New visitor facilities for Winkworth Arboretum

A family look out over the lake from the Boathouse balcony at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey — Take in the lake view from the Boathouse at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Winkworth Arboretum was created over 80 years ago as a glorious celebration of trees. It was the creation of local physician and horticulturalist Dr Wilfrid Fox in the 1930s and has been in the complete care of the National Trust since 1988. Back in 2019, we embarked on an ambitious project to build new visitor facilities to make Winkworth an attractive place to visit in all weathers and seasons.

Our proposal

We submitted a planning application back in 2020 for new visitor facilities based on consultations with stakeholders, visitors and the local community. Whilst the planning application was approved the pandemic put the project on hold. We reignited the project in 2022 and contruction started in April 2023.

The new facilities will see a brand-new car park with EV charging points, a café with indoor and outdoor seating, a National Trust shop and better toilets, including a Changing Places facility.
The new car park will improve visitor access and help to ease traffic congestion on the road at busy times.
New signage and information boards to improve visits to Winkworth.
Longer term plan to restore the old car park to the arboretum.

Project delays

Unfortunately, mid-way through 2024, the main contractor abandoned works leaving us with an incomplete building. Since them we've been working to get construction started again. You can find out more about our progress by reading our newsletter.

Read our latest newsletter

What will the new Visitor Centre look like?

Winkworth Arboretum new visitor centre artists impression | © IPT Architects

Artist impression of the new Visitor Centre at Winkworth Arboretum

The building has been sympathetically designed in keeping the Arboretum and will be accessed via a modern car park with EV charging points

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Why are we building new visitor facilities?

We want to ensure that Winkworth Arboretum remains a horticulture gem and treasure of the local community. Our current visitor facilities are no longer adequate and struggle to cope at busy times. We need to address this in order to meet visitor expectations.

Building a first-class year-round facility will generate additional income, providing us with financial stability. The additional financial resource will enable us to continue to care for the Arboretum so that future generations can enjoy its unique beauty and tranquillity in the changing seasons.

Once the work is completed, Winkworth will have modern and welcoming facilities that our supporters and the place itself deserve. Our staff and volunteers will have the space and resources they need.

Pair of ducks swimming in the Upper Pond at dusk in the park at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex

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National Trust Properties to visit in Surrey

Surrey is home to historic houses and acres of countryside to explore. Nearby properties with cafe and facilities include Hatchlands Parks and the Devil's Punch Bowl. Local countryside properties include Hydon's Ball and Heath, and Witley and Milford Commons.