Semaphore Tower is a unique remnant from the Napoleonic era, the Grade II* listed brick structure is the only surviving semaphore tower in Britain. It was once a cutting-edge building at the forefront of technology and design, a vital link in a signalling chain that transmitted messages from Admiralty House in London to Portsmouth Docks in just a few minutes.
We are opening this building in association with Heritage Open Days. These free open days will be an opportunity to see inside our most recent Landmark restoration project and learn more about its history and restoration.
Entry is free, pre-booking is preferred via Eventbrite.
Information will be provided detailing the building's history and a children's activity sheet.
Finding the tower
Please note there are major roadworks on the M25 juction 10/ Wisley interchange that will affect your route. Please check back for the latest information that we will keep updated.
There is no parking at this building. Please use nearby 'Pond car park' KT11 1ND or Boldermere car park' KT11 1NR.
Wisley and Ockham Commons - Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
Both car parks are around 15 minutes walk to the Semaphore Tower. There are clearly marked paths from both car parks up the hill to the tower. Look out for red and blue 'Chatley Heath' markers along the paths.
Accessibility
Semaphore Tower is a small building with a tight staircase so in order to keep visitors safe we will be limiting the number of people allowed in at one time; this could mean that if you arrive at a particularly busy time you may be asked to wait to gain entry.
We do all we can to enable access wherever possible; for further information or if you have any access concerns that you’d like to discuss before visiting, please contact our Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or [email protected]. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.
Donating to Landmark
As a charity, the Landmark Trust relies on donations to support our work. We couldn’t have rescued over 200 Landmarks without the support of people like you. Your support saves historic buildings in danger of being lost forever and makes them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore buildings like this, or it could offer opportunities to young people to experience history first-hand, through our open days and free stays for study groups.