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.
Donating to Landmark as part of your visit
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to visit a Landmark for free as part of our Open Day programme, and as such we’re pleased to continue to offer free entry at all our Open Days in 2025.
The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that relies on donations to support its work. Over the past 60 years, public support has helped us rescue over 200 historic buildings and make them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your support by attending our events, booking a workshop, and making a donation allows us to continue to save buildings at risk and continue to maintain those already in our care. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore a future Landmark, offer opportunities for young people to experience history first-hand, or provide a charity with free Landmark stay for their service users through our 50 for Free scheme.
Donations can be made when you book your Eventbrite ticket, at the event via contactless donation points, or after your visit via our website under Support.
Finding the tower
Please note there are major roadworks on the M25 junction 10/Wisley interchange that will affect your route. Please check back for the latest information that we will keep updated.
Last-minute closures may occur, please check the National Highways website before you travel: M25 junction 10 - National Highways
There is no parking at this building. Please use nearby 'Pond car park' KT11 1ND.
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.