Ready to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? - there is so much to see
Things to do near Barnett Hill in the Surrey Hills
Winkworth Arboretum
Winkworth Arboretum is a national and local treasure, perfect for visiting any time of the year as the landscape changes with the seasons. The collection of over 1,000 different species provides an impressive backdrop to the most wonderful woodland walks. Winkworth also has a large lake and over 121 acres to explore and is particularly renowned for its fabulous Autumnal colour displays. In Winter the arboretum turns into a winter wonderland with everything covered in a layer of frost with spots of colour from the camelias, mahonias and witch hazel peeking through. Early spring brings a wonderful display of snowdrops and daffodils in the Winter Garden and in summer look out for the hankerchief tree, chilean fire bush and eucryphia. There are several trails to follow varying from 1 - 3.6km or you can just make up your own. A 15 - 20 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Painshill Park
Painshill's 18th century 158 acre landscaped garden was created between 1738 & 1773 by the Hon. Charles Hamilton. His vision was to create ‘living paintings’ in a new style of magical garden. Inspired by Renaissance art and his Grand Tours, he went on to create a sequence of breathtaking & surprising vistas in his garden. The landscapes form living works of art into which Hamilton placed follies for dramatic effect. Stroll around the serpentine lake, wander through woodland and admire his follies including a Ruined Abbey and Turkish Tent. There is a natural play area and wildlife spotting trials as well as wildflower meadows to run around in & get back to nature. Or if you're feeling fit climb the 99 steps of the Gothic Tower to see what you can spot across four counties! Cake is a Painshill speciality so be sure to treat yourself in Mr Hamilton's Tea Room after your walk. A 25 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Walking in the Surrey Hills
Some of the most familiar beauty spots in England are found within the Surrey Hills including Box Hill, Leith Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. With extensive rights of way, open commons, sunken lanes & easy access it is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air and outstanding scenery. There are so many stunning walks to choose from for all levels of ability and through all sorts of terrain. Our favourite is the Newlands Corner St Martha's Church walk, where you are afforded the most wonderful views across the hills from St Martha's.
Cycling in the Surrey Hills
Cycling is a great way to experience the Surrey Hills. The huge success of the 2012 London Olympics has seen a surge in cyclists and The Prudential Ride London - Surrey 100 carries on this Olympic legacy, inspiring amateur cyclists to take up the challenge and ride parts of this famous circuit. For those looking for more off-road action, the Surrey Hills offer a spectacular range of single track mountain bike trails through ancient woodland and taking in some of the highest points in Surrey. or to make things that little bit easier hire an electric bike, that can even be delivered to the hotel - trust us it makes those hills a breeze! For longer cycling routes take a look here.
Silent Pool Distillery
The Silent Pool Distillery Tour is perfect for gin lovers and gin newbies alike. Tour the distillery, learn the history of gin and taste the full range (trust us you are going to find it hard to choose a favourite!) and we guarantee you won't be able to resist bringing home a bottle or two. The Silent Pool Distillery formulates, distils and bottles their award-winning liqueurs right here in the Surrey Hills, only minutes from the hotel. The tour is an intricate look at how the distillery strives to be a truly unique producer of handcrafted spirits. Pre booking is essential. A 10 minute drive or 1¼ hour's walk through the Surrey Hills from Barnett Hill.
