Surrey Day was created to celebrate the people, places, and stories that make Surrey truly special. This year’s theme, Hidden Treasures of Surrey, highlights some of the county’s most unique spots - from well-loved local landmarks that may surprise visitors from afar to lesser-known gems that each add their own thread to Surrey’s rich and vibrant tapestry.
Abinger Hammer Clock
Overhanging the A25 road between Dorking and Guildford, this charming village landmark captures Surrey’s rural character with gentle humour. The clock’s blacksmith figure strikes the hour in a celebration of traditional craft and enduring community identity.
Albury Old Saxon Church
Partly sunken and surrounded by trees, Albury’s Old Saxon Church feels almost hidden by time itself. With roots reaching back over a millennium, it preserves a rare sense of early English worship and enduring continuity. It notably appeared as the Scottish wedding church in Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Atlantic Wall, Hankley Common
Unexpected on English heathland, this replica section of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall was built for military training during the Second World War. Stark and imposing, it offers a powerful reminder of global conflict reaching even into Surrey’s open landscapes.
Betchworth Castle near Dorking
A romantic ruin hidden away in Mole Valley, Betchworth Castle whispers of centuries of change. Once a fortified manor and later a grand residence, its surviving walls and towers create a powerful sense of time layered into the land - history not preserved but gently reclaimed by nature.
Betchworth Lime Kilns near Dorking
Hidden beneath the North Downs, these towering 19th-century kilns once burned chalk from nearby quarries to produce lime for agriculture and building. Today, the dramatic brick arches create an atmospheric industrial ruin where bats and chalk-loving plants now thrive.
Blackheath Sign - This Way, That Way or Somewhere Else
Quirky and quietly philosophical, this sign on Blackheath points not just to places but to possibility. Its playful directions capture the spirit of exploration that defines Surrey’s landscapes - a reminder that discovery often begins simply by choosing a path.
Broadwood’s Folly near Box Hill
Perched with theatrical confidence above the Surrey Hills, Broadwood’s Folly is both a curiosity and landmark. Built as an ornamental tower, it’s a playful architectural statement set against sweeping countryside views.
Brookwood Cemetery near Woking
Despite being the largest cemetery in the UK, Brookwood Cemetery remains largely unknown to those without a personal connection. Established in 1852 by the London Necropolis Company, it is a surprisingly tranquil and intriguing place to explore. A Grade I listed park and garden, it blends history, architecture and natural beauty in a truly unique setting.
Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace
While Hampton Court Palace is internationally famous for its grand Tudor history, the magnificent Chapel Royal is perhaps less well-known to the average visitor. Richly decorated and still used for services today, this beautiful chapel has been at the heart of royal worship for centuries and remains one of the palace’s most atmospheric hidden treasures.
Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower near Ockham
Standing alone on open heathland, Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower once relayed urgent messages between London and Portsmouth. Today, this slender brick sentinel remains a striking reminder of early communications technology - a time when news travelled by line of sight and human precision.
Chilworth Gunpowder Works
Tucked away in woodland near Chilworth, the atmospheric ruins of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills reveal a fascinating chapter of Surrey’s industrial past. Once a major centre of gunpowder production, today the peaceful site invites visitors to explore its hidden remains and imagine the explosive history that once powered this quiet valley.
Chilworth Manor near Guildford
While the name Chilworth Manor is now becoming much wider known due to the success of Chilworth Manor Vineyard, the house and gardens are privately owned. They do, however, open the spectacular grounds for the National Garden Scheme every year – and this open day is a must-visit.
Church inside Reigate Heath Windmill
Perched on the edge of Reigate Heath, the charming Reigate Heath Windmill hides an unexpected secret - a tiny church inside. Built in 1765 and later converted to house a chapel, it’s believed to be the only windmill in the world that is a consecrated church, making it one of Surrey’s most unusual hidden treasures.
Cobham Mill
Tucked beside the River Mole in Cobham, the historic Cobham Mill offers a fascinating glimpse into Surrey’s milling heritage. Restored by dedicated volunteers, this beautifully preserved watermill occasionally springs back to life on open days - giving visitors the rare chance to see its machinery turning just as it did centuries ago.
