Ockley: History, Nature and Events

Ockley combines historic building phases and archaeological traces with landscapes and recurring events. The Church of St Margaret spans several centuries of building history; a section of the Roman road Stane Street runs by Ockley Green. Walks by Vann Lake pass woodlands and open water. This lets you plan your stay around a specific interest: architecture, local history, nature or an event date.

Church and Historic Traces

The Church of St Margaret has a 12th-century core, a 14th-century nave and a 15th-century porch. These dates distinguish several building phases rather than reducing the building to a single year of construction. The bells are also noteworthy: they are considered Richard Phelps’s oldest hanging peal from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

On the wet ground of Ockley Green, the raised, straight course of the A29 is recognised as a section of the raised road embankment (agger) that belongs to thepartly surviving Roman road Stane Street. The term here refers to the raised road embankment; the described form is elevated and straight. Another historic name is Stone Street Causeway: it runs across Ockley Green.

Earlier events and building projects also shape the local history. A battle between invading Danes and the West Saxons in 851 is believed to have probably taken place at Ockley, on the lower slopes of Leith Hill. There is some evidence that a small Norman castle was built in Ockley during the reign of King Stephen (1135–1154). Together with the dated parts of the church, these details trace a timeline from early historic events to medieval building phases.

Nature and Getting There

You can reach Vann Lake & Candy's Copse on foot at the end of Vann Lake Road, which branches off Weare Street in Ockley. There is no parking on Vann Lake Road. Check access conditions before you travel if you are planning a visit.

On a walk along the shore of Vann Lake & Candy's Copse, you pass through wet and dry woodland as well as areas of open water. The route links different habitats, with woodland sections alternating with views across open water. For travellers who enjoy observing nature or exploring landscapes on foot, this variety offers a useful point of reference.

Alongside its art, the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden is home to birds, insects and other wildlife from Surrey. Art and wildlife are two aspects of the garden that coexist. It is not directly accessible by public transport; check how to get there before your visit.

Events Throughout the Year

Ockley's Bonfire and Fireworks event usually takes place each year on the first or second Saturday in November; dates can change. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the date in advance. Carols on the Green offers a different seasonal occasion: the community Christmas carol singing usually takes place before the Christmas tree lights are switched on.

Coarse Cricket Sevens is also one of Ockley's annual events. The three occasions differ in character and in their stated timing: the November weekend for Bonfire and Fireworks, the singing before the tree lights are switched on at Carols on the Green, and the annual Coarse Cricket Sevens competition. You can consider which event is relevant to your travel plans and check the specific date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bisley, Banstead, Thames Ditton, Chipstead, Hindhead, Newchapel, Reigate, Godstone.

View the main travel guide: Surrey.