by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:15th July 2025
Then let’s explore Hatchlands Park
Yes, we’ve dusted off our National Trust membership cards and we’re heading to Surrey in the south of England. Our first stop is to the elegant Georgian House of Polesden Lacey near Dorking. Then we head off to Hatchlands Park just by Guildford.
Polesden Lacey is located on the North Downs in the village of Great Bookham in the Surrey Hills. The grand estate of Polesden Lacey spans approximately 1,600 acres, encompassing ancient woodland and home to a diverse array of wildlife and rare birds.
When visiting Polesden Lacey, you’ll enjoy exploring the home of the elegant socialite Margaret Greville, and you’ll also be let loose to wend your way around the enchanting walled gardens and partake in a game of croquet.
We’ve actually visited Polesden Lacey on three occasions, each a different time of the year, so that you may notice a change in the sky and the planting.
Why not Pin it for later?
So, let’s grab our National Trust cards and explore Polesden Lacey.
Where is Polesden Lacey?
How to get to Polesden Lacey
- By Train
The nearest larger stations to Polesden Lacey are Dorking, 4 miles away, and Leatherhead, 4 miles away. Both stations have taxi ranks.
- By Car
Polesden Lacey in Surrey is accessible from Jct 9 of the M25. Follow the A243, before picking up the A24 and then continue on the A246. Don't miss the brown sign as you enter Great Bookham, indicating the left turn up to Polesden Lacey.
There’s a free car park for National Trust members; parking charges may apply to non-members. There are also 10 EV Charging outlets.
Polesden Lacey postcode is KT23 4PZ or you can find it by using What3words ///chairs.shall.parade
A little bit of history on Polesden Lacey
From a Playwright to a SocialitePolesden Lacey has been owned by many distinguished gentlemen over the past few centuries, including politicians, playwrights, and landowners. It is believed that the first house was built here in 1336.
View across the Surrey countryside
In 1818, Joseph Bonsor purchased the estate and commissioned Thomas Cubitt, a renowned British master builder, to construct a new house during the early 1820s. This elegant home served as the principal foundation for what can be seen today.
The work which was undertaken on Polesden Lacey by Thomas Cubitt was significantly extended in the early 1900s by Ambrose Poynter, under the ownership of Sir Clinton Edward Dawkins.
Kitchen Garden being prepared
The next proprietor, in 1906, was Margaret Greville DBE, who was to be the last private owner of Polesden Lacey. Margaret’s father, William McEwan, from the Scottish brewing family, bought the estate for his daughter. Although McEwan was referred to as Margaret’s stepfather, it is believed that he was her biological father.
Margaret’s parents, William McEwan and Helen Anderson eventually married when Margaret was 21.
Polesden Lacey House
In 1891, Margaret married Captain Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Greville, who was wealthy, an heir to a baronetcy, and a member of the Marlborough House set, the social circle around the future King Edward VII. Both parties brought wealth to the marriage and lived in Mayfair during the week, enjoying Polesden Lacey on weekends.
Ronnie passed away in 1908, only two years after purchasing the property. It wasn’t until the following year that Margaret hosted her first of many lavish socialite parties at Polesden Lacey. The guest of honour on this occasion was to be King Edward VII.
Stay informed
You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.
Arriving at Polesden Lacey
A relaxing welcomeUpon arrival at Polesden Lacey, you effortlessly stroll into the Dairy Courtyard, where a welcoming coffee shop awaits. This is a charming area to rest and admire the delightful flowering borders and the impressive water tower.
Polesden Lacey Dairy Courtyard
On passing through the Dairy Courtyard, you arrive in the Stable Courtyard, here there is the traditional National Trust café and also the tempting gift shop where you can pick up a beautiful plant that you spotted dotted around Polesden Lacey Estate.
Polesden Lacey Stable Courtyard
From the Stable Courtyard, you pass beneath the historic water tower, where you can have a chat with the National Trust volunteers and discuss the plants and flowers to be found around the estate and other fun things that are happening around Polesden Lacey that day.
Water tower
Lime Walk
You then have the option of which route to take towards the elegant house, either via Lime Walk or the lovely walk beside the Walnut Lawn. In fact, why not enjoy both, so perhaps along Walnut Lawn on the way, so that you can see the entrance of Polesden Lacey unfold before you.
Where to stay in nearby Dorking
White Horse
This charming 18th-century coaching inn is located in the heart of the historic market town of Dorking. It has plenty of character and quirky features, it was an extremely relaxing place to stay, and the staff were very friendly.
Onsite parking is available and complimentary, although limited.
