Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

A trip down memory lane, our visit from October 2022, detours us from crusading castle ruins to go for a wander around the lovely Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey. Owned now by the National Trust who look after and nurture this 95 acre woodland with over 1000 different types of flowers, trees and shrubs.

It’s known for its tranquil and calming setting when spring has sprung but the main event and reason why many flock here is for the gorgeous autumnal tones that ooze out. Winkworth is best viewed in late April and early May for the lovely bluebells or late October to mid-November for the stunning change in season and the tones of orange, red and Browns. But in the 364 days that the Arboretum is open there really is so much to see and appreciate.

We start off the trail by looking at the handy map at the beginning where you can choose a trail with different levels of incline. We decided to follow the red route, which was more strenuous in some inclines but otherwise really pleasant and calming. We noticed the blue trail was wheelchair accessible and led along the forest so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the arboretum.

The 95 acres arboretum was founded by a man named Dr Wilfrid Fox, he was a dermatologist in the UK and practised at St. Georges Hospital in London and became passionate about the environment and nature. He started in 1938 and continued through world war 2, he cleared all of the land and planted it very carefully with particular trees and shrubs in mind, to maximise an autumnal experience. After the land was established, he presented it to the national trust. In 1948 Fox was awarded the highest honour of the royal horticultural society and just by wandering around this incredible place you can see why.

We enjoyed a slightly muddy walk around the tops of the trail and then headed down to what’s known as Badgers bowl. Named this way because the landscape is shaped like a bowl. These trees to our right are Acer sugar maples, they are native to the hardwood forests of Eastern Canada and eastern united states, they turn a lovely orange, red and yellow in autumn and greenish yellow in spring. They are easily identity able for their five lobed leaves in the iconic Maple leaf sign that is seen in many places. Other trees here are the Japanese maples that were planted for the 100 year anniversary of the national trust in 1995. This bench, a perfect place to sit and admire the view in the bowl was placed here in the shape of a 60 to mark 60 years of the arboretum in 2012.

As we wander on we come across one of the most interesting types of tree’s we’ve ever seen. This is called a monkey puzzle tree, part of the evergreen family and can grow to a height of 50 metres high and live for a thousand years. I love it’s spiral arrangement and how it looks exactly like the perfect tree that monkeys would enjoy climbing. It’s so cool and I love how incredibly well the tree thrives here at Winkworth.

We head inside to the boathouse and take a wander to the viewpoint across the lake. Unfortunately with lack of evidence its difficult to say exactly when this boathouse was built, but when Dr Fox purchased the land in 1937 the lake and boathouse had already been created. In 1920 a captain Fisher Rowe owned the land at the time and the lakes were created, so this creates a direct link to the name of the lake and part of the arboretum which is Rowes Flashe. The reason behind the construction of the boathouse is thought to be for sporting activities, fishing, shooting and for pleasure boating.

The boathouse was built is a beautiful yet rustic Edwardian style and it really is such a great picture opportunity and a place to sit and listen to nature. One of my favourite things to do here was admire the mirrored trees in the lake, it was so calm and picture perfect with the trees in the backdrop.

Our last main stop off was to the meadows, of course taking a slow wander around and taking in all the different sounds and sights as every moment passed was different. Taking a look back over the lake, this would have been the daily view that Dr Fox would have had on his way home at Winkworth Farm. This was ultimately the place where his vision for planting for autumn came into view. It’s not only the leaves that burned bright with dark colours, but the trees stumps have a glowing fiery redwood that stands out. I think it’s just great the variety one place has. Not one tree is the same and this is why this place is so unique and adored by nature lovers everywhere. Some of the best autumnal yellows are found near the tulip trees on badgers bowl and on the main pathway, again, there is so much to look around for.

I love that the arboretum encourages you to bring your four legged furry friends here to explore with you and it’s truly a place for everyone, no matter your physical abilities and it’s such a nice day out with family and friends. If you’ve never been to an arboretum before, please go and see for yourself, better yet head to Winkworth and enjoy a day of green spaces.

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Till Next Time!