Fir real! Where to buy your Christmas tree in Surrey
Time to untangle the fairy lights and haul in the Norwegian Spruce. We’ve found the best local options, from pick-your-own to potted firs. Up she goes!
Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone
One of the few places in the south-east where you can cut your own tree with a handsaw – a magical and fun experience for the whole family. You’ll need to book ahead as it’s super popular. If cutting your own sounds like too much effort, there’s also the option to choose your own tree which will be netted by staff for easy transportation home. Varieties include Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and Fraser Fir, plus potted trees. You’re getting A-lister trees here – Crockford Bridge Farm regularly supply film and TV sets including EastEnders, Call The Midwife and Made in Chelsea. the aprés avant garden bar is open – warm up with a mulled win or a Bailey’s hot chocolate, and there are festive snacks too. Roasted chestnut anyone? You can also stock up on Christmas goodies at the Christmas market.
■ New Haw Road, Addlestone, near Weybridge, KT15 2BU. Open for cut-your-own until Sun 15 December; and for ready-cut trees until Mon 23 December. Mon to Sat from 10am-5.30pm, Sun from 10am-4.30pm.
Christmas Tree Farm by Maurice Mandry, Ottershaw
Taking a sustainable approach to Christmas tree cultivation, this family-run business plants two trees for every one tree that’s cut down on their 200 acre farm just outside Chertsey. Five varieties of tree are grown here – the Norway Sprice, Nordmann’s, Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce – each hand shaped and with it’s own special set of characteristics whether it be scent, low needle drop or shape. You’ll find trees of all sizes, from 3 to 13 foot. Fans of fir will travel for these babies, too – with some coming from 60 or 70 miles to bag the perfect specimen. As well as trees, they also sell tree stands, logs and Christmas wreaths. And this year, children can also visit Father Christmas in his cabin nestled in the woodland (free with a purchase of any tree).
■ Located on the A320, Ottershaw, KT16 0PJ (by the ambulance station about 1 mile from Junction 11 of the M25, towards Woking). Open every day 7.30am-7.30pm until Mon 23 Dec.
Hans Christmas Andersen, Shamley Green
This family-run Christmas tree farm is a biggie, and whatever your fir desires, you’ll find it here – from small pot-grown to magnificent tall centrepieces. Trees are sold at two locations in Surrey – Godalming and Shamley Green. All trees are grown in the Surrey Hills and harvested throughout the season, so they’ll be fresh. The Nordman Fir is the most popular, with a lovely shape and excellent needle retaining properties. If you like a traditional tree, choose the Norway Spruce which retains its Christmasy scent up to the big day. If you’re going to the Shamley Green nursery you can also visit Father Christmas in his grotto and see his reindeer in the paddock. It costs £6 to visit Santa, and every child will get a gift. Santa will be in his grotto from 10am-3pm on weekends until Sunday 15 December. No booking required.
■ Van Arnhem Nursery, Guildford Road, Shamley Green, GU5 0SQ. Open every day from 9am-4pm until Sun 22 Dec.
■ Van Arnhem Nursery, Priorsfield Road, Godalming, GU7 2RQ. Open every day from 9am-4pm until Sun 22 Dec.
Oxenford Farm, Elstead
Oxenford Farm is a traditional farm that’s been in the same family for five generations, and growing Christmas trees sustainably for more than 50 years. You can choose your tree before it’s netted (BYO wellies, it can get muddy) – varieties include Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir and Lodgepole Pine. Buy your decorations and lights in the Christmas shop while you’re there. Local delivery is also available.
■ Milford Road, Elstead, GU8 6LA. Open every day from 9am-6pm until Mon 16 Dec and 9am-5pm from Mon 16 to Mon 23 Dec.
Kingsley Farm Christmas Trees, Lingfield
Christmas tree sales are a go at Kingsley Farm where three varieties of tree have been grown since 2009. All trees are cut fresh – once you’ve chosen the perfect tree they cut and wrap it for you ready for collection. There’s a handy colour-coded system to quickly spot the size of tree you’re after. They range in size from from 3-4 foot (red) to 10-12 foot (green). Wellies are highly recommended as the growing fields get muddy. Cinco tree stands are available to buy, and a delivery service is also on offer.
■ Kingsley Farm, Blackberry Road, Felcourt, near Lingfield, RH7 6NQ. Open every day from 9.30am-4.30pm until Mon 23 Dec.
Alice Holt Christmas Trees, Farnham
Fancy a forest fir? Head to Alice Holt Woods where you can choose your festive tree in the fresh, wintery air of the beautiful forest. Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce and Nordmann Fir are the varieties grown here. Make a day of it and take a peaceful wintery walk in the forest. Hot takeaway food and drink is also available in the café.
■ Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, GU10 4LS. Open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week until sold out.
Newdigate Farms Estate, Newdigate
Dig or cut your own Norway Spruce tree, or go for a pre-cut tree (Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruces, up to 10ft). There’s also a selection of Christmas wreaths and tree-stands for sale. Don’t forget your spade or saw, and wellies. Also note, it’s cash only.
■ Dean House Farm, Church Road, Newdigate, RH5 5DL ■ Open 9am to 3.30pm every day until Tues 24 December