Summer at Watts

20 July - 31 August 2026

Six days a week this summer, Watts Gallery is throwing open its doors and turning the lawn into the place to be. Fun, family-friendly activities every single day, with the volume turned all the way up every weekend in August.

What's on this summer?

  1. Summer at Watts
    Event

    Hay bales on the Gallery Lawn

  2. Summer at Watts
    Event

    Qoits, skittles and jenga on the Gallery Lawn

  3. Summer at Watts
    Event

    Bubble station

  4. A photograph of a large man made butterfly installation in the woods of Watts Gallery
    Summer at Watts
    Event

    Big Butterfly Count at Watts Gallery

  5. Summer at Watts
    Event

    Mirror mask experience

  6. A young boy making with clay, surrounded by parents and other children taking part in the workshop.
    Summer at Watts
    Event

    Clay Club

  7. Summer at Watts
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    Storytime with Michael Parkin

  8. Summer at Watts
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    The Make Space

Coming soon

  1. Summer at Watts
    Event

    Children’s Summer Book Festival

  2. Summer at Watts
    Event

    Mirroring Nature with artist Freddie Yauner

Discover Limnerslease

Explore the home and studio of George Frederic and Mary Watts, built in 1891 in the Arts and Crafts style. See a recreation of George's studio, discover Mary's own creative legacy as an artist, designer and writer, and wander rooms featuring her unique decorative touches throughout their Surrey home.

Find out more >

Visit the Gallery

Step into the world of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts, first opened to the public in 1904 and still filled with treasures to explore today. Wander through our Historic Galleries and follow George's journey as an artist, from his early years through to the celebrated portraits and symbolic paintings he became known for. Then head into the Sculpture Gallery, where his larger than life sculptures are sure to leave you looking up in awe.

While you're here, don't miss Decoration or Devotion?, the De Morgan Foundation's exhibition celebrating the work of artists Evelyn and William De Morgan, full of striking colour and craftsmanship.

Find out more >

Explore the Grounds and Gardens

Step outside and lose yourselves in 18 acres of grounds and gardens that once inspired George and Mary Watts themselves. Wander through woodland and take a well earned rest at our wooden outdoor auditorium, Big Bench, surrounded by nature.

Follow the winding path up to Limnerslease and keep an eye out for Mary Watts's Celtic Cross along the way. Little explorers can burn off some energy in our Verey Playwood, and there's plenty of space for a family picnic and wildlife spotting too.

While you're up at Limnerslease, don't miss Physical Energy, George Frederic Watts's monumental bronze sculpture of a horse and rider. Twenty years in the making, it's one of the most striking things you'll see in the grounds, so look up and take it all in.

Find out more >

Mother and child playing in a woodland playground