I’ve visited Redhill and Reigate in Surrey countless times because I have family who live there, and yet somehow I had never visited Gatton Park. I decided to visit during their September open day, and I can’t believe what I’ve been missing.
Tucked away in the beautiful Surrey countryside, this impressive 260-acre estate feels remarkably peaceful and exclusive. There are sweeping lawns and meadows, woodland walks, a large lake, children’s playgrounds, and a wonderful Japanese Garden, all set within a landscape shaped by the legendary garden designer Capability Brown.
One thing to know before you go is that Gatton Park isn’t open to the public every day. It’s a private estate that welcomes visitors on selected open days (usually the first Sunday of each month from February to December) plus a packed calendar of events and activities.
Read more: Best woodland walks in Sussex and Surrey
How to get to Gatton Park by train
One of the best ways to get to Gatton Park is by train. It’s more environmentally friendly and sustainable than travelling by car, and you won’t need to worry about finding a parking space or Surrey traffic.
The closest railway station to Gatton Park is Redhill, with frequent direct services to and from London, Brighton, Gatwick and beyond. It takes less than 40 minutes to get to Redhill from London Victoria, making Gatton Park the perfect day out near London.
From the station, don’t follow your phone’s map app, instead head north along London Road and then take a left onto Monson Road. At the end of Monson Road you’ll find an open gate which leads directly into Gatton Park.
It’s a safe, reliable route along paved roads so it’s accessible and suitable for families with children. This route avoids Rocky Lane, which is narrow and busy for pedestrians. The walk takes around 20 minutes. You can also get the train to Merstham and walk to Gatton Park along the North Downs Way.
A beautiful Surrey landscape by Capability Brown
Gatton Park’s landscape was transformed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown between 1762 and 1766, when he created the sweeping parkland, lakes and carefully placed groups of trees which made his naturalistic style so famous.
Rather than feeling like a traditional formal garden, much of Gatton Park is wonderfully open and natural. You can wander through meadows, follow paths through the trees, and look out across the parkland, with plenty of details to discover along the way.
I loved that sense of freedom. You can come here with a plan, perhaps to see the Japanese Garden or walk part of the North Downs Way, but it’s equally as enjoyable to simply wander and see where the paths take you.
For children, that openness is a bonus. On my visit, there were plenty of kids having a brilliant time running across the lawns and exploring the natural spaces.
The Japanese Garden at Gatton Park
Gatton Park’s Japanese Garden was created in 1909 when Japanese arts were all the rage. It was originally constructed as part of the Edwardian estate and includes Japanese-inspired features including a Minka-style tea house, lanterns, and a stunning red ornamental bridge.
Over time, this part of the estate was reclaimed by nature as regular maintenance stopped, but it was rediscovered in 1999 and restored to what we see today. It’s beautifully tucked away, and I found it incredibly tranquil.
When I visited, a family with young children were exploring all the hidden corners, jumping over a natural bridge, and crouching in the long grass to spot dragonflies. The children were clearly having a brilliant time, but the space still felt peaceful.
The Japanese Garden is particularly lovely in spring for blossoms, while autumn brings gorgeous seasonal colour. I’d happily return in both seasons to see how it feels.
A perfect family day out
If you’re wondering whether Gatton Park is suitable for families, the answer is a very definite yes. There’s an imaginative and creative ‘Wild Things Play Trail’ in the pleasure gardens, where children can climb, explore and build dens using natural materials. There are also wide lawns, meadows and plenty of woodland and natural areas where younger visitors can let their imaginations run wild.
I saw lots of families during my visit, and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed. Children were running around, investigating hidden corners and generally having the sort of outdoor adventure that can be hard to find these days.
It’s also a great option for families with different ages because you don’t have to spend the whole visit doing one activity. The children can disappear off to explore while adults take in the gardens, parkland and historic surroundings.
Turn your visit into a countryside walk
If you enjoy walking (like me), Gatton Park becomes even more appealing. The North Downs Way passes right through the estate, so you can combine your visit with a walk through the Surrey Hills, or add it as a stop during a planned countryside walk.
If you head west along the North Downs Way from Gatton Park, you’ll find yourself on Reigate Hill. Be sure to take a moment to admire the eye-catching Inglis Memorial with its celestial mosaic ceiling and stunning views across the Surrey Hills. This area is notoriously difficult for parking, so getting there on foot is ideal.
If you walk east from Gatton Park, you’ll soon arrive at Merstham railway station. From there, you’ll find regular direct services back to Redhill, London, Brighton and beyond. If you continue your walk along the North Downs Way, you’ll arrive at Caterham viewpoint for even more spectacular views.
More to explore
Although the Japanese Garden was my favourite part, there’s plenty more to see. The pleasure gardens include an Edwardian parterre overlooking the park, an orchard, and a Victorian rock garden, which is known for its snowdrops in February.
I recommend allowing anywhere from two hours up to an entire day to explore and enjoy your visit, rather than rushing around. This is somewhere to take your time, especially if you’re visiting with children or want to combine your visit with a countryside walk.
Finish with tea and cake at Gatton Hall
After all that exploring, it was time for a refreshment stop. Gatton Hall has a bright, open tea room with a selection of cakes and drinks available. The Grade II listed historic country house has beautiful sash windows which look out across the grounds. I felt like a character from Downton Abbey or Bridgerton enjoying a slice of carrot cake while looking out over the estate.
Look out for Gatton Park's events
Gatton Park hosts regular open days as well as special events and activities throughout the year. Depending on when you go, you’ll find family activities, heritage tours, workshops and exciting seasonal events.
The annual programme includes a popular Country Fair in July, a Barn Dance in August, and an Apple Open Day with tractor rides in October. This is what makes Gatton Park a great place to visit throughout the year. A spring garden visit will feel very different from an autumn day out spent exploring the parkland, while special events add another layer to the experience. If you’re looking for things to do in Surrey or near London, the events are well worth checking out.
Why you’ll love Gatton Park (and why I’ll be going back)
I visited Gatton Park expecting a pleasant garden and countryside walk, but there’s so much more to it. The Capability Brown landscape gives it a real sense of grandeur, while the Japanese Garden is intimate, atmospheric and completely different from anything else I’ve experienced.
Add in the North Downs Way, family-friendly play trails, seasonal gardens and the programme of events, and there’s plenty to keep you coming back.
Most of all, I loved how easygoing it felt. Families could let their children run and explore, couples could take a romantic stroll, walkers could incorporate it into a longer route, and anyone looking for a peaceful few hours could simply wander through the gardens.
It’s also wonderfully close to London without feeling like it. If you’re looking for a beautiful day out in Surrey, I’d put Gatton Park firmly on the list.