Exploring Polesden Lacey House
The Grevilles’ lavish home
As you step into Polesden Lacey House, you are greeted with a grand Central Hall. The dark wood panelling surrounds the majestic hall with large, delicate tapestries hanging from the walls and the encircling balcony above.
Central Hall in Polesden Lacey
The dining room was a stunning space, filled with exquisite artworks that had been collected by William McEwan and his daughter, Margaret Greville. In the dining room are works of art by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Jonathan Richardson the Elder and Sir Henry Raeburn.
Dining Room at Polesden Lacey
Also within the Dining Room is a stunning portrait of Margaret Greville painted by Charles-August-Emile Durand, known as Carolus-Durand, in 1891 in France, the year that Margaret got married. This incredible portrait has recently been restored.
Portrait of Margaret Greville
Renovated clock face)
You may have noticed before stepping into Polesden Lacey House, the renovated and repainted clock face that sits high above the house. If you would like to see the in-depth work that went into restoring the clock face and Mrs. Greville’s portrait, then watch the BBC Program 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust', series 2: episode 2.
Why not check out...
We’ve visited many National Trust sites and explored their beautiful gardens, which are so meticulously kept. A few places that particularly stand out for me are Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Scotney Castle, Chartwell in Kent and Nymans and Bateman’s in Sussex.
Discovering more of Polesden Lacey House
Opulence and grandeurAs we further explore the house, we pass through some magnificent rooms, including the extensive Library full of intriguing books, the peaceful study and the intimate Tea Room, which is laid out ready for a socialite friend to be entertained.
The Library within Polesden Lacey
As you wend your way from one charming room to another, you pass along the three picture corridors. Margaret Greville and her father, William McEwan, shared a similar passion for collecting exquisite pieces of art, ornaments, antiques, objets d’art, and ceramics.
The art collection on display throughout Polesden Lacey House, especially along the Picture Corridors, is fantastic. You almost feel like they could fill their own art gallery.
The Tea Room
The most opulent room in the house, in terms of décor, is the Saloon. This magnificent room just shouts ‘bling’; the order of the day is gold, gold, and more gold, along with a few crystal chandeliers too. Perfect for lavishly entertaining important and honourable guests in her ever-growing society scene.
The Saloon
Margaret Greville employed the architects of The Ritz Hotel in London to transform the interior of Polesden Lacey, and she is believed to have said that ‘I want a room that I can entertain Maharajas in.’
Margaret Greville was a highly influential figure who continued to host lavish parties for over 30 years, entertaining the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, among others.
The reflection of the Saloon
Margaret was also acquainted with the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The Royal couple spent the first part of their honeymoon in 1923 relaxing at Polesden Lacey Estate, while Mrs Greville stayed at her London home.
The grave of Margaret Greville
Margaret Greville passed away at the Dorchester Hotel on 15th September 1942, leaving Polesden Lacey to the National Trust in memory of her father. Margaret is buried in the grounds of Polesden Lacey in the Ladies Garden.
It’s now time to head outside.
If, like us, you enjoy visiting the National Trust gardens around the United Kingdom, then grab yourself a copy of the latest ‘Gardens of the National Trust’.
It’s a beautifully illustrated book, and it won’t be long before you’re planning your next trip.
Exploring Polesden Lacey’s beautiful Gardens
Within the Edwardian walled gardenAfter touring the house and also visiting the National Trust second-hand book shop, we stepped outside to see the west façade of the house. The choice is yours whether you tour the home or the gardens first; it may depend on how busy it is.
West façade of Polesden Lacey
From the house, amble along the West Lawn towards the Rose Garden. However, just before you reach the Rose Garden, make a little detour to the Pet Cemetery. Although Margaret Greville never had children, she had a bountiful number of dogs to keep her company.
All 17 of Margaret’s dogs are buried in the pet cemetery at Polesden Lacey in a peaceful and secluded part of the gardens.
Pet Cemetery, Polesden Lacey
We then stroll by the Ladies’ Garden, which, as I mentioned, is the last resting place of Margaret Greville, and on to the Rose Garden. At Polesden Lacey, a large area of their garden is set within an Edwardian walled garden, which is stunning. I adore a walled garden; it brings so much character to a garden.
Gates to the Rose Garden
Wandering through the gates of the Edwardian walled garden in early June was a joy; every footpath you take, the rose blooms are in abundance.
The main central beds are laid out formally with hybrid teas, bush roses and floribundas; they looked beautiful and had hypnotising bouquets.
Within the Rose Garden
Strolling further around, there are rambling roses clambering over the ancient walls and climbing roses clinging and weaving their way over pergolas and through structural obelisks. It really was a pleasure to wend our way amongst the interlacing footpaths.
Tranquil seating in Polesden Lacey
Pergola in the Rose Garden
We stroll beyond the Rose Garden to explore the magnificent grounds of Polesden Lacey further.
