Polesden Lacey
Dorking, SurreyAbout Polesden Lacey
Enjoy a family day out at Polesden Lacey – a country retreat only four miles from Dorking and junction 9 of the M25. This stunning Edwardian manor is where Dame Margaret Greville entertained her guests over 100 years ago!
There's plenty of space to play with 1,600 acres of gardens and woodland to explore, including a natural play area with swings, tunnels and giant nests. Little adventurers will love running through the grounds, rolling down the sloping lawns, flying kites and building dens. For animal lovers, there's also a chicken coop and beehives to discover, and if you love walking, there's a host of family-friendly routes to choose from.
On rainy days, you can step inside the house to see the grand interiors, including a gold room. Your little lords and ladies will have the chance to slip into period costumes and unleash their imaginations.
Summer Holiday 2024 Activities
Join Polesden Lacey for a Summer of Play! Discover a straw castle and a maze, and get stuck into a host of playful events and activities inspired by the fantastical world of Grizwald the Griffin. There will also be a pop-up children's theatre throughout August, showing some incredible 'A Treasure Hunt Adventure Story' performances and scenes from Shakespeare's plays by The Cat's Grin Theatre Company! Check out their website for more information! Normal admission applies—no additional charge for Summer of Play activities and pop-up theatre.
Things To Do
Who could forget the Kestrel Corner natural play area that opened up? It's made using wood from the countryside estate! You can enjoy the swings, barreling through tunnels and climbing giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature. It's the perfect place for children to be active! You'll also find a rabbit's warren, a bird's nest and a buried fox den - let their imaginations run wild!
You'll be amazed by the stunning décor in the Gold Saloon inside the Edwardian home. Don't forget to take a peek at the grand library where Mrs Grenvilles' extensive collection of books is kept. You can visit lots of rooms in the house such as the billiards room, dining room, lobby, picture corridors, smoking room, gun room & more! Behind every doorway is a portal to the past - what will you discover?
Outside, you'll find 1400 acres of ancient woodlands to explore, formal gardens and huge grounds offering plenty of space to run, build dens, fly a kite or absorb beautiful viewpoints. Make sure to check out the walled rose gardens - they are such a highlight for us! Your little adventureres will love rolling down the sloping lawn and having fun exploring the grounds. For animal lovers, there's also a bird hide, a chicken coop and beehives to discover.
Love walking? Follow the marked nature trails through the Polesden Lacey estate for families all year round and explore additional kid-friendly trails during the school holidays. Don't forget to check out their events programme before you go for more exciting family entertainment!
Fancy a spot of reading? Explore the wider, beautiful estate and head to the charming second-hand bookshop run by friendly faces. Pick out a classic and head to the Edwardian house grounds to find the perfect reading spot. Children under 5 can also enjoy scooters and bikes on the pleasure grounds. Please note: there are sloped pathways, and it can get busy.
Food & Drink
Enjoy a lovely hot drink at the Coffee Shop or purchase cold drinks, cakes, and snacks to take outside with you. Take a seat inside or outside - there's plenty of seating available. Stop for a nibble and refreshments at the Beech Hut kiosk (which opens during peak times) or the Stable Courtyard Cafe. Wondering what extras you can enjoy at the cafe instead of the coffee shop? Two words - cream tea! Grab a cup of coffee or refuel at the snack bar.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape from the city, beautiful woodland paths to explore, or exceptional views to marvel at. Polesden Lacey has it all!
Why We Recommend Polesden Lacey
- There are Period costumes to dress up in!
- There is a nature play area, woodland walks, walled gardens, lots of walks & glorious views.
- There are delicious treats to enjoy at the Courtyard Cafe.
Family Days Out For Less
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Extensive Grounds and Play Areas!
Polesden Lacey offers 1,600 acres of gardens and woodland, including a natural play area with swings, tunnels, and giant nests. Children can enjoy rolling down sloping lawns, flying kites, and building dens. Additionally, there is a chicken coop and beehives for animal lovers.
Indoor Activities and Historic House!
On rainy days, visitors can explore the grand interiors of the Edwardian manor, including a gold room and a grand library. Children can dress up in period costumes and explore various rooms like the billiards room, dining room, and smoking room.
Scenic and Historical Exploration!
Beyond the activities, Polesden Lacey boasts 1,400 acres of ancient woodlands, formal gardens, and extensive grounds. Families can explore marked nature trails suitable for all ages throughout the year, with additional kid-friendly trails available during school holidays.
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Closes 16:00 from 1st October to 31 December.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £7.50
- Adult (18+-18+) : £15.00
National Trust members - Free.
Under 5s - Free
Family (2 adults + 2 children) - £37.50
Family (1 adult + 2 children) - £22.50
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Choose from cold drinks, hot drinks, light bites, cakes, and snacks, cream tea!
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
National Trust
Southern Region
Polesden Lacey House
Dorking
Surrey
RH5 6BD
England
Tel: 01372452048
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
On Foot
North Downs Way is within ¾ mile.
By Train
Boxhill & Westhumble station (3 miles); Bookham station (2.7 miles); Dorking station (4 miles); Leatherhead station (4 miles). There are taxi ranks at Dorking and Leatherhead stations.
By Bus
You can get a bus from Epsom, Guildford or Leatherhead to Great Bookham.
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Last Updated: 07:27 31/07/2024
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