If you live in Surrey, you’ll be no stranger to the huge range of outdoor attractions there are available on your doorstep.For those of us fancying a socially-distanced day trip in nature, we’ve put together a list of our very favourites - from sprawling hills with countryside views, to farm parks and fields of flowers, there’s fun to be had for all the family when you explore the very best of nature that Surrey has to offer.Whether you’re in need of some peace and tranquility, or a forest adventure, our extensive list is a great place to spark your imagination. If you’re on the search for something a little out of the ordinary for Londoners, these great Surrey day trips are our favourite place to start.Remember to keep following government advice for England regarding travel.Surrey HillsThis vast grassy area is definitely worth a visit (or a few). You’ll easily while away an afternoon exploring the pools and waterfalls, mini woodland houses and expansive nature reserve. The hills are one of 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, and stretch across a quarter of Surrey. A day out in the hills might include picnicking on the rolling chalk downs, skipping through flowery grasslands or hiking up the Greensand Hills through woodlands to the highest viewpoint in the south-east, and won’t disappoint with their spectacular views.Where is it? The postcode is GU6 7NT, which sometimes confuses Sat Navs and sends you quite far from the entrance. Sat Nav co-ordinates are: 51.178692 -0.43481Nearest train station? Gomshall is the nearest station, but at 3 miles walk away - it’s not that near! It’s probably best to drive if you can, but there are local buses that will take you from the station to the park.Is it buggy friendly? The hills are protected land, so even though there are pathways, sometimes it’s a little bit steep for buggies.Toilets: Available on-site but may be limited during the lockdown.Parking: There’s parking available at Grants Lane, Edenbridge, TN8 6QROutdoor amenities: You won’t find too many man-made play areas here, but nature has done all the work with a range of trees to climb and meadows to explore.Size: You could explore the hills for days on end!Hatchlands ParkStroll across this tranquil Surrey site, spanning 400 acres of park and woodland. When they reopen, you can absorb some British history with a tour of the incredible house and gardens, and see if you can spy some friendly door mice in one of the 50 habitats that have been specially built around the grounds to keep them safe. Adventurous little ones will love playing in Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren during your visit - a nature playground with picnic tables in the centre of the site.Where is it? East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RTNearest train station? Clandon Station is approximately two and a half miles from the park.Is it buggy friendly? The parkland can be a little bit tricky to manoeuvre with a buggy - some areas are fine but others are bumpy - it’s best not to bring one on wet days, as the grounds can get quite muddy!Toilets: Are in the cobbled courtyard, so access isn’t always easy on wheels!Parking: Free parking is available for visitors after 10 am.Outdoor amenities: Three way-marked walks for you to choose between.Size: This visit is great if you’re ready for a big walk, as it’s one of the largest country estates in the whole of Surrey. Richmond ParkThis brilliant green space is completely free to visit, and nature lovers are more than likely to stumble across some of the 600+ deer living on the grounds. It’s also home to many ancient trees, rare beetles and endangered fungi, so it’s the perfect visit for a search for mini-beasts. Rent some bikes or opt for a horse ride around the land for our favourite way to enjoy this Surrey location! Little ones can take full advantage of the specially designed playground, complete with fairy pergola, a bark pit and lots of timber play sculptures. Don’t worry about older kids though - they’re sorted also, with the Petersham gate playground, which has an elephant piano and a water play feature at the centre that is great for hot summer days. Do check the playground’s opening measures in light of COVID-19 ahead of visiting to avoid disappointment!Where is it? Richmond, Greater London, TW10 5HSNearest train station? RichmondIs it buggy friendly? Extremely - it’s easy to get around if you follow the flat paths.Toilets: There are a few dotted around the site, but no baby changing facilities, unfortunately.Parking: Parking is on-site, but on busy days you might struggle to find a spot, as there’s not very many.Outdoor amenities: Two fun play parks, a range of hilly areas for wonderful views across London.Size: There is plenty of open space in this big outdoor attraction.Winkworth ArboretumThis beautiful area of natural beauty is the perfect Surrey day trip - especially at this time of year when you can spy the hundreds of bluebells and azaleas between the trees. Kids will love the nature play area, built by the local scouts, with organic forms that create heaps of hidden dens to explore. The National Trust site proudly hosts over 1,000 different trees and shrubs, and budding photographers and artists can search for inspiration with a creative trip.Where is it: Hascombe Road, GU8 4ADNearest train station? Godalming is 2 miles away, so you’ll need to take a bus or taxi if you’re visiting via public transport.Is it buggy friendly? There are some steep slopes that might tire out any parents pushing buggies, but it is mostly accessible.Toilets: Available near the play-park, with changing facilities.Parking: Free parking is available.Outdoor amenities: Woodland play area, but please note bicycles, scooters and hardball games aren’t allowed on your visit.Size: This vast space is perfect for getting lost in all day.Guildford CastleEscape the hustle and bustle of city life in the peaceful grounds of Guildford Castle. The public gardens are full of blooming flower beds and vibrant colourful plants, and the life-size Alice in Wonderland statue will spark the imagination of your little ones.Where is it? Castle Grounds Cottage Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3TU EnglandNearest train station? GuildfordIs it buggy friendly? There’s a steep slope to access the castle, but the paths are generally smooth.Toilets: Toilets are available on the land.Parking: You’ll have to use the nearby multi-storey carpark to access this site.Outdoor amenities: Summer concerts in the bandstand, and a range of open-air theatre events when things are running as normal.Size: Not the biggest on our list, so it might be best to go on a weekday to avoid crowds.Hampton Court PalaceWe don’t think you can get much better than Hampton Court Palace for an outdoor day trip. There is fun to be had for the entire family, from the royal maze, to the expanse of beautiful gardens and woodland areas. Just be sure to check what’s currently open at the Palace before you go. Kidadler mum Lauren loved it, she says, “We thought the garden was amazing, spent an hour and a half in it but easily could have stayed longer!“Where is it? Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AUNearest train station? Hampton Court train station is five minutes from the palaceIs it buggy friendly? The palace and grounds do all that they can to ensure the grounds are easy to access for buggies and wheelchairs.Toilets: The toilets have baby changing facilities.Parking: There is an onsite carpark that charges £1.60 per hour.Outdoor amenities: There are beautiful gardens and a maze at the garden’s centre, and also the oldest tennis courts in England, audio tours and family trails are available too during normal running seasons.Size: Over 650 acres of parkland.Morden Hall ParkOn the outskirts of London, this green oasis is a brilliant day out for woodland walks, picnics and sprawling hay meadows. It’s a great day out for kids to take part in some of the regular family workshops. Follow the meandering river to spy some of the local wildlife, and also check out the local crafts made by the artists using the estate buildings as studios. Also don’t forget to indulge in a slice of cake in the Stable Yard cafe and second-hand bookshop in the park’s centre when they’re open!Where is it? Morden Hall Road, Morden, Greater London, SM45JDNearest train station? Morden Station is on the Northern Line, and is only a five-minute walk away.Is it buggy friendly? The land is easy to explore if you have a buggyToilets: There are accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.Parking: Parking is on-site, and there’s lots of it!Outdoor amenities: Kids will love the play-parkSize: The land spans 125 acres of green natural beauty.
If you live in Surrey, you’ll be no stranger to the huge range of outdoor attractions there are available on your doorstep.
