The North Downs Way runs through Buckland, open-water swimming and stand-up paddleboarding are available at Buckland Park Lake, and St Mary the Virgin and Buckland Windmill tell the story of the area’s architectural history. When planning your trip, you can therefore first decide whether walks, water activities or historic buildings should be the main focus.

The North Downs and Walking Routes

The North Downs ridge in Buckland lies within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. In addition, sections of the North Downs in Buckland are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The long-distance North Downs Way passes through Buckland. For a local walk, the local walking routes booklet, updated in June 2023, gives specific planning details: Buckland Lanes and Fields is 3.5 miles long and takes 1.5 hours. This gives you both a distance and an estimated time for the walk.

Buckland Village Green includes a pond and is a registered Village Green. The area is maintained as a recreational space for the benefit of the local community. This gives the Green a different focus from the named walking routes and the water sports at the lake.

Buckland Park Lake and Water Activities

Buckland Park Lake, which belongs to the Buckland Estate, covers 50 acres. Distinctive sand cliffs and almost 50 acres of mature woodland line the lake. The 50-acre lake is lined by distinctive sand cliffs and almost 50 acres of mature woodland.

The Surrey Hills Adventure Company offers open-water swimming and stand-up paddleboarding at Buckland Park Lake. SUP options include 1:2:1 technique sessions, sessions in small private groups and sessions open to everyone.

The SHAC Lagoon is one of the few open-water swimming spots in the area that can be used year-round.

St Mary the Virgin and Buckland Windmill

St Mary the Virgin dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1860, the church was extensively remodelled and rebuilt by Henry Woodyer; it also has historic stained glass from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its architectural history therefore encompasses medieval origins, stained glass from the same centuries and a major 19th-century remodelling.

Buckland Windmill was probably built between 1860 and 1870. It is the only surviving wind-powered sawmill in the United Kingdom. Visits at other times may be possible by arrangement, so please arrange your visit in advance. The church and the windmill have different historical emphases: at St Mary the Virgin, the focus is on its medieval origins and later remodelling; at the windmill, on its likely construction date and its unique status as a sawmill.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Charlwood, Chaldon, Hersham, Redhill, Ockley, Peaslake, Worplesdon, Woking

For the main travel overview: Surrey.