Embers Camping at Polesden Lacey

Published:: 03 July 2022

Sunrise at Embers Camping, Polesden Lacey, Surrey | © Embers Campsite

We've partnered with Embers camping to create a new campsite at Polesden Lacey on the site of an already existing campsite used by the local Girl Guides since the 1960s.

The importance of getting outdoors

At the National Trust, we love spending time outdoors because it's so easy to get swept up in the pace of our busy lives. Getting back to nature not only makes us feel good but it's healthy for us too.

By stepping out into our natural environment, we have the chance to unwind and feel refreshed; we can run and play in a way that feels natural; we can run and play in a way that just feels right.

Visitors in the garden on a sunny day in August at Polesden Lacey, Surrey — Young visitors in the garden on a summer day at Polesden Lacey | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Caring for our natural environment

As Europe’s largest conservation charity, looking after our environment is important and conservation of the natural environment is one of our top priorities here at Polesden Lacey. We’re pleased to have partnered with Embers Camping whose environmental and ethical standards match our own. The plans we have developed with Embers for the campsite will have minimal impact on the land, the surrounding trees, and the wildlife that inhabit the area.

Embers Camping

The campsite at Polesden Lacey will open from May to the end of the summer holidays. Book your place by going to the Embers Camping website.

Click here to book your place at Embers Camping.

Marshmallow toasting over campfire at River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Surrey — It's time to get warm around the campfire | © National Trust Images/Derek Croucher

Camping at Polesden Lacey

We’ve partnered with Embers Camping to offer a unique opportunity to be fully immersed in the stunning natural environment here in the Surrey Hills.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Polesden Lacey is renowned for its majestic views across the rolling hills of the Surrey Downs. Now you have the chance to sleep under the stars and wake to see the sunrise over the valley.

A tradition of happy campers

In 1942, the National Trust inherited Polesden Lacey from Margaret Greville, a formidable woman who designed the house to entertain the best of Edwardian society. Mrs Greville was so keen on the idea of camping that she hosted an annual camping event called the ‘Feast of Lanterns’ in the grounds of the estate. A clip from the Surrey Advertiser describes the atmosphere at the Feast of Lanterns in 1934:

"A shower, happily brief, delayed the usual campfire, but from 8.30 until 11pm the flames drove upwards, while the huge circle of campers sang songs old and new, old time chanties and amusing rounds."
- Surrey Advertiser, 1934