A visit to Surrey’s beautiful Winkworth Arboretum has become even more enjoyable with the opening of a brand-new visitor welcome centre and café.
Opened this summer at the National Trust’s only arboretum, near the historic market town of Godalming, the impressive new building offers visitors a warm welcome, enhanced facilities and stunning views across the surrounding landscape.
A new gateway to Surrey’s arboretum
Designed to complement its woodland setting, the new centre includes a spacious visitor reception, National Trust shop, modern toilet facilities and Surrey’s newest café. The development also features a Changing Places facility, helping to make the arboretum more accessible for all visitors.
Whether you're planning a peaceful walk among the trees, a family day out or a seasonal photography trip, the new facilities provide the perfect starting point for your visit.
Relax and refuel at Winkworth Arboretum
The new café serves a selection of seasonal food and refreshments, with plenty of indoor seating as well as an outdoor terrace where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the arboretum.
Every purchase made in the café and shop helps support the ongoing care and conservation of Winkworth Arboretum, ensuring this special landscape can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Inspired by the landscape
The striking building was designed by IPT Architects and takes inspiration from two key elements of Winkworth’s history: the iconic wooden boathouse and the vision of founder Dr Wilfrid Fox, who famously described his approach as “painting with trees”.
Clad in natural larch timber that will gradually weather and blend into the woodland surroundings, the building features large picture windows that frame beautiful views across the arboretum throughout the seasons.
Visitors will also benefit from a newly relocated pay-and-display car park, designed to improve access and reduce congestion around the site. Electric vehicle charging points have been installed, supporting more sustainable travel options for those exploring Surrey by car.
A landscape for every season
Winkworth Arboretum was created by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 as a landscape designed to celebrate seasonal colour.
Today, it remains one of Surrey’s most spectacular outdoor destinations, renowned for its vibrant spring blossoms, peaceful woodland walks and breath-taking autumn displays.
The opening of the new visitor centre marks an exciting new chapter for the arboretum, offering facilities that enhance the visitor experience while remaining deeply connected to the landscape that makes Winkworth so special.
Whether you're discovering Winkworth Arboretum for the first time or returning to enjoy its ever-changing seasonal beauty, there has never been a better time to visit. Explore tranquil lakes, winding woodland paths and colourful tree collections before relaxing in the new café and taking in the views.
- Winkworth Arboretum is open throughout the year, with each season offering something unique to discover. Admission costs £15 for adults, £7.50 for children aged 5-17, while children under 5 visit free of charge. Family tickets are available for £37.50 for two adults and up to three children, or £22.50 for one adult and up to three children. Free entry for National Trust members.
Great reasons to explore Winkworth Arboretum this summer
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail
Until Sunday September 6
Families can get active outdoors with Winkworth Arboretum’s Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. Included with normal admission.
Summer of Play
Wednesday July 22 to Sunday September 6
A dedicated play field will be programmed with experiences and activities designed to spark imagination and inspire adventure. Included with normal admission.
Weekly Wild Crafts
Every Tuesday and Thursday, July 23 to August 27
A series of hands-on craft sessions at Winkworth’s Wild Craft Gazebo, where children can create friendship bracelets, felt puppets, seed pizzas for birds and more. £3 per craft.
