Attractions and Places To See around Godstone - Top 20

Godstone is rich in history. You can visit St Nicholas Church, which features parts of its original Norman building and a memorial chapel from 1787. Another significant site is Lagham Manor in South Godstone, a medieval moated site and a Scheduled Ancient Monument with well-preserved earthworks. The village also boasts historic inns like the White Hart, dating back to the 16th century, and The Old Packhouse, the oldest timber-framed building in Church Town from the 15th century.

Yes, Godstone offers several family-friendly options. Godstone Farm is a popular choice, home to over 500 animals and providing a range of activities for children, including an indoor play barn and an outdoor adventure playground. Additionally, Skid Hill Lane View is noted as a family-friendly viewpoint, offering incredible views in a quiet setting. Nearby, Chartwell House, Winston Churchill's former home, also welcomes families.

For panoramic views, consider visiting Tilburstow Hill, which is part of the Greensand Way. You can also enjoy the expansive vistas from Farthing Downs Scenic Road, which offers distant views of the City and features free-roaming cattle. Another excellent spot for views and bird-of-prey spotting is Skid Hill Lane View.

Godstone is characterized by its natural beauty. You'll find several notable water features like Godstone Green with its central pond, and Bay Pond, managed as a nature reserve by Surrey Wildlife Trust, where you can observe frogs, dragonflies, and wildfowl. The area also includes Glebe Pond, and the Blindley Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest, an important example of relict damp grassland. The surrounding landscape features woodlands, gentle hills, and open meadows, perfect for exploration.

The area around Godstone is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous walking and hiking routes that traverse woodlands, fields, and historic areas, including sections of the North Downs Way and the Greensand Way. For cycling, there are various routes available, such as those found in the Cycling around Godstone guide, or more challenging options in the Road Cycling Routes around Godstone guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails listed in the MTB Trails around Godstone guide.

Yes, Godstone is home to the unique Col du Skelly Monument. This man-made monument commemorates a cyclist and is located on Beddlestead, a climb regularly ridden by the person it honors. It's a touching tribute and a point of interest for those exploring the area by bike or on foot.

Godstone village, particularly its Church Town, is a designated conservation area. It features charming old timber-framed buildings and 18th-century brick houses, reflecting its rich history as a busy transport hub. The central Godstone Green with its pond adds to the village's picturesque character, and historic inns like the White Hart highlight its past as a coaching stop.

Yes, Chartwell House, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, is located nearby. The rooms are preserved as they were when Churchill lived there, and the gardens reflect his design, offering a fascinating insight into the wartime Prime Minister's life. It's a significant historical site that can be visited.

Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from historical sites to natural beauty. The quiet country lanes and scenic roads, like Skid Hill Lane View and Farthing Downs Scenic Road, are often highlighted for their incredible views and peaceful atmosphere. Cyclists particularly enjoy the challenging yet rewarding climbs such as Col du Skelly (Beddlestead Lane climb), noting the quiet roads and varied terrain.

Yes, Bay Pond is managed as a nature reserve by Surrey Wildlife Trust, offering a chance to see local wildlife. Additionally, Blindley Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest is an important example of relict damp grassland and is also a Local Nature Reserve managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, providing a protected habitat for various species.

Stone quarrying was a vital industry in Godstone from the 17th to 18th centuries. Stone from Godstone is believed to have been used in the construction of iconic landmarks such as Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. The old quarry tunnels were even utilized for storage during World War II, adding another layer to the area's rich history.