Attractions and places to see around Puttenham include a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural beauty within the Surrey Hills. The village is situated in Puttenham Vale, part of the Greensand Ridge, offering diverse landscapes. This area provides opportunities for exploring ancient history and significant natural features. It is an ideal destination for those seeking exploration and appreciation of the English countryside.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Erected in 1786 along the Old Portsmouth Road, the Sailor’s Stone is a historic boundary marker commemorating a notorious local tragedy. It marks the exact spot where an unknown seafaring traveler was brutally murdered and robbed by three men he had just befriended in a nearby pub. The stone features a stern biblical inscription condemning the crime and features a famous, ominous curse on its reverse warning anyone against moving it.
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Erected in 1851 by judge Sir William Erle, the granite Celtic cross on Gibbet Hill was built to dispel local fears of evil spirits. It marks the notorious site where three highwaymen were hanged and displayed in chains in 1787 for the brutal murder of an unknown sailor.
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The most typical feature in the design of Celtic crosses is the circle connecting the horizontal and vertical bars. This is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of the sun; in this sense, Celtic crosses are sometimes also called sun crosses. I found the following meditative reflection on this topic while working as a chaplain in the Protestant deanery of Nassauer Land: "The sun cross is a special symbol of Celtic Christianity. It can become a symbol of spirituality. + What you can practice – the horizontal arm of the cross. Your conscious rituals, prayers, quiet moments. The attention you give to the sacred. + What happens to you – the vertical arm of the cross. Experiences that touch and transform you. Moments in which you sense something greater than yourself. + What gives you interpretation – the circle that encloses both. Words, stories, and traditions that help you understand and share these experiences. Spirituality connects you to sources of strength that reach deeper than what you can see. For me as a Christian, spirituality is a word for encountering the God who revealed himself in Jesus."
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Hello old railway station on the Downs Link... amazing to be able to ride alongside all these old stations isn't it?
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The Sailor’s Stone actually has a curse written on the back of it cursing any man that would remove it.
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This is the point where the local hangings used happen, including the three murderers of the unknown sailor. The persons hung would remain in their gibbets and chains here for three years.
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If you get to the top of the hill early enough, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sunrise.
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Puttenham and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit St Martha's Church, a Grade II-listed church atop a hill, offering stunning views. Another significant historical landmark is the Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill, erected in 1851 with a fascinating backstory. Additionally, the ancient St. Catherine's Lock on the Wey Navigation, over 250 years old, is still in use today. Further afield, you can find the ruins of Waverley Abbey, England's first Cistercian abbey, and the Elizabethan Loseley House.
Absolutely. Puttenham Common is a vast public open space within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring heathland, grassland, and woodlands. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with diverse wildlife. For panoramic views, head to St Martha's Church or the Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill. The Hog's Back, a narrow chalk section of the North Downs, also offers scenic vistas.
The area around Puttenham is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hikes, including easy routes like the 'Puttenham Circular Walk' or the 'Puttenham Common – Warren Pond and The Tarn loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, such as the 'River Wey – Wey & Arun Canal at Downs Link loop' or the 'Puttenham Village – Seale War Memorial loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with options like the 'Hydon's Ball & Hambledon Common loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the easy hikes, cycling, and gravel biking guides for Puttenham.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. St. Catherine's Lock is a serene spot where children can watch narrowboats pass through. The Guildford Castle Grounds offer beautiful flower displays, castle ruins, and a life-size statue inspired by 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'. Puttenham Common provides ample space for walks and exploring nature. The Bramley and Wonersh Disused Railway Station has been nicely restored into a green open space, perfect for a family picnic.
Puttenham is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and cycling, with wildflowers blooming on Puttenham Common. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter walks can be tranquil, especially on the common. Many outdoor activities are enjoyable throughout the warmer months.
Puttenham offers several easy walking routes. The 'Puttenham Circular Walk' is a popular choice, and you can also explore routes like 'Puttenham Common – Warren Pond and The Tarn loop' or 'Cuttmill Pond – Warren Pond and The Tarn loop'. These routes typically range from 3.5 km to 7 km and are suitable for beginners. For more options, refer to the easy hikes around Puttenham guide.
Puttenham Common is a fantastic dog-friendly area with numerous pathways through heathland, grassland, and woodland. It's a popular spot for dog walkers, offering plenty of space for pets to explore. Many of the local walking routes are also suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially around wildlife.
Within Puttenham village, you can find St John the Baptist Church, with sections dating back to the late Saxon period, featuring Norman pillars and a 15th-century tower. Puttenham Priory, originating as a priory in 1266, is another Grade II* listed building, significantly extended in the 18th century with a distinctive Palladian front.
Parking is generally available near popular starting points for walks around Puttenham Common and other attractions. Specific parking information for individual routes or sites may vary, so it's advisable to check local signage or online resources before your visit.
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views from sites like St Martha's Church and the tranquility of places like St. Catherine's Lock. The historical significance of the landmarks and the natural beauty of Puttenham Common are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the well-maintained gardens of Guildford Castle Grounds and the opportunity to observe wildlife.
Yes, for those interested in ancient history, Frowsbury Hill features a Bronze Age burial mound. Additionally, the faint earthworks of Hillbury Hillfort, an Iron Age hillfort, can be found on Puttenham Common, providing archaeological interest and evidence of Roman occupation.
While the guide focuses on attractions, Puttenham village and nearby areas offer pubs and cafes where you can refresh. It's a good idea to check local listings for specific establishments and their opening hours, especially if you plan to combine your visit with a meal or a drink.


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