Surrey: Hill Walks, Heathland and Culture

Surrey brings together rolling hills and heathland with gardens, historic estates and cultural attractions. When planning your visit, it is worth first considering whether you want to focus on walks and nature, or more on gardens, history and wine.

Landscapes between heathland and hills

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is one of 46 nationally protected landscapes in the United Kingdom. Its landscape status and protection are equivalent to those of a national park. It covers about a quarter of Surrey, stretching from Farnham and Haslemere in the west through Guildford, Dorking and Reigate to Oxted in the east. Box Hill combines panoramic views with ancient woodland, chalk downland, farmland and river scenery.

Protected natural areas are also part of the picture. The Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve is home to all six native reptile species, natterjack toads and three bird species designated as SPAs. Designated in 2025, the area combines the existing Thursley NNR with 2,440 hectares of surrounding landscape. Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Walks and views for different plans

Leith Hill offers routes through woodland, heathland and farmland, as well as exceptional views. Leith Hill Tower affords views towards London and the English Channel; it stands at the highest point in south-east England. Leith Hill is about 2.5 miles (4 km) from Holmwood station, 4 miles (6.4 km) from Ockley station and 5.5 miles (9 km) from Dorking station. The long-distance Greensand Way passes the tower over a 1.5-mile stretch.

At Box Hill, a two-mile nature trail winds through the woodland, with opportunities to balance, climb and explore along the way. The Hidden Hindhead trail is 3.1 miles long. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. For a longer route, there is the 37-mile Downs Link: it runs mostly traffic-free along a disused railway line from St Martha's near Guildford to Shore-by-Sea. This gives you a section of trail by the tower, a dedicated walking trail and a longer route with named endpoints. The North Downs Way is a long-distance trail in Surrey.

Gardens, estates and history

Polesden Lacey is a 1,600-acre estate in Surrey, with elegant gardens and an Edwardian mansion. At Winkworth Arboretum, the tree collection changes with the seasons; other features include a lake, a boathouse and ancient woodland. Hatchlands Park in Surrey has extensive parkland surrounding a classic country house.

In Guildford, Guildford Castle tells the story of Norman history. You can climb the keep for far-reaching views over Guildford and Surrey. These places offer different highlights, from gardens and parkland to the view from the castle keep and the family connections that shape Leith Hill Place. The house is associated with the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and also has links to the Wedgwood family.

Museums, gardens and wine in Surrey

Brooklands Museum presents Brooklands as the world's first motor racing circuit and the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. It offers a half-hour Concorde experience open to the public aboard Concorde G-BBDG. RHS Garden Wisley in Woking is considered one of the great gardens of the world and offers extensive horticultural inspiration. Hilltop Live hosts free daily talks and demonstrations on gardening advice and scientific discoveries. If you want to plan around a particular event, check the schedule in advance.

At Denbies, the vineyard railway offers views across the Surrey Hills; timetables can change, so check departures in advance. A guided cellar tasting follows the wines from vineyard to glass. Dates and booking requirements can also change and should be checked in advance. The Surrey Hills wine route includes local wine tastings, seasonal events and a vineyard tour; offerings vary between vineyards.

When choosing a hotel in Surrey, it helps to first decide on the focus of your trip: hill walks and nature reserves, gardens and history, or museums and wine.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Worplesdon, Salfords, Esher, Hindhead, Ash, Smallfield, Sunbury-On-Thames, Effingham, Banstead, Ashford, Addlestone, Bletchingley, Hersham, Copthorne, Thames Ditton, Gatwick, Buckland, Tatsfield, Windlesham, Frimley, Chaldon, Brookwood, Englefield Green, Pirbright, Horley, Haslemere, Guildford, Godalming, Farnham, Epsom, Egham, Lingfield, Newchapel, East Horsley, Dorking, Cobham, Chertsey, Charlwood, Camberley, Burpham, Betchworth, Bagshot, Virginia Water, Peaslake, Bookham, Crowhurst, Capel, Ottershaw, Chiddingfold, Thorpe, Chilworth, Bisley, East Molesey, Peasmarsh, Ewhurst, Albury, Walton-on-Thames, Abinger Common, Farleigh, Woking, Weybridge, Milford, Woldingham, Godstone, West Molesey, Staines, Shepperton, Seale, Ripley, Reigate, Redhill, Ockley, Mickleham, Leatherhead, Chipstead, Bramley, Cranleigh, Frensham.

For the broader travel overview: South East England.