Discovering more of Polesden Lacey’s Gardens
Lavender, croquet and daisiesThe next gardens we visited were the Iris and Lavender Gardens. Like every garden, it transforms through the seasons, which is why we have visited Polesden Lacey on three occasions to witness how the garden transitions from month to month.
Lavender Garden
We unfortunately missed the splendor of the Irises in full bloom; however, the lavender garden was looking and smelling spectacular. The National Trust volunteers do a fantastic job throughout the year, and last summer, the gardening team replanted the Lavender Garden, which now looks beautiful.
It wasn't just me who loved it; the bees did too.
Peering through the Edwardian walls
We continue to stroll along the eye-catching double herbaceous border, which runs along the edge of the walled garden and through the spring and winter gardens. It was a slow amble over the old wooden thatched bridge, down through the Old Kitchen Garden and into the Sunken Garden and Rock Garden.
Thatched Bridge
During Polesden Lacey’s Edwardian heyday, it had a golf course and tennis courts; these have now been replaced with four perfectly kept croquet lawns.
Croquet Lawn
The croquet lawns are primarily used by local clubs, but they are also available for public hire on weekends from the end of March to September.
Blossoms Lawn awash with daisies
As we strolled back towards the Stable Courtyard, we made a little detour into Blossoms Lawn, and I am so pleased we did. I adore daisies, and this lawn was awash with them on both sides of the sweeping path, which led you amongst them.
It was a lovely way to end our visit to Polesden Lacey.
Map, guides and more
The Surrey countryside in southern England is perfect for beautiful walks. This comprehensive guide has something for all levels and offers the chance to explore 28 delightful circular walks in this region, you’ll want the Ordnance Survey Surrey Pathfinder guidebook.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
Our visit to Hatchlands Park
A touch of musical historyHatchlands Park is a charming country house set within 430 acres of the Surrey countryside. The red-brick manor house was built in 1756 by the Boscawen family and has been a family home ever since.
Frances Boscawen, known as Fanny, created a home within Hatchlands as well as playing an instrumental role in the Blue Stocking Society. The Boscawen’s were a Naval family and only spent a period of around 20 years at Hatchlands, before Admiral Edward Boscawen died of typhoid fever in 1761, just two years after Hatchlands was completed.
Hatchlands Park House
Hatchlands Park was then purchased by the Sumner family, and they continued to live at the manor house for four generations. Unfortunately, the last Sumner owner created mounting debts and had to sell the family home in 1888 to the Rendel family.
Lord Rendel and his future family continued to live at Hatchlands Park until the late 1950s. The Rendel family made significant changes within Hatchlands and added a stunning Music Room.
Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel ‘Hal’, inherited Hatchlands Park from his grandfather in 1913, having added the name Rendel to his own as a condition of the inheritance. Hal gave Hatchlands to the National Trust in 1945 but continued to live here until 1959.
Hatchlands Park eastern approach
The interior at Hatchlands Park is believed to be the earliest documented work in an English country house by Robert Adam, the celebrated Scottish neoclassical architect and interior designer. The house is decorated in a nautical style that runs throughout, reflecting the naval background of its first owner.
The country house at Hatchlands Park is home to the Cobbe Collection of historic keyboard instruments, of which there are forty-two. Many were made for highly regarded composers.
Eighteen of these valuable keyboard instruments were owned or played by some of history’s greatest composers, including J.C. Bach, Mozart, Elgar, and Chopin.
Our video of Polesden Lacey
We have created a little YouTube video of Polesden Lacey. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
Exploring Hatchlands parkland
Don’t forget the donkeysAnother reason why Hatchlands Park is popular with visitors is the parkland, which spans 422 acres and is open 363 days of the year for you to explore.
Hatchlands parkland and temple
There are many trails and walks for you to embark upon, passing through woodlands, meadows and ponds, also there is a Temple and an Ice House for you to discover.
The longest walk is 4km, and you’ll find viewpoints, picnic areas, and also a children’s adventure play area named Wizard Wix's Willow Warren.
Callum and Morris
If that isn’t enough to entice you to Hatchlands Park, then I’m sure the two fostered donkeys, Callum and Morris, will tempt you to visit. The two happy donkeys spend their days munching and grazing on the grassland, and then at night, safely tucked away in their stables.
Kitchen Café courtyard
After a day exploring Hatchlands Park, ensure you pop into the Kitchen Café for something delicious to eat and drink, and don’t forget to browse through the National Trust second-hand bookshop in the Engine Room.
Escape for a few days
Are you in search of a tranquil hideaway to relax and unwind in, while you discover the beautiful British countryside?
Browse through the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
