Things to do at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl

Two walkers at the top of a snowy path at Hindhead Commons — Take a wintry stroll at Hindhead Commons | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Here at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, there’s plenty to see and do for all the family. With open heathland and ancient woodland steeped in history and beauty, take a moment to enjoy the view over the Surrey Hills and look out for Exmoor ponies and grazing cattle.

Take a stroll and spot some wildlife

Walk the route of the old A3

Now that all traffic passes through the Hindhead tunnel, the route of the old A3 is free of cars and has become a superhighway for wildlife crossing from the Devil's Punch Bowl onto Hindhead Commons. Discover our waymarked walks and enjoy a stroll along this remarkable new walking route, taking in the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a natural amphitheatre and the largest spring-formed feature in Britain. The slopes are covered with heath, small streams and areas of woodland.

Discover walks at Hindhead

A family with a small child walking in the woodland in winter at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Cheshire — Have fun on a winter walk | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Bring the family to Hindhead Commons

Hindhead Commons is ideal to explore with the family. Discover the natural play area by the café or choose a family-friendly walk and see if you can spot the grazing Exmoor ponies along the way. Pick up a map or a walk guide from the visitor den and begin your adventure.

Planning your family visit

Toilets and baby changing facilities are next to the café
High-chairs and children's lunches are available in the café
Picnics are welcome
For the most buggy-friendly routes, please ask at the Visitor Den in the car park

The Celtic cross on Gibbet Hill, Hindhead Common, Surrey. — Celtic cross on Gibbet Hill, Hindhead Common | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Admire the view from Gibbet Hill

This sandstone hill lies above the Devil's Punch Bowl and is the second highest point in Surrey. Admire wonderful views across the Weald and look for famous landmarks; on a clear day you can see London and other Surrey hills including Leith Hill and Box Hill. Gibbet Hill is part of the hidden Hindhead walking trail, a well-signposted but not too demanding walk.

Escape back to nature

From birds and insects to grazing cattle and wild ponies, there’s a whole host of wildlife to discover all year round at Hindhead Commons. Listen out for nightjars, stonechats and woodlarks, and in the woodland green see if you can spot great and lesser-spotted woodpeckers.

In the winter months, look out for rabbits and deer nibbling on grasses and shoots, and watch as soaring buzzards and kestrels hunt for a meal of mice and shrews on a chilly day.

Cycle Surrey Hills

Cycle Surrey Hills is a network of over 80km of off-road cycling trails in South West Surrey where you can get active, improve fitness and experience the spectacular scenery of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Devil’s Punch Bowl loop takes you around the iconic Devil’s Punch Bowl with spectacular views across open heathland.