Temple of the Four Winds

You'll find yourself standing in front of a proper curiosity on the outskirts of Godalming - a four-sided classical structure that looks like someone's Victorian idea of what an ancient temple should be. The Temple of the Four Winds is exactly what the name suggests: an ornamental folly built to catch the breeze from all directions, and it's the sort of thing that makes you wonder what drove someone to construct it in the first place.

The appeal here is straightforward. It's a short walk from town, the structure itself is genuinely interesting to photograph and sketch around, and there's something satisfying about stumbling upon a building that serves no practical purpose beyond looking rather grand. Walkers exploring the Surrey countryside will find it a rewarding detour, though history enthusiasts might want more context than the ruins alone provide - the backstory isn't always readily available on site.

The real strength is how well it slots into a wider walking holiday. Little Cowdray Farm Glamping sits just 1.8 miles away, making it an easy morning ramble before breakfast. You could combine it with a larger loop around Godalming's other attractions, or use it as a turning point on a longer country walk. Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, four miles out, also puts you well within striking distance if you're based there.

Allow an hour if you're taking photos and having a proper look around. It's free, which is a bonus. The real draw is the walk itself and the small thrill of finding something unexpected in the Surrey landscape.