Mindful May in the Surrey Hills
Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life with the practice of mindfulness this summer. Download a mindful sheet or find an event at a place near you and relax in the Surrey Hills countryside.
Mindfulness trail sheet
Take a walk through the woods or heathland, and discover some hints and tips for practising mindfulness using our trail sheet. You can download one here or pick one up from visitor reception at Box Hill or Hindhead Commons.
Park Yoga at Box Hill
5 May - 15 Sep, every Sunday 9.30 - 10.30am
This year we are collaborating with Park Yoga to bring you free weekly yoga sessions at Box Hill for people of all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome, no registration is required and accompanied children are welcome. All sessions are led by a qualified local instructor.
Forest bathing with The Forest Bathing Institute
Box Hill: 6 Apr, 11 May, 1 Jun, 20 Jul, 17 Aug, 7 Sep
Leith Hill: 23 Mar, 14 Apr, 18 May, 16 Jun, 6 Jul, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 13 Oct, 9 Nov, 7 Dec
Forest bathing – or Shinrin-yoku – is a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by being immersed among the trees. Experts from The Forest Bathing Insitute will guide you on a slow, relaxing sensory journey through the woodlands, before you return home with some techniques to use when you need them.
£40 per person
Free meditative walks at Landbarn Farm, nr Dorking
Tue 7 & 28 May, 7-8.30pm
Join us for a gentle walk and some relaxing nature-based meditation in the calming surroundings of the Surrey Hills. No experience is necessary. Please bring a cushion or blanket to sit on. Free, but please book as spaces are limited.
Free photography workshops
Sat 11 & Sun 19 May, 10am-12pm
Join expert photography, Richard Knapp for a free outdoor photography workshop at Leith Hill.
Combining an opportunity to explore the wonderful bluebell woods on Leith Hill with improving photography skills, this workshop is suitable for both beginner and intermediate photographers. The course is primarily aimed at camera users, but iPhone and Android phone users are also very welcome. Camera settings, composition and creativity and post processing will all be covered in the workshop.
The course is free but booking is essential as places are limited.
Wellbeing and artisan market at Hindhead Commons
Sat 18 May, 10am-4pm
Enjoy a day of wellbeing and connection with nature in the beautiful setting of Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl. Try yoga and mindfulness sessions and browse the artisan stalls selling a selection of food, drink and arts and crafts. In collaboration with Surrey Hills Enterprises.
Guided walks of the Rhododendron Wood
Sat 25 May & Sun 2 June, 11am-12.30pm
Join us for a free guided walk of this historic woodland designed by Caroline Wedgwood, sister of Charles Darwin, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and sweet scents of the rhododendrons and azaleas at Leith Hill.
Free, but please book to reserve your place.
Clay workshop with Karen Pearson
Sun 26 May, 11am-12pm,1-2pm & 3-4pm
Explore your creative side and make your own charming little clay bird at Leith Hill Place under the expert guidance of local artist, Karen Pearson. Your bird will be perfect to display in your own garden or a lovely decoration for any window sill.
Your clay bird will be dried, bisque fired and returned to Leith Hill Place by 31 May. You will be emailed when it is ready for collection.
Booking essential. Adult £15, child (5yrs+) £10
'Under a Canopy' at Leith Hill
Meander through the beautiful Rhododendron Wood with an audio guided mindful walk 'Under a Canopy' by Alison Carlier. Take your time. Breathe slowly and deeply and relax. Download the audio guide here.