In our Sunday Strolls series, we explore some of the beautiful walks on the doorstep of our band venues. Whether you want to stretch your legs before a band session or unwind afterwards, there are plenty of hidden gems worth discovering.
Horsell Common – A Martian Landing Site
Did you know you can visit a famous Martian landing site near our West and North Surrey band sessions?
Horsell Common in Woking, is famous for its connection to The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. In the novel, this is where the Martians first land on Earth. Standing in the huge sandy clearing, surrounded by twisting trees and heathland, it’s easy to imagine why the author chose this dramatic setting.
The common covers around 355 acres, with paths winding through woodland, heathland and open meadows. In spring and summer, many areas are bright with the yellow blossoms of gorse.
Historically the area was excavated for building materials, but today it’s protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Information boards along the trails explain how the heathland provides a valuable habitat for rare birds, bees, butterflies, reptiles and several types of heather.
Charvil Wildlife Reserve – A Peaceful Lakeside Walk
This beautiful lake walk is a stones throw from our Central Berkshire band session.
Charvil Country Park and Nature Reserve covers around 75 hectares, and today it’s a peaceful landscape of lakes, woodland and meadows. However, it wasn’t always like this. The lakes were originally created from gravel extraction in the 1970s, before the area was transformed into the wildlife haven it is today.
The paths loop around the lakes, crossing small bridges and passing through open fields and woodland areas. A gentle circuit around the lake takes around 30 minutes.
The reserve is also home to plenty of wildlife. Keep your eyes open and you might spot herons, ducks, or even the occasional otter visiting the lakes.
Brooklands Community Park – Motoring & Aviation History
This historic site is close to our North Surrey band session.
Brooklands Community Park sits on the former Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, which opened in 1907 as the world’s first purpose-built motor racing track. The oval circuit once hosted record-breaking speed attempts and major racing events, including the 1926 British Grand Prix.
These days, the park has been transformed into a community space, with a skate park, basketball court and wide open areas for walking. Running alongside the park is the peaceful River Wey, adding a quieter natural element to the landscape.
If you explore a little further, you’ll also see some reminders of Brooklands’ aviation history. The area played a major role in aircraft manufacturing during both world wars. Just across the road are two popular attractions, Mercedes-Benz World and Brooklands Museum, where you can step inside a real Concorde aircraft!
With free parking and plenty of space to explore, it’s a fascinating walk that combines history, engineering, and green space.
Have You Tried One of Our Sunday Strolls?
Each of these walks offers something a little different, whether it’s literary history, wildlife, or motorsport heritage, they’re all conveniently located near one of our band venues.
When you’re next heading to a band session, why not try one of these local walks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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