Surrey countryside — The view from Box Hill

We think there’s no place easier to fall in love with than the English countryside on a bright, warm summer’s day. Of all the beautiful, green places spread across this land, we’ve been lucky to call the Surrey Hills home for some time. Few and far between though sunny days may be, it’s so worth taking the opportunity to take a day out there and experience the peace and tranquility that this wonderful portion of the country has to offer. Whether you have some annual leave to burn or are just looking to get away for the day, the Surrey Hills has plenty of options to entertain and enchant. Let Trek & Taste be your guide!

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The Surrey Hills National Landscape (formerly AONB)

For the longest time, the Surrey Hills was a designated “AONB” (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Pretty self-explanatory. Nowadays, you won’t find that on any official documentation, either from the council or from the National Trust, as the designation has recently been renamed to “National Landscape.” The criteria are the same - areas containing outstanding natural beauty in the UK - it’s just a rebrand! We can see why the Surrey Hills has earned this title. Come and see why!

Sunset over grassy hills — The sun sets over grassy hills on Logmore Lane

Best things to do in the Surrey Hills

1. Visit Box Hill

Box Hill is one of the highest points in the Surrey Hills, allowing you to see everything from above. Look down across the town of Dorking, Denbies Wine Estate, and beyond. It’s a bit of a cyclist's haven, with countless bikers coming down from London to make the climb and enjoy a tasty coffee at the top. If you’re more into four wheels than two, there is ample parking at the top also, so you can enjoy the view without the climb! When you’re up there, there several hikes you can take, with something suitable for little legs and seasoned trekkers alike. At the foot of Box Hill, you’ll find the Stepping Stones - the perfect spot for a dip in the stream on a roasting hot day, or to start a challenging 8-mile hike to the top.

2. Take a trip to Leith Hill Tower

A standout fixture on the Surrey Hills horizon is Leith Hill Tower, a “folly,” built in 1765 by local Richard Hull. While the tower stands as a living monument to history, the reality of a folly isn’t as romantic as you might imagine. It isn’t a look-out tower, or part of a stately home. Follies were actually built “because they could.” Because why not? Leith Hill Tower was constructed as a place where locals could come to take a walk and enjoy the English countryside. Luckily for us, that hasn’t changed!

There’s a small cafe at the bottom where you can buy coffee and cake, with benches and a lawn outside where you can relax once you’ve finished the steep climb to the top. For £3 (or £1, if you happen to be a child), you can ascend the tower and use the telescopes to admire the view further. On a clear day, you can see as far as the wind farm off of the Brighton coast, or the Shard Tower in London!

3. Cycle Summer Lightning

If you’re a mountain bike fanatic, you can find the Summer Lightning MTB trail, that runs all the way from Leith Hill Tower to the village of Wotton. A lengthy trail with long straights and twists and turns, the way up is tough, but the way down is a breeze. Worth a go if you’re into biking! Just watch out for walkers, as the trail is shared.

4. St Martha’s Hill

A short 20-minute drive from Box Hill, you’ll find St Martha’s Hill, another vantage point from which you can look out across the South Downs. At the top of the hill is an active church with regular services every Sunday. Take a break on your walk to look out at a stunning view, featuring rolling hills, small hamlets and farmland. It’s well worth stopping off if you’re on the way to Guildford!

Where should I eat lunch in the Surrey Hills?

Looking for lunch? Stop off at Newlands Corner for a bite to each, a quick stroll and a view to die for. Just outside of Guildford, you’ll find the Plucky Pheasant cafe, serving up traditional British fare. The dishes are tasty, hit the spot and are guaranteed to fuel you up for the rest of the day. As always, the view is lush and green! Even if you’re bringing lunch, there are picnic benches across the road from which you can admire the view.

If you’re looking for classic British “pub grub,” we’d recommend the Wotton Hatch, just outside Wotton House. It’s set in a big old inn, with a roaring fire in the winter and a spacious garden, perfect for al fresco dining in the summer. It has a great range of beers and ales, as well as wine, gin and all manner of tipples to suit your taste. The food is excellent too - we’d highly recommend the “Dirty Burger!”

The Dirty Burger at the Wotton Hatch (it was filthy)

Wotton House - our favourite Surrey Hills Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the Surrey Hills, look no further. Wotton House is a country manor turned hotel, the origins of which can be traced all the way back to 1086! When you arrive, you’ll find the house set in 13 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside, with 17th-century Italian gardens through which you can stroll on a warm summer’s day. There’s a bar and a terrace where you can enjoy an afternoon sip, and a restaurant where you can get some delicious food.

The big draw for us was the leisure club, access to which is included when you book a stay. It has an indoor pool, complete with steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. There’s also a tennis court, a well-fitted gym and the opportunity to book yourself onto several classes. Yoga, pilates, body pump - Ellen took full advantage!

The best kind of gym (empty aside from us)

The house is set on Wotton Estate; 4000 acres of rolling green hills, pine trees, heather and ferns. Wotton House is the perfect base from which to go for a hike - walk to Leith Hill tower, head into the nearby town of Westcott for a drink in the local pub, or get lost in the hills and feel the cool breeze on your face. It’s absolutely blissful.

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Can you camp in the Surrey Hills?

Unfortunately, wild camping isn’t an option in the Surrey Hills. However, if you’re looking for comfy Surrey Hills glamping, from which to explore the local area, there’s a plethora of options available. A favourite of ours is the Surrey Hills Yurts. What is a yurt? A large, round tent-like thingy, to use the dictionary definition. They feature full-sized beds, wood stoves and all the space you’d expect from a hotel. This truly is glamping taken to the next level! The yurts are set on a working farm, with pigs and cows, and they also operate a quaint little coffee bar hidden nearby in the woods. Well worth a visit.

London to the Surrey Hills: How to get there

One of the best things about the Surrey Hills is how easy it is to get to. You can get a direct train straight from London Waterloo to Box Hill and Westhumble station. Step outside and you’ll find Box Hill and its Stepping Stones walk just across the road! One stop further on, you can get off at Dorking station (there’s also a train there from London Victoria). Explore the historic market town before making your way on, into the hills themselves. There are so many ways you can spend a perfect day.

Have you visited the Surrey Hills yet? Maybe you’re looking further afield for your next holiday. Try Le Marche in Italy. Never heard of it? It’s like Tuscany without the tourists! Take a look:

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Surrey in a Hurry: a day trip in the Surrey Hills