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A 1,600-acre estate with elegant gardens, Edwardian house and plenty of room to play
Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
Asset | Opening time |
---|---|
House | 11:00 - 15:30 |
Car Park | 07:30 - 18:00 |
Coffee shop | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Garden | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Café | 10:00 - 16:45 |
Shop | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Kiosk | Opening times vary |
Bookshop | Opening times vary |
Ticket type | Gift aid | Standard |
---|---|---|
Adult | £16.50 | £15.00 |
Child | £8.30 | £7.50 |
Family | £41.30 | £37.50 |
1 Adult Family | £24.80 | £22.50 |
Assistance dogs only in formal gardens, house, café and second hand bookshop.
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome within selected areas inside the main grounds. Please pick up a map at visitor reception. Routes to the formal gardens are signposted assistance dogs only. On the wider estate well controlled dogs are welcome off lead, but please keep them on a lead around livestock.
Dogs allowed - more informationYou'll find the volunteer-led second-hand bookshop in a secluded corner on the west side of the mansion. Assistance dogs are welcome in the bookshop.
Volunteer-led short house tours are available selected days. Please ask at Reception which tours are available today.
In the café, situated within the Stable Courtyard, you'll find a variety of hot and cold options. We also have a range of delicious cakes and classic cream teas. There are plenty of indoor tables as well as an outdoor seating area.
At the Beech Hut kiosk you'll find hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks and cakes, located in the middle of the pleasure grounds. Opening times vary.
Plenty of parking available, with the main car park being hard standing and the two overflow car parks being on grass. Please ensure you obtain a car parking ticket. National Trust members park for free. Car parking charges are £4 for a full day.
You’ll find the gift shop in the Stable Courtyard, selling a range of gifts, local products, plants and garden accessories.
As you arrive from the main car park, you'll see the coffee shop, a great place to buy hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks to take away. Dogs are welcome in the coffee shop and there are seats both inside and outside. Opening times vary.
Main toilet block available near the car park, which has an accessible toilet and baby change facilities. The café has a smaller toilet block with gender neutral toilets, baby change facilities, as well as a larger changing place.
Blue Badge parking and drop off point. Accessible toilets. Grounds partly accessible. Courtesy shuttle service. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs available.
Accessible routes available through the pleasure grounds and formal gardens. Ground floor of house is wheelchair accessible.
There are some uneven paths in the pleasure grounds, rose garden, and old kitchen garden.
Accessible toilets available both in main toilet block and small toilet block next to the café. There is an adult-sized height-adjustable changing bench in the accessible toilet next to the café.
Mobility scooters available but we recommend pre-booking these by calling ahead of your visit to ensure availability.
A braille guide for the gardens, estate and house showrooms is available. Ask at Reception for more information.
Main access route to the house is along a slope. Alternative route is available. Ramped access to second hand bookshop and house.
Blue badge parking on the left as you head towards the car park. The opposite side is prioritised for visitors with mobility issues who may not have a blue badge.
Coffee shop has picnic benches with tables that can accommodate a wheelchair.
Drop-off point available to the left as you approach the car park, just outside the coffee shop.
Steps are scattered throughout the gardens but are marked on maps. Some areas have uneven terrain, especially pleasure grounds and old kitchen garden.
Available in coffee shop, café, shop, and visitor reception.
A volunteer-led accessibility bus is available but may not run every day. Please call ahead to confirm availability.
Coffee shop and café have level access, the Beech Hut kiosk is in a level outdoor area with woodchip covering.
Outdoor wheelchairs are available to borrow from visitor reception. To ensure availability please book ahead.
Level access to main retail shop, second-hand bookshop has two small ramps for access.
From Junction 9 of the M25: follow the A243 (signed A24 Epsom, Dorking and Leatherhead), before picking up the A24 and then the A246 (following the brown signs, but taking care not to take a hard right onto the B2033 Reigate Road). Don't miss the brown sign as you enter Great Bookham, indicating the left turn up to Polesden Lacey. The main drive has granite sett speed humps, the last of which is slightly higher than the rest at a maximum height of 200mm. Low-slung vehicles or caravans with a low step attachment may wish to come in another vehicle or seek alternative parking. From Guildford: Follow the A246, past East Clandon and East Horsley. Don't miss the brown sign as you enter Great Bookham, indicating the right turn up to Polesden.
Parking: 200 yards from entrance. National Trust members park for free. Car parking charges are £4 for a full day.
Sat Nav: Please use the postcode KT23 4PZ when travelling to Polesden Lacey instead of our address postcode, which has been known to confuse and mislead satnavs.
North Downs Way within ¾ mile. More info on the North Downs Way here
Boxhill & Westhumble 3 miles; Bookham 2.7 miles, Dorking 4 miles, Leatherhead 4 miles. There are taxi ranks at Dorking and Leatherhead stations.
