What to do locally
On the common
Birchmere Common and the neighbouring Silvermere and Ockham Commons contain miles of paths and trails to test all levels of navigation skills for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The commons have large areas of heathland, bracken and undergrowth and extensive wooded areas making them ideal for widegames. Plus there is a host of edible plants and fungi (for those with the knowledge) including truffles!
Wildlife Walks
Birchmere Common is the largest surviving example of Surrey Heath in the county. It is home to a host of wildlife including deer, badgers and foxes, rabbits and birds. Rare species include nightjars and a local variant of the grass snake which can be found in brilliant shades of green and blue!
The Common is operated by Surrey Wildlife trust whose rangers are happy to organise guided ed tours of the heath and to arrange working parties to help with the management of the heathland.
Within walking distance
The world-famous Wisley Gardens (HQ for the Royal Horticultural Society) are a short walk across the common - ideal for adults who want to escape for a few hours.
Semaphore Tower on Ockham Common - part of a chain of semaphore towers built to link London and Portsmouth during the Napoleonic War
20-minutes drive
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The Pool in the Park - Woking - indoor swimming in the Lagoon (rapids, waves and tubes) with a separate 25m pool and a 10m toddlers pool
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The Big Apple - Woking - 10-pin bowling, laser quest and arcade games
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The Showcase - Woking - Multi-screen cinema
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Papercourt Sailing Club - Ripley - Dinghy sailing in instructed groups by request only
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Newlands Corner - A25 between Guildford and Dorking - superb walking in the Surrey Hills
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Mercedes World - Chertsey - The Mercedes Benz showcase
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Weybridge Bus Museum - Weybridge - large collection of vintage and modern buses with guided tours
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Chessington World of Adventures - family theme park
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Thorpe Park - near Staines - exciting fairground rides
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30-minutes drive
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National Rifle Association - Bisley - air pistols and rifles plus small-calibre rifle and clay-pigeon shooting. You will need to pre-book instructors.
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Craggy Island - Guildford - indoor climbing centre with top-roped walls and a bouldering area. Instructors available from the centre for groups.
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The Spectrum - Guildford - 10-pin bowling, ice-skating and swimming
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Surrey Scouts Water Centre - Godalming - Instructed canoe and kayak sessions
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40-minutes drive
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The Devils Punchbowl - miles of walking in an area of outstanding natural beauty
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Legoland Windsor - miniature world and fun park
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Further afield
It's a short-jump from Birchmere on to the A3 leading to Portsmouth and the Royal Dockyard, the Submarine Museum and ferries to the Isle of Wight. Of course, head North on the A3 and you will find the bright lights of London.