Visitors to the Deepdene Estate in Dorking will be able to tour the historic grounds a lot more in 2016, Mole Valley District Council has announced.

Due to ‘delicate and essential’ repair works, visitors must currently be guided around the grounds – and the council has announced two new dates for these guided tours, February 23 and 28.

There are also some steep areas and the ground may be uneven whilst works take place, so a reasonable level of fitness is required on these walks, the council said.

Councillor Vivienne Michael, executive member for community engagement and residents’ services said: “These guided tours really set the scene of the Deepdene Estate, incorporating both its historical and architectural importance.

“We are keen for people to get involved in this, an internationally significant part of local history.”

And the council is also appealing for residents to send in images of the estate so they can create a virtual tour, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own home.

Cllr Michael said: "This Autumn the Deepdene Trail will open to the public.

“We are currently creating a historic virtual tour of the site as it was in 1825, enabling those who are unable to visit or who want a preview of the experience, to see the trail online.”

Details can be found on the council’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.