The Cranston Library at St Mary’s Church in Reigate
Tucked within a historic church lies an unexpectedly scholarly treasure - a beautifully preserved 18th-century library. Its ordered shelves and rare volumes reflect a world where knowledge was precious, curated and deeply revered, offering a quiet window into Surrey’s intellectual heritage.
Crowhurst Yew at Lingfield
Ancient, vast and quietly awe-inspiring, the Crowhurst Yew is believed to be thousands of years old. Its gnarled trunk and spreading branches embody Surrey’s deepest natural history - a living witness to countless generations.
Deepdene Trail at Dorking
Hidden on the edge of Dorking, the Deepdene Trail reveals the romantic remains of one of Surrey’s lost estates. Following scenic paths through woodland and parkland, visitors can discover restored features, historic viewpoints and fascinating stories from the once-grand Deepdene estate.
The Doom Mural at St Peter and St Paul Church in Chaldon
Internationally renowned for the twelfth-century, Doom Mural, which depicts ‘The Ladder of the Human Soul’ together with ‘Purgatory and Hell’, the west wall of this church is almost completely covered by this superb example of medieval art.
D’Oyly Carte Island near Weybridge
A secluded private island on the Thames, D’Oyly Carte Island blends artistic legacy with riverside charm. Linked to the famed impresario of Gilbert and Sullivan, it reflects Surrey’s cultural and creative heritage. In the summer months, you can now visit a café/bar/creperie on the island.
Eashing Bridge near Godalming
Eashing Bridge is a charming 17th-century stone bridge that spans the River Wey – it’s thought to have been created by the monks of Waverley Abbey. Its tranquil setting and timeless architecture make it a hidden gem for walkers, photographers and anyone looking to step back in time.
The First Italian Garden at Wotton House
Among England’s earliest formal Italian gardens, Wotton’s design introduced symmetry, terraces and classical inspiration to Surrey. Its ordered beauty reflects changing tastes in landscape design and the influence of European ideas on English country life.
Gatton Park’s Japanese Garden
Tucked within Gatton Park, the Japanese Garden offers a serene escape with its winding paths, koi-filled ponds, and elegant bridges. This peaceful oasis is a surprising and enchanting spot for visitors exploring Surrey’s landscaped treasures. Look out for Gatton Park’s monthly open days.
Goddards in Abinger Common
Goddards was built by Edwin Lutyens and is considered one of his most important early houses, designed in the traditional Surrey style and with a garden laid out in collaboration with the celebrated garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll. The commission was an unusual one. It was built ‘as a Home of Rest to which ladies of small means might repair for holiday.’
Godstone Church Town
Godstone Church Town is the historic, conservation-protected core of Godstone village, located about a half mile east of Godstone Green. It is characterized by 15th-century timber-framed buildings, Georgian brick houses, and the landmark St Nicholas Church, which sits near the former Saxon settlement of Walkingstead.
The Great Barn of Wanborough
Vast, timber-framed and beautifully proportioned, Wanborough’s Great Barn is a monument to medieval craftsmanship. Built to store harvests, it speaks of agricultural wealth, skilled labour and the rhythms of rural life.
Hascombe Dragon Stones
The Dragon Stones, located on the southeastern slopes of Hascombe Hill, are a modern stone circle constructed between 1995 and 1999 by the Megalithic Order of Druids. Often used for neo-pagan, solar and lunar rituals, this "mini-Stonehenge" features 18 stones offering scenic, elevated views towards the South Downs.
The Hermitage at Painshill Park near Cobham
Designed as a retreat for contemplation, the Hermitage at Painshill Park near Cobham was once inhabited by a hired “hermit” to complete the garden’s theatrical vision. It captures a time when solitude itself became a landscape feature - a curious blend of philosophy and performance.
Holmbury Hill Fort near Holmbury St Mary
Perched high on the Greensand Ridge, Holmbury Hill Fort is an Iron Age hillfort more than 2,000 years old. Its circular banks and ditches are still visible beneath the trees, marking what was once a strategic settlement overlooking the Weald.
