The Great Summer Treasure Hunt

Explore Surrey’s historic landmarks for the ultimate summer’s day out. Angelina Villa-Clarke puts the county’s prettiest beauty sites – steeped in fascinating facts – on the map.

Go for lunch at Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham

Created by Horace Walpole in the 18th century, Strawberry Hill House is one of the UK’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Walpole, the son of England’s first prime minister, wanted to create a Gothic ‘castle’ and transformed the original modest property with battlements and Gothic towers. Open to visitors for over 250 years, you can still visit the house and gardens to find out more about its history and restoration over the years. The treasure-trove of a house has gilded ceilings, elaborate fireplaces and stained-glass features. Visit in July and August and you can enjoy Late in the Garden with live music, while in September, the 7th annual flower festival takes over the grounds with the theme, The Faery Tale Castle. For lunch, head to Roots & Berries at The Garden Café, which is carved out of the Great Cloister and has views across the 18th century naturalistic garden. Among its specialities are sourdough toasties and a decadent New Orleans afternoon cream tea.
strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

Enjoy a scenic afternoon tea at Painshill, near Cobham

One of the most glorious gardens in Surrey, Painshill was created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton as a ‘living painting’ and it is regarded as one of the finest examples of the English Landscape Movement. Hamilton was inspired by majestic landscape paintings and his Grand Tours across Europe and you can expect these replicated at Painshill with sweeping vistas, pretty follies and mirror-like lakes. Fans of Bridgerton may also spot some familiar sights as many scenes across the three Netflix series were filmed here. Don’t miss the Crystal Grotto, created with 10,000 crystals, the Serpentine Lake and the Ruined Abbey. After a day exploring, be sure to head to Mr Hamilton’s Tea Room for a traditional cream tea. In the summer, the Gothic Tower is home to an atmospheric pop-up café serving drinks, snacks and homemade cakes.
Painshill.co.uk

Pitch up for a picnic at Runnymede, near Windsor

Runnymede, situated on the banks of the Thames, is one of England’s most famous spots. The site where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215 is now a National Trust landmark, marked by The Jurors – an artwork of 12 bronze chairs by Hew Locke representing key moments in the struggle for freedom, rule of law and equal rights. From art installations to riverside walks, there’s much to discover, including Cooper’s Hill Woods, Langham Pond and Ankerwycke woodlands – look out for the Ankerwycke Yew, thought to be over 2,500 years old. For a blissful summer’s day outing, take a picnic to the floodplain meadow at Runnymede or a boat trip along the Thames on Lucy Fisher, a replica Victorian paddle steamer.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke

Take a circular walk from Botley Hill Farmhouse, Warlingham

When you arrive at Botley Hill Farmhouse, a 16th century inn found at the highest point on the North Downs Way, don’t be tempted to stop. First, take in the panoramic views and work up an appetite by heading off on one of the scenic walking trails. There is a 5.5km circular route to take you alongside the bucolic Titsey Estate; while a shorter 3.7km route will take you to Woldingham to see the pretty St Agatha’s Church and its 750-year-old yew tree. Once back at the historic inn, it’s time to kick back with a pint from the nearby micro-brewery and a hearty lunch or dinner. Menus celebrate locally-sourced produce – from herbs grown in the inn’s gardens to lamb from the nearby Moorhouse Farm (booking is advisable). For early birds, head to the Sheep Shed tearoom for the most delicious breakfast baps and mugs of tea (Thursday-Saturday, 10-11.30am).
botleyhill-farmhouse.co.uk

Celebrate a special event at Bel and the Dragon, Churt

This restored boutique inn, set in the countryside of Churt, is one of Surrey’s hidden gems. Found close to the devil’s Punch Bowl, it’s the perfect spot for a countryside walk, taking in Churt and the Surrey Hills, followed by a joyful meal with friends and family. Seasonal menus include crowd-pleaser starters, such as Cornish monkfish scampi and Black Bomber cheese croquettes; while main courses of English pea ravioli and sea bass schnitzel will have you drooling. It’s essential to save room for puddings, which include sticky toffee choux aux craquelin and apple tarte tartin. The inn also offers children’s menus and private dining as well as a calendar of seasonal events, including wine tasting evenings. What’s more, for a true Surrey escape, you can bed down overnight by booking one of the 18 individually-designed bedrooms with richly-coloured interiors, velvet beds and Victorian tubs.
belandthedragon.co.uk/churt

Go antiques shopping at Loseley Park, near Guildford

Stretching across 1,400 acres of pristine countryside, Loseley Park has beautiful grounds to explore, including a period walled garden and a scented rose garden, with some 1,000 blooms. At its heart is a Medieval manor house, which remains largely untouched and which has been home to the More-Molyneux family for some 500 years. Still a living home, you can have a peek inside to view some of its treasures, including a rich art collection (the house is open Sundays-Thursdays, from 1 May until the end of July). History buffs might spot George IV’s coronation chair in the Great Hall and a perfectly-preserved, 16th-century Wrangelschrank cabinet in the Drawing Room. Visit on 5-7 July for treasures of a different kind. Each year Loseley Park plays host to the Arthur Swallow Decorative Home and Salvage Show. You can browse the many marquees and outdoor pitches, for vintage, salvage and antique items for the home and garden.
Loseleypark.co.uk
Asfairs.com

Find peace at Waverley Abbey, near Farnham

Oozing history from its walls, Waverley Abbey was originally the first Cistercian monastery in Britain, founded in 1128. Today, you can visit the ruins of its vaulted refectory, where the monks once ate together (looked after by English Heritage). Located on the edge of the Surrey Hills, the modern-day Abbey has a serene Prayer Garden for those who have experienced loss or who want a moment’s peace from a busy world. Designed to make the most of the nature’s tranquillity, you can follow a path that takes you on a journey through the woods, next to the water’s edge, with optional meditative music to listen to. Earlier this year, the Abbey’s café was refurbished and it now serves lunches, speciality coffee and cakes – an ideal pitstop before a stroll around the grounds.
waverleyabbey.org
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/waverley-abbey