Two lovely properties sit within easy reach for a family day out: Claremont Landscape Garden, about 20 minutes away, and Polesden Lacey, about 35 minutes away. We’ve now visited both, and here’s how they compare.

Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher (~20 minutes from Kingston)

We finally made it to Claremont, and it was such a lovely little morning outing using our National Trust membership. It’s noticeably smaller than Polesden Lacey, but that actually made it feel quieter and more relaxed.

There are beautiful walks around the lake, plenty of space to explore, and two playgrounds for the kids, though we only made it to one this time, since we took a wrong turn and our YOYO stroller struggled with the trails.

One thing worth knowing: Claremont suits little ones who can (and like to) walk. Some paths are rocky and uneven, so a pram with bigger wheels makes life much easier.

Good to know:

• 🚗 About 20 minutes from Kingston
• 🐶 Dog friendly on short leads in most areas and even in the café, but not in either play area
• 🛝 Two playgrounds one by the lake for younger children, and Badger’s Basecamp for older kids
• 🅿️ Free parking
• 👶 Baby changing available
• ☕ Café serving lunches, snacks, cakes, scones and drinks
• 🥾 Some paths are uneven or steep
• 🚲 No bikes, scooters or balls, due to the slopes and open water

A great pick if you want a quieter National Trust outing closer to home.

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham (~35 minutes from Kingston)

For a bigger day out, we headed a bit further to Polesden Lacey. The kids absolutely loved being outdoors, exploring, and having so much space to run around.

The gardens here are beautiful with big sweeping lawns, deck chairs dotted about, and plenty of room for a picnic or a catch-up with friends. It’s also one of the few National Trust sites that allows balance bikes and scooters on the grounds!

At the entrance you’ll find two cafés, a large shop and toilets, which makes the logistics of a family day out really easy.

Good to know:

• 📍 Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
• 🚗 About 35 minutes from Kingston
• 🐶 Dog friendly on short leads in most areas and even in the café, but not in either play area
• 🛝 Big wooden playground
• 👶 Baby changing available
• ☕ Café serving lunches, snacks, cakes, scones and drinks
• 🥾 Some paths are uneven or steep
• 🚲 Small children’s bikes and scooters with a height of 75 cm or less from the ground to the handlebars are allowed

Well worth it if you’re after a full outdoor adventure, all within about 35 minutes of Kingston.

Which one to pick?

If you want a short, relaxed morning close to home, Claremont is the easier choice, just bear the terrain in mind if you’re bringing a stroller. If you’ve got more time and want a bigger day out with room to run (and bikes allowed), Polesden Lacey is worth the slightly longer drive. Either way, both are amazing!