Discover Ockley: History, Nature and Special Experiences

Ockley combines remarkable historical traces with peaceful landscape experiences and special excursions in the Surrey Hills. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for culture, walks, observing nature and seasonal community events. When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worth considering not only the accommodation itself, but also the experiences you have planned and how you will travel to each one.

Historical traces around Ockley

One impressive historical landmark is the Church of St Margaret. Its core dates from the 12th century, the nave from the 14th century and the porch from the 15th century. The bells are also noteworthy: They are considered to be the oldest surviving ring of bells hung by Richard Phelps of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The church therefore provides a tangible connection to several centuries of architectural and craftsmanship history.

The routes through the area also tell stories of the past. The raised, straight course of the A29 across the wetland of Ockley Green is recognised as a section of the built-up road surface, known as an agger, of the partially preserved Roman road Stane Street. The Stone Street Causeway also crosses Ockley Green. There are also historical traditions reaching further back: A battle in 851 between invading Danes and the West Saxons is thought to have probably taken place in Ockley on the lower slopes of Leith Hill. There is some evidence that a small Norman castle was built in Ockley during the reign of King Stephen, from 1135 to 1154.

Walks, water and wildlife

For a stay involving exercise in the fresh air, Vann Lake & Candy's Copse is an interesting choice. The area can be reached on foot at the end of Vann Lake Road, which branches off Weare Street in Ockley. There is no parking available on Vann Lake Road. This information should therefore be incorporated directly into your day planning, especially if you are travelling with several people or want to combine different interests.

During a walk along the shore of Vann Lake & Candy's Copse, you pass wet and dry woodland as well as open bodies of water. These different landscape elements shape the appearance of the shore. The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden offers another perspective on nature: In addition to its art, it is home to birds, insects and other wildlife from Surrey.

Take excursions into account when planning your accommodation

The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden is not directly accessible by public transport. If this visit is part of your trip, you should consider your planned journey as a practical factor when looking for accommodation. For families with different age groups, it may make sense not to treat cultural sightseeing, a walk by the water and an excursion with a clear focus on experiences in the same way, but to organise each day around the interests involved.

In the Surrey Hills, Surrey Hills Falconry offers specialised opportunities to handle birds of prey as well as experience days. This adds a more active experience to Ockley's historical and scenic attractions. Which of these options suits your trip depends on whether you are mainly looking for historical context, landscapes, animals or a special shared activity.

Events with local character

Several recurring occasions form part of Ockley's local annual calendar. The Bonfire-and-Fireworks event usually takes place every year on the first or second Saturday in November. At Carols on the Green, communal carol singing usually takes place before the lighting of Ockley's Christmas tree. Ockley's Coarse Cricket Sevens competition also takes place annually. Such dates can significantly change the character of a trip: A peaceful stay and a visit during a community event may call for different plans and accommodation choices.

More places to consider for your trip

For comparison with other places, you can also view Thames Ditton, Bagshot, Peaslake, Virginia Water, Worplesdon, Cobham, Ottershaw and Ash.

For the overarching travel overview: Surrey.