Walking at Winkworth Arboretum

A group of visitors walking along a path between trees at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey — Family walking at Winkworth Arboretum | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Nestled on a hillside in the heart of the Surrey Hills AONB, Winkworth Arboretum is the perfect spot for a walk to refresh your senses. With a mixture of level walkways and challenging hills, there's a route for everyone. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Arboretum, café and shop.

If you're looking for some exercise, avoid the dull repetition of the treadmill, fill your lungs with fresh air and enjoy the sights of the arboretum as you walk or jog. Take a break at the Boathouse for a stunning view of the lake as the trees shimmer in the clear water.

Routes for everyone

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.

Visitors enjoying the view at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

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 in the visitor welcome centre where you can download the audio trail in advance.

Download in advance

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

Winkworth to Oakhurst Wonder

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 to car park before we close at 5pm.

Walking trail

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. Check our events listing for the latest information.

Natural play

If you've got little ones with you don't forget to stop off at the Tree Adventure on the way. It’s perfect for children of all ages with multi-layered platforms, tunnels, wobbly and rope bridges, fireman's pole and even a climbing wall.

Pleased to treat you

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.

Access

There is dedicated disabled parking in front of the visitor welcome centre to explore the Upper Arboretum and a small car park at the bottom of the arboretum which provides access to the meadow and lakeside walk which can be accessed by RADAR key. Please speak to a member of the welcome team before heading to the lower car park. The route from the lower car park to the lake and meadow is not level.

An accessible and Changes Places toilet can be found by the entrance to the visitor welcome centre.