Burpham can be explored through two distinct themes: wetlands and wildlife on the one hand, and architecture and local history on the other. Riverside Nature Reserve lies northeast of Guildford on the River Wey and covers 30 hectares; it is a wildlife refuge. The Church of St Luke offers a concrete point of interest for architecture enthusiasts through its year of construction, architect, and window style.
Nature and paths
Boardwalks lead through the wetlands at Riverside Nature Reserve. A dated notice about the replacement of the boardwalks makes it advisable to check access conditions before visiting. Planning this nature visit therefore also depends on the arrangements for accessing the boardwalks.
The A3 route between Burpham and Ockham was designated as a walking and cycling path. Check before planning whether this designation is still in effect. The practical questions therefore differ: at Riverside Nature Reserve, the notice concerns the boardwalks; on the A3 route, it concerns the current status of the designation.
The planning status is another consideration at Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve. A 3.6-kilometre circular walking trail is planned for this reserve. The north side can only open once the pedestrian crossing and all work on the site have been completed. An opening in autumn was expected, but no specific date had been confirmed. If you want to include this area in your plans, check its opening status in advance.
Church and local history
The Church of St Luke was built in 1859 by Henry Woodyer. Its lancet windows are designed in the Early English Gothic style. Lancet windows are slender, pointed window forms; the stylistic classification here therefore refers to a specific architectural feature. The year of construction, architect, and windows offer different points of reference for exploring the church’s architectural history.
The war memorial is in the churchyard of St Luke’s Church on Burpham Lane. Abbotswood is also significant in the Burpham area for the quality of its architecture and urban planning, and its setting in a wooded landscape. These are two distinct points of interest: the memorial is a specifically named place, while Abbotswood offers a broader perspective on local history through its architecture and surroundings.
A historic route ran along New Inn Lane, Burpham Lane, and Bowers Lane, crossing the River Wey at a narrow point. In the Burpham area, Guildford Museum displays a Samian vase discovered near this historic crossing. This provides two different points of reference for local history: the route along its named streets, and a museum object found near the river crossing.
When planning, you can decide which interests you more: access and planning conditions are important for visiting the nature areas; the historic side offers points of interest in architecture, the memorial, the route, and the museum. This lets you choose what to see in Burpham based on your own interests, without combining nature and history into a single visit option.
Discover more destinations: Copthorne, Virginia Water, Frensham, Peasmarsh, Charlwood, Brookwood, Ashford, Reigate
For the overview of the wider area: Surrey.
