Yahoo News Surrey's bank holiday nature walk with wildflowers, woodlands and historic landmark you can visit for free
There’s no better way to spend the May bank holiday than visiting one of Surrey’s most gorgeous beauty spots. The weather is slowly getting warmer, and the gloomy weather may be at bay according to the Met Office, so make the most of the outdoors while you can.
Ockham Common is tucked into the corner of where the M25 and the A3 meet near the Wisley Interchange. This makes it pretty easy to get to, though you don’t need to rely on either busy route to get there.
The beautiful landscape features woodlands, hills, and purple heathlands. You can also find historic landmarks like the Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower, and Samuelson Mausoleum.
READ MORE:
While roadworks in the area at the M25 have caused some disruption to the natural habitat and contributed to traffic in the area, this gorgeous site shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s just under 300 hectares to explore, and a huge fishing lake home to plenty of rare insects and critters.
Stroll around the nature reserve, now it’s early May, it’s the time for dainty damselflies and vibrant dragonflies to appear. Rare birds can be spotted here, like the hobby, which is a small falcon with pointed wings and a sharp-looking yellow beak.
Bluebells should be popping up around the woodlands, and bright azaleas are dotted around. Of course, there is a gorgeous heathland with lilac flowers and yellow gorse to visit too.
The semaphore tower was first commissioned in 1816 and built to help the Royal Navy communicate during the Battle of Waterloo. It’s an incredible octagonal shape and overlooks the woodland at Chatley Heath.
Recently the tower was restored and can be rented as a dog-friendly holiday home. It's an incredible sight to see, and on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, the property will open up to the public.
By booking online via The Landmark Trust, you can have a nosey around the property, admission is free. This makes the perfect day out across the commons, followed by a rare peak inside this gorgeous property.
Nearby, you can also find the Samuelson Mausoleum, a romantic spot covered in ivy. It was built in 1919 by Rowland Plumbe, for Sir Henry Samuelson’s father, Sir Bernhard Samuelson.
There’s a chapel in the centre, and it used to contain a bronze tomb which sadly, was stolen in the 1960s after Sir Henry’s death. The mausoleum is currently under Surrey County Council’s ownership.
While there is so much to do and see at Ockham Common and Chatley Heath, you won’t be stuck for finding somewhere to sit down and relax. Ockham Bites is a cute cafe with top Google reviews and serves bacon baguettes, sausage rolls and cakes.
One review reads: “We’ve been stopping here for years whilst my daughter was at uni to grab a snack. So after a few years of not travelling this way, we were glad to see the cabin still open even if there are terrible road works.
“Wonderful friendly staff, very knowledgeable about the heathland and the burgers are tasty, cooked fresh and hot. Love their food. Cakes are homemade. Cherry Victoria sponge and apple/cinnamon cake. Just yummy!!!!”
Further information
Ockham Bites address: Old Ln, Cobham KT11 1NA
Ockham Bites opening times: 8am to 4pm every day, bank holiday hours might differ
Ockham Common car parks: Parking at Boldermere Car Park (KT11 1NR), Pond Car Park (KT11 1NR) & Wren’s Nest Car Park (GU23 6QA)
Book your free visit to the Semaphore Tower here
Find out more about things to do and activities in Surrey with our free What’s On email HERE.