Epsom, Guildford or Leatherhead to Great Bookham: More details on the Surrey Council Website. Great Bookham is 1 ½ miles on foot from Polesden Lacey.
Surrey connect is a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) solution, that is available in Surrey in the areas for everyone. It is a safe and reliable bus sharing service that will connect you to your local community. The connect service operates Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 6pm. The connect service can be used by anyone (young, old and in-between) You can book up to 7 days in advance or on the same day. A minimum of 30 minutes notice is required to communicate your booking with the connect drive.
Are you looking for a special day out? Find out more about upcoming events here. Whether it's something to do for the school holidays, a curator talk in the house, or a special performance, there's bound to be something for everyone.
From 27 April - 25 October 2024 join us for a special collaboration with best-selling author and renowned artist Luke Adam Hawker. Discover the beauty of nature through art as you view some of the most loved original illustrations and pages from his book ‘The Last Tree’.
With sunnier and warmer days on the horizon, we'll do our best to make sure you have the chance to soak up summer days at Polesden Lacey. From countryside walks to plenty of space to play, you'll be able to get closer to nature – and most importantly, have lots of fun.
Polesden Lacey is a three pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome in large parts of the garden and wider 1,600-acre estate at Polesden Lacey. Pick up a dog walkers’ leaflet when you arrive or download the guide before you visit.
Discover everything you need to know about bringing your group to Polesden Lacey, including length of visit, prices and how to book
Edwardian country retreat of socialite, Margaret Greville. Downstairs the showrooms house her extensive collection of paintings, ceramics and fine French furniture. Upstairs we offer seasonal exhibitions and some on-the-day tours.
Highlights include exceptional views, the walled rose garden, double herbaceous borders, and the Graham Stuart Thomas-inspired winter garden. You can also enjoy several short walks through and around Margaret Greville’s dog graves, a pocket of ancient woodland, and our famous Long Walk and Nun’s Walk.
Our 1,600 acre estate boasts rolling downland with view over Surrey Hills, ancient woodlands and wildlife habitats that are home to rare birds and butterflies.
A wonderful natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the swings, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature.
Coffee shop serving drinks, cakes and snacks to take-away. Café offers a bigger menu with indoor and outdoor seating. During peak times visit our Beech Hut kiosk for snacks, hot drinks, and ice cream.
Retail outlet selling original gifts, local products, and a gorgeous selection of plants, many that tie in with our own gardens. A volunteer-run second-hand bookshop is available in the house.
Just to the right as you exit the house, why not take a moment to browse our excellent selection of pre-loved books in our Garden Room second-hand bookshop. We have a good selection of collectable and vintage books available to buy. If you are interested in looking at these books, please contact us on 01372 452048 for more information or to book an appointment.
Looking for a tranquil break in Surrey? At Polesden Lacey we have 4 holiday cottages on the estate. Garden cottage, a spacious three-bedroom Regency-style villa with elegant décor sits next to the rose garden and vegetable garden. Or stay in one of our converted, dog friendly barns, Yew Tree Barn or one of two Bagden Farm Cottage barns on the edge of the Polesden Lacey Estate. The barns are warm and welcoming retreats with contemporary interiors and lovely views sleeping 2 to 6 people.
Join us this year for Summer of Play, sponsored by Sterling Bank. Grizwald the Griffin will be back again at Polesden Lacey this summer. See what you can discover in the play hub in Crab Apple Orchard this year, inspired by the fantastical world of Grizwald the Griffin. Step into a straw-bale castle and let the fun begin. From a medieval kitchen, market stall and thrones, to a music room and a miniature stables. There’s plenty of space to play and shady spots when you need a rest from all the fun, or have a break and bite to eat. Summer of Play is free with usual admission or free for members.
Enjoy Sunday afternoons and summer bank holidays listening to live jazz bands in the wonderful grounds of Polesden Lacey. From 4 May - 8 September If you're visiting with friends and family it's a lovely way to end the days with a picnic listening to jazz and taking in the outstanding views South Lawn has to offer.
Join us for a special collaboration with best-selling author and renowned artist Luke Adam Hawker. Discover the beauty of nature through art as you view some of the most loved original illustrations and pages from his book ‘The Last Tree’. Inside the house, Hawker’s artwork will be exhibited alongside Mrs Greville’s Fabergé and art collection. Continue outside to find a new way to connect with nature as you observe and draw the trees at Polesden Lacey. Take the time to be curious, listen to the rustling leaves and feel in the moment with your surroundings.
Join us for some highly entertaining pop-up theatre for children this summer and enjoy watching these family-friendly performances. On Saturday 3 and 10 August , People’s Theatre Company will present A Treasure Hunt Adventure Story and on Saturday 17 and 31 August, The Cat's Grin Theatre company return with their wonderfully creative and funny interpretations of scenes from some of Shakespeare's plays. The performances will rotate around the gardens including South Lawn, West Lawn, and the Rose Garden in turn.
