Watts Gallery
House and art gallery dedicated to the work of the Victorian-era painter and sculptor George Frederic Watts.
Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, GU3 1DQ
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Picnic area
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Shop
Everyone is welcome at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.
Our vision is Art for All by All. It’s important to us to be as accessible as possible. Our team will do whatever we can to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit.
Essential companions and carers receive free entry to our site when accompanying a paying visitor with access needs. Find out more about access on the website.
Dedicated to the life and work of Victorian painter and sculptor G F Watts and his wife, designer and artist Mary Watts, Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village is a unique Arts and Crafts gem nestled in the Surrey Hills.
On a visit see exquisite artworks by England’s Michelangelo, George Frederic Watts. The gallery walls glow with deep crimson, rich greens and subtle blue-greys, hung with vast paintings. Discover Watts’s 70-year career through allegories, portraits, symbolist works and social realist scenes. In the Sculpture Gallery, take in his monumental sculptural works, Physical Energy and Monument to Lord Tennyson.
Enjoy changing exhibitions in the Historic Galleries too, as well as colourful pottery and paintings of the De Morgan collection.
Don’t miss
Discover the story of George and Mary, the Compton Pottery and see where they lived and worked at the artists’ historic home, Limnerslease. A short walk away find the magnificent Arts and Crafts cemetery chapel designed by Mary Watts and created with the local community. The exterior is a riot of terracotta decoration and the interior encrusted with colourful stucco angels.
Explore 18 acres of woodland and charming gardens. Families can enjoy the Verey Playwood, trails and craft activities throughout the year.
See dynamic selling exhibitions in Watts Contemporary Gallery throughout the year. Join in with workshops and courses, and discover Artists in Residence working onsite. Tuck into freshly made, seasonal food in the Tea Shop and shop for bespoke gifts, books and homewares at the Shop.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Watts Gallery (Historic Galleries, De Morgan Exhibition, Temporary Exhibition and Sculpture Gallery) is open Wednesday–Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10.30am–5.00pm. Last admission is at 4.30pm. The gallery will be open on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2026.
Visitor Centre (including Shop and Watts Contemporary Gallery) is open Wednesday–Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10.00am–5.00pm. Last admission to the galleries and Limnerslease is at 4.30pm. The Visitor Centre will also be open on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2026.
Limnerslease Artists' Home (including G F Watts Studio, Mary Watts Gallery, Compton Gallery and House) is open Wednesday–Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10.30am–5.00pm. Last admission is at 4.30pm. Please note that Limnerslease will not be open on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2026.
Watts Cemetery Chapel is open daily from 10am–5pm. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Chapel may occasionally close for private services, so we recommend checking opening times before visiting. Opening hours differ from Watts Gallery and Limnerslease; to visit all three locations, please come Wednesday–Sunday.
Grounds and Gardens are accessible during site opening hours (Wednesday–Sunday and Bank Holidays).
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
- Women of Influence: The Pattle Sisters – Closing 4 May 2026
- Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller – 16 April – 28 June 2026
- Women of 'Our Time' – 7 March – 31 August 2026
- The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co – 21 May 2026 – 10 January 2027
Events and Activities
- Watts Cemetery Chapel Friday Tours – Every Friday
- The Art of Wallpaper – Curator's Tour – 2 July 2026 – 7 January 2027
- Pay If and What You Can Days – 6 May 2026 – 7 April 2027
- May Half Term – 23–31 May 2026
Virtual Tours
A Virtual Tour of Limnerslease is available via the Smartify App at any time. You can download it before your visit or listen to it at home. A 360° Virtual Tour of Watts Cemetery Chapel is also available online.
Historic Houses members may visit the entire site – Watts Gallery, Limnerslease, temporary exhibition as well as the grounds, chapel and Watts Contemporary Gallery for free. Parking charges apply to all visitors.
Please see website for details.
Booking online in advance is recommended. Please bring a valid ID on arrival for concessions.
Whether your group wants an overview of the collection, has a special area of interest or wishes to explore a particular exhibition, we can provide a wide range of tours and talks to meet your requirements.
Groups of 8 or more people save on admission prices and also get a discount in our shop. A variety of catering options are also available from our award-winning Tea Shop.
Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village provides an inspirational backdrop for students to explore a range of subjects linked to the national curriculum and post-14 exam courses.
Explore woodlands and heritage buildings, discover hundreds of Victorian paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art and visit the Grade I listed Arts & Crafts Chapel. Take a free self-guided tour or inspire students with brilliant activities led by our creative learning team.
Everyone is welcome at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.
Our vision is Art for All by All. It’s important to us to be as accessible as possible. Our team will do whatever we can to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit.
Essential companions and carers receive free entry to our site when accompanying a paying visitor with access needs. Find out more about access on the website.
Getting here
Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, GU3 1DQ
The main visitor entrance is at ///developed.magnetic.spike. What does this mean?
Located in Compton, Surrey, near Guildford. Just 40 mins from London Waterloo, and a short bus/taxi ride from Guildford station.
Trains run every 15 minutes from London Waterloo to Guildford station. There is a 46 bus from Guildford that runs every hour and drops passengers right outside the Visitor Centre of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.
Become a Historic Houses member
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