Attractions and Places To See around Wanborough - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Wanborough offer a variety of historical sites, viewpoints, and natural features. The area provides opportunities to explore ancient history, including Roman occupation evidence and numerous listed buildings within its conservation areas. Visitors can also experience the northern edge of the Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by fields, streams, and woodlands. Public green spaces and trails, such as the ancient Ridgeway National Trail, contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor activities.
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Last updated: April 24, 2026
St Martha's Church
Highlight • Historical Site
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St. Catherine's Lock
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Bramley and Wonersh Disused Railway Station
Highlight • Historical Site
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Guildford Castle Grounds
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
The 11th-century castle sits atop a hill in Guildford, providing some picturesque views across …
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Stoke Lock and Lock-Keeper's Cottage
Highlight • Structure
The lock was constructed in 1653 and is still in use today!
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Hello old railway station on the Downs Link... amazing to be able to ride alongside all these old stations isn't it?
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Stoke Lock is a uniquely historic, well maintained and picturesque lock on the River Wey Navigation. It is situated 2 km northeast of central Guildford in Surrey. Stoke Lock has the distinction of being the oldest lock in Surrey and the oldest pound lock in England! A pound lock is where two sets of gates enclose a small section of water. The original Stoke Lock was dug in 1618-1619 by Sir Richard Weston, a wealthy landowner who lived nearby at Sutton Place. Weston created this lock not for river navigation but to make a man-made river through the grounds of Sutton Place so that he could flood meadows to improve local agriculture. Later Weston had the idea of extending his ‘new river’ all the way to the River Thames. This led to him leading and part-funding the construction of the Wey Navigation that opened in 1653. This canal provided a ‘highway’ to London for Guildford and Surrey merchants. Since 1964 the Wey Navigation has been managed by the National Trust as a leisure waterway for narrowboats and small cruisers. Despite its proximity to the Slyfield Industrial Estate, Stoke Lock has a beautiful setting. It is pleasant and relaxing to stroll past the lock and to see the brightly-coloured narrow boats passing through it. The adjacent lock-keeper’s cottage that was built in 1882 to replace an earlier one, adds to the historic and picturesque scene.
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Picturesque old lock with cottage on the Wey navigation
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The excellent Guildford Castle Grounds are unique, interesting and well worth visiting during a hiking, cycling or running tour. The Grounds are famous for their excellent flower displays in the valley that surrounds the Castle Keep. Other free attractions include the remains of Castle walls, passageways, a Victorian bandstand (where music concerts take place), a delightful 17th century bowling green bordered on one side by specimen beech trees, an impressive war memorial and a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass. Guildford Castle Grounds has a fascinating history. The Castle is thought to have been built either by William the Conqueror or by one of his barons soon after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The Castle has been used as a Royal Palace, a prison and as a private residence. The grounds at the Castle were opened as public gardens in 1888 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. You might wish to explore the Guildford Castle Grounds or to simply admire its scenery during a stop for a snack and a drink. However, should you have time, you may also wish to climb the Castle Great Tower via its spiral staircase. This will give a panoramic view of Guildford and its beautiful surrounding countryside, and provide an appreciation of why the Castle’s location is strategically good.
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If you get to the top of the hill early enough, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sunrise.
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Make sure to stroll through the historic grounds of Guildford Castle whilst visiting this wonderful city. The 11th-century castle sits atop a hill in Guildford, providing some picturesque views across the surrounding countryside. The gardens of the castle are beautifully pristine and feature a multitude of colourful flowers and a moat. The castle grounds are free to enter, and if you want to go inside the castle itself, a small fee of under £5 will be required.
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You're treated to a picturesque scene as you pass Stoke Lock on the River Wey Navigation of a lock, lock-keeper's cottage, and a twinkling river. The lock was constructed in 1653 and is still in use today!
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This is the highlight of my regular 10k run and it is such a wonderful spot. I put in the work running up here and always pause my GPS watch and (my favourite time to run) take in the sunrise. The views are mesmerising and I often find myself staring out for 10 minutes or more. I then enjoy the run back down. The sandy trails make for a really enjoyable and slightly technical downhill section. There is a Lieutenant General Bernard Cyril FREYBERG, WWI Victoria Cross recipient buried in the graveyard here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Wanborough?
