Hundreds of free Surrey days out include rarely open windmill, remains of National Trust property destroyed by fire

Lowfiled Heath Windmill
-Credit: (Image: Surrey Live - Grahame Larter)


With September comes the annual celebration of Surrey’s history that are the heritage opening days. All over the county hidden gems open up and provide a rare opportunity to nose around.

With lots of opportunities across Surrey, creating a short list of what to go and see is difficult. Highlights include the Buckland Windmill, a small sawmill that was built in the 1860s. With it only occasionally open, heritage days mark one of the only opportunities to see the historic landmark.

It is believed to be the only surviving wind-powered saw mill in the UK, and has a circular saw and lathe which can be used for demonstration purposes. Set in the grounds of ‘Yewdells’, a Grade II listed house built in 1713, the garden will also be open for visitors with refreshments available. The Betchworth windmill will be open on September 14 from 1pm to 5pm.

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This is not the only windmill opening over the week. In nearby Charlwood Lowfiled Heath Windmill is also available for a visit. The Grade II listed building was originally built in 1737 and was operational until the 1880s. This makes it one of the oldest types of these mills left in the UK.

However, it hasn’t been in Charlwood all this time. Initially made in Lowfield Heath it was moved to Charlwood after being rescued from disrepair in 1987. Like in Betchworth, tea and cake will be available from the grounds, and with plenty of seating in the area around the mill, it would make for a picturesque spot for a picnic. This windmill will be open from September 7 -15 from 2pm to 5pm.

Elsewhere in Surrey, there is more to see. Since the devastating fire in April 2015, Clandon Park has never looked the same. After flames tore through the house, all but one room was damaged. While construction is underway, it’s not possible to access the remains of the mansion, but visitors can see a hidden history.

Smoke billows out of Mansion
A major fire at Clandon Park House means that site has not been the same since -Credit:Surrey Advertiser

The fire unveiled parts of Clandon Park that hadn’t been seen before. Heritage Day visitors will see objects discovered in depths of the house’s walls, fixtures and ground. There will also be the opportunity to meet the project team and ask questions about the future of Clandon. Different events will be held on different days between September 7 and 15.

In Guildford one of the highlights will be free heritage bus rides. On the weekend of September 14 and 15 some of the old buses that have served the town over the last 60 years. On Saturday short trips around the town centre will help passengers get to the Dapdune Wharf River Festival and the upper high street. On Sunday a longer journey will travel out to Watt’s Gallery and return via the villages of Compton and Shalford.

Other transport related activities include a talk on the history of the M25, looking at the conduction of the roads, and featuring some early photographs to remind you of a time before the pivotal highway was built.

Find out more about things to do and activities in Surrey with our free What’s On email HERE.