Things to see & do
A few of our favourite things to see and do
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Enjoy a family picnic
Enjoy a family picnic
There are many beautiful spots to throw down a rug and enjoy a picnic or use the picnic area with benches in Steers Field, accessed by a gate from Denbies Hillside car park. There are also picnic tables in the meadow adjacent to the Ranmore West car park.
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Wander along peaceful paths
Wander along peaceful paths
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the many footpaths and bridleways on Denbies Hillside. Discover the flower-rich banks of the Carriage Road leading to Denbies Hillside or walk along the North Downs Way National Trail. There is so much to see.
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Sensory highlights
Sensory highlights
Take a moment to savour the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Listen out for Whitethroats, kestrels and Green Woodpeckers and take in the smells of wild marjoram and thyme as you walk along the chalk grassland.
© Rob Hewer
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Learn about nature
Learn about nature
Come along and enjoy one of Denbies Hillside’s guided walks or fun family events, such as Snakes Alive and Animal Tracks. All ages and experiences welcome.
© Rob Hewer
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Chalk downland
Chalk downland
Our friendly cattle graze the hillside to help maintain the chalk downland. In the summer the hill is the home to a great variety of plants, including wild thyme, and wildlife such as the Adonis Blue and Chalkhill Blue butterflies.
© Rob Hewer
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Second World War on the North Downs
Second World War on the North Downs
The concrete pill boxes, just west of Denbies Hillside along the North Downs Way, were built in 1940 to defend London. They acted as barriers where the advancing enemy could be engaged before reaching the capital.
© Rob Hewer
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Walk to Polesden Lacey and stop for tea
Walk to Polesden Lacey and stop for tea
Cross the Ranmore Common Road and head north along the many footpaths through the ancient woodland of Ranmore Common, carpeted with stunning bluebells in the spring, and onto the magnificent Edwardian Polesden Lacey Estate (50 minute walk).
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Get fit and feel invigorated
Get fit and feel invigorated
Get fit by running the Denbies Hillside 2.2 mile circular trail. A great way to train for longer running events whilst being able to enjoy the stunning scenery.
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Follow the North Downs Way
Follow the North Downs Way
Join the North Downs Way at Denbies Hillside and follow the sign posts along the chalk ridge that stretches from Farnham in the west to Dover in the East. Why not walk to Box Hill and stop for a light snack or perhaps visit the shop.
Enjoy a family picnic
Wander along peaceful paths
Sensory highlights
Learn about nature
Chalk downland
Second World War on the North Downs
Walk to Polesden Lacey and stop for tea
Get fit and feel invigorated
Follow the North Downs Way
Our nature trail
The circular trail is perfect for families new to exploring the countryside - discover the amazing wildlife on the hill. The trail (2.2 miles) starts at the Denbies Hillside car park.
Don't miss
- The exciting Denbies nature trail
- The many colourful butterflies fluttering over the hill
- The beautiful wild orchids in the warmer months
- The wonderful views looking towards Leith Hill
- The friendly Belted Galloway cattle quietly grazing
Enjoy your visit - useful tips
What's over there?
- Dress for the weather and check the forecast
- A back pack is handy to carry your possessions; pack a picnic and drinks as time slips by exploring the hill
- Bring a camera and carry binoculars to spot wildlife and admire the spectacular views
- A good identification book for trees, shrubs, wild flowers and butterflies is always useful and a sketch book too
- Stop and listen to the wonderful sounds of nature, including kestrels and whitethroats
- During the summer months, tread carefully and slowly, admire the beautiful butterflies and orchids
- Rest for a while and return home feeling refreshed
Walk the chalk
Try our new self-guided walk from Dorking station along the chalk grasslands of the North Downs to Gomshall station.
Surrey Hills events
Find out about events across the Surrey Hills this spring - you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.