Frensham Common and Ponds

If you're looking for somewhere to cool down on a hot summer Surrey day, the beach and wild swimming spot at Frensham Great Pond, just south of Farnham, is the perfect spot. Ideal for families, you can grab a bucket and spade, a hamper of sarnies and cold drinks and sunbathe on the sandy beach in-between dips in the safe swimming area in the pond – a slice of the English Riviera in the midst of the Home Counties. Leave the dog at home though. There's also a sailing club here. While the Great Pond is perfect for swimming and sailing, nearby Little Pond (separate car park) is a haven for birds and other wildlife, and Frensham Common, which sprawls over 1000 acres of National Trust administered wilderness, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Unsurprisingly, it's a lovely spot to explore on foot or in the saddle, and there's a network of footpaths and bridleways - including a loop of the lakes. There's a bit of history here too: the two lakes were artificially created in the Middle Ages to keep a fresh supply of carp on the table of the Bishop of Winchester.