Our beautiful corner of the world is rich in nature but also in culture and heritage. From stunning days out to historic houses and landscaped gardens, to exploring history and artworks at our museums and art galleries, member organisations of Surrey Hills Enterprises have a wealth of enrichment to offer you.
Scroll down to take a look at the many diverse offerings, and plan your next trip now!
Painshill Park
Painshill Park 18th century landscape garden was created between 1738 and 1773, by the Hon. Charles Hamilton. Inspired by landscape paintings and his Grand Tours across Europe, he created a sequence of breathtaking and surprising vistas. The landscapes form living works of art into which Hamilton placed follies for dramatic effect. You may have seen glimpses of the park in the Bridgerton series.
There is a great deal to see as you ‘walk the work of art’ at Painshill. From the crystal grotto to the Turkish tent to the Temple of Bacchus, and much more.
Surrey Hills International Music Festival
Surrey Hills International Music Festival takes place in May each year, bringing top international artists to the beautiful Surrey Countryside. Next year’s fabulous line up includes walks, talks and concerts, at venues including West Horsley Place and the Menuhin Hall.
Tickets are available to purchase from Tuesday 7th January 2025
Watts Gallery
Founded in 1904 as the only gallery in the UK devoted to a single artist, Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village offers a unique insight into the life and work of ‘England’s Michelangelo’ George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts, the designer and founder of The Potters’ Arts Guild at Compton.
There are regular exhibitions and the gallery undertakes community outreach work, as well as educational projects and support for emerging artists.
A visit to Watts Gallery isn’t complete without a visit to the Tea Shop with its renowned Welsh Rarebit amongst other delights on offer.
The National Trust
The National Trust in Surrey has a truly breathtaking range of properties and gardens. Everything from the partially ruined Clandon Park, to the grade 1 listed Claremont Landscape Garden. You can enjoy the stunning views from the top of Box Hill, or take in the birthplace of the Magna Carta at Runnymede.
There are great options for kids too – for example The Tiger Who Came To Tea trail at Polesden Lacey and the Tree Adventure play area at the gorgeous Winkworth Arboretum.
The Rural Life Living Museum
The Rural Life Living Museum is a unique collection of the discarded buildings, implements and objects of everyday life, collected by Madge and Henry Jackson since 1968. The couple opened their back garden to the public in 1973 and since then many thousands of people have donated objects and volunteered their time, support and skills. In 2024, they now have some 20 buildings and a collection of 40,000 objects displayed.
Sadly the rising cost of operating the museum now means that expenditure outstrips income generated through ticket sales and donations. The future of this wonderful museum is at risk – please consider donating to protect its future.
West Horsley Place
Known by many as the ghost-filled Button House in the hit BBC TV series Ghosts, West Horsley Place is an estate of 380 acres. At its centre is the Grade I listed manor house dating from 1425 which is framed by a 5 acre walled garden.
The property holds a wide range of events including poetry, storytelling, guided walks, and, as you can see in the flyer below, a fantastic Christmas Artisan Market in November where you can stock up on Christmas goodies from a wide range of Surrey Hills artisans.
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