Attractions and Places To See around Bisley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bisley encompass a diverse landscape, from historic waterways to expansive forests. Located in Surrey, Bisley offers a blend of cultural landmarks and natural areas, including significant historical sites and popular outdoor activity zones. The region is characterized by its heathland and proximity to the River Wey, providing varied opportunities for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Bisley
- The most popular attractions is Swinley Forest Mountain Bike Trails, an mtb park known for its firm surface and good drainage, making it suitable for year-round riding. It features both blue and red routes, offering options for various skill levels.
- Another must-see spot is Swinley Forest — Red Trailhead, an mtb park that marks the start of several challenging downhill sections. This trailhead provides access to fun sections with jumps and berms, catering to riders seeking more technical terrain.
- Visitors also love Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water, a historical site featuring Roman ruins. These structures were controversially built from genuine Roman stones brought from Leptis Magna in Libya in 1816, offering a unique historical perspective.
- Bisley is known for its historical sites, natural waterways, and extensive forest trails. These attractions around Bisley offer a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to engaging in mountain biking.
- The attractions around Bisley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 540 upvotes and 25 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Swinley Forest Mountain Bike Trails
Highlight • MTB Park
There's a blue route in the north by the trail centre (Swinley Bike Hub), and the red route in the south with a few more testing sections.
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Swinley Forest — Red Trailhead
Highlight • MTB Park
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Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water
Highlight • Historical Site
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Walsham Lock and Weir
Highlight • River
Walsham is the last surviving turf-sided lock on the Wey Navigation. This means that it operates as a flood lock and has its lock gates always open unless the River Wey is in flood. If there is a flood the lock gates are closed to force water over the nearby Walsham Weir and down along the River Wey.
Two further unusual features of Walsham Lock are first that it’s situated on a slight bend such that its top and bottom lock gates do not quite align with each other. Second, its adjacent pleasant lock-keeper cottage is the last remaining fully-manned lock cottage on the Wey Navigation. The original lock-keeper cottage was built in 1653 and the current one dates from 1896.
The Walsham Weir and its roaring water marks where the River Wey Navigation separates from the River Wey. The two waterways do not rejoin again downstream until Weybridge. The Walsham Weir is the main Weir on the Wey Navigation downstream of Guildford.
When crossing the former horse bridge over the River Wey by the Weir you should look out for the entrance to a naturalised fish and eel pass channel route. This 170 m long channel has a reduced water flow compared to the Wier so that fish and eels can make their way upstream on the River Wey.
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Stoke Lock and Lock-Keeper's Cottage
Highlight • Structure
The lock was constructed in 1653 and is still in use today!
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Tips from the Community
This junction is a great place to meet up or find your way around the trails and Swinley Forest
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Sick place to ride, loads of trails and the burns are great👌.
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more stuff plundered by the British Empire... Originally from Libya! 🤣
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interesting, but you have to walk a little bit
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North African Roman ruins in leafy Windsor Great Park! This is a really interesting story and worth reading more about after you've seen the ruins. Possibly inspired by Lord Elgin, British officer Hanmer Warrington shipped the ruins of the Temple of Augustus in 1817, with the intention of selling them to The British Museum. However, the museum was not interested, so the Roman temple ruins sat outside the museum for 8 years before being taken to Windsor and erected next to Virginia Water. A fascinating tale of Imperial plunder: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/01/roman-ruins-windsor-castle/550199/
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The pretty Walsham Lock and Weir have a scenic setting 1 km north of the village of Ripley in Surrey. The lock has several notable features and is surrounded by tranquil and picturesque flood meadows and by Pyrford Golf Club. These attributes make it well worth a visit. Walsham is the last surviving turf-sided lock on the Wey Navigation. This means that it operates as a flood lock and has its lock gates always open unless the River Wey is in flood. If there is a flood the lock gates are closed to force water over the nearby Walsham Weir and down along the River Wey. Two further unusual features of Walsham Lock are first that it’s situated on a slight bend such that its top and bottom lock gates do not quite align with each other. Second, its adjacent pleasant lock-keeper cottage is the last remaining fully-manned lock cottage on the Wey Navigation. The original lock-keeper cottage was built in 1653 and the current one dates from 1896. The Walsham Weir and its roaring water marks where the River Wey Navigation separates from the River Wey. The two waterways do not rejoin again downstream until Weybridge. The Walsham Weir is the main Weir on the Wey Navigation downstream of Guildford. When crossing the former horse bridge over the River Wey by the Weir you should look out for the entrance to a naturalised fish and eel pass channel route. This 170 m long channel has a reduced water flow compared to the Wier so that fish and eels can make their way upstream on the River Wey.
