Polesden Lacey little big walk
Nestled at the heart of a 1,400acre estate which dates back to Roman times, Polesden Lacey is rich in history and enjoys stunning views over the Surrey Hills. This route takes you through a delightful wooded valley and passes ancient woodlands, historic farmsteads and rolling downland all offering a diverse range of habitats for wildlife. So get your hiking boots on, or your trainers if you fancy being a bit more energetic and put your best foot forward. NB: This trail is not signposted on the estate.
Map
Start:
Polesden Lacey Theatre Lawn, grid ref: TQ136522
1
Starting inside the pay barrier on Theatre Lawn with the house behind you, walk down Bagden Drive (this was the main entrance to the house in Mrs Greville's day), passing the Long Walk on your right and crossing over the Italianate Bridge.
2
Follow the path round to the right looking out for redwood trees on your way then take the right hand fork down a slope before turning left at the bottom.
3
Follow this path, reaching Tanners Hatch on your right. Continue straight on, passing along a field boundary on your right with views down to Polesden Farm and of the Mansion. Carry on up a steep slope through woodland until eventually coming out opposite Prospect Lodge.
Species spotting
The estate can be enjoyed throughout the year and contains an abundance of wildlife and bird life, including buzzards and hobbies nestling in the hedgerows. Look out for other wildlife such as dragonflies and damselflies around ponds and blue tits and great tits in the trees. At dusk, try and spot some of the 12 (out of 16 native) species of bat, including pipistrelle bats, living at Polesden.
4
At Prospect Lodge, turn right and head down the hill towards Polesden Farm and enjoy wonderful views of Polesden Lacey house.
Polesden Lacey house
Polesden Lacey was once home to one of the most successful Edwardian hostesses, Mrs Greville. Look out for stunning views of Polesden nestled in the trees during your walk.
5
Just beyond Polesden Farm, go through the gate on the right and follow the path out alongside the farm. Stay on this path and look out for sheep and cattle which graze in these fields. The path will lead you through fields and a copse with a small pond.
A working estate
The largest part of the estate, 600 acres, is taken up by two tenanted farms, Polesden Farm and Goldstone Farm. The fields and land are used to grow arable crops and graze livestock for dairy and meat production. Polesden Farm was built in the mid-19th century, but the old barn dates back as far as the late-18th century. Ha-Ha Field, on your left, is named after the ha-ha (a wide ditch that keeps livestock out of gardens without restricting the views) which runs along the Long Walk.
6
At the end of the path, go through the gate on your left and up the steep hill. At the top of the hill, after turning to admire the views, turn left through the gate and continue along Bagden Drive until you finish your walk on Theatre Lawn with Polesden Lacey in front of you.
End:
Polesden Lacey Theatre Lawn, grid ref: TQ136522
