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Headley Heath
A wonderful mix of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland
Headley Common Road, Headley Heath, Surrey, KT18 6NN
Important notice
The cattle at Headley Heath and are currently in grazing area C.
Car park
Main car park: NT members; please scan your card for your free ticket. Pay and display or pay by mobile phone with paybyphone - area code 803452 (0330 060 4037) - £1.50 per hour for first 2 hours; £4 for up-to 4 hours; £6 for 5 hours and more. Brimmer car park: Free to NT members or pay by mobile phone with paybyphone - area code 803453. Prices as above.
Kiosk
Mobile van (non-National Trust) serving drinks, ice-creams and light snacks (7 days a week from 9am - 4.30pm) located in the main car park.
Dogs
Well-controlled dogs are welcome. Please keep them on a lead when around grazing livestock.
Parking. No toilets. Benches scattered over the heath.
By road
Exit M25 at J9 (Leatherhead) and take A24 south (Leatherhead by-pass road) towards Dorking. Then take B2033 (Headley Common Road) to Headley village
Parking: Parking at Headley Heath main car park and Brimmer car park, both pay & display, £4 per day or free for National Trust members. Visitors can pay by mobile phone (RingGo) at both these car parks
On foot
From the North Downs way at Box Hill, follow the footpaths to Headley Heath (5 hour circular walk from Box Hill). See Ordnance Survey map Explorer 146
By train
Box Hill and Westhumble stations, 3 miles
By bus
Surrey Connect 516, Dorking-Leatherhead-Epsom, alight Headley. Visit Surrey County