Olly’s House

The small timber-framed cottage on the outskirts of Godalming tells a story that's oddly compelling once you know it. Olly's House isn't a grand manor or a castle - it's intimate, modest, and all the more interesting for that reason. The building itself is genuinely old, with the kind of crooked walls and low doorways that make you duck and wonder what life was actually like centuries ago.

It's the sort of place that appeals more to history buffs and curious locals than to families looking for a full day out - you're probably looking at 45 minutes maximum, and that's if you're taking it slowly. The real draw is understanding how ordinary people lived, which makes a genuine change from the usual stately home circuit.

If you're based at Little Cowdray Farm Glamping or Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat nearby, it's worth a quiet afternoon visit, particularly if you're interested in Tudor or medieval domestic life. The location near Godalming is convenient rather than dramatic, which suits the place's understated character.

Opening arrangements do vary, so it's worth checking locally in Godalming before setting off - admission details aren't widely publicised online, but that's often the case with smaller historic properties. Don't expect a gift shop or café, just the building and its history. Perfect if you want something low-key between park activities, but not a destination in its own right.