Watt's Gallery
Watts Gallery Artists Village is a unique arts & crafts gem in the nearby village of Compton. Discover stunning Victorian paintings and sculptures in the historic Watts Gallery, wander to the nearby Grade I listed Watts Chapel, taking in the beautiful woodlands & grounds on your way or find out more about the lives of GF & Mary Watts at Watts Studios before taking a tour of their home, Limnerslease. In the Pottery Building The Watts Contemporary Gallery displays work by emerging & established British and international artists that resonates with the heritage and ethos of Watts Gallery. A 15 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and displays a wide range of Brooklands related motoring & aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to a vast collection of civilian & military aircraft, including the WWII Wellington Bomber and the only Concorde with public access in the South East of England. You can explore a fantastic selection of vintage aircraft, cars, motorcycles, weapons & missiles or take the Brooklands Concorde Experience and board the World's most famous aircraft where you'll learn about the supersonic age in a fascinating 35 minute tour, often by an ex BA crew member. Many of the guides at the museum are ex racing drivers or pilots, really interesting to talk to and generous with their knowledge & stories. A 30 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Hampton Court Palace & Garden
Hampton Court Palace is set in 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens & 750 acres of parkland in a loop of the River Thames. The original Tudor Hampton Court Palace was begun by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century. He wanted to create a grand building where he could host not only the King & his royal court but also European monarchs. It soon attracted the attention of Henry VIII, who eventually took the palace for himself. Experience the public dramas (there were many!) & private lives of Henry VIII, his wives & children in the world of the Tudor court and admire the impressive Great Hall, Haunted Gallery Henry VIII's apartments and his vast Tudor kitchens. The striking gardens include the world's oldest puzzle maze, a record-breaking grape vine & descendants of Henry VIII’s deer herd. A 40 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park is an elegant National Trust property set in over 400 acres of gardens, woodland and parkland. The park includes woodland, a pond, lawns, rhododendrons, bluebell carpets in the woodlands and some wonderful views. There are walks a plenty (up to 4km) - either make up your own route or download one of the NT's suggested routes before you visit. Six rooms in The Mansion can be explored on selected dates in the summer months. A 15 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
RHS Wisley
The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society and one of the world's greatest gardens, Wisley is a wonderful place to visit at all times of the year. It's 240 acres are a gardening enthusiast's dream. The gardens delight in every season: swathes of bulbs & blossom in spring, stunning mixed borders & roses in summer, autumn’s bountiful colours and frosty walks in winter. Don't miss The Glasshouse which has three different climatic zones and grows plants from all over the world. A 25 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Greyfriars Vineyard Tour
Just off The Hog's Back, Greyfriars' first vines were planted in 1989 and the vineyard has been producing exceptional wines for 30 years. Recent investments have included an additional 40 acres of vines, major development of the winery and a new natural chalk cellar in which the wines are stored. The vineyard tour with accompanying tasting will take visitors on a relaxed walk through the beautiful vineyards finishing with a tutored tasting of several of Greyfriars' award winning sparkling & still wines. The tastings usually take place on a newly built viewing deck situated in the middle of one of the stunning vineyards. Cameras are definitely recommended as the view is just gorgeous (especially on a sunny day!)! Prior reservations are essential for the tour. A 15 - 20 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
Albury Organic Vineyard Tour
Albury Vineyard is our local vineyard they not only run an organic vineyard but follow biodynamic principles too. Biodynamics excludes the use of artificial chemicals and encourages soil fertility and plant health by using compost teas and biodynamic preparations. The popular tour & tasting experience starts with an introduction to the English wine scene, followed by a guided walk though the vineyard overlooking the beautiful Surrey Hills and a tasting of their award-winning wines. You will learn the story of Albury Vineyard and feel their passion for organic viticulture and love of their fabulous English wines. The Albury sparkling rosé is a particular favourite of ours! Tours book up very quickly so please reserve your space with the vineyard as soon as you have made your hotel reservation. A 10 minute drive from Barnett Hill.
The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
Nestled in a woodland valley near Ockley and created over 35 years ago, The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden exhibits an ever-changing collection of contemporary sculpture. Surrounding a 15th century Grade II listed cottage, the grounds have been lovingly restored by owner & renowned landscape designer Anthony Paul. Using a palette of broadleaved, architectural plants, ponds& mature trees, Anthony and his wife Hannah created a truly magical environment. Artists come from far & wide to exhibit each year & a plethora of materials, themes & ideas awaits visitors - some out in clear view & others cleverly nestled amongst the dramatic fauna. A 25 minute drive from the hotel. The track entrance is a 15 minute drive from Barnett Hill.