Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey

"A beautiful historic parkland designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown with Edwardian gardens in Reigate, Surrey."

Considered one of Surrey's hidden treasures, the Gatton Estate is also home to the Royal Alexandra and Albert School. For that reason, it is only open to the public on certain days, namely the first Sunday of each month from February to December. The 5th October is the only available date within the specified range for the Talk-Walk-Talk project.

The extensive estate and gardens have been undergoing restoration for many years, all carried out by volunteers in the form of the Gatton Trust.

The Walk: There are four bodies of water on the estate: the Hop Garden Pond, the Engine Pond, the Serpentine (like a small river) and the main lake.

Entry is at the top of the estate through Gatton Hall, once the town hall of an infamous Rotten Borough. There is a tea room in the building where we can sit and enjoy our pre-walk chat.

The walk begins with descent of a steep hill to the Hop Garden Pond. From there, on to the Engine Pond. A little further downhill, we come to the Japanese Garden at the top of the Serpentine. This is a very pretty garden with rockery, traditional Japanese bridge, stepping stones, ornamental structures and plantings. Plenty of opportunities for group photos!

From here, we continue downhill to the main lake, tracing the Serpentine on grass or returning to the surfaced path. Following the path around the south side of the lake, it's time to look out for water and woodland birds. There is a bird hide looking out across the lake, so bring a long lens if you have one. There's also a short stretch of fence on the woodland side with holes for birdwatching. There's a private fishing club but some of the platforms are open for stepping onto if not in use.

If we continue around to the far end of the lake, we face a long, gentle climb back up towards Gatton Hall, taking in the Rock Garden near the top where the watery parts have been undergoing restoration. At the very top there's a walled garden and the Old World Rose Garden, also undergoing restoration. On the way up, we may see horses and cattle grazing.

☕️🍰 Once back at Gatton Hall, we can return to the tea room for well earned refreshments.

Also on this date:. This open day is also the estate's Apple Open Day, so there will be related events happening, such as juicing demonstrations. Earlier on the same day there is a Green Woodworking Course, from 10:00 to 14:00. If this is of interest to anyone, you would have to book separately and join our walk afterwards. The fee for the course includes entry.  https://gattonpark.co.uk/events/green-woodworking-course/

Accessibility: The steepness of the landscape combined with at least 50% of paths being unsurfaced makes this unlikely to be suitable on foot for anyone with restricted mobility. However, it is possible to request a tour in a golf buggy on arrival and these are not restricted to people with disabilities. The buggies can go around the lake but you would probably miss out on the ponds, Japanese Garden and Rock Garden.

Entry Fees: Please note: the Estate imposes a capacity limit so it is advisable to book online in advance. It is also cheaper at £6 than entry on the door, which costs £8. On receipt of bookings for the walk, I shall send a link to the Gatton booking page.

Location: Gatton Park, Redhill, Reigate RH2 0TW

Open Hours: 12:00 - 17:00

Website: www.gattonpark.co.uk

Please don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions.

Re Follow-up Talk: As it's not possible to leave the date blank, I have entered 2nd November, which is the next Gatton Park open day, meaning we could have our follow-up talk there in person if we wish. However, if this doesn't suit everyone we can decide on a different date and potentially meet over Zoom if preferred.