Hidden Surrey - Hascombe

Enjoy unique sights in the great outdoors

Tucked away in the district of Waverley, you will find the village of Hascombe. Complete with a 16th century pub, stone church, village hall and pond, Hascombe is in many ways the quintessential Surrey village. However, there is more to this area than meets the eye.

Natural fresh water spring

In the village centre, you will find a natural fresh-water spring that attracts many visitors. The fountain was built in 1877 by Edward Lee Rowcliffe in memory of his brother Henry. A notice beside it states that the water is piped from a spring in the side of the hill bordering nearby Hoe Lane.

Hascombe, Godalming GU8 4JR

Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arobouretum is home to around 6,000 trees of over 1,000 different species and is perfect for a visit at any time of year. As the seasons change and we enter spring, you can expect to see displays of magnolia, bluebells and azelias.

You may enjoy listening to the Winkworth Audio Guide: All About Trees to get the most out of your visit. Dogs on leads are also welcome, making Winkworth the ideal place for a stroll with your four-legged friend. Looking for entertainment for little ones? The Tree Adventure play area is made using oak trees from the Arboretum and complete with a climbing wall, firefighter's pole, rope tunnel and ladders.

Hascombe Road, Godalming GU8 4AD

Hydon's Ball and Heath

Hydon's Ball is one of the highest points in Surrey, with beautiful views across the steep, wooded slopes towards the Sussex border. You can enjoy walks across the heath and woodland, taking in the oaks, chestnuts and some surprising non-native shrubs. Why not try the Octavia Hill trail? Dedicated to one of the co-founders of the National Trust, this 1.5mile circular walk has dry, sandy soil which provides perfect walking conditions for families in all seasons.

Hydon's Ball is also excellent for bird watching. Keep an eye out for buzzards, kestrels, jays, woodpeckers, and owls. For more green spaces in and around Hascombe, visit the Waverley Borough Council website.

Salt Lane, Godalming GU8 4BB

The Greensand Way

Running right through the village of Hascombe is the Greensand Way. Starting in Haslemere and finishing in Hamstreet, near the Kentish coast, this follows the ridge of greensand rock for 208 miles across Surrey and Kent. The sandstone rock is green coloured due to the presence of mineral glauconite.

If you want to sample this magnificent trail, try section 3, which will take you from Witley Rail Station through Hascombe village to Gatestreet Far, Grafham. The trail is hilly, but offers some spectacular views.

Hascombe Hill and the Dragonstones

Image credit: Simon Ritchie @ Routopia

Did you know that Surrey has its very own mini-version of Stonehenge?

Hascombe Hill was oroginally the site of an Iron Age hillfort, excavated in 1931. However, if you visit today, you will find a small-scale megalithic stone circle. Known as the Dragonstones, these stones are used for spiritualties congregation of neo-pagans. The stones have also been used by many local bands for photoshoots.

Godalming GU8 4BL

St Peter's Church, Hascombe

Built in the style of the 13th century, St Peter's Church was described by Poet Laureate Sire John Betjemen as 'a Tractarian work of art'. Now a grade II listed building, it is covered in especially ornate, gilded wall paintings.

Inside you will also see subtle nods to the patron St Peter as the 'Fisher of Men'. The chancel roof has been designed as an upturned fishing boat and the stained-glass windows continues the fishing theme.

Church Road, Hascombe, Godalming GU8 4JD

Local libraries

Did you know that Godalming Library, near Hascombe, has super access? Super access allows you to enter the library using your library membership card outside normal opening hours and use library services independently when staff are not present. Any full Surrey Libraries member can upgrade to Super Access membership. Visit our Godalming Library webpage to find out more.

Hascombe also has a little library, housed cosily next to Hascombe Fountain. The library is full of books for all the family to borrow.

Bridge Street, Godalming GU7 1HT

Do you live in or near Hascombe?

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 Waverley webpages to find local community groups and ways in which you can get involved.