Things to do at Box Hill

Child in the garden at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire in autumn — Take an autumn walk at Box Hill | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

With its beautiful scenery, wildlife and viewpoints, Box Hill is a wonderful place to get outdoors and enjoy the natural world. Whether you want a leisurely walk with your family or to compete against friends as you cycle the Zig Zag road, there is plenty to explore. From butterflies to rare orchids, observe the changes of the seasons as well as wildlife as you discover the best of Box Hill.

Box Hill in the autumn

As the season changes, autumn is a wonderful time to explore Box Hill. Take a short stroll to the viewpoint to admire the views, crunch through leaves on the family trail, or make a day of it on our Box Hill hike. Immerse yourself in the far-reaching views and warm autumn colours and discover a way-marked walk to suit you.

Help follow the countryside code by taking your litter home, parking responsibly and keeping your dog under control.

Discover walks at Box Hill

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 Shepherd's Hut in the car park

Two cyclists on the Zig Zag road at Box Hill, with views of the Surrey Hills in the background — Cyclists on the Zig Zag road at Box Hill | © National Trust Images/Jason Ingram

Cycling at Box Hill

Box Hill is well and truly on the map for road cycling following the London 2012 Olympic road races, part of which were held here. Billions of people around the world watched international athletes battle it out on the challenging 2.5km Zig Zag road.

With an average gradient of 4.9 per cent, the Box Hill circuit is among the most desired achievements of amateur and professional cyclists alike. The fastest climb, which rises by 133m, is recorded as an eye-watering 4 minutes 37 seconds at an average speed of 32.5kmh. Box Hill beat the winding French Alpine passes to be crowned the most popular cycling hill climb in the world.

Cycling through history

Box Hill has always been popular among road cyclists, and as early as the 1890s hundreds of people lined the road for Dorking Cycle Club events. The road’s steep gradients, sharp turns and gruelling long climbs meant that road races, hill climbs and time trials became a regular occurrence.

It was also seen as a scenic spot for Victorian day trippers to escape the smoggy air of inner-city London.