Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
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 | Closed |
Car Park | Closed |
Coffee shop | Closed |
Garden | Closed |
Café | Closed |
Shop | Closed |
Kiosk | Closed |
Bookshop | Closed |
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.
You'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 and baby change facilities.
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. Please see the following link for more information.
Accessible route and/or map - more informationThere 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.
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.
Christmas at Polesden Lacey is here, and we are delighted to bring you our guide to enjoying your visit with us. Here are a few pointers to help you get the most out of your day, right from the moment you arrive.
Are you looking for a special day out? Find out about upcoming events here. Whether you're interested in festive wreathmaking workshops, family trails in the grounds or Christmas sparkle and magic inside the house, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
This Christmas, everyone is invited to join in the festive magic. For visitors who would prefer to enjoy the house at a quieter pace with no music and fewer people, we are running Quiet Hours every Thursday morning (except Boxing Day) between 10.30am and 11.30am. Please ask at Visitor Reception for details when you arrive.
Make the most of Christmas in Surrey by bringing the family to Polesden Lacey. From festive scenes inside the house to family fun and crisp winter walks outside, there is plenty for the whole family to see and do this Christmas season.
Polesden Lacey is a two 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.
The 1,600-acre estate at Polesden Lacey boasts rolling downland with view over the 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 the 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 the gardens at Polesden Lacey. 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 the 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 four 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 two to six people.
Everyone is invited this Christmas, as Polesden Lacey celebrates the festive season in style. From 23 November until 5 January 2025, see the house elaborately dressed for a Christmas masquerade ball, inspired by Mrs Greville's attendance at the Devonshire House Ball in 1897. Come and admire the 20ft Christmas tree in the Hall and enjoy immersive scenes through the house. It's a Christmas spectacular like no other! Quiet hours run every Thursday (except Boxing Day) between 10.30 am and 11.30am for visitors who would prefer to enjoy the house at a quieter pace with no music and fewer people. Ask at visitor reception for details.
What better way to get into the festive spirit than to make your own beautiful Christmas wreath right here at Polesden Lacey? Our enjoyable workshops will guide you through the process using foliage gathered by our rangers from the Polesden Lacey estate. Wreathmaking workshops take place in the old stable block in the entry courtyard on various days in December. Booking is essential. We advise you to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Mince pies and mulled wine (or a non-alcoholic drink) will be available to fuel your creativity.
Ride on a vintage carousel in the grounds at Polesden Lacey on selected dates between 23 November and 5 January. £3.50 per ride. Please note the carousel will not run in adverse weather conditions. Check the website and our social media channels for updates.
Grizwald the Griffin makes a welcome return to Polesden Lacey this Christmas, with a festive children's trail around the grounds. Families can help Grizwald choose what to wear, practise his dance steps and get ready to attend the society event of the year. Grizwald's First Christmas family trail runs daily from 23 November until 5 January. Trail costs £5 per participant, which includes a special festive gift to take away.
A Christmas extravaganza inspired by Margaret Greville's love for entertainment and unforgettable experiences with family and friends. Spread the word with your loved ones and enjoy scenes of a Christmas Masquerade Ball at Polesden Lacey this winter. Saturday 23 November to Sunday 5 January 2025.
See what events we have coming up at Polesden Lacey this winter.
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 in the cutting garden and double herbaceous borders. Our team is working hard to take the garden to new heights and ensure there is always something beautiful to enjoy.
From stunning décor in the gold Saloon to state-of-the-art conveniences, explore Margaret Greville's house at Polesden Lacey, a luxurious house fit for royalty.
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.
Polesden Lacey is putting on a show-stopping Christmas Masquerade experience this year nestled within the Surrey Hills. Spread the word with your loved ones and enjoy Christmas at Polesden Lacey this winter.
Come and ride on our wonderful traditional gallopers carousel, right outside the front of the mansion.
Every Monday afternoon, take a moment to switch off and take in the surroundings in our dedicated Silent Space at Polesden Lacey.
Come with friends or make some new ones on this invigorating social stroll around the Polesden Lacey countryside.
These quiet sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from experiencing Polesden Lacey’s decorated house in a calmer environment.
Join our festive wreath making workshops and make your own Christmas wreath. Morning or afternoon sessions.
This event is fully booked. To join the waiting list, please fill out this form https://forms.office.com/e/UFtX3vGFUQ (copy and paste link to browser) or email Legacyevents@nationaltrust.org.uk We'll be in touch should space become available.
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
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.