Canadian War Memorial

The Canadian War Memorial sits on a quiet stretch of the North Downs near Godalming, a simple but dignified tribute to Canadian soldiers who fought and died during the First World War. It's essentially a stone monument in a peaceful woodland setting - the kind of place that rewards a deliberate visit rather than a casual wander, because you need to know it's there to find it.

The memorial itself is modest: carved granite marking the spot where 248 Canadians were buried in mass graves following the Battle of the Somme. What strikes you most is the stillness of it all. No visitor centre, no café, no crowds - just the names and the quiet. It's the sort of monument that makes you pause properly, rather than tick off a list.

Walkers will appreciate the walk to get there; the surrounding woodland is proper countryside, not manicured parkland. History enthusiasts and anyone with a connection to Canadian heritage will find real meaning here. Families with younger children might find it a bit sombre and remote - it's not the kind of place kids naturally enjoy unless they're old enough to understand what they're looking at.

You won't find opening hours posted because it's outdoors and free to visit at any time. Allow an hour for the walk and a quiet moment at the memorial itself. It works well as part of a wider exploration of the Godalming area. Little Cowdray Farm Glamping and Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat are both close by if you're basing yourself locally - the Surrey countryside around here rewards slower exploration.