With new Covid-19 infection rates remaining low at present and warmer (and hopefully sunnier) weather ahead, what better time to get out into Surrey's most beautiful green spaces?
With lockdown measures easing in the county, and local trips outdoors allowed, here's our (entirely subjective) list of Surrey's most beautiful sites to visit this year.
1. Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills. Image: Mario Sánchez Prada / Flickr cc
Dubbed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just arriving here on your first visit will help you understand why.
Rolling green hills blanketed in trees with broccoli-like foliage during late spring and summer are genuinely breathtaking.
There are numerous paths dotted through the wooded and hilly landscape to get lost in, and more opportunities for jaw-dropping vistas than pretty much anywhere else in the county.
2. Painshill Park
Painshill Park. Image: © Copyright Ian Capper via geograph.org
Hit by flooding last year, the waters have mercifully subsided to re-reveal one of the most gorgeously landscaped green spaces in southern England.
Like other sites on our list, you'll need to book your visit in advance in line with Covid guidelines.
When you do go, though, don't miss the stunning lake and Victorian follies dotted over the grounds.
3. Chobham Common
Chobham Common. Image: © Copyright David Martin
The second location on our list hit by the impacts of the climate crisis last year, Chobham Common suffered one of the most devastating wildfires in Surrey's recent history.
Yet hope spring's eternal, especially at this time of year, and the huge expanse of green space still offers some of the best walks in the county, and we don't say that lightly.
4. Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey. Image via wikipedia
Book in advance and then step onto the set of your own period drama on this Georgian estate's grand grounds.
The house remains closed at present, sadly, but can still be gawped at from the outside while surrounded by some of the most beautiful stately home gardens going.
5. Claremont Landscape Garden
Claremont Landscape Garden.
This underrated gem sits inside the M25 and is just a stone's throw from Hersham and Esher.
Be sure to book your visit and then marvel at spring's bounty with literally thousands of flowers blooming everywhere you look. Not to be missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment