Explore the estate at Polesden Lacey

Take some time to enjoy the ancient woodland at Polesden Lacey. From grazed fields to rare birds and butterflies to beautiful viewpoints, there's so much to explore.
The estate lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), an area that spans the width of Surrey itself.
Ranmore Common, which makes up the majority of our estate, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This designation protects the wide variety of rare woodland birds and bats that can be found across the common.
There are four way-marked routes around the estate, each in differing lengths and difficulty, but all with stunning views of the Surrey Hills. For detailed information about the routes, pick up a walks leaflet for £1 at our shop.
There is always conservation work being carried out across the estate. In the summer of 2017, our rangers started a new project to restore over 80 acres of the estate’s chalk grassland, one of the most species-rich habitats in the world. You can read about the project here.
During the winter, they carry out woodland work such as holly clearance, ride widening and coppicing. Although holly is a native species it can quickly dominate woods forcing out other, less vigorous, species. The rangers’ work to clear areas of holly opens up the woodland floor for other species to grow and prevents holly swamping the common.
The estate is home to a large array of wildlife: you’ll find butterflies such as the Chalkhill Blue and Brown Argus around the areas of chalk grassland; 3 species of owl including little owls; roe deer; 10 species of bat; buzzards; purple emperor butterflies and marsh tits in our woodland and you may even come across common lizards on the heathland.
The estate team are currently make sure nothing is wasted, making beautiful and useful pieces from the wood cut down as part of their conservation work. In the summer, they make charcoal, and in the winter, firewood. They also produce chopping boards to sell onsite and raise funds to continue with the essential conservation work they carry out throughout the year. You can buy these items in the gift and garden shop and all profits go towards funding our essential conservation work.
Take in views over the Surrey Hills and our 1,400 acre estate on our big walk through ancient woodlands, historic farmsteads and rolling downland. This trail is not signposted on the estate.
This easy route is great for all the family, so round them up and have a fun day outdoors tramping through our estate and discovering the delightful wooded valley. Dog friendly too. This trail is not signposted on the estate.
Travel through some beautiful ancient woodland and enjoy stunning views at Denbies Hillside as you follow the circular route from Polesden Lacey across Ranmore Common. This trail is not signposted on the estate.
The stunning Edwardian walled rose garden is a sight to behold in summer. In celebration of this, join us this June and July when everything will be coming up roses at Polesden. What better way to bring in the summer.
Discover what's in bloom in the garden at Polesden Lacey this summer. From roses to red hot pokers, you'll find the gardens bursting with colour and fragrance.
Read about the best and worst bits of being a volunteer roaming ranger at Polesden Lacey, patrolling an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Surrey Hills.