News

Hidden Surrey - Elstead and the surrounding areas

Explore historic sites and rare natural habitats this summer

This month, we are celebrating the village of Elstead and the surrounding area. Nestled in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB), Elstead is known for its historical sites and rare natural habitats.

The earliest mention of Elstead is in the foundation charter of Waverley Abbey in 1128, when the Bishop of Winchester, William Giffard, bestowed the land on Cistercian monks from Normandy. Today, Elstead and the surrounding area are fantastic places to enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Let's explore some of the best things to see and do.

Waverley Abbey

In a peaceful loop of the River Wey lies the remains of Waverley Abbey. Film buffs may recognise this impressive structure from 'Elizabeth' (1998) or Disney's 'Into the Woods' (2014).

Waverley Abbey was the first monastery founding in Britain by reforming Cistercian monks from France. The ruins are free to visit; you can even download a short audio tour ahead of your visit to bring the abbey to life!

During your visit, make sure you look at the impressive ancient Yew growing in the grounds. You can also visit the Remembering Garden. Designed for anyone who has experienced a loss, the garden guides you through four interactive 'tasks' grounded in nature to help you process pain and grief.

Waverley Lane, Farnham GU9 8EP

St James Church, Elstead

St James Church is believed to have been founded by the monks of Waverley Abbey in 1138. Parts of the present-day church have stood the test of time and date back to the 12th century.

If you pop in for a visit, look under the pulpit where you will see a small section of the original rubble-stone walls. Also, don't miss the east window with 16th century-stained glass.

Westbrook Hill, Elstead, Godalming GY8 6LQ

The Elstead Loop

Photo credit: UK Cycling Events

Experience the beautiful landscape of common land and rural villages on two wheels. The Elstead Loop is made up of five interlinking cycle routes, so you can choose whether you embark on a long-distance adventure or one of the smaller circuits. The Elstead Loop takes you across Hankley and Elstead Commons, which are great examples of rare heathland. Find out more via the Elstead Village website.

Thundry Meadows Quaking Mire

Near the site entrance to Thundry Meadows, you will find one of the few examples of a quaking mire in Surrey. A quaking mire is a mat of vegetation floating in liquid peat, including bog-bean, ragged-robin, marsh cinquefoil, white sedge and star sedge.

Thundry Meadows is also home to 50 bat boxes installed and monitored by the Surrey Bat Group. A World War II pillbox has even been turned into a bat hibernaculum. Visit the Surrey Wildlife Trust website for more information on Thundry Meadow's alder carr, grasslands, acidic springs and diverse flora and fauna.

Farnham Road, Elstead, GU8 6LE

Roman hoard of coins

Did you know that a hoard of 28 silver Roman coins were discovered across a small area of equestrian pasture in the Elstead area? This find is especially significant as the hoard dates to the time of the Claudian invasion. Hoards from this period are rare and make up less than 1.5% of all hoards recorded nationally. After being declared 'Treasure', the coins were acquired by Godalming Museum. More information on the hoard is available on our Surrey Heritage webpages.

Atlantic Wall

In 1943, Canadian troops constructed a replica section of the Atlantic Wall on Hankley Common to practice techniques for the D-Day landings. Today, if you visit the 100 metre long reinforced concrete wall, you can still see signs of live weapons training. Why not take a stroll on the common to see this important piece of World War II history, hidden in the Surrey countryside?

Hankley Common, Farnham, GU10 2EA

Thursley National Nature Reserve

Thursley National Nature Reserve is one of the largest remaining fragments of heathland in Surrey. Heathlands are an incredibly rare wildlife habitat dominated by low-growing shrubs. Rarer even than the rainforest!

Once you have explored the heath at Thursley, you can use boardwalks to navigate wetter parts of the reserve. Try to spot one of the 20 species of dragonfly who live around the open ponds, or one of the wide array of birds who make the reserve their home.

Heath Week runs from 29 July to 4 August, so now is the perfect time to explore the amazing wildlife that our heathlands have to offer. For free Heath Week events for all ages, please see the Heath Week webpages.

Thursley Road, Elstead, Godalming, GU8 6LN

Arts and Culture Map

Have you checked out the Arts and Culture map? You can find lots more arts and culture activities and organisations in your local area. Maybe there are a few you didn't know about?

Do you live in Elstead or the surrounding area?

Philippa is the Community Link Officer (CLO) for Waverley. She is out and about in the local area meeting people, listening to local issues, and making connections to make changes happen. She is part of our Team Around the Community approach.

Follow Philippa on Facebook to find out what's going on in Waverley. Take a look at the Make It Happen Local Area webpages for Waverley to find local community groups and ways in which you can get involved.

We want to hear from you

A huge thank you to those of you who fed back on our first edition of Hidden Surrey. We love hearing your passion for and knowledge about your own localities. Please let us know what you would like to see featured in Hidden Surrey by emailing surreymatters@surreycc.gov.uk.

More from community matters

Did you find this information helpful?

Rating Did you find the information helpful?

We aren't able to reply to individual comments, so please don't include any personal details.

Subscribe to our newsletters for latest news and events.