Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4AD
Winkworth Arboretum
Garden
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
Half day
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8Dr Wilfrid Fox’s vision of “painting with trees” shaped this hillside arboretum, where seasonal tree displays and a lake make the landscape itself the attraction.
This is more than a formal garden: its hillside setting, varied tree collections and lake give a visit a strong sense of landscape. The National Trust’s audio guide offers a way to explore the trees and the arboretum’s story; allow time for the slopes and steps.
Peaceful · Seasonal · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapHascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4AD
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The experience
Take a seasonal walk among the trees, using the National Trust audio guide to learn about the arboretum and its tree species. The terrain includes steep slopes and steps, so plan a visit that suits your mobility and allow time to pause.
Things to do
Walk among the seasonal tree displays
Explore the arboretum’s paths and observe how the planting and colours change through the seasons. Paths include steep slopes and steps.
1–3 hours
Listen to the tree audio guide
The National Trust audio guide features arboriculturist Simon Toomer and Head Gardener Graham Alderton discussing the arboretum’s history and tree species.
Take a café break at the visitor welcome centre
The National Trust lists a café with indoor and outdoor seating, hot and cold lunches, and cakes and bakes. Check current opening times before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
A short seasonal stroll
- 01
Begin at the visitor welcome centre.
- 02
Choose a walk among the arboretum’s trees, allowing for slopes and steps.
- 03
Pause to take in the lake and seasonal colours before returning.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the arboretum
- 01
Start with a walk through the arboretum, taking time to notice the seasonal tree displays.
- 02
Use the Winkworth audio guide to learn about the trees and the arboretum’s history.
- 03
Take a break at the visitor-centre café, then continue exploring if time and terrain allow.
Verified history
Winkworth Arboretum was created by Dr Wilfrid Fox in the early twentieth century, according to the supplied Tripadvisor excerpt. Visit Surrey describes Fox’s approach as “painting with trees”. The supplied sources do not provide further dates or a detailed account of the arboretum’s development.
Hidden details
Listen for the arboretum’s story in the audio guide — The National Trust says the guide features an arboriculturist and the Head Gardener discussing the site’s history and tree species.
When to go
April · May · October · November · Check current opening times and visit when you have enough daylight to explore the sloping paths at a comfortable pace.
The supplied sources identify spring displays, including bluebells and azaleas, and autumn foliage. Exact flowering and colour peaks vary from year to year.
The National Trust notes that paths may become muddy and slippery. Wear suitable footwear and check conditions before setting out.
What to look for
Notice how the changing tree colours and planting shape views across the hillside and towards the lake. The National Trust audio guide highlights the history and tree species.
The story
Arboretum established through Dr Wilfrid Fox’s vision; further historical detail is not established by the supplied sources.
Best time to go
Autumn for coloured foliage; spring for seasonal displays including bluebells and azaleas. Check locally for current conditions and flowering times.
Autumn is a strong choice for coloured foliage. Spring brings seasonal displays, including bluebells and azaleas; exact peak dates vary.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-5pm
- Tuesday: 10am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10am-5pm
- Thursday: 10am-5pm
- Friday: 10am-5pm
- Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
National Trust visitor attraction with admission charges. Check current opening times, prices and access arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
The National Trust lists a car park at the visitor welcome centre; it may be full at weekends and holidays. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed at the visitor welcome centre. Check current availability before visiting.
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Food & drink
The National Trust lists a café with indoor and outdoor seating, hot and cold lunches, cakes and bakes. Check current opening times and menu.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current National Trust guidance and on-site signage before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The site is on steep slopes and hills with steps; paths may become muddy and slippery. The National Trust lists accessible parking bays and visitor-centre facilities. Check the official access information for route suitability.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Winkworth Arboretum
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
