Watts Chapel

You'll spot it from the lane before you properly arrive - a low brick building with a copper roof that's turned the most arresting shade of verdigris green. Watts Chapel, just outside Guildford, is the work of artist and philanthropist G.F. Watts, who decided in the 1890s that his wife needed somewhere proper to be buried. Rather than commission someone else, he designed the whole thing himself, inside and out.

What you're looking at is basically a Victorian art project masquerading as a mausoleum. Every surface tells a story - the exterior's brick patterning is intricate, the copper roof deliberately left to weather naturally, and inside, the decorative work is genuinely stunning. It's small, intimate, and deeply unusual. The Chapel sits on modest grounds that feel quietly contemplative rather than grand.

This one's for people who appreciate Victorian eccentricity and craftsmanship. You won't need more than thirty minutes here, but it's absolutely worth the detour if you're exploring the Guildford area. History enthusiasts and anyone with an eye for design will find it far more interesting than the average roadside attraction. Casual day-trippers after a quick stop might find it feels brief.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Wyldecrest Surrey Hills or Chantry Wood Campsite are both within four miles - the Chapel makes a good morning outing before heading elsewhere. The setting's quiet rather than dramatic, so go when you're genuinely interested rather than just ticking boxes. Check ahead for opening times before you head out.