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Stoke Lock is a uniquely historic, well maintained and picturesque lock on the River Wey Navigation. It is situated 2 km northeast of central Guildford in Surrey. Stoke Lock has the distinction of being the oldest lock in Surrey and the oldest pound lock in England! A pound lock is where two sets of gates enclose a small section of water. The original Stoke Lock was dug in 1618-1619 by Sir Richard Weston, a wealthy landowner who lived nearby at Sutton Place. Weston created this lock not for river navigation but to make a man-made river through the grounds of Sutton Place so that he could flood meadows to improve local agriculture. Later Weston had the idea of extending his ‘new river’ all the way to the River Thames. This led to him leading and part-funding the construction of the Wey Navigation that opened in 1653. This canal provided a ‘highway’ to London for Guildford and Surrey merchants. Since 1964 the Wey Navigation has been managed by the National Trust as a leisure waterway for narrowboats and small cruisers. Despite its proximity to the Slyfield Industrial Estate, Stoke Lock has a beautiful setting. It is pleasant and relaxing to stroll past the lock and to see the brightly-coloured narrow boats passing through it. The adjacent lock-keeper’s cottage that was built in 1882 to replace an earlier one, adds to the historic and picturesque scene.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Bisley?
Bisley and its surroundings offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore the extensive mountain bike trails at Swinley Forest Mountain Bike Trails, which feature both blue and red routes suitable for various skill levels. For those seeking more challenging rides, the Swinley Forest — Red Trailhead provides access to technical downhill sections with jumps and berms. Additionally, there are numerous options for hiking, cycling, and running on trails throughout the area.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit near Bisley?
Yes, the region boasts several historical and cultural sites. You can visit the intriguing Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water, which are Roman structures controversially built from genuine Roman stones brought from Libya in 1816. Another significant historical landmark is St John the Baptist Church in Bisley, a late 12th-century church featuring a medieval bell and a 15th-century porch. The National Shooting Centre is also a notable site, being the headquarters of the National Rifle Association.
What natural features or waterways can I explore around Bisley?
Bisley is characterized by its heathland and proximity to the River Wey. You can visit Walsham Lock and Weir, a scenic turf-sided lock with a historic setting north of Ripley. Further along the River Wey Navigation, Stoke Lock and Lock-Keeper's Cottage is another picturesque and historically significant site, known as the oldest lock in Surrey. The western part of Bisley parish also features acidic heathland, offering unique natural landscapes.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Bisley area?
Absolutely. The Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water are considered family-friendly, offering an interesting historical perspective. The scenic settings of Walsham Lock and Weir and Stoke Lock and Lock-Keeper's Cottage provide pleasant environments for family strolls along the River Wey. Swinley Forest also offers mountain biking trails with varying difficulties, including blue routes that can be suitable for older children.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain bike trails at Swinley Forest?
Visitors particularly enjoy the firm surface and good drainage of the trails at Swinley Forest Mountain Bike Trails, making them suitable for year-round riding without excessive mud. The red routes, accessible from the Swinley Forest — Red Trailhead, are praised for their fun downhill sections, jumps, and berms, offering a thrilling experience for riders seeking more technical terrain.
Can I find places to eat or drink in Bisley village?
While the guide focuses on attractions, regional research indicates that Bisley in Surrey has local amenities. You can find community venues like Bisley Village Hall, and for refreshments, there are local pubs in the area. For specific recommendations, it's best to check local listings.
What is unique about Walsham Lock and Weir?
Walsham Lock and Weir is notable for being the last surviving turf-sided lock on the Wey Navigation, meaning its gates are typically open unless the river is in flood. It also features a unique alignment where its top and bottom lock gates do not quite align, and its adjacent lock-keeper cottage is the last fully-manned one on the Wey Navigation. A fish and eel pass channel route is also present near the weir.
What is the historical significance of Stoke Lock?
Stoke Lock holds the distinction of being the oldest lock in Surrey and the oldest pound lock in England, constructed in 1653. It was part of the Wey Navigation, a canal system that provided a crucial 'highway' to London for Guildford and Surrey merchants. The lock and its 1882 lock-keeper's cottage offer a picturesque glimpse into the region's industrial and transport history.
Are there any specific hiking trails recommended near Bisley?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities around Bisley. You can find various routes, including easy to moderate trails, by exploring the Hiking around Bisley guide. Some examples include loops from Pirbright that take in areas like Henley Park Lake or the Pirbright Walking Path.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walks and trails around Bisley?
The terrain around Bisley often features acidic heathland, particularly in the western part of the parish. Trails like those in Swinley Forest are known for their firm surfaces. You can expect a mix of forest paths, riverside walks along the Wey Navigation, and open heathland, offering varied landscapes for exploration.
Is there a good time of year to visit Bisley for outdoor activities?
The mountain bike trails at Swinley Forest Mountain Bike Trails are noted for their good drainage and firm surface, making them suitable for riding year-round, even in winter. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather forecasts before planning your visit.
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