Address: A245, Woking GU21 4HQ
Location
Horsell Common is a 355-hectare green space in Woking, Surrey. The common is made up of a mixture of landscapes, including heathland, woodland, and meadows.
The common is popular with dog walkers, cyclists, and families who come to visit the sandpit. Despite the high number of visitors, the common retains a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
What is Horsell Common famous for?
The Horsell Common Sand Pit was chosen by H G Wells as the site of a Martian invasion in his 1898 novel War of the Worlds. The book has been adapted into various films and TV shows.
The common has also been a filming location for TV shows and films, including the War of the Worlds TV series, Silent Witness, and the WW2 comedy On the Fiddle.
At Horsell Common, you will find:
Woodland walks
Accessible trails
Sand Pit
Pond
Free car park
Wildlife
The common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its biological significance. This heathland is included in the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) because it provides a habitat for various rare protected bird species such as the dartford warbler, the migratory nightjar, and the woodlark.
The heathland is also an important breeding ground for many butterfly and dragonfly species, which can be seen during the summer months.
You can also find numerous reptiles at the common, including the common lizard, slowworm, grass snake, and adder.
Parking
Parking at Horsell Common is free, with a limit of 2 hours. There are around 30 spaces, including two for blue badge holders.
Accessibility
The main trail from the car park to the sandpit is wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible, with level gravel paths.
Venturing further from the main trail, the paths are fairly level but sandy, so could be a challenge for some visitors. Pictures of the different types of paths are included at the bottom of the page.
Horsell Common will be challenging for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, with around 300 metres to walk from the car park to the sandpit. There are two benches at the sand pit.
Conclusion
Overall, Horsell Common is a peaceful location surrounded by nature. With the use of mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or pedal/e-bikes, the common can be accessed by people of all physical abilities.
The sandpit is the perfect spot for a picnic, and the woodland offers a wonderful space for young kids to learn about nature. With lots of history and a peaceful environment, Horsell Common is suitable for visitors of all ages.
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