What's on in the countryside

Discover our growing variety of seasonal events happening across Surrey's countryside.

2025


August

Summer activities at the Basingstoke Canal, 22 July to 3 September

Head down to the Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre during the school summer holidays for a whole host of activities including:

Boat hire

Pedalos, canoes, sit on top kayaks and rowing boats are available for hire during the summer school holidays.

  • Cost: Visit our web page for details on boat hire costs.

Boats are available to hire between 10.15am and 3.40pm.

Boat trips and cream tea cruises

'Rosebud' is a 12-seater boat available for public trips and cream tea cruises. Return trips run  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday for 55 minutes at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm and leave from the Canal Centre in Mytchett to Great bottom Flash.

  • Boat trip cost: £6.50 per adult, £4.00 per child (1-12 years), Under 1 years free. Family ticket £20.00.
  • Cream tea cruise cost: £15.00 per person. Please book in advance.

Please book 48 hours in advance by telephoning: 01252 370073.

Pond dipping

A great self-led activity to discover the wonderful species that call the canal home. Packs provided at Visitor Centre reception.

  • Cost: £6 per pond dipping pack (+£10 security deposit)

For further details and prices visit the Basingstoke Canal visitor information web page or telephone 01252 370073.

Summer Puzzling Trail

Follow the map, complete the activities on the trail whilst solving clues and learning fun facts. Bring your worksheet back to the visitor centre when finished and claim your prize!

  • Cost: £4 per prize

For further details and prices visit the Basingstoke Canal visitor information web page or telephone 01252 370073.


Volunteer at Tice's Meadow

Come and join our rangers and volunteer at Tice's Meadow near Farnham. Tasks might include; clearing vegetation, maintaining paths, fence and gate repairs, habitat management, wildlife surveys and more.We have volunteer sessions running on the following dates:

  • Date: Friday 1, 15 and 29 August
  • Place: Tice's Meadow. Please meet at Horton's Mound which is shown on our interpretation boards around the site.
  • Time: 10am to 2pm

If you are interested in volunteering at Tice's Meadow and would like to come and join one of our volunteering days, please get in touch with us on the following email: countryside.estate@surreycc.gov.uk


September

Volunteer at Tice's Meadow

Come and join our rangers and volunteer at Tice's Meadow near Farnham. Tasks might include; clearing vegetation, maintaining paths, fence and gate repairs, habitat management, wildlife surveys and more.We have volunteer sessions running on the following dates:

  • Date: Friday 12 and 26 September
  • Place: Tice's Meadow. Please meet at Horton's Mound which is shown on our interpretation boards around the site.
  • Time: 10am to 2pm

If you are interested in volunteering at Tice's Meadow and would like to come and join one of our volunteering days, please get in touch with us on the following email: countryside.estate@surreycc.gov.uk


Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

  • Date: Friday 19 September
  • Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
  • Time: 10am to 1pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 19 September.


October

Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

  • Date: Friday 17 October
  • Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
  • Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 17 October.


November

Volunteer session at the Hampton Estate, Puttenham

The Hampton Estate in Puttenham run volunteer work parties throughout the year. Why not join in and help to plant hedges, manage the heathland habitat, bash bracken, pop scrub on the chalk downland and more. Everyone welcome whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply want more time outside away from your screen.

  • Date: Friday 14 November
  • Place: Puttenham Common, (Top Car Park), Suffield Ln, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1BG.
  • Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm

Please wear appropriate weather gear, sturdy footwear and bring a water bottle and snacks/picnic. A Hampton sausage sandwich is provided after the session (please bring your own if you have dietary requirements).Sign up for the volunteer session on Friday 14 November.


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