Autumn is hurtling towards us at a rather alarming rate. And across the city, Londoners are desperately trying to soak up every last morsel of sporadic sunshine before having to don their warmest coats and wooliest hats again. But if (like me) you’ve pretty much exhausted every outdoor option in the capital this summer, then you might want to considering heading just outside London for your final fresh air and nature fix of the season. And if that’s the case, then please allow us to point you in the direction of one of the most beautiful of all: Horsell Common.
Tucked away in the scenic Surrey countryside, just an hour from London, is a gorgeous green space. Spanning 916 acres (375 of which are a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, FYI), Horsell Common is made up of an magnificent mixture of heathland, woodland, and meadows – and is even hiding a ‘secret beach’ that inspired one of the most famous sci-fi novels of all time (but more on that later).
There are various different walking routes you can take throughout the common, each of which are sure to offer a peek into the common’s rich and diverse habitat and wildlife. Horsell Common is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including Dartford warblers, rare woodlarks, and even rarer silver-studded blue butterflies. The Bedser Trail is an easy route that meanders through towering pine trees, or you can head to the Peace Garden, if you’re looking for something a bit more – well… peaceful. This beautifully tranquil spot is inspired by traditional Islamic design, and features a stunning reflective water feature. If, however, you’re a sci-fi fanatic; I’d highly recommend you heading straight to the Sandpit.
The Sandpit at Horsell Common
Slap-bang in the middle of the common, you’ll find – quite possibly – its most interesting feature of all: the Sandpit. Often hailed as a ‘hidden beach‘ due to how it looks from some angles, this spot features a sandy bank on the edge of a large pond, surrounded by a luscious forest. It’s dramatic, it’s atmospheric, and it’s unsurprising that it inspired the site of where the Martians landed in H. G. Wells’ iconic sci-fi novel, The War of the Worlds.
It’s said that Wells took inspiration from the Sandpit, as he lived in the neighbouring town of Woking whilst writing the book, and paid frequent visits to Horsell Common. The Sandpit was used as a sand and gravel extraction point for many years, and is now an extremely special piece of nature, well worth a wander around.
Getting to Horsell Common from London
Horsell Common is approximately an hour drive from London, and there’s plenty of free parking available nearby. The closest train station to Horsell Common is Woking, which is a direct (and oh so speedy) train ride from London Waterloo. You can then hop on a quick bus from there, or opt for a 30 minute stroll from the station.
Find out more and plan your visit to Horsell Common here.