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Winkworth Arboretum
A landscape arboretum reflecting the colours of each changing season
Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD
Opening times for 24 April 2025
Asset Opening time Arboretum 10:00 - 17:00 Tea-room 10:00 - 16:30 No pre-booking is required for your visit to Winkworth. Please note that the last entry is one hour before closing, and the café will close 30 minutes before. Car parks will be locked at closing time.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.40 £14.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.70 £7.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £38.50 £35.00 1 Adult, 2 Children £23.10 £21.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
A natural play area made from wood including a climbing wall, firefighters pole, rope tunnels, web walk and ladders.
- Audio guide
Listeners can explore Winkworth with arboriculturist Simon Toomer and Head Gardener Graham Alderton who’ll help you discover the history and tree species at the arboretum. The Winkworth Audio Guide: All About Trees is available to download from https://audioboom.com/ Please copy this link into your browser and search for Winkworth.
- Car park
At weekends and holidays, the car park may be full. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
- Cycle parking
Visitors with bikes can use the bike rack located to the right hand side of the Arbor Tearoom.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on short leads welcome in the arboretum all year round.
- Family friendly
Upper arboretum is buggy-friendly, an adventure play area, baby-changing facilities, family events and activities throughout the year.
Family friendly - more information- Guided tour
Join our expert volunteer guides for a splendid free walk around the Arboretum. Every second Wednesday of the month at 2pm and every last Friday of the month at 11am. No need to book, just meet at the kiosk 5 mins before the start. Normal admission applies.
- Kiosk
Check-in at the welcome kiosk on arrival, located by the car park. Due to the steep slopes and lake at the Arboretum, we ask visitors not to bring children's bikes, scooters or ball games.
- Tea-room
The Arbor tea-room is open daily from 10am serving hot and cold drinks, sweet treats and light lunches. Only outdoor seating available.
- Toilet
Located behind welcome kiosk, including an accessible toilet.
Mobility car parking in main car park. Adapted toilet close to tearoom (radar key available from kiosk). Grounds are partly accessible; steep slopes throughout.
- Accessible route and/or map
Grounds are partly accessible with steep slopes to lower arboretum. The upper arboretum includes a tarmaced accessible path. Map of accessible route available from kiosk.
- Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet situated approximately 30 metres from the entrance kiosk.
- Designated parking
There are 8 designated spaces for disabled visitors in the main car park. These are approximately 100 metres from the main entrance kiosk. For visitors with restricted mobility there is a car park in the lower Arboretum which can be accessed by RADAR key. All visitors using this facility should advise the kiosk on 01483 208477 in advance of visit.
- Induction loop
An induction loop is available at the reception desk.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
A powered mobility vehicle is available, but we recommend pre-booking by calling ahead of your visit to ensure availability. It can be booked for the morning (10am-1pm) or the afternoon (2pm-4.30pm). Upper arboretum access only.
- Seating available
Wooden benches located at various places throughout the arboretum. Seating with tables and chairs and picnic benches available outside the tea-room.
- Steps/uneven terrain
There is an accessible pathway in the upper Arboretum. Other pathways around the arboretum can be uneven and steep in places with steps/slopes.
- Wheelchairs available
A manual wheelchair is available, but we recommend pre-booking by calling ahead of your visit to ensure availability. It can be booked for the morning (10am-1pm) or the afternoon (2pm-4.30pm). Upper arboretum access only.
- By road
The Arboretum is located near Hascombe, on the east side of the B2130. Please do not arrive before we open at 10am, as the entrance to the Arboretum is on a narrow lane. Queuing vehicles cause safey issues on the fast road and access problems for our neighbours.
- On foot
Please do not walk on the main road to the arboretum, there are no pavements or footpaths to get here. This is a fast, narrow road and walking is unsafe. Please use a bus or taxi for your visit instead.
- By train
Godalming train station is 2 miles from the Arboretum. Please note that the roads from the train station do not have pavements and are unsuitable for pedestrians. The No.42 bus for the arboretum is a short walk away in Godalming town centre.
National Rail 2 for 1 Offer
If you visit by train, you can take advantage of the National Rail 2for1 entry offer. A great opportunity if you're not currently a member of the National Trust (where entry is already free).
How to get claim 2 for 1 entry?
- Visit the National Rail Days Out website here.
- Fill in the journey details and your personal details.
- Download and print out the voucher.
- Travel by train.
- Present your voucher and tickets at the Kiosk.
- By bus
Winkworth Arboretum can be accessed using the No.42 bus service which stops outside the entrance. The bus operates Monday - Saturday. There is no Sunday service. Please check for return bus times to Godalming. See bus timetable here.
