Things to see and do at Winkworth Arboretum

A couple lying under a tree at Winkworth Arboretum — Enjoy sitting under a tree and taking in the views at Winkworth | © John Miller

For peace and tranquillity visit Winkworth Arboretum’s beautiful lake. To explore the woods and take in views of the landscape’s myriad of colours, choose from a range of walks for all abilities. The arboretum is home to a variety of wildlife, and any visit is accompanied by a chorus of gentle birdsong. If you're quiet enough, you might even encounter a roe deer.

Summer at Winkworth

Draped in lush greens and exotic flowers, Winkworth becomes a peaceful hillside haven in the summertime. Here's a list of the season's highlights at Winkworth so you can make the most of your visit.

Boardwalk through the wetland at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey — Take a walk through the wetland at Winkworth Arboretum | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Wetland wanders

Don't miss Winkworth's wetland, home to an array of wildlife including bats, newts and waterfowl. Descend from the meadow to the winding boardwalk, passing huge leaves of gunnera and old, tangled roots.

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Waymarked walks

There are three routes to help you find your way: a blue 'Access for All' walk, a yellow 'Taste of Winkworth' walk and a red 'Challenging' walk. Just look out for the colour-coded posts as you explore.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome all year round but we ask that you kindly clear up after your pet.

Guided walks

It’s business as usual all year round at Winkworth, whatever the weather, and there’s as much to explore on a grey day as under a blue sky. Put on a warm coat or waterproof, pull on your wellies and head for adventure. Throughout the year we host a variety of guided walked showcasing Winkworth's seasonal highlights. See our what's on page to find out more.

What's On

Come on an audio exploration

Explore Winkworth with Arboriculturalist Simon Toomer and Head Gardener, Graham Alderton, with our audio guide. Discover the history of tree species at the arboretum as you are led though the woodland, meadows and wetland. Ask as the kiosk for the map that accompanies this guide. Mobile reception is limited at Winkworth Arboretum but our free WIFI is available at in Arbor Tearoom so best to download the audio trail in advance.

Download in advance

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More to explore

Visit the Boathouse

Featured in many well-known film and TV series, the Boathouse on Rowe’s Flashe Lake is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Explore the wetlands

Once another lake, we've allowed these wetlands to redevelop naturally and they are now thriving with plant life. Keep your feet dry by enjoying the area from the bridge, made completely from recycled plastic bottles.

Discover Badgers Bowl

In the midst of Dr Fox's masterpiece planting is this peaceful glade, perfect for a family picnic or to simply sit and take in the atmosphere.

The Azalea Steps

The Azalea Steps tend to look at their best during mid May, planted with Kurume hybrid azaleas which were introduced from Japan in the 1920s by E.H. Wilson. They give a stunning display of colour in late spring as the colours seem to tumble down the hillside toward the lake.

The steps are also planted with acers, magnolias and clerodendrum as a backdrop and a bench given to Dr Fox for his 70th birthday in 1955 can still be seen at the top of the steps.

Carved benches

We have two unique chainsaw-carved benches in the Upper Arboretum. The owl bench has looked down over an amazing view for years, and there's now a second bench adorned with fox figures in honour of Winkworth's creator, Dr Wilfrid Fox.

Natural play area and Tree Adventure

Nestled among birch trees is the natural play area. With fun features for all ages, it's a brilliant way to stimulate children's imaginations and encourage enjoyment of the natural environment. Older children will love exploring the Tree Adventure complete with a rope tunnel, mini climbing wall and a firefighter’s pole.