Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is a hillside of trees above a lake near Godalming in the Surrey Hills, created in the early 20th century by Dr Wilfrid Fox, who planted it for colour, scent, texture and shape rather than by botanical order. He left it to the National Trust, which has grown the collection to more than 1,000 species of trees and shrubs. Spring brings magnolias, azaleas and bluebells, autumn the reds and golds mirrored in the lake, and there are three way-marked walks, an audio guide, a Tree Adventure play area built from the arboretum's own oaks and a visitor welcome centre with cafe and shop. Dogs on short leads are welcome all year. Reviewers rate the longest trail as the best but warn it is steep in places, with a narrow stretch beyond the lake above an unguarded drop. Tips from regulars: the car park fills at weekends and in peak autumn, so arrive early, and only the upper arboretum has a level tarmac path.