Cobham may be small but it is loaded with places of historical importance and beautiful spots for a day out. Here’s five things you might love...

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Take a wander

The picturesque Ashenbank Wood has a few lovely little trails to walk around and the village itself is surrounded by countryside so it’s great for a stroll. Of particular interest is Dadds Hole pond. Way back in 1843 the painter Richard Dadd stabbed his dad to death believing him to be the devil and the area is said to be haunted.

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Dickens’ old boozer

Cobham’s links to Charles Dickens are numerous. The author loved to walk in the village and even set part of The Pickwick Papers there. The Leather Bottle was where Dickens used to enjoy a pint and today there it features lots of memorabilia including books, a chair and even one of his hairs.

News Shopper: The Ashes urn used to rest on this mantlepiece at Cobham Hall.

The mantelpiece in Cobham Hall where the original Ashes once sat

Howzat

Cobham has a lot of history when it comes to cricket. The first recorded game in England was played in the village in 1776. Nearly 70 years later, Ivo Bligh led an English team to Australia and brought the Ashes back to Cobham Hall. Today the Hall – a spectacular historic house in 150 acres of beautiful grounds - is a girls’ boarding school but is open to the public throughout the year. Go to cobhamhall.com

News Shopper: Picture by Mary Allwood

Mausoleum

Set in the pretty Cobham Wood, Darnley Mausoleum was recently restored and is open to the public on selected occasions.  The neoclassical monument was built in 1783 by fashionable architect James Wyatt as the final resting place for the Earls of Darnley. Find out when it’s open at nationaltrust.org.uk/Cobham-wood

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Owletts

Built during the reign of Charles II, Owletts and its gardens were most famously home to renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker. Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/owletts