5 Places to Enjoy Fresh air and Exercise in Tier 4 Surrey

December 31st 2020

Life as we know it may be on hold right now as we continue to battle the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get out and explore some of the many attractions that Surrey has to offer. From invigorating countryside walks and scenic landmarks, to fun places to take the kids, read on for our top picks of things that still have their ‘we are open’ signs up during the Tier 4 restrictions.

What’s allowable under Tier 4?

Under the highest tier, it is still possible to visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support or childcare bubble or, when on your own, with one other person. Children under five years of age, and up to two carers for a person with a disability who needs continuous care, do not count towards the outdoor gatherings limit.

Whilst the official advice is to minimise the time you spend outside the home, the importance of being outdoors to positive mental health is recognised. Always abide by the current social distancing guidelines when around other people who are not part of your household.

Outdoor public places include parks, accessible countryside, woodland and beaches; public gardens; heritage site grounds; playgrounds; outdoor sports courts and facilities and allotments.

Always be mindful when arranging any outings that you must keep travel to a minimum, and that when in Tier 4, you cannot travel through or into a lower tier.

Recommendations for days out in Surrey

Enjoying fresh air and stimulating the senses remains important. Outdoor attractions will all have additional safety measures in place, including limiting visitor numbers, which means most will require you to make an advance booking.

The following attractions are all listed as open at the time of publishing this post, but please do check the individual attraction’s website and COVID-19 safety policy before you venture out, just in case anything has changed. Also keep an eye on the current government advice on local restrictions for the latest updates.

Great for kids…

 

Chessington Zoo, Chessington

Whilst the majority of the Chessington resort including the Sea Life centre and theme park is closed under the Tier 4 restrictions, the zoo part is open, although the shops won’t be operating. You’ll need to choose from selected dates and pre-book at least one day in advance.

The zoo is a major attraction for the south east, featuring the likes of Asiatic lions, Amur tigers and Humboldt penguins and so many more intriguing species.

Official website: https://www.chessington.com/explore/events/zootastic/

Jurassic Encounter Mini Golf, New Malden

An adventure golf experience with a difference! Featuring nine near-life size dinosaurs that move and roar, this really is a fantastic place for kids and families alike.

Visit the strikingly landscaped venue and put your putting skills to the test through prehistoric caves and over cascading waterfalls and island greens. A truly fun way to spend quality family time outdoors. A full programme of safety measures is in place.

Official website: http://www.jurassicencounter.com

Great for atmosphere, landscape and winter blooms…

 

The Sculpture Park, Farnham

Billed as Britain’s most eclectic and atmospheric sculpture exhibition, the Sculpture Park displays over 650 contemporary sculptures. The works are mostly situated outdoors across a two-mile meandering woodland trail, nestled within ten acres of outstanding arboretum and wildlife inhabited water gardens, taking full advantage of the natural contours of the rolling Surrey Hills.

The site is open to local visitors only and asks that people do not travel more than eight miles to visit. Online pre-booking of tickets is essential.

Official website: https://www.thesculpturepark.com/

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking

Because it is a large outside space, RHS Garden Wisley can be enjoyed safely by visitors courtesy of special safety measures including social distancing, enhanced cleaning and limits on visitor volumes. The renowned Glow illuminated walks in the evenings are also still going ahead.

Explore 240 acres of glorious gardens set amongst a diverse landscape and featuring an array of plant species and stunning features.

As you would expect, enclosed areas such as the Glasshouse, Alpine Houses and Bird Hide are all closed, as are indoor catering venues, although takeaway options are available. The garden centre remains open too. If you’re planning a visit to the gardens, be sure to pre-book your tickets before you head off, as visitor numbers are limited.

Official website: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Painshill, Cobham

Painshill is an award-winning 18th century, 158-acre landscape garden. Take a winding path and explore a living canvas with outstanding views and beautiful garden buildings. Stroll around the Serpentine Lake, amble through woodland and admire the Ruined Abbey, Gothic Temple and Turkish Tent. Stop off at the tea room to grab a takeaway before admiring the Snowfari statues on the next leg of your walk.

Pre-booking a time slot in advance is essential, unless you are a Painshill member.

Official website: https://www.painshill.co.uk/things-to-do-and-see/

ZedCarz: Getting you there safely

Here at ZedCarz, we are committed to passenger safety in every respect and have put a number of measures in place to ensure we are working in line with current government and public health guidelines.

If you would like to learn more about how we are keeping our passengers safe whilst travelling during the pandemic, you are welcome to contact us.