Chantry Wood (The Chantries)
A 200-acre woodland and meadow reserve near Guildford, famous for its spring bluebells and autumn chestnuts, offering stunning hillside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bluebell season magic
Chantry Wood (The Chantries)
Best Time
Peak bluebell season magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 200-acre woodland and meadow reserve near Guildford, famous for its spring bluebells and autumn chestnuts, offering stunning hillside views.
"A true tonic for the soul, Chantry Wood offers magical bluebell carpets and peaceful walks with stunning views."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Thick-soled shoes are a must for muddy paths, especially during chestnut season.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (On Lead)
Your furry friends will love it, but keep them on a lead to protect wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bluebell Spectacle
Woodland floor
Vast carpets of vibrant blue flowers create a magical, fragrant wonderland. A true tonic for the soul.
Chestnut Picking Fun
Areas with chestnut trees
Enjoy gathering chestnuts, a fun activity for all ages. Try roasting them for a delicious treat!
Panoramic Surrey Hills Views
Hillside clearings
Breathtaking vistas over the Surrey Hills, offering a peaceful escape close to Guildford.
St. Martha's Church Vista
Near St. Martha's Church
Combine your visit with a walk to St. Martha's Church for exceptional views over the Tillingbourne Valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bluebells
Footwear and Doggy Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Thick-soled shoes are a must for muddy paths, especially during chestnut season.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (On Lead)
Your furry friends will love it, but keep them on a lead to protect wildlife.
🌸 Stick to the Paths
Help preserve the delicate bluebells and natural habitat by staying on marked trails.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Utilize the free car park at Halfpenny Lane or St. Martha's Hill.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Thick-soled shoes are a must for muddy paths, especially during chestnut season.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (On Lead)
Your furry friends will love it, but keep them on a lead to protect wildlife.
🌸 Stick to the Paths
Help preserve the delicate bluebells and natural habitat by staying on marked trails.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Utilize the free car park at Halfpenny Lane or St. Martha's Hill.
🚶♀️ Walk from Guildford
Easily accessible by foot from Guildford, no need for a car!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Chantry Wood's stunning natural beauty, particularly its breathtaking bluebell displays in spring and enjoyable chestnut picking in autumn. The peaceful atmosphere, scenic views over the Surrey Hills, and dog-friendly nature are frequently praised. Some note that paths can get muddy, and during peak bluebell season, it can get crowded.
"There are many chestnut trees in the park, making chestnut picking fun. Thick-soled shoes are recommended. Here's the recipe: 1. Boil the chestnuts. 2. Score the chestnuts. 3. Sprinkle them with sugar and roast them in the oven. Spray them with water while roasting to prevent them from burning. And you've got a delicious sugar-roasted chestnut for everyone to enjoy! 😄 Also: The park offers five hours of free parking, and dogs are welcome! 👍"
David Deng
"This is such a wonderful place for a gentle stroll or a picnic, and an absolute must-see destination in the Spring, when the bluebells are in bloom. The carpet of pretty flowers, with their delicious fragrance, set among contrasting lime green beech leaves is a tonic for the soul.
There's a free car park nearby at Halfpenny Lane or you can even walk from Guildford, and you won't need a jetpack to get here.
You should also consider combining your visit with a walk up to St. Martha's Church for some great views over the Tillingbourne Valley. If you've got a dog, bring it - dogs like it here. Your dog will have fun!"
Warren Photographic
"Attractive area of woodland at its best during the Bluebell flowering season from mid April to early May. Walking through the woods and enjoying the occasional views over the Surrey Hills, you'd never guess you were so close to the edge of Guildford.
There's free parking at St Martha's Hill a few minutes walk away. It's a great place for short dog walks not far out of town, or a good starting point for longer walks. Well marked paths head out over Martha's Hill and down into the Tillingbourne valley at Chilworth Gunpowder Mills."
