top tips when visiting Tilford Woods
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
Enjoy an escape in the English countryside when you head to Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat.
Located in Farnham, Surrey, you will be able to enjoy endless walks, explore the local area, and relax and unwind in the comfort of your own lodge. Whether you are planning a trip as a family, a couple, or a group this blog will be extremely useful for you. Have a read through all the top tips and things you should know before you visit the resort. If you have any other questions before you visit, check out our Tilford Woods FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
You will be able to check into your holiday accommodation from 4pm at Tilford Woods but you might as well enjoy a full day in the area and do something before you check in. Birdworld is just a 15-minute drive away from the resort and makes a perfect family day out. Known for being one of the largest bird parks in the country with over 26 acres of parkland you will be able to explore and learn all about the many animals at the zoo. The two main areas of the zoo are penguin island and penguin beach where you can learn about two penguin species, the Humboldt Penguin, and the African Penguin.
what are the top things in the area?
Tilford Woods is the perfect base for exploring the local area and further around Surrey. But with there being so much to see and do it can be hard deciding which is best to include in your holiday plans. So below we have listed some of the top things to do in the area.
1. The Sculpture Park
5 min drive from resort
The Sculpture Park is set within 10 acres of woodland, lakes and walkways and you will find up to 600 sculptures. There is everything you can think of from abstract sculptures, animal sculptures, bronze, steel, and stone sculptures and more. You can enjoy wandering around the park and try and spot all the modern and contemporary sculptures that are dotted around the parkland. It’s a great day out for all and there are so many unique things to uncover.
2. Rural Life Living Museum
6 min drive from resort
The Rural Life Living Museum is an open-air museum of country life that is just down the road from the resort and makes a great day out. There are various historic buildings that you can explore as well as one of the largest collections of agricultural implements and objects. It is set across 10 acres of open space and woodland, and you will find a picnic area for enjoying lunch and a café serving hot and cold food. There are also various events on throughout the year too.
3. Waverley Abbey
7 min drive from resort
Known for being the first Cistercian Abbey in England and was founded by William Giffard who was the Bishop of Winchester in 1128. Waverley Abbey is located just down the road from the resort and is a great historic place to explore. As well as the impressive remains there is an impressive ancient tree that is on the grounds which age is unknown, it is thought to have been around near 1536. It’s a great area to explore from the ruins to the grounds and the local area.
4. Farnham Park
15 min drive from resort
Spread across 131 hectares, Farnham Park is a nature reserve in Farnham just a short walking distance from the town centre. There is plenty to do in the park from an adventure playground and a toddlers play area for children to a 9-hole golf course and cricket club. The paths are large and used by walkers and cyclists that take you around the whole park. During the nice weather it’s a great place to explore with its ponds, streams, valleys, hills and more.
5. Go Ape Alice Holt
20 min drive from resort
Perfect for adrenaline junkies, take to new heights and make your way across high platforms and crossings as you complete the Go Ape course. Located in the amazing Alice Holt Forest you will be able to enjoy unbeatable views across the forest as you make your way through the course. There are different courses to suit various age groups so you will find something to suit all the family if you all want to get involved.
closest shops for essentials?
Every lodge at Tilford Woods is self-catering so you can cook all your meals in the comfort of your accommodation. So, it will be handy to know about the closest shops to the resort for any ingredients or essentials you need during your stay.
- Tesco Express – 10 min drive from resort
- Simply Fresh – 10 min drive from resort
- Sainsbury’s – 13 min drive from resort
- M&S Simply Food – 14 min drive from resort
- Lidl – 15 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
Even though the accommodation at the resort is self-catering so you can cook your own meals it is nice to go out and enjoy a meal cooked for you right? So, below you will find some places to eat nearby to the resort.
1. The Duke of Cambridge
2 min drive from resort
The Duke of Cambridge is just down the road from Tilford Woods and is a family-friendly village pub. Using local food and drink you can enjoy a delicious meal with the best seasonal produce. They have all the classics from burgers, steak, Sunday roast, tasty desserts and more. They also have a patio and beer garden which is perfect for the summer months as well as cosy fires inside for the winter months.
2. The Barley Mow Tilford
3 min drive from resort
Enjoy this English country pub a short drive away from the resort. The Barley Mow Tilford is set in the Surrey Hills and is a popular pub for ramblers, tourists, cyclists and families. It’s dog friendly too and you can enjoy a range of delicious meal options from baguettes to burgers, fishcakes to salads. And from Wednesday to Sunday you can enjoy Momi’s Pizzas with over 10 different types to choose from and extra toppings.
3. The Spotted Cow
7 min drive from resort
The Spotted Cow is a hidden countryside pub in a 4 acre wooded garden. Here you can enjoy all the best pub food, real ales and a relaxing and secluded atmosphere. With cosy indoor seating, a bright and airy conservatory and a large outdoor space you can enjoy the perfect seating for you all year round. The food they have on offer is available to eat in or take out so you can enjoy some delicious pub food in the comfort of your holiday accommodation if you like.
4. The Donkey
7 min drive from resort
The Donkey was converted from two cottages into a public house in 1850 and has since become a popular country pub in Surrey. The name comes from the fact that people used donkeys to travel, and many were kept outside the inn to help the horses. They still have donkeys on the grounds of the pub that you can go and see whilst you’re there. Enjoy a variety of delicious meal options either inside the pub or outside on the patio.
5. The Three Horseshoes
11 min drive from resort
Enjoy a country pub with a cosy dining room, garden and play area for children when you visit The Three Horseshoes. Located in the heart of the Surrey Hills, you can enjoy a delicious pub meal here and you will find something to suit everyone’s tastes. As well as eating in there is also the option to take away so you can take the food back to the resort to enjoy.