboretum will.

There’s a natural playground, split into two halves not far from the entrance, with a tunnel to clamber through, a climbing frame, a wobbly bridge, a treehouse. It’s easily one of the best play areas I’ve seen at a National Trust property.

Plus a separate area with logs to balance on and hop between, not far from the toilets. But even those aren’t as tempting as being able to climb on some of the huge trees – with big flat areas between their vast trunks, these were a proper natural playground!

When we visited, there was also a mini Easter trail running to spot a series of bunnies tucked away around the grounds – a bit more low-key than other National Trust trails, it’s still a lovely idea to get younger kids walking, and my eight-year-old wasn’t too old to get excited when we saw them along the way too.

Plus unlike the more formal trails with their activity packs, it’s also free. There are also other events and activities throughout the year, including woodland walks.

It might have taken me until now to visit, but it won’t be the last time.

For another way to explore the beautiful Surrey countryside, check out our stay and llama walk at The Merry Harriers in Hambledon, 10 minutes from Winkworth Arboretum

Need to know: Winkworth Arboretum with kids

Tickets cost from £13 for adults, £6.50 for kids, and free for members. You’re advised to prebook tickets, with timed entry slots, especially at weekends and during the holidays.

There’s a cafe at the entrance to Winkworth Arboretum with seating outside or you can take your own picnic to have in the grounds – you’ll find a few benches and tables dotted around, or on a sunny day, there are plenty of expanses of grass to relax on.

There are also toilets just inside the entrance, including additional Portaloos. When we visited in the school holidays, there was a one in, one out policy; it was busy, so be ready to queue.

Parking is free and there are a fair number of spaces, the majority in a wooded section – expect mud if it has been rainy.

For more ideas of days out in Surrey with kids, check out our review of Brooklands Museum

PIN FOR LATER: WINKWORTH ARBORETUM WITH KIDS

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