52 Walks with Grace

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

There is something rather special about arriving somewhere before the crowds.

Grace and I pulled into Winkworth Arboretum at exactly 9.33 a.m. and, apart from a handful of cars, we had the place almost to ourselves. The morning was already warm, the birds were singing and there was that peaceful feeling that only seems to exist before the world wakes up.

It had been some time since my last visit, which was during the autumn, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much had changed. The new visitor entrance is beautiful. Built in a lovely pine style, it feels welcoming and blends perfectly into its woodland surroundings. The whole arrival experience is much better organised, especially if you have children or a dog with you. It has that familiar National Trust feeling of slowing you down before you even begin your walk.

One small tip before you visit. The parking payment system relies on Wi Fi and can be a little slow. If your phone signal isn’t playing ball or your card won’t connect, carrying a few coins could save you a little frustration.

As always, Grace set the pace. She happily wandered along the woodland paths, stopping every few moments to investigate an interesting scent or listen to something hidden amongst the trees. Being a miniature dachshund, she isn’t built for long hikes, and after about twenty minutes she decided she had explored enough for one morning. That was absolutely fine with me. We live fairly close by and are lucky enough to have a National Trust membership, so there is never any pressure to rush around or try to see everything in one visit.

If you are planning to bring your own dog, especially a smaller breed, make sure you come prepared. The Arboretum is much hillier than people often expect. In the cooler months it makes for a wonderful walk, but during the summer heat it can become quite demanding. A bottle of water, a travel bowl and a few treats are well worth packing.

The café was busy even early in the day. The coffee was perfectly nice, although a little expensive, and I have to admit I wasn’t convinced by the scones. They felt more shop bought than homemade. If I were returning for a longer visit, I would probably bring a packed lunch and find a quiet bench overlooking the trees instead.

By the time Grace and I were leaving, the difference was incredible. The car park had filled completely and families were arriving in every direction. Children were excitedly heading off on adventures, dogs were bouncing with enthusiasm and there was a wonderful holiday atmosphere. It is easy to see why Winkworth is such a popular destination during the summer holidays.

For me though, the real magic of Winkworth isn’t in the café or the visitor centre. It’s in the changing seasons.

Visit in spring and you’ll find carpets of bluebells and delicate forget me nots colouring the woodland floor. Return in autumn and the entire landscape becomes a blaze of reds, oranges and golds. Every visit feels completely different depending on the time of year.

This summer has been one of the hottest I can remember. If you’re reading this years from now, the heatwave of 2026 has certainly reminded us all to look after ourselves and our animals. If you’re walking with your dog, don’t be afraid to shorten your route, stop often for water and choose the cooler hours of the morning. Nature will still be there tomorrow.

Sometimes the best adventures don’t have to last all day.

Sometimes twenty peaceful minutes, surrounded by ancient trees, birdsong and your best four legged friend, are more than enough.

Until the next walk,

Sarah & Grace 🌿
The Tea Rose