In between unpacking boxes, we have found some time to get out and about a bit. I have driven past a few spots when on the road and now felt like I would like to know what they are.
The first spot is Newlands Corner, which is a five minute drive from our house. It is a good starting point for excursions into the Surrey Downs with a few forest areas and nice walks. The view from the parking lot over the Downs is absolutely stunning!
It has a Visitors Centre where you can find maps over the Downs and a bit of information about the history of the place as well as a small exhibition of flint arrowheads and other relics. Next door to the Visitors Centre is a snack kiosk that serves burgers and chips and other refreshments. Extremely convenient and an excellent place to have as a goal (and handy for a bribe when the walk felt long in their short legs) for the hour-long walk with the two smallest children. I took them on when Mel was shopping in Guildford with the oldest son.
Somewhere in this image there is a squirrel. I think.
Another spot quite close to Newlands Corner is the Silent Pool. The name is certainly enough to get the imagination started. And the legend about the Pool is no less intriguing. It is said that a maiden - the woodcutters daughter - was bathing in the pool when a nobleman, some say it was Prince John, came riding by. When she didn't oblige his effort of luring her to the bank, he drove her out where she couldn't reach the bottom any more with his horse and she drowned. She is now said to be haunting the small lake.
The at the moment not so Silent pool is just behind O.
Sadly, the place itself isn't very attractive - the first impression is a terrible smell, and after a short walk you get to the first of the two small lakes called Sherbourne Pond. It is an overgrown pond. A little while later you get to the Silent Pool, which is a little bigger, and extremely calm. It is quite understandable that people visiting at night should get the creeps.
Close by is an organic vineyard - the Albury Vineyard. I have promised myself that I shall try their wines as soon as they go on the market. More locally grown wine is impossible to get, and the wording on their web site and on the signs near the Silent Pool is promising.
These vines should be producing nice sparkly wine in a few years...
As the last sightseeing spot before heading home, we went past Shere, which is a really cosy and in my mind exact image of rural England. I must spend some more time there - especially as both pubs visible from the street going through the village looks very nice.
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