- Cycling
Plan your route to Winkworth Arboretum using the CycleStreets journey planner via the link below. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don't ride on it.)
- Taxi
Taxis are available from Godalming train station and high street. A taxi from Godalming station costs approximately £12.00. Please be aware, phone signal is limited, so please book your return taxi in advance. Uber is not available in Waverley Borough.
Planning your visit
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Winkworth Arboretum
Come out and play at Winkworth Arboretum. Whether you’re joining in with outdoor activities, walking the dog or creating some wild art there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Events at Winkworth Arboretum
Keep up-to-date with events and activities at Winkworth Arboretum. Throughout the year we host a variety of events and activities for visitors to enjoy. From family trails and guided walks to forest bathing and early morning photography sessions, there something for everyone to enjoy.
Article
Visiting Winkworth Arboretum with your dog
Winkworth Arboretum is a two pawprint rated place. Well-behaved dogs and their owners are welcome to explore Winkworth at any time of year. Find out more about bringing your four-legged friend with you when you visit.
Article
Group visits to Winkworth Arboretum
Share your love of nature and woodland by arranging a group visit or guided tour to Winkworth Arboretum, with its historical woodland, beautiful plants and impressive scenery.
Accessibility at Winkworth Arboretum
The National Trust has teamed up with AccessAble to give visitors detailed information to work out if a place is going to be accessible for them. You can view Winkworth's Detailed Access Guide here.
PDF
PDF
Explore Winkworth Arboretum
A map of Winkworth estate with walking routes. On the reverse you'll find the Audio trail map.
New visitor facilities at Winkworth Arboretum
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. The construction of the new visitor centre here is delayed but we're working behind the scenes to get it moving again.
Highlights
Arboretum
A landscape arboretum reflecting the colours of each changing season through Dr Wilfrid Fox's visionary tree collection. Lake, boathouse and ancient woodland.
Arbor Tea-room
Tea-room serving a range of hot and cold drinks, lunches and snacks.
Play area
The Tree Adventure play area is made using oak trees from the arboretum and comes complete with a climbing wall, firefighter's pole, rope tunnel and ladders.
Spotlight events
Nature Photography Competition
We want to showcase the beauty and tranquillity of Winkworth through your lens. Enter our nature photography competition for a chance to win a spot in our photography exhibition in May. The theme for the competition is Tranquillity and will be judged by leading National Trust photographer, James Dobson, and our Head Gardener, Graham Alderton. The top 10 images will take pride of place within the grounds of the arboretum for visitors to enjoy. At the end of the exhibition, one lucky winner will be named 'Winkworth Photographer of the Year'. Deadline for submissions in midnight, Monday 28 April. Find out how to enter here.
Bluebells in Bloom
In April and May, Winkworth transforms into a violet as swathes of sweet-smelling bluebells come into a bloom. With the arrival of warmer days, these fragile blooms awaken, drawing sustenance from the sun’s golden rays that grace the woodland floor before the trees above cast their leafy shadows. Wander along Winkworth many winding pathways and you’ll find bluebells everywhere but be sure not to miss their fine displays in bluebell wood. Join us for early morning photography, guided walks and a bluebell family trail.
Bluebells in Bloom: family trail, Tues 22 April - Sun 4 May
Help the younger members of the family appreciate the bluebells at Winkworth with our family trail. Pick up a trail sheet from the kiosk and follow the sensory trail across the lower arboretum and through Bluebell Wood. Free with normal admission.
Spring early morning photography, 29 Apr - 6 May
We might be famous for autumn colour, but in spring the arboretum transforms with a different sort colour. Whether its the delicate pinky-white blooms of the magnolias trees or cherry blossoms, the sweeping violet carpets of bluebells, the sugar candy colours of the azaleas on Azalea Steps or the magnificent camelias and rhododendrons that add pops of colour throughout, it's a photographer's delight. On selected days in April and May, we're open up the arboretum early for an opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty and tranquillity of this wooded landscape. Tickets are just £10 so come along and explore.
May half term - The secrets of fairies and dragons at Winkworth
Discover a world of myths and legends, where the fairies and dragons are wreaking havoc in the arboretum. Join us this May Half Term and follow the trail to find 8 fun-filled games, travel through the Castle entrance to find your map, defeat the green dragon with a bean bag toss, find all the purple fairies' magical items.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Winkworth Arboretum
Follow winding footpaths and stumble upon hidden glades and wetlands at Winkworth Arboretum. With more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees, immerse yourself in colour and nature all year.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Winkworth Arboretum
Come out and play at Winkworth Arboretum. Whether you’re joining in with outdoor activities, walking the dog or creating some wild art there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Activity
Walking at Winkworth Arboretum
With 121 acres of woodland to explore in the Surrey Hills AONB, the internationally significant landscape of Winkworth Arboretum is a wonderful place for a stroll year round.