See what upcoming events we have at Polesden Lacey this spring.
The garden at Polesden Lacey has something to offer in every season. Take in the views over Ranmore Common from the South Lawn, indulge in the peace and quiet in the Old Kitchen Garden and Upper Sunken Garden, or soak up the colour and scent around the Rose Garden and double herbaceous borders. With a new team in place since spring 2023 working to take the garden to new heights, there's always something beautiful to enjoy.
From the stunning décor in the gold Saloon to state-of-the-art conveniences, explore the Grevilles' house at Polesden Lacey, a luxurious house fit for royalty.
Polesden Lacey will be one of the locations, featuring in episode two of Hidden Treasures of the National Trust with the first episode airing at 9pm on 10 May on BBC TWO and BBC iplayer. Viewers will get to go behind the scenes while staff conserve a magnificent portrait of Dame Margaret Greville by Parisian painter Carolus-Duran. Polesden Lacey’s precious Fabergé collection is seen up close. Restoration work also takes place on the clock faces on the mansion’s historic clock tower.
Take a peaceful walk in the woodland and explore Polesden Lacey’s wonderfully diverse 1,600-acre estate to discover birds, butterflies and beautiful viewpoints.
Kestrel Corner is a natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the swings, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature.
Whether you want to grab a picnic, eat a hot meal or snack, or browse unique gifts and local products, we've got plenty to tempt you at Polesden Lacey.
You’ll find gorgeous views over the Polesden Lacey estate and elegant interiors in this Regency-style villa.
A larch-clad barn in a peaceful spot on the Polesden Lacey Estate, with a contemporary interior and lovely views.
A modern, timber-framed barn with views to the Surrey hills.
A modern, timber-framed barn with views to the Surrey hills.
We've partnered with Embers camping to create a new campsite at Polesden Lacey on the site of an already existing campsite used by the local Girl Guides since the 1960s.
Enjoy this scenic 10km trail run taking in beautiful parkland and ancient woodland, as well as glorious views across the surrounding North Downs countryside.
The estate at Polesden Lacey is home to a wide variety of butterflies. This modestly strenuous walk is perfect for walkers of any age and skill level. It takes approximately an hour and a half. Please note that Butterfly spotting is now limited due to cattle grazing in fields.
This summer we’re creating a hub of play in Crab Apple Orchard, inspired by the fantastical world of Grizwald and Griffins, so there’s bound to be something fun available for the whole family.
Join us for a special collaboration with best-selling author and renowned artist Luke Adam Hawker.
This year we have 2 separate tours to visit areas in the house that are not normally open to visitors. However, please note - these tours are SUBJECT TO VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY.
Enjoy a lazy afternoon listening to live music in the wonderful grounds of Polesden Lacey.
Every Monday afternoon, take a moment to switch off and take in the surroundings in our dedicated Silent Space at Polesden Lacey.
A social walk with a few steady inclines, this walk takes approximately an hour and takes in some of the best views from Polesden Lacey.
Join us for some highly entertaining pop-up theatre especially for children, but fun for all the family.
In the Surrey Hills, just 25 miles from London, Polesden Lacey is ideal for spending time with family and friends. The genius of the garden is its setting with glorious views of Ranmore Common and rolling parkland. A landscape virtually unchanged since medieval times.
Daffodils fill the lawns in spring, whilst the summer highlights are the abundant Rose garden and stunning herbaceous borders. Deckchairs on the South Lawn make it easy to take in the far-reaching views; perfect for picnics or grab a scoop of local dairy ice cream. Autumn offers golden colour across the landscape and from December the winter garden brings colour and fragrance.
The house was the weekend retreat of Margaret Greville. From brewer’s daughter to friend of Kings and Queens, the house is overflowing in rich social history. Remodelled by architects Mewès and Davis, hot off their successful refurbishment of the Ritz hotel, the house interiors are a showpiece in their own right, briming with opulence and luxury. Margaret Greville was a wealthy and discerning collector of art and objects. In her lifetime she amassed a surprisingly varied collection including Dutch and British Masters, Italian and Sicilian Maiolica and fine French furniture. Join a guided tour in the mornings, or wander through at your leisure in the afternoons.
Boasting a large shop and plant sales, there is bound to be something to inspire you from your visit.
From her quiet childhood in Scotland, Margaret Greville climbed the social ladder to become one of the most popular socialites in the Edwardian era and owner of Polesden Lacey.
Discover some highlights of Polesden Lacey’s exceptional collection of paintings, created by Margaret Greville, the last owner of Polesden, and her father.
Find out about conservation projects on the estate, including chalk downland, how grazing helps encourage wildlife and the roving ranger volunteer project
Help us to record the changing landscapes of Polesden Lacey - changes that take place as a result of our conservation work, but also changes that happen due to environmental factors. Over the next 10 years we hope to create a visual document that will show us how the landscape has evolved.
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Polesden Lacey.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.