Box Hill Natural Play Trail
This family-friendly trail is a two-mile level walk offering a great opportunity to enjoy yourselves in the woods, with activity options from tree-climbing to den-making. The trail can take anything from an hour to a whole day, depending on how much fun you're having...
Near to
Box HillStart point
National Trust visitor centre, grid ref: TQ178513Trail information
Paths in winter
The paths are well maintained but may become slippery in wet or wintry weather. Please take care with your footing and wear suitable footwear for the conditions.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
National Trust visitor centre, grid ref: TQ178513
Stage 1
Start your adventure at the visitor centre at the top of Box Hill. Carefully cross the road and hop along the stepping stones to the Natural Play Trail archway. Walk under the arch or scramble through the tunnel. Walk, crawl, hop, skip and jump along the path to the next feature.
Stage 2
After you've ventured through the tree archway, come back onto the main footpath. Take a left on the path which heads away from the main car park. Follow the path as it goes round the edge of Donkey Green. The big beech trees have great knobbly roots to climb around.
Stage 3
Stay on the path as it curves to the left and heads into the woods. The path almost immediately forks: you need to take the right-hand fork. Continue along this path, keeping a look out to your right. After a while, veer off the path to reach a hidden playful place. You can then loop back towards the path. At the big yew tree rejoin the path by turning right onto it.
Stage 4
You'll reach a five-way crossroad. The play trail continues by following the second path on your left. Before doing this, there are lots of loose branches lying around – perfect for making a den. Lots of the yew trees here are great for climbing on too. Follow the second path on your left from the crossroads. On your right, you can have a closer look at the roots of a fallen tree or climb all the way along it. Carry on along the path.
Stage 5
When the path forks, take the left-hand fork. Shortly after this the path splits again – take the right-hand path and carry on along it. Look out for a play feature on your right.
Stage 6
Cross the woods using the log bridge shortcut on your left. If you don't fancy the bridge, you can carry on along the path. Take the left turn and then left again at the T-junction. You are close to Broadwood's Folly now where there are some lovely views. As you walk along the path, keep an eye out for a log bridge on your right. You can be adventurous here and cross this to the more playful pathway. If you've got a buggy with you, you might prefer to stay on the main path.
Stage 7
Rejoin the main pathway by crossing the second bridge and turning right. Continue along the track, ignoring any paths turning off it. There are lots of places to stop for a sit down and rest. Look out for the magical picnic table on your left. Carry on along this main pathway, and keep an eye out for a secret play place hidden between the trees.
Stage 8
Come back to the path which will bring you back to Donkey Green, with lots of open space to continue playing.
End point
National Trust visitor centre, grid ref: TQ178513
Trail map
Map of Box Hill Natural Play Trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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