Windlesham

Day Trips

Wake up to a fresh sunrise over the rolling Surrey hills and breathe in the crisp morning air as you set off along winding lanes around Windlesham. Wander past hedgerows bursting with wildflowers and listen to the symphony of songbirds greeting the new day. Pause at a family-run farm stall for freshly baked pastries and locally sourced preserves.

Head to the nearby Chobham Common for an immersive heathland walk where purple heather and golden gorse paint the landscape. Follow well-marked trails to hidden glades and keep an eye out for rare butterflies flitting between the blooms. Spread out a picnic blanket on a grassy knoll and savor homemade sandwiches and chilled elderflower cordial.

Return to your charming cottage as twilight drapes softly over the fields. Pop into The Windlesham Club for a warming pint of local ale and a hearty shepherd’s pie by the roaring fireplace. Conclude your day with a leisurely stargaze in the open meadow, tracing constellations through the clear, unpolluted sky.

Catch a short train ride to Windsor and arrive in time for the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Windsor Castle. Feel the grandeur of centuries-old pageantry as mounted dragoons and foot soldiers perform in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats. Afterward, wander the cobbled streets of the castle precinct, exploring quaint shops and cafés.

Join a guided tour of Windsor Castle’s State Apartments and marvel at opulent chambers hung with royal portraits and ornate tapestries. Peek inside Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, a miniature masterpiece complete with working lights and running water. Pause for lunch in the castle grounds, sampling a classic ploughman’s platter under ancient turret walls.

Glide along the River Thames on a sunset cruise, watching the castle silhouette glow in the golden hour. Disembark at a riverside pub for pan-seared trout and a glass of crisp English white wine. Return to Windlesham by train, lulled to sleep by the gentle click of wheels on the tracks.

Drive to The Savill Garden at sunrise and wander along dew-kissed pathways framed by sculpted hedges and vibrant flower borders. Inhale the fragrance of blooming roses in the Temples Garden as the morning light dances on ornate fountains. Capture photographs of the unique collection of trees and shrubs imported from around the world.

Follow the Jubilee Walkway through dramatic sections of the garden, pausing at intimate woodland clearings and open lawns. Attend a horticulture talk by a resident gardener to learn tips on seasonal planting and garden design. Treat yourself to a cream tea at the Savill Garden Tea Hut, savoring freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

As dusk falls, explore the tranquil shores of Virginia Water Lake, just a short stroll from the garden gates. Watch swans glide across the water and listen to gentle waves lapping against the pebbled shore. Return to Windlesham for an alfresco dinner on your terrace, basking in lingering daylight and cool breezes.

Set off for Guildford and begin at the medieval Castle Keep, ascending the battlements for panoramic views of the town and River Wey. Wander through the cobbled High Street and admire timber-framed buildings housing artisan shops. Pause at a riverside café for a hearty full English breakfast overlooking gently flowing water.

Hire a self-drive boat on the River Wey Navigation and glide under low brick bridges bordered by willow trees. Drift past charming towpaths frequented by walkers and anglers, then moor near the National Trust’s Stoke Park for a tranquil lakeside stroll. Sample locally pressed apple juice at a farm shop before heading back into town.

Attend a performance at the G Live theatre, choosing from plays, live music or stand-up comedy. After the show, dine at a modern bistro in Tunsgate Quarter, sampling seasonal dishes crafted from Surrey farms. Return home under starlit skies, reliving the day’s historic vistas and riverside calm.

Drive to Ascot Racecourse and soak up the refined atmosphere of one of Britain’s most famous racing venues. Stroll through manicured lawns and browse boutiques in the Royal Enclosure. Secure a spot trackside to watch morning practice gallops, with horses thundering past in vibrant silks.

Experience the excitement of live races, placing bets on your favourite steed and cheering as they cross the finish line. Enjoy a gourmet luncheon in one of Ascot’s hospitality suites, where fine wines and multi-course menus complement the racing spectacle. For a touch of equestrian elegance, arrange an afternoon polo lesson at a nearby club, learning the basics of mallet work and horse control.

Wind down at a stylish lounge bar overlooking the course, sipping Champagne while sharing tales of your victories and near-misses. Head back to Windlesham and unwind with a soothing soak in a countryside-style bath, infused with lavender from a local farm. Drift off to sleep dreaming of hoofbeats and cheering crowds.

