Winkworth Arboretum was created over 80 years ago as a glorious celebration of trees. It was the creation of local physician and horticulturalist Dr Wilfrid Fox in the 1930s and has been in the complete care of the National Trust since 1988. Back in 2019, we embarked on an ambitious project to build new visitor facilities to make Winkworth an attractive place to visit in all weathers and seasons. We are delighted that our the new facilities are due to open on 15 June 2026.
Please Note
In preparation for opening, Winkworth will be closed on Wednesday 3 June and from Monday 1 - Wednesday 3 June. There will be no access to the car park and our toilet and concessions will be closed. Our existing facilities will be open as usual at all other times until 15 June.
What to expect
The new building has been sympathetically designed in keeping the Arboretum and will be accessed via a modern pay and display car park with EV charging points and designated parking for blue badge holders.
Swipe or click through the image gallery below for a preview.
As you enter the Arboretum from a main road, a new road surface will lead you to the pay and display parking that runs up to and at the entrance to the new visitor welcome building. The old lower arboretum car park will be closed and returned back to nature (access will still be required by staff and volunteers).
At the courtyard entrance you will find toilet with baby change facilities, and an accessible and Changing Placea toilet. You will also find a water fountain. A great central meeting area to get your bearings and wait whilst others use the loo.
To the right of the visitor welcome area you will find our new café, making visiting Winkworth a pleasure whatever the weather or time of year. There's be dedicated dog-free and dog-friendly locations and a new seasonal menu.
Just beyond the café you'll find an outdoor seating area with a separate serving area for those extra hot amd code drinks, and ice cream. Look out for the pathway leading to the old tea-room and picnic area. The old tea-room will soon become our second-hand bookshop, opening later in the year.
To the left of the welcome reception you will find a shop stocking a range of National Trust products and locally-sourced items. There is also an external plant sales area with items reflecting what's growing in the Arboretum. The shop will provide extra revenue to fund our work and offer new employment opportunities for the local community.
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Winkworth the wait
We submitted a planning application back in 2020 for new visitor facilities based on consultations with stakeholders, visitors and the local community. Whilst the planning application was approved the pandemic put the project on hold. We reignited the project in 2022 and contruction started in April 2023. Unfortunately, the original contractor went into liquidation and abandoned the project midway through construction. Buxton Building Contractors were appointed and construction restarted in July 2025.
The building will provide modern and welcoming facilities that our supporters, and the place itself, deserve. Our staff and volunteers will have the space and resources they need.
Why did we build new visitor facilities?
We want to ensure that Winkworth Arboretum remains a horticulture gem and treasure of the local community. The existing visitor facilities (car park, cafe and toilets) were no longer adequate and struggled to cope at busy times. We needed to address this in order to meet future visitor expectations.
Building a first-class year-round facility will generate additional income, providing us with financial stability. The additional financial resource will enable us to continue to care for the Arboretum so that future generations can enjoy its unique beauty and tranquillity in the changing seasons.
Surrey is home to historic houses and acres of countryside to explore. Nearby properties with cafe and facilities include Hatchlands Parks and the Devil's Punch Bowl. Local countryside properties include Hydon's Ball and Heath, and Witley and Milford Commons.
Follow winding footpaths and stumble upon hidden glades and wetlands at Winkworth Arboretum. With more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees, immerse yourself in colour and nature all year.
Discover how Winkworth Arboretum came to be and find out about the man whose forward-thinking vision is responsible for the sweeping swathes of colour you see today.
Come out and play at Winkworth Arboretum. Whether you’re joining in with outdoor activities, walking the dog or creating some wild art there’s plenty of fun to be had.
We believe that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. That’s why we’re supporting wildlife, protecting historic sites and more. Find out about our work.
