The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The Gunpowder Mills were established in 1626 by The East India Company and initially built by a dam near Blacksmith Lane.

 

 

 

By the 1700s there were 18 watermills using huge millstones to grind gunpowder, sulphur and charcoal.

 

 

 

 

These mills were an important manufacturer and supplier of gunpowder but were abandoned in 1920 and left to go to ruin.

 

 

 

Further details of the history of the Gunpowder Mills can be found on the Albury History Society’s website or pick up a leaflet at the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills.

 

 

 

The Ruins

We started the trail at Blacksmith Lane (see below details on parking) and saw the mill pond and West Lodge, where workers were checked in.

We then walked past the remains of the Corning House, which sadly exploded in 1901, killing 6 men.

 

Next along the trail are the ruins of an Incorporating Mill, with a fallen chimney and runner stones that were their sides to provide protection in the event of a blast.

 

 

There are also two bridges – a modern footbridge (that takes you to Vera’s Lane – see below notes on parking) and a swing bridge used by trams carrying coal to the mills from Chilworth and Albury railway stations.

 

 

At the end of the path we found the most complete Gunpowder Mill buildings.

There are steps down into these ruins but we did not venture in very far as the floor was very uneven.

 

 

Paddling in the River Tillingbourne

The River Tillingbourne runs through this area. It is shallow with a log bridge and a large wooden snail sculpture.

 

 

 

It is perfect for a splash and a paddle. We waded a little way along the river and found a tree that has been made an island by the flowing water.

 

 

 

 

The Picnic Area

In a clearing in the centre of the woods we found a good sized picnic area.

 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths around the Gunpowder Mills were generally earth and grass, which was dry when we visited but may well become muddy after rain.

 

 

 

We found the main paths to be generally wide and flat and we used our all terrain double buggy on them without any problems.

 

 

 

 

Keep to the Paths

We only walked on the paths because the leaflets and information boards warn that you enter this site at your own risk, you should not climb on the buildings and that there are hidden pits, water features and boggy areas around the grounds.

 

 

Chilworth Heritage Trail

If you fancy a longer walk then have a look at the Chilworth Heritage Trail, which starts and ends on Vera’s Path and leads past the ruins and ponds, up to St Martha’s Hill and then back down to the Gunpowder Mills.

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8NP or GU4 8NF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic area.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: We used an all terrain buggy but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There are a couple of parking spaces on Blacksmith Lane (GU4 8NF) opposite the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills, which is next to the little bridge. You can also park on the roadside next to Chilworth C of E Infant School (Dorking Road – GU4 8NP) from where there is a footpath, called Vera’s Path, that leads you to the Gunpowder Mills (see photo).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Frogs, toads, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: August 2017
Information Checked: September 2023

 

Waverley Abbey

Founded by the Bishop of Winchester in 1128, Waverley Abbey was a Cistercian abbey until it was dissolved in 1536 by Henry VIII.  

 

 

 

Some of the buildings are remarkably well preserved.

 

 

 

 

One has columns and vaulted ceilings that are still intact.

 

 

 

 

The grass is mown to give an idea of the floor plan.

 

 

 

 

The Paths

Waverley Abbey is about a five to ten minute walk from the car park.

 

 

 

 

The ruins are in a grassy field, which can be uneven in places. 

 

 

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU9 8EP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Choose a buggy that can handle grass.

Parking: There is a small car park that can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Herons, ducks, swans and butterflies.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: November 2021

 

Netley Park

Royal Victoria Country Park stands on the site of Netley Hospital, a vast Victorian military hospital that was the world’s longest building.

 

 

 

Today all that remains of the quarter of a mile long building is the central chapel, but by walking around the park you can get a sense of its enormous scale.

This photo was taken from one end of the hospital building – the chapel was the middle of the building, there was a whole other wing on the other side!

 

Southampton Water

The country park overlooks Southampton Water, which has a busy, slightly industrial feel – boats of all sizes regularly sail past and there is what looks like a refinery on the opposite shore.

 

 

 

The Beach

The shingle beaches are covered in little shells – we collected about thirty in ten minutes. There is a ramp down onto the beach for easy access.

 

 

 

 

The Story Trail

The Royal Victoria Country Park Story Trail is called “Time Trouble at Royal Victoria Country Park” and follows Professor Nutrino, a Time Agent, as she battles to fix a tear in time…with a little help from your children.

 

 

And There’s More

The park also has fields to play in, a miniature railway called the Royal Victoria Railway, a permanent orienteering course (course map available from the Visitor Centre) and family activities.

 

 

The Paths

The fields were dry and the paths were flat and easy to push a buggy along.  

 

 

 

The Adventure Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• a climbing wall
• a roundabout
• zip wires
• flower ‘telephones’
• a sensory garden
• a jeep
• a small multiplay with a slide and a wobbly bridge and
• a trampoline.

Nearest Town: Netley, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO31 5GA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are several, good sized, pay and display car parks around the park.
Cost of Parking: From £1.80 per hour to a maximum of £4 per day

Wildlife You Might See: Deer, ducks, seagulls, waterbirds and sea creatures.

Information Written: May 2017