Wanborough boasts a rich history. You can visit sites like St Martha's Church, a beautiful Grade II-listed church with 12th-century origins. Other historical points of interest include St. Catherine's Lock, a 250-year-old lock still in use on the Wey Navigation, and Bramley and Wonersh Disused Railway Station, which offers a restored green space with railway features. The area also has evidence of Roman occupation and numerous Grade I and II listed buildings within its conservation areas.
Are there any ancient Roman sites in the Wanborough area?
Yes, Wanborough has a significant Roman past. There is evidence of a Roman town west of Wanborough House, which is a Scheduled Monument. Roman roads, such as Ermine Street, also run through the parish, and ancient burial mounds are still being discovered, highlighting the area's long history.
What natural features and green spaces can I enjoy in Wanborough?
Wanborough borders the northern edge of the Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering picturesque landscapes of fields, streams, and woodlands. You can also explore public green spaces like Hooper's Field, Lower Recreation Field, Badgers Field (a wildflower meadow), Rodway Open Space, and Church Meadow. Warneage Wood, owned by The Woodland Trust, provides further opportunities for enjoying nature.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Wanborough?
For breathtaking views, head to St Martha's Church, perched atop a hill and only accessible by foot. St. Catherine's Lock also offers a serene spot to observe the Wey Navigation. Additionally, the Guildford Castle Grounds provide picturesque views across the surrounding countryside from its elevated position.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Wanborough?
Several attractions around Wanborough are suitable for families. St. Catherine's Lock is a great place to watch narrowboats, and Bramley and Wonersh Disused Railway Station offers a restored green space perfect for a picnic. The Guildford Castle Grounds are also family-friendly, with beautiful gardens and the option to explore the castle keep for a small fee. Public green spaces like the Lower Recreation Field offer play equipment.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Wanborough area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Shalford Water Meadows & Loseley Estate loop' or the 'Compton loop via St Nicholas Church'. For running, consider trails like the 'Anchor Copse loop from Wanborough'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like the 'Cycle Surrey Hills: Elstead and Puttenham Loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Wanborough, Running Trails around Wanborough, and MTB Trails around Wanborough guides.
Are there hiking trails near Wanborough, and what are their difficulty levels?
Yes, there are many hiking trails. You can find easy routes like the 'Compton loop via St Nicholas Church' (4.7 km) or 'Loseley House and Lake loop from Compton' (6.3 km). Moderate options include the 'Shalford Water Meadows & Loseley Estate loop' (10.2 km) and 'Sandy Lane, North Downs Way – Loseley House and Lake loop from Compton' (8.0 km). For more options, explore the Hiking around Wanborough guide.
Can I spot wildlife near Wanborough trails?
Yes, the parish has a nature database to help visitors identify local flora and fauna. While exploring the extensive network of footpaths, you might encounter various wildflowers, wild animals, and diverse birdlife, especially in areas like The Hollow Protected Verge.
What is the ancient Ridgeway National Trail, and does it pass through Wanborough?
The Ridgeway National Trail is Britain's oldest road, an ancient trackway that has been in use for thousands of years. It passes through the southern part of Wanborough parish, offering a unique opportunity to walk a path steeped in history and natural beauty.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Wanborough?
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and breathtaking views offered by sites like St Martha's Church. The serene atmosphere of St. Catherine's Lock, where you can watch narrowboats, is also highly valued. Many enjoy the historical charm and well-maintained green spaces, such as the restored Bramley and Wonersh Disused Railway Station, perfect for a picnic stop.
Are there any unique historical structures like locks or old railway stations to see?
Absolutely. You can visit St. Catherine's Lock, one of the oldest and shallowest locks on the Wey Navigation, still operational after 250 years. Another unique spot is Bramley and Wonersh Disused Railway Station, which has been nicely restored with platforms, signs, and shelters, making it a notable stop on the Downs Link cycle way.
Can I visit a castle near Wanborough?
Yes, the Guildford Castle Grounds are a notable attraction nearby. The 11th-century castle sits atop a hill, offering picturesque views. While the grounds are free to enter and feature beautiful gardens, there is a small fee to go inside the castle keep itself.
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