PLACES TO VISIT IN THE SURREY HILLS
Leith Hill and the surrounding Surrey Hills are home to a wonderful wealth of things to do and places to visit. From beautiful stately homes and their gardens, wonderful walks with breathtaking views, a large expanse of cycle routes and local towns and villages steeped in history.
Your hosts, Colin and Sarah are happy to give advice on the surrounding walks, particularly on Leith Hill and the surrounding villages.
Leith Hill Place is an imposing country house with magnificent views. It was home to the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and has connections with the Wedgwood family. The Rhododendron Wood, situated in the grounds, was planted by Caroline Wedgwood and contains many original species of Rhododendron sourced from Asia, Himalayas, China and Thailand.
& Exhibition Room
Leith Hill Tower was built to see and be seen! The top of the Tower marks the highest point in south-east England at 1,029ft (313m). With sweeping views from the top, on a clear day you can see the English Channel to the south and Big Ben in Westminster to the north. Access is up a steep stone spiral staircase. The Exhibition room can be found about two thirds of the way up the tower.
& Gardens
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian house and 1,600 acre estate, located on the North Downs at Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, and is owned and run by the National Trust. The gardens and wider estate are perfect for running, chasing, nature spotting and lots more. The garden is set with glorious views of Ranmore Common and rolling parkland.
North Downs, Surrey
Box Hill is at the summit of the North Downs and gets its name from the ancient box woodland found on the west-facing chalk slopes overlooking the River Mole. Box Hill provides some spectacular walks and views making it a wonderful place for all the family to enjoy. From a gentle stroll or hike, or a cycle along the bridleways, with views across the Surrey Hills and beyond.
Guildford, Surrey
Newlands Corner is a popular beauty spot that commands some of the best views over the Surrey Hills and is a great place to start a walk. It is an area of open chalk downland with plenty of woodlands to explore and spectacular views across the Weald on the ridge of the South Downs. With a large free car park and café, and natural play trail, there’s plenty for all the family.
Tillingbourne Valley
Shere is a beautiful, quintessential English village, nestled in the Tillingbourne valley. The village offers visitors charming buildings, a stream, a small museum, a tearoom, two pubs , The White Horse and The William Bray, and St James Church built in the 12th century. Shere is popular with walkers as well as being a favourite location for filmmakers.
Cookery School
In the heart of the Surrey Hills, a pub was lovingly turned into The Abinger Cookery School and is run by a group of food-loving enthusiasts. Abinger Cookery School aims to fire up your imagination with courses that are practical, inspiring and fun! Utilising the best produce that Britain has to offer and ingredients sourced from fantastic supplier, right on our doorstep.
Woking, Surrey
RHS Garden Wisley is packed with horticultural inspiration and things to see and do, covering over 240 acres. Wisley includes many gardens, both formal and informal, several glasshouses, orchards and arboretums. In addition, there are some small-scale model gardens which show visitors what they can achieve themselves. Plus a café, restaurant and garden centre.
National Park
The South Downs National Park has it all – rolling hills, glorious heathland, river valleys, ancient woodland, thriving villages and market towns, and the iconic white cliffs of the Heritage Coast. It also includes internationally important wildlife and cultural heritage sites. Whether it’s walking, running, cycling or trying something new, there’s something for everyone.
& Gardens
Arundel Castle is a restored and remodelled medieval castle in Arundel, West Sussex. With nearly 1,000 years of history this great castle is situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the river Arun. With beautiful award-winning tropical and English gardens, it is the perfect place to spend the day with the family. There is also Arundel’s historic town centre, a short walk away.
West Sussex
Brighton is a city in the heart of Sussex, with a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside. With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, Brighton is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as well as its historic landmarks.
Beach
West Wittering beach offers wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. This natural and unspoilt sandy beach is a favourite destination for families. High water quality and excellent facilities means that it is one of the premier Blue Flag beaches in the country. In addition, it offers grassy picnic areas and a cafe, plus a wind and kitesurfing club.
PLACES TO EAT IN THE SURREY HILLS
There is a huge choice of quality restaurants and pubs in and around the Surrey Hills from fine dining, family and dog-friendly pubs, to tearooms and beach side cafés.