Headley Heath
A wonderful mix of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland
Please respect our local communities and only exercise in the Surrey Hills if you live locally.
We are experiencing very high visitor numbers to our countryside sites. Most car parks are full by mid-morning at weekends. Please stay in your local area, observe social distancing and be mindful of our neighbours.
Free downloadable walks around Headley Heath
Headley Heath Second World War walking trail
Headley Heath played a major role during the Second World War - as a training ground for Canadian troops preparing for D-Day and, more covertly, as STS 2 - a Secret Operations Executive training base for secret agents.
Headley Heath to White Hill walking trail
A lovely walk over heathland, through woodland, over open pasture and farmland. There are two steep slopes on the route.
Headley Heath circuit
Enjoy stunning views on this moderate walk over some uneven terrain of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland.
Headley Heath Lizard Trail
Headley Heath provides a rare environment of acid lowland heath and dry chalk downland. It is the perfect habitat for a whole range of wildlife, including lizards. Follow this walk to learn more.
Habitats at Headley Heath
We manage our habitat at Headley Heath to make sure that we continue to attract wildlife and preserve the rich ecosystem that is in place here. Find out more about the habitats and how we do it.
Finding fabulous fungi on Headley Heath
Autumn and winter are great seasons for discovering the wonderful world of fungi.Take the opportunity to find out more about fungi as you walk around Headley Heath.
Plants and animals at Headley Heath
With over 25 species of butterflies, a handful of reptiles and amphibians not to mention mammals, birds and wildflowers, there's plenty of wildlife to spot at Headley.
Conservation work benefits rare plant
Conservation work on Headley Heath has resulted in a rare marsh plant - the British star fruit - re-establishing itself. Headley is now one of only a handful of sites in the UK where this beauty can be found.
Listen out for the nightjars on Headley Heath
Visit Headley Heath at dusk to learn more about one of our most secretive birds - nightjars.
History of Headley Heath
From the home of a Queen Mother to lords of the manor to defending our nation during the Second World War, Headley Heath has had a truly interesting history.
Lords of the manor and Headley Heath
In the 18th century Headley Heath was part of Ashtead Park Estate. Manors were bought and sold then as today but then the lord of the manor was much more powerful.
The Second World War on Headley Heath
During the Second World War, Headley Heath was used by the Canadian army as a training ground and was also the base for SOE planning espionage and sabotage attacks on occupied Europe.
Canadian soldiers and Headley Heath
Headley Heath was used as a training ground for Canadian soldiers in the run-up to D-Day. The scars left in the ground can still be seen today.
Bellasis House
Bellasis was requisitioned in 1941 by the War Department. It quickly became a special training school for the Secret Operations Executive, sending agents throughout Europe during the Second World War.
Headley Heath and the Nazi assassination
Discover Headley Heath's involvement in one of the most daring operations of the Second World War - the only assassination of a senior Nazi leader.
Wellington and Hampden aircraft crashes near Headley Heath
Two bombers on two operations both came down on or near Headley Heath within an hour of each other in September 1941.