Arrive at the luxurious Coworth Park Spa and begin your pampering experience with a revitalizing eucalyptus steam bath. Follow with a deep-tissue massage, feeling tensions melt away beneath expert hands. Savor a light, nutritious breakfast in the spa lounge, sipping herbal tea as you gaze across manicured gardens.

Join a guided yoga session in a light-filled studio, synchronizing breath and movement to enhance your inner calm. Choose from a menu of therapies—try a detoxifying seaweed wrap or a radiant salt exfoliation—to nourish your skin and senses. Enjoy a healthy lunch on the terrace, selecting from superfood salads and cold-pressed juices.

Take a leisurely swim in the heated vitality pool, then recline on a lounge overlooking rolling fields dotted with grazing ponies. Dine in style at the spa’s fine-dining restaurant, sampling farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines. End the day in the relaxation room, curled under a plush throw while listening to gentle ambient music.

Drive to Hampton Court Palace and pass through its ornate Tudor gatehouse at opening time, stepping back into Henry VIII’s world. Walk the historic kitchens and marvel at the towering ovens and original copper cauldrons. Discover the opulent Chapel Royal with its stained-glass windows and delicate carved woodwork.

Explore the vast Privy Garden, reimagined in Tudor style with symmetrical flower beds and aromatic herb borders. Lose yourself in the world’s oldest surviving hedge maze, racing friends along the timber-lined paths to find the central viewing platform. Pause for tea and freshly baked scones in the Palace café, overlooking the grand formal gardens.

Stroll along the River Thames towpath at sunset, spotting moored barges and shimmering reflections on the water. Stop at a historic riverside inn for ale-battered fish and chips served with a side of minted peas. Return home contemplating courtly intrigues as the evening breeze rustles through ancient elms.

Head to the Basingstoke Canal and meet your guide at a rustic boathouse nestled among grazing meadows. Receive safety instructions and paddle orientation before launching your canoe onto the tranquil waters. Glide past overhanging trees and lily-sprinkled banks, breathing in the cool, forest-scented air.

Pause at a lock for a riverside picnic of crusty baguette sandwiches, sharp cheddar and tangy chutney. Navigate gentle ripples past quaint wooden bridges and tumbling millstones, stopping to observe kingfishers darting along the canal edges. Continue downstream to Sheepdrove Organic Farm, learning about sustainable farming and sampling raw milk ice cream.

Be drawn ashore by the warm glow of lanterns at a towpath pub, enjoying hearty bean stew and crusty bread. As dusk settles, light lanterns in your canoe for a magical paddle back under twinkling stars. Return to Windlesham, your spirit refreshed by gentle waterlogged adventures.

Travel to Woking and visit the Lightbox Gallery, where contemporary art exhibitions and local history displays collide in vibrant color. Wander through interactive installations and learn about the area’s artistic legacy. Refuel with a coffee and pastry in the museum café overlooking modern sculpture gardens.

Head to Horsell Common, an ancient heathland famed for H.G. Wells’ ‘The War of the Worlds’ landing site. Follow wooded trails and sandy paths past gorse-covered dunes, imagining the eerie Martian cylinder droppings. Spot rare birds and see mini-craters in the earth before settling by a heather-clad clearing for a picnic of artisanal bread and soft cheese.

Return to Woking’s town centre to dine at a contemporary British bistro, tasting dishes that highlight seasonal Surrey produce. Attend an open-air concert in Jubilee Square, where local bands play under festoon lights. Head home by late evening, lulled by echoes of guitar strings and woodland whispers.

Visit the Sunday farmers’ market in nearby Bagshot, a bustling showcase of local producers and craftsmen. Sample freshly churned clotted cream, artisan sausages and hand-pressed apple juice as you weave between stalls. Collect seasonal vegetables, homemade chutneys and freshly baked sourdough for later meals.

Attend a cooking class at a countryside cookery school, where you’ll learn to transform market finds into delicious British classics. Under the guidance of a local chef, craft leek and potato soup, roast pork with apple sauce, and a lemon posset dessert. Dine on your creations in a sunlit conservatory overlooking rolling fields.

End your 10-day journey with a wine tasting at a nearby Surrey vineyard, sampling crisp whites and full-bodied reds. Enjoy a final locally sourced supper beneath fairy lights, sharing highlights of your Windlesham adventure. Return to your lodging filled with fond memories, the gentle hum of village life lulling you to a peaceful sleep.