Surrey Hills

Take some time to explore heathland and woodland on an invigorating walk with your dog in the Surrey Hills. Take a look at our tips for a safe stroll with your four-legged friend.

Welcome to fresh air and open spaces. Our countryside sites in the Surrey Hills are open to visit in line with government guidance. Click here to find out what to expect on your visit.

Abinger Roughs, above the village of Abinger Hammer, is an area of grassland and mixed woodland - some of the mighty oak trees are over 300 years old. The Roughs is home to many creatures and it’s a perfect spot for a young explorer to start looking at nature. In the 1870s, Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist, actually walked on the Roughs while staying at Abinger Hall.

Ancient commons, mentioned in the Domesday Book, with grassland plains, mighty oak woods and serene ponds. Bookham Commons' varied landscapes support an abundance of wildlife, which can be heard and seen throughout the seasons. Listen out for tuneful nightingales and warblers in the spring, and in summer look for insects hovering over the ponds.

Box Hill is the perfect place to enjoy a family walk and explore the Surrey Hills. Forming part of the North Downs, Box Hill has views across the surrounding countryside. It's home to lots of wildlife and plants too, including the adonis blue butterfly and bee orchid.

A dramatic and stunning chalk escarpment, with panoramic views. Denbies Hillside is a great spot for wildlife-watching, home to a great variety of plants and animals, including adonis blue and chalkhill blue butterflies. To the west of Denbies Hillside is Hackhurst Downs, where you can savour the vista looking towards the Tillingbourne Valley.

A medieval bishops' fish pond in tranquil wildlife haven amidst precious heathland. Frensham Little Pond is the perfect place to spot many common and rare birds such as reed bunting, sedge warbler and great crested grebe, as well as nightjars and woodlarks. There are damselflies and dragonflies darting over the glistening water in warmer months, and the banks of the pond are fringed with a multitude of yellow iris, purple loose-strife and common reeds.

Hidden woodlands, lush green meadows, tranquil ponds and an ancient common: Harewoods is lovely countryside to explore on foot. The many footpaths and bridleways take you across working farmland, meadows, an ancient common and woodland with over 100 ponds. In spring, the woods are filled with colourful wildflowers, with spectacular displays of primroses, wood anemones and bluebells in Hornecourt Wood.

With a wide network of tracks to explore and stunning views to rival any of its neighbours, Headley Heath is the perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horse-riding. There's always something new to see, from fragrant, bright yellow gorse and breath-taking purple heathers, to deer, badgers and dragonflies.

Discover the myths and legends of this historical landscape with its spectacular views across the Weald. Enjoy a variety of walks through shady woodlands or across open heathland with grazing cattle and wild ponies for company.

Holmwood Common, with its dappled woodland and sunny clearings, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The beautiful countryside here is perfect for walking, horse riding, cycling; and ideal for families to explore. In the warmer months, dragonflies hover above the ponds and amphibians live in the dark pools. The air is filled with birdsong and colourful butterflies flutter from one bright flower to another.

Hydon's Ball is a memorial to one of our co-founders, Octavia Hill, who died in 1912. It’s one of the highest points in Surrey and the steep, wooded, south-facing slope commands magnificent views across the surrounding countryside towards the Sussex border. Enjoy lovely walks across the peaceful heath and woodland, which is a wonderful mix of many trees including oaks and chestnuts, with a surprise of non-native shrubs planted by the British garden designer, writer, and artist, Gertrude Jekyll.

Explore a variety of trails through woodland, heathland and farmland and see the majestic Leith Hill Tower and Leith Hill Tower and Leith Place, childhood home to composer Vaughan William. During the summer months you can visit Leith Hill Place or climb to the top of the Tower and see sweeping views as far as the English Channel.

An ancient common on the Greensand Ridge where time comes home to sleep, with magnificent beech trees and woodland carpeted with bluebells in spring. Limpsfield Common is the perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horse riding. There’s an old Roman road to saunter along too. Limpsfield Common is also a good spot for family outings and picnics, with open, mainly flat, spaces to run and explore.

A spectacular escarpment with sweeping views across the Weald, this stretch of the North Downs is good walking country with flower-sprinkled grasslands and quiet shady woods. It is also a lovely spot for family picnics and games. Sitting proud at the top of the Hill is the 19th-century Reigate Fort. To the east, Gatton Park nestles serenely into the North Downs. The lush pastures, mighty trees and sparkling lakes, designed by Lancelot Capability Brown, are stunning.

Easily accessible with clearly marked footpaths and bridleways, Witley and Milford Commons is a great place for people who’re new to exploring the countryside. The Commons is a lovely spot for family picnics too. Children will love the natural play trail - a great place to learn balance, gain confidence and to enjoy the fresh air. The countryside is an area of great contrasts with extensive heathland views and secluded woodland glades.

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