Car Hire Cobham

Cobham blends the feel of a refined country town with its 17,000 residents and the practicality of a well-connected Surrey stop. Tucked alongside the River Mole and framed by quiet woodland and sweeping parkland, it sits just off the A3 and only minutes from Junction 10 of the M25—ideal for drivers exploring the county at their own pace.

Once you’re off the main roads, local routes are straightforward and pleasantly green, with easy access to most of the town’s highlights by car. The climate is typically mild, with damp winters and comfortable summers, so a light jacket and good walking shoes are all most visitors need. Spring and early autumn are especially rewarding times to come, when the weather’s temperate and the gardens are full of colour. We combined our trip with a scenic loop through Esher earlier that morning—an easy, pleasant drive.

Attractions In Cobham

Exploring Cobham by car makes perfect sense. The town’s highlights are spread across winding lanes, wooded commons and landscaped estates. Some are well signposted and easy to find; others feel like local secrets, hidden just off the main road.

Painshill

Painshill is the crown jewel of Cobham’s landscape heritage. It’s just a short drive from the town centre, with a large on-site car park that makes access simple.

Created in the 18th century as a ‘living painting’, the grounds blend classical follies, reflective lakes and curated views. Paths lead you past temples, bridges and strange stone structures—each corner revealing something new. We spent a relaxed couple of hours walking the loop, with plenty of space for spontaneous detours.

It’s open daily from 10am to 4pm. We’d heard good things from friends in Bookham and decided to see if it lived up to the local reputation—it absolutely did.

Crystal Grotto

Deep within Painshill, the Crystal Grotto is like stepping into a secret world. From outside, it appears as a knobbly island of rock. But step inside and you’ll find a cavern lined with mirrored crystals, calm pools and unexpected light play.

It’s a short walk from the main trail, so it’s best reached on foot once you’re already parked at the garden. For those planning longer drives across Surrey, like from Addlestone, it’s an ideal mid-morning stop.

Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower

The drive to Chatley Heath is part of the experience. From Cobham’s centre, we headed south along Pointers Road, through open land and quiet bends until the trees thickened. There’s a gravel car park near the base of the tower—nothing fancy but enough space to leave the car and follow the woodland trail.

The tower itself was part of a Georgian-era communication system linking London and Portsmouth. It’s open 24 hours and the elevated views across the heath are especially impressive after the short climb.

This hidden gem is popular with walkers from Hersham, who often pair it with an afternoon garden visit or picnic in the commons.

Cobham Mill

Nestled beside the River Mole just off Mill Road, Cobham Mill is the last working watermill of its kind in Surrey. There’s roadside parking nearby and clear signage from the centre of town.

The mill opens only on Sunday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm, when local volunteers demonstrate the water-powered machinery still in use. We enjoyed the simplicity of it—a quiet contrast to the grandeur of some of the surrounding estates.

It makes for an easy detour for anyone heading in from Ripley, especially on a relaxed weekend drive through the countryside.

Samuelson Mausoleum

Ockham Lane is a narrow and peaceful stretch of road—slightly overgrown in places but beautiful in late summer. The mausoleum, built in 1919, sits a short walk from the road and has the air of something forgotten.

Its classical dome and engraved inscriptions remain mostly intact, despite signs of wear. There’s no signage or facilities but it’s the kind of spot that appeals to those drawn to off-map heritage. While nearby in Ashtead, we decided to take a short drive over and weren’t disappointed.

Gothic Tower

The Gothic Tower is tucked deep into Painshill and feels deliberately set apart. You’ll need decent walking shoes for the gravel trail leading up to it from the car park but the view from the top is worth the climb.

Approaching from West Byfleet, we added it as a post-lunch stop and found it to be one of the quieter corners of the park.

The tower offers long views over the landscape gardens and feels like a reward after wandering through the wooded paths.

The Hermitage

Tucked into the trees, the Hermitage is one of those oddities that makes Painshill memorable. Once used by a hired hermit (who reportedly got sacked for sneaking into town for a drink), it’s now a mossy shell with a good story behind it.

We nearly walked past it without noticing but that’s half the charm. It’s not flashy but worth a moment if you’re nearby.

Temple Of Bacchus

This small neoclassical folly sits beside a gently sloping lawn, positioned perfectly to reflect in the central lake. We approached it as the light changed in the late afternoon—it’s one of those places that feels designed for camera shutters.

It’s a common side trip for those already exploring Leatherhead, especially if you’re after something peaceful without straying too far from the main path.

Cobham Clock Tower

Right in the town centre, the Clock Tower is modest but well kept. We parked nearby for a quick break and walked over with coffee in hand. It’s the kind of landmark you spot on your way elsewhere—quietly part of the local landscape. Drivers often pause here before heading back out onto the A3 or into the quieter villages beyond.

The Homewood (National Trust)

A short drive out along Portsmouth Road leads to The Homewood—a Modernist home surrounded by woodland. It’s available by appointment only through the National Trust and offers a curated look into 20th-century architecture and design.

The grounds are peaceful and well suited to a slow afternoon stroll. It’s ideal for those already travelling through quieter corners of the county and looking to round out the day somewhere architectural and calm.

Where To Pause The Journey

Driving through Cobham is a calm affair. Distances between attractions are short, parking’s usually stress-free and you’re never far from a leafy layby or a local café. We wrapped up the day with a relaxed lunch at The Ivy Cobham Garden, which has limited on-site parking but plenty nearby. For something quicker, Fego on Anyards Road offered strong coffee and light bites, perfect for mid-route recharging. If you’re staying the night, Premier Inn Cobham just off the A3 provides convenient, no-frills accommodation with free parking—ideal for drivers plotting their next stop across Surrey.