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.
Waymarked walks for everyone
There are three routes to help you find your way:
Upper Arboretum Route (approx 1km) follow the blue markers: This level walk follows a step free path around the top of the arboretum.
The Boathouse Route (approx 1.5km) follow the orange markers: This is a longer circular walk, taking in Winkworth's key features. There are some steep paths and steps to manage along the way, but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views out across the lake.
The Winkworth Route (approx 3.7km) follow the red markers: This is the most challenging route, featuring lots of steep slopes. It allows you to explore every corner of the arboretum along the way, including Sorbus Hill and Phillimore Wetlands.
Pick up a map from the visitor welcome desk when you arrive or view it here to plan your visit in advance.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome all year round at Winkworth including the cafe and shop. Find out more about visiting with your dog here.
Join us for a guided walk
Friendly volunteer guides run regular tours of the arboretum – a great chance to discover more about this renowned collection of trees and shrubs and discover Winkworth's seasonal highlights. See our what's on page to find out more.
Forest Bathing
'Forest Bathing' is an English translation of the Japanese phrase shinrin-yoku. The concept is very simple; all it means is spending quiet, mindful time in nature to improve your well-being. This relaxation practice was developed in Japan, and it invites you to take notice of the natural world, breathe deeply and calm your mind. Keep an eye out for up coming Forest Bathing events by visiting our What's on page below.
Sound bath in the woods
Or how about a journey into sound? You can join a one-hour guided sound bath session where you’ll immerse yourself into the natural sounds of the landscape alongside the gongs and chimes that help you float off into a deep state of relaxation. Visit our What's on page below to for dates and how to book.
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 visitor welcome desk for the map that accompanies this guide. Mobile reception is limited at Winkworth Arboretum but our free WIFI is available at in visitor welcome centre so best to download the audio trail in advance.
If you're looking for a longer walk, dig out your walking boots and give the Winkworth to Oakhurst Wonder trail a go. Totalling 2.5 miles, this walk gently meanders through the Surrey countryside allowing you to stop at points of interest along the way and ending at the National Trust's Oakhurst Cottage. Please allow plenty of time to get back before our cafe closes at 4.30pm. Please note that Oakhurst Cottage is only open for guided tours on selected dates and times in the year and booking in advance is required.
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.
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.
Native to China and first brought to Britain in 1903, this fascinating tree sprouts large bracts that look surprisingly like handkerchiefs. See the best specimen in early summer near the Boathouse.
Everyone needs a hideaway, and at Winkworth you’ll find nature’s materials on hand to build an amazing den. Use sticks, branches, leaves and your imagination to create your own woodland hideaway. Take your friends on a nature adventure and challenge them to see who can build the best den. It’s bound to be you.
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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.
Worked up an apetite?
After your walk, head over to the café for refreshments. You’ll find a selection of hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and bakes, plus hot meals. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with dedicated dog-free and dog-friendly locations.
If you wish to drink on the go, bring a reusable cup and receive 25p off any hot drink as thank you for helping us protect the planet. Please note that to reduce our impact on the environment, single-use cups are not available in the café.
You will also find a water fountain in the outside courtyard area at the entrance to the visitor welcome centre.
Donate
Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.
Treat yourself after your visit to the Winkworth Arboretum with a range of mouth-watering snacks, meals and drinks from a café or browse the shop and buy a little something to take home.
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.
Winkworth Arboretum is a two pawprint rated place. Well-behaved dogs and their owners are welcome to explore Winkworth at any time of year. Find out more about bringing your four-legged friend with you when you visit.
Learn about forest bathing, a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by immersing yourself in nature. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve concentration.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
