Surrey is well known for its stunning countryside and charming villages, and as we hit the spring and summer months, many of us will be heading from around the country to visit, relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
For most of us, it’s so important to enjoy the fresh air and immerse ourselves in nature, particularly as more people than ever before struggle with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and addiction. Getting out into the countryside is often recommended by healthcare professionals, including the Best Alcohol and Drug Rehab Clinics.
But what are the most peaceful spots in Surrey’s stunning countryside? We run down our top five to enjoy this spring and summer…
Winkworth Arboretum
Nestled in the Surrey Hills, the National Trust owned Winkworth Arboretum is located between Godalming and Hascombe and is a 95 acre site with a breathtaking collection of trees, lakes and winding footpaths. Founded by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1938, he cleared the land and carefully planted it with a variety of shrubs and trees to create a real autumnal appearance.
The arboretum has over 1,000 species of trees and while it’s easy to get lost in, it’s also easy to escape, sit on a bench and really take in the nature around you. Sit back and you really will be able to relax amidst the bird song and tranquility.
Silent Pool
At the foot of the North Downs, around four miles east of Guildford is Silent Pool. The name itself suggests it’s a great spot for relaxation. It’s been a popular spot since Victorian times for relaxing by, with footpaths leading to viewing platforms and around the lake.
The lake itself was admired by the great poet Alfred Tennyson, while there are also many folk stories and tales around the lake too, including the belief that Agatha Christie had drowned in the lake (she hadn’t) and that a maiden can be seen at midnight around the lake, following the abduction of a woodcutter’s daughter by King John in the 19th century. Not exactly relaxing, but interesting all the same.
Painshill Park
One of the finest examples of an 18th century English landscape park, Painshill Park is located near Cobham and was essentially designed as a living work of art by Charles Hamilton between 1783 and 1773.
You may recognise it from the 2017 episode of Black Mirror entitled Hang the DJ, which was filmed in the park. The park itself is incredibly striking with temples, tents, caves, bridges and more to discover as you walk around the tranquil lakes and hilly terrain. It’s a real escape from the world around us, and there’s something intriguing to discover at every turn.
Newlands Corner
This 250 acre nature reserve is located just east of Guidford and is an area of chalk grassland that offers some great panoramic views across the Surrey Hills. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility, you’ll find it here, whether you want to go for a leisurely walk or just sit and admire the scenery.
It’s close to Silent Pool, so you can kill two birds with one stone and really spend some time in the area. Perfect for a Sunday stroll, you’ll find over 129 ancient yew trees, some of which are so old the centre is hollow and the entire tree can be walked through!
Hatchlands Park
Finally, we’re staying around Guildford and Hatchlands Park, another National Trust site that has over 400 acres of unspoilt countryside. At the heart of the estate is a beautiful Georgian mansion, which was once home to Lord Rendel.
Inside the mansion today, you can find the Cobbe Collection, an incredible collection of instruments and paintings, with 12 of the former actually owned or played by composers including Mozart, Beethoven and Elgar to name a few. Alongside those, there’s also thought to be one of only two surviving portraits of William Shakespeare that were painted during his lifetime.
A walk around the collections are intriguing and peaceful in themselves, while taking a walk around the gentle landscapes also evokes a real sense of tranquility amidst one of the most historic homes in Surrey.