Andrew Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chantry Wood is easily accessible from Guildford. You can drive to the free car parks at Halfpenny Lane or St. Martha's Hill, or enjoy a pleasant walk directly from Guildford. Some TikToks mention walking routes near Guildford.
Yes, there are free parking options available at Halfpenny Lane and St. Martha's Hill, which are a short walk from the main woodland areas.
While direct public transport to the heart of the woods is limited, you can take a bus or train to Guildford and then enjoy a walk or cycle to the area.
The main path is part of the North Downs Way and is suitable for cycling, offering a great way to explore the area.
One Reddit user mentioned a spot in Chantry Wood that seemed to allow campers, though it's not a developed site. It's best to research local regulations before planning an overnight stay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Chantry Wood is a nature reserve and is free to enter. There are no admission fees.
As a natural woodland area, Chantry Wood is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No, tickets are not required for Chantry Wood as it is a public access area.
There are no formal visitor centers or public toilets within Chantry Wood itself. Facilities are more likely to be found in nearby Guildford.
The best time to visit is during the bluebell season (mid-April to early May) for stunning floral displays, or in autumn for chestnut picking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy walking, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. It's particularly famous for its bluebell displays in spring and chestnut picking in autumn.
Yes, Chantry Wood has well-marked paths suitable for gentle strolls and longer hikes. The main path is part of the North Downs Way.
Absolutely! Dogs are very welcome in Chantry Wood, but it's recommended to keep them on a lead to protect the local wildlife and bluebell carpets.
You might spot deer, squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of birdlife. During bluebell season, the insects attracted to the flowers are also a sight.
Yes, Chantry Wood is a perfect spot for a picnic. Find a scenic clearing and enjoy the natural surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The bluebell carpets in spring are incredibly photogenic. Hillside clearings offer great landscape shots of the Surrey Hills. Autumn foliage also provides beautiful scenes.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering light for photography, especially for capturing the bluebells or landscapes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of bluebells or landscapes. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of flowers and insects.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage in Chantry Wood. It's advisable to check local regulations or guidelines for protected natural areas before flying a drone.
Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the carpet effect. Use a shallow depth of field to isolate individual flowers. Be mindful of the light to avoid harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more adventurous outing, combining a visit to Chantry Wood with a walk up to St. Martha's Church offers a rewarding experience with beautiful views. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, as paths can be muddy. The natural beauty and opportunities for discovery make Chantry Wood a memorable family outing.
🐶 Dog Owners
However, it's crucial to keep your dogs on a lead, especially during peak bluebell season (mid-April to early May) and when wildlife is active. This helps protect the delicate flora and fauna. The free parking at Halfpenny Lane or St. Martha's Hill makes it convenient to access the woods for a refreshing dog walk.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
The accessibility from Guildford means you can easily start your walk from town, or utilize the free parking at Halfpenny Lane or St. Martha's Hill. The diverse terrain, from woodland paths to open meadows, ensures an engaging and scenic walking experience. Remember to check the weather and wear appropriate footwear, as some paths can become muddy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Bluebells
While the bluebells are the main draw in spring, the woodland itself is a beautiful place to explore year-round. The diverse tree species create a rich habitat for wildlife, and the occasional clearings offer lovely views across the Surrey Hills. The North Downs Way also passes through, making it a great starting point for longer hikes.
Autumnal Delights: Chestnut Picking
To make the most of your chestnut picking experience, wearing thick-soled shoes is essential, as the ground can be uneven and muddy. Some visitors have shared simple recipes for enjoying roasted chestnuts, often involving boiling, scoring, and then roasting with sugar and a little water to prevent burning.
Exploring Beyond the Woods: St. Martha's Church
Combining a visit to Chantry Wood with a hike to St. Martha's Church provides a well-rounded experience of the local landscape. The walk itself is often described as pleasant, and the reward of the expansive views from the church grounds is well worth the effort. It's a perfect addition for those who enjoy a bit of elevation and breathtaking vistas after a woodland stroll.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit