Village 40 minutes from surrey with nature safari and striking windmill

If you're thinking of having a break from Surrey for the day, and feel like delving deep into nature, there is a village that's a 40-minute drive from the border well worth

visiting. With a striking windmill and leafy countryside, the village of Shipley is particularly quiet - but worth visiting just for the views. A stone's throw away from this dinky

village, you can find a bustling nature reserve covering more than 3,500 acres with unique wildlife, old castle ruins and breathtaking ponds. The Knepp Estate offers nature safaris,

showcasing the ongoing rewilding project. Nightingales, turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies were some of the first specimens to be reintroduced to the estate. Since the year 2000,

the estate has introduced roaming herds of cattle, pigs, ponies and deer to shape the land. The tranquil site tempts many to stay overnight, with glamping, cosy shepherd huts and vibrant

yurts. Visitors can also dine at the seasonal Knepp Wilding Kitchen, with seasonal dishes made with ingredients grown from the land. Menus are created by head chef Alex Dome, and this spring

feature aged Knepp venison loin, linguine with broad beans and hazelnuts, and saffron risotto with Knepp beef shin and gremolata. Mouth-watering desserts include the dark chocolate cremeux

with coffee, pistachio and crème fraiche, and the Knepp elderflower and lemon ice cream sandwich with thyme sugar. On Fridays, from May through to September, barbeque nights are held in the

Wilding Garden. Laid back evenings feature grill feasts, live music and warm firepits. One visitor gave some advice after spending a day at Knepp. They wrote via Google: "Well worth the

money! "What a wonderful experience being guided around areas not open to public. Seeing wildlife we may not even notice without help. "Lovely snack and drink provided half way

around. A long and rather tiring amble I would call it. So much is explained I struggle to remember it all." Walking routes from Knepp Estate, and Knepp Castle ruins loop round Shipley

and back, perfect for appreciating the wildlife. Routes take ramblers up to Shipley Windmill, which dates back to 1879. The windmill used to be open to the public, but it sadly closed in

2009 and has remained shut since. However, this doesn't stop onlookers from enjoying the scenes from afar. Known as King's Mill, the site operated as a windmill and village shop,

before being bought by writer Hilarie Belloc in the early 1900s. It is reportedly still owned by the Belloc family, and appears to be in good shape still. It is not clear what future plans

lay ahead for the windmill. Some my recognise the mill as the set of Jonathan Creek, a popular longstanding BBC television series that ran for around two decades. Starring comedian Alan

Davis, the sleuth and inventor resided at the mill, which was dressed up by crews and filled with furniture. Taking a stroll past the windmill is the best way to get a good view of it.

There's plenty of lush countryside to appreciate during the walk too. Of course, no countryside stroll is complete without dropping into a pub. Shipley's local is a 17th Century

establishment, located in the hamlet of Dragon's Green. The George and Dragon is described as a timeless pub with tranquil views and a secluded garden, perfect for summer. Food is

sourced from Sussex, and the pub has two king-sized bed and breakfast rooms in a converted stable. The seasonal menu for spring features king prawn and picante chorizo risotto, including

rich tomato Provencal sauce with parmesan and wild rocket, ingredients locally sourced for £18.95. It also includes Sussex day boat Hawkstone beer battered cod with hand cut chunky chips,

buttered crushed peas and tartare sauce with a charred lemon wedge for £17.95, this can be gluten-free upon request. The pub also serves a variety of tasty burgers. Desserts are made freshly

every day so the menu varies. One customer wrote via Google: "An enjoyable evening in a traditional British Pub; the food was excellent and good value for money. "While I

didn't use the outdoor space it was well presented with lots of light as the evening progressed. I recommend you sample the traditional atmosphere in this hidden jewel." Not far

from The George and Dragon is The Countryman, situated near to the Knepp Castle ruins. Despite being a quintessential inn, The Countryman has a village store inside with home baked bread,

pastries and produce from nearby. Fresh seasonal ingredients are used for dishes on the menu, and fresh fish comes from Newhaven, Brighton and Shoreham. The sample menu features lunchtime

dishes such as a cheese and tomato chutney, prawn and Marie Rose and gammon and mustard ciabattas, for £10 each. Desserts also include warm chocolate fondant, stem ginger panacotta and

banana sticky toffee pudding for £8. Hearty dishes include pie of the day, slow-cooked pork belly and crispy shredded chilli beef for £18. One of the highlights of The Countryman, according

to guests, is the afternoon tea. One customer popped in and left feeling wowed. The wrote via Google: "We had the afternoon tea; I think this is only for Saturdays, but it was amazing.

The food was delicious, there was a variety, and the service was absolutely perfect. "We really enjoyed it. It's £18 a person and tea and coffee is unlimited. I think you do have

to to book for this, definitely worth it, and I would definitely recommend. What an awesome experience." MORE INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE * For most, the easiest way to get to Shipley

would likely be taking the A24 south past Horsham * From the A24 on Worthing Road, turn right onto the A272 * Turn left onto Pound Lane, and then turn right onto Red Lane * There is roadside

car parking on School Lane. KNEPP ESTATE THE GEORGE AND DRAGON * Dragons Lane, Horsham, RH13 8GE * Open on Monday from 5pm until 10pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 12pm until 10pm, Friday and

Saturday from 12pm until 11pm, and on Sunday from 12pm until 6pm * Book a table here * Dog friendly. THE COUNTRYMAN INN * Countryman Lane, Horsham, RH13 8PZ * Closed Monday and Tuesday, open

from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am until 10pm and on Sunday from 11am until 4.30pm * Book a table here * Dog friendly. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THINGS TO DO AND ACTIVITIES IN SURREY WITH OUR

FREE WHAT’S ON EMAIL HERE.