Discover Buckland: Trails, Water and Culture

Buckland combines distinctive landscapes, special buildings and various opportunities for an active stay. The North Downs ridge lies here within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, while the North Downs Way runs through Buckland. There is also a walk with a set length, a large lake, a historic church and an unusual windmill. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can therefore base your choice on whether you mainly want to discover trails, water-based experiences or culture.

Village Green and North Downs

Buckland Village Green is a landmark in its own right. The registered Village Green includes a pond and is maintained as a recreational area for the benefit of the local population.

The landscape around Buckland is shaped by the North Downs ridge. Sections of the North Downs are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Those who enjoy exploring on foot will find the North Downs Way, a long-distance trail running through Buckland and known beyond the local area. The Buckland Lanes and Fields walk, at 1.5 hours and 3.5 miles, is also a specific option for planning your day. Take these details into account when you want to assess different excursions during your stay.

Lake, woodland and water activities

Buckland Park Lake, a 50-acre lake, is part of the Buckland Estate. It is bordered by distinctive sand cliffs and almost 50 acres of mature woodland. This combination creates a clear landscape feature and complements the trails through the North Downs with a water-focused setting.

At Buckland Park Lake, the Surrey Hills Adventure Company offers open-water swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. SUP technique sessions are available in 1:2:1 formats, in small private groups and as sessions open to everyone. In the surrounding area, the SHAC Lagoon is also one of the few year-round open-water swimming venues. For your travel planning, check the specific offering for the activity you want each time. Accommodation in Buckland may be particularly suitable if you want to divide your days between walks, the lake and water activities.

Historic church and Buckland Windmill

The architectural history also provides reasons of its own for a visit. The church of St Mary the Virgin dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. It was extensively remodelled and rebuilt by Henry Woodyer in 1860 and contains historic stained glass from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Buckland Windmill was probably built between 1860 and 1870. It is the only surviving wind-powered sawmill in the United Kingdom. Opening at other times may be possible by arrangement. This combination of a distinctive technical history and the historic church makes Buckland particularly interesting for travellers who do not want to spend all their days outdoors.

Choosing the right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Buckland, it helps to consider your preferred focus: the North Downs Way and Buckland Lanes and Fields are suited to a trip with plenty of activity, while Buckland Park Lake and the offerings of the Surrey Hills Adventure Company add a water-based element. Those interested in history can include St Mary the Virgin and Buckland Windmill in their plans.

Discover more places

For further orientation, you can also find the local pages for Pirbright, Betchworth, Ashford, Capel, Esher, Camberley, Horley and Chipstead.

For the overarching travel overview: Surrey.