Article
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Winkworth Arboretum
From Sat 19 July - Sun 17 August, join us for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. This charming trail brings to life the best-selling story of the tiny caterpillar who hatches from an egg and is so hungry he eats through a variety of fruits and snacks each day. The caterpillar then forms a chrysalis around himself and, after some time, emerges as a beautiful butterfly.
Eating
Article
Eating at Winkworth Arboretum
Rest and refuel with a warm welcome in the tearoom at Winkworth Arboretum, serving locally sourced light refreshments and fresh bakes.
Top trails
Trail
Winkworth to Oakhurst wonder walk
This moderate walk connects three very special National Trust places in the pretty West Weald: Winkworth Arboretum, Hydon's Ball and Oakhurst Cottage.
Come on an audio exploration
Explore Winkworth with Arboriculturalist Simon Toomer and Head Gardener, Graham Alderton, with our audio guide. Discover the history of tree species at the arboretum as you are led though the woodland, meadows and wetland. Ask as the kiosk for the map that accompanies this guide. Mobile reception is limited at Winkworth Arboretum but our free WIFI is available at in Arbor Tearoom to download the audio trail in advance.
Join us on a guided walk
Throughout the year we host a number of guided walks from our Head Gardener, knowledgeable volunteers and specialist third parties such as the Surrey Botany Society and Surrey Bat Society. Suitable for all ages, they are a great opportunity to find out a little more about this very special place. See our What's on listing to see what events we're hosting and to book.
Upcoming events
Event
Bluebells in Bloom- Family Trail
Join our family trail around the arboretum and learn some amazing facts about these bountiful blooms.
Event
Winkworth nature photography competition and exhibition
Win a chance to exhibit your photography at Winkworth Arboretum. The top ten shortlisted images will be displayed in the Arboretum, and a winner of this years competition will be announced.
Event
Guided Walks
Join us for a free guided walk around the Arboretum with one of our very knowledgeable volunteers.
Event
Forest Bathing at Winkworth
Forest Bathing combines sensory exercises with mindfulness and breathwork to explore nature and session.
Event
Early Morning Spring Photography
Discover Winkworth Arboretum before normal opening hours, to take wonderous photos of the spring blossoms.
Event
Secrets of Dragons and Fairies at Winkworth
Discover a world of myths and legends, where the fairies and dragons are wreaking havoc in the arboretum.
Event
Winkworth Nature Photography Exhibition
Head to Winkworth to view the top ten shortlisted images from this years Nature Photography Competition.
Event
Wildflower Walks at Winkworth
Join us for a guided walk led by the Surrey Botany Society reflecting and highlighting the incredible wildflowers in the meadow.
About Winkworth Arboretum
Winkworth Arboretum was created in the early 20th Century by Dr Wilfrid Fox, a local doctor with a passion for preserving the wooded hillside near his home. Winkworth is perfect for visiting any time of the year as the landscape changes with the seasons. In spring magnolia, bluebells and azaleas bloom, and in autumn the trees provide a vibrant colour display. Summer visits are perfect for picnics, while winter sees frost cover the landscape of the arboretum. Dogs on leads are welcome all year round.
Dr Fox bequeathed Winkworth Arboretum to the National Trust, and over the past 70 years we have built up an internationally significant collection of over 1,000 different species of trees and shrubs. The arboretum has been awarded a Level 2 accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Programme, the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta.
History
Article
The history of Winkworth Arboretum
Discover how Winkworth Arboretum came to be and find out about the man whose forward-thinking vision is responsible for the sweeping swathes of colour you see today.
Our work
A new visitor centre for Winkworth Arboretum
See our plans to create a new visitor centre at Winkworth Arboretum which will mean visitors can enjoy this special place throughout the year. Visitors will be able to enjoy a brand café with indoor and outside seating, a shop, new toilets including a Changing Places facility, a visitor reception and new car park with EV charging points.
Article
Recognition of Winkworth Arboretum expertise
Winkworth has been accredited by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Programme, which recognises professional standards in development, capacity and professionalism.
Support us
Article
Volunteering opportunities at Winkworth Arboretum
Interested in getting involved at Winkworth Arboretum? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.