Langley Vale Centenary Wood near Epsom
Created by the Woodland Trust to mark the centenary of the First World War, this young woodland has been planted with hundreds of thousands of trees. Artwork across the site tells local stories of the war effort and commemorates those who sacrificed so much during the First World War.
Lingfield Library
Located on Vicarage Road, Lingfield Library has operated since 1956 in The Guest House, a 15th-century (c1474) Grade II* listed timber-framed building. Originally serving visitors to the monastic College of Lingfield, it was restored in the late 19th century and bequeathed to Surrey County Council in 1954 for community use.
Lovelace Bridges near East Horsley
Scattered through woodland like purposeful sculptures, the Lovelace Bridges were built in the 19th century to carry timber across the estate of the Earl of Lovelace. Their distinctive stone design blends utility with elegance, transforming simple transport routes into enduring architectural landmarks.
Mother Ludlam’s Cave near Frensham
A small sandstone cave hidden beside the stream near Frensham Great Pond, local folklore claims it was the home of “Mother Ludlam,” a mysterious white witch said to have lived in the area centuries ago.
Munstead Wood near Godalming
Munstead Wood is a masterpiece of creativity, showcasing the pioneering work of Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens and their influence on Surrey’s Arts and Crafts legacy. Now in the care of the National Trust, plans are underway to shape the future of this extraordinary site - watch this space.
Newark Priory near Ripley
Dating back to the 12th century, Newark Priory was once home to Augustinian canons and stood as a thriving religious community until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Although the priory itself sits on private land and isn’t open to the public, it can still be admired from the River Wey towpath - a peaceful spot where walkers and boaters can take in its timeless beauty from afar.
Oakhurst Cottage at Hambledon
Step back in time at this 16th‑century timber-framed labourer’s cottage, lived in until the 1980s and largely unchanged since the 19th century. Its simple interiors and garden offer a rare glimpse into centuries of Surrey rural life. Guided tours only - pre-booking through the National Trust required, even for members.
Oatlands Park Hotel near Weybridge
Once the site of Henry VIII’s grand Oatlands Palace, Oatlands Park Hotel carries echoes of royal residence and political drama. Though the palace is gone, the landscape still holds traces of regal presence and transformation. A 17th-century brick wall known as "Tudor Walk" can still be seen today near the former site.
Picture Gallery at Royal Holloway near Egham
Inside the spectacular Royal Holloway in Egham, you’ll find the stunning Grade 1 listed Picture Gallery, which houses the Thomas Holloway collection of Victorian paintings. The University's art collection includes world-class paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and watercolours.
Reigate Hill Fort
Hidden among woodland on the North Downs, Reigate Hill Fort is a rare survivor of Britain’s defensive past. Built in haste during fears of Napoleonic invasion, its quiet earthworks now rest beneath trees and birdsong - with spectacular views only a short walk away.
Runnymede Air Forces Memorial
Perched above the Thames at Runnymede, the Air Forces Memorial honours over 20,000 Commonwealth aircrew lost in World War Two with no known grave. Its engraved cloisters and hilltop views offer a powerful and reflective experience.
Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking
Elegant and pioneering, the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking was the first purpose-built mosque in Britain. Its graceful architecture represents cultural exchange, community and Surrey’s place in a global story.
Shell Bridge near Leatherhead
Graceful and unexpected, Shell Bridge feels like something discovered rather than built. With its decorative grotto-like design and romantic setting, it captures the Georgian love of landscape drama - a small but enchanting example of how Surrey’s estates once blended art, nature and imagination.
Silent Pool near Guildford
Now known as something of a food and drink hub, with Albury Organic Vineyard, Mandira's Kitchen and Silent Pool Gin all based around it, Silent Pool is a tranquil, spring-fed lake famously linked to a dark legend of King John. Folklore dictates that a woodcutter’s daughter drowned while escaping the King's advances in the 13th century.
Sime Gallery in Worplesdon
Visit Surrey’s hidden gem art gallery and meet Worplesdon’s Master of the Mysterious, artist Sidney Herbert Sime, 1865-1941. Discover much more than just an art gallery at Sime Gallery, with 500 pieces including his illustrations, oils, watercolours and caricatures, as well as letters, sketch books and so much more.
St Catherine’s Hill Chapel near Guildford
Rising above Guildford with serene simplicity, St Catherine’s Chapel crowns its hilltop like a watchful guardian. Isolated yet commanding, it has long offered reflection, pilgrimage and sweeping views - a place where landscape and spirituality meet in perfect harmony.
St Martha’s on the Hill Church near Chilworth
Standing alone on the Greensand Ridge, St Martha’s Church feels timeless against the skyline. Visible for miles, it has guided travellers for centuries - a beacon of continuity linking landscape, community and faith.
Sunbury Walled Gardens
Hidden behind historic walls, Sunbury Walled Gardens reveal a rich horticultural past. Once supplying fresh produce to grand households, they now offer a peaceful retreat shaped by centuries of cultivation. Make sure to visit Sunbury Gallery and Café while there.
Tillingbourne Waterfall near Friday Street
Tucked away on the Wotton Estate, on the northern slopes of Leith Hill, this manmade waterfall lies on private land but can be glimpsed from the public footpath - a true hidden treasure of the Surrey Hills. For centuries, the River Tillingbourne powered local industry, driving corn mills, paper mills and cloth fulling mills, and even playing a role in gunpowder production.
Titsey Place and Gardens near Oxted
A historic Tudor mansion found amid 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Titsey Place is famous for its rare trees, walled gardens and sweeping views of the Weald. The estate also houses an impressive collection of family portraits and antiques, offering visitors a serene blend of heritage, horticulture and hidden corners waiting to be explored.
Waverley Abbey near Farnham
Nestled beside the River Wey, Waverley Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in England. Its peaceful ruins evoke centuries of devotion, learning and self-sufficient living in harmony with the landscape. Such is the drama of its landscape, that it has appeared in a number of films.
Watts Cemetery Chapel in Compton
Designed by Mary Watts, this extraordinary chapel is a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts creativity. Rich with symbolic decoration and handcrafted detail, it transforms a place of remembrance into a celebration of art, craftsmanship and the enduring human spirit. It is just one of the many treasures to be found at Watts Gallery.
Wayneflete Tower at Esher
Tucked away behind Sandown Park racecourse stands this striking 15th-century brick gatehouse, the last surviving piece of Esher Palace. Built by the Bishop of Winchester, it later hosted Henry VIII, making it one of the oldest surviving Tudor-era structures in the area.
West Horsley Place
West Horsley Place is a Grade I‑listed medieval manor with layers of history, from Tudor halls to serpentine garden walls, and a legacy that includes visits from Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Surrounded by ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and nature-rich fields, it now serves as a vibrant cultural hub, blending heritage, creativity and conservation.
Woking Martian and Horsell Common
In Woking, imagination and literature merge with the town and surrounding countryside. Here stands a tribute to HG Wells’ War of the Worlds, celebrating Surrey as the birthplace of one of science fiction’s most influential visions. You can even follow a trail around the town to places linked with the author and imagine the Martians emerging from Horsell Common.
Woking Palace
Once a royal residence for Henry VIII, Woking Palace is now a hidden ruin tucked beside the River Wey. Historically, open days allow visitors to explore the surviving earthworks, moats and brick foundations, imagining the grandeur of Tudor court life and the palace’s role in Surrey’s royal history, but the current situation is less clear and it’s not generally open to the public.
- Share your hidden treasures of Surrey! We would love to hear about all the places that you love discovering and revisiting in Surrey. Get in touch via our social media channels or use the hashtag #SurreyDay on your pics and posts.
Surrey Day 2026
The eighth annual celebration of our wonderful county, Surrey Day 2026 takes place on Saturday May 9 and aims to bring communities together across towns, villages and attractions to celebrate everything that makes Surrey such a special place to live, work and visit. Find out more here.
