I visited Winkworth Arboretum the Saturday before last in order to see some autumn colours. The trees are vibrant this autumn, and nature really is putting on a great show for us! With everything going on in the world right now, this was a much-needed escape in order to enjoy what nature has to offer us. Due to having to book over a week in advance, we are never able to predict the weather, and Saturday was filled with intermittent rain and clouds. Despite the poor weather, I managed to get some decent photographs, but it would have looked much better in the sunshine. I also wasn't lucky with the weather last weekend when I visited Sheffield Park and Garden (Autumn Walk at Sheffield Park and Garden (East Sussex, National Trust)).
Winkworth Arboretum, located in Surrey near Godalming, was created in the early 1900s by Dr. Wilfred Fox. Fox was a local doctor who enjoyed preserving the wooded hillside near his home, and he left it to the National Trust. The National Trust have continued to build up the collection of trees and shrubs, and some of the species are rare.
The spring and autumn are quite popular at Winkworth Arboretum, but it is said to be beautiful at any season. In the summer, outdoor productions make the arboretum a popular place to visit. Winkworth Arboretum has azaleas in bloom in the spring, so I plan to visit then.
Because the location is popular with the autumn colour, I missed out getting a morning slot to visit so had to settle for the late afternoon. By that time, the arboretum was very busy, especially near the start of the trails. I started the trail around to the left toward "Badger's View", which is pictured above. There is a viewpoint built to look over this little valley with some beautiful colour.
The trail led down the hill here, and there are benches for people to sit down on to enjoy nature.
Instead of heading into the wooded area, I walked to the lake with a boat house on the side of the lake. Next to it are the steps, known as "azalea steps" for the azaleas that grow here. The boat house has some information about it and the arboretum inside.
The most magical part of Winkworth Arboretum for me was the area known as "Rowe's Flashe Meadow". This is located next to the lake on the far side of the arboretum. The autumn colours are the most spectacular from here.
After I had taken enough photographs of the fall colour and the lake, I walked back past the boat house (the meadow is a circular walk back to the boat house and the azalea steps in front.)
I then proceeded along the other side of the lake, which starts to incline and then quickly ascends up the steep hill. Before the walkway turns, do not forget to look behind. There is a wonderful view of the lake and the boat house at the far end with beautiful trees.
Climbing up the hill, I could look above some of the trees on the lakeside level that I had previously walked around, and the colours are amazing.
From the ridge here, there are a couple of carved benches, a memorial to Dr. Fox, and a wonderful viewpoint.
I enjoyed my short walk around the arboretum. It's not a huge property, but it is one where you can walk around and enjoy nature without feeling too worn out. I hope to visit in the spring to see the azaleas in bloom. I can see why this place is especially popular with families; there are several areas of interests for children, including a playground. There is a tearoom here, and picnics are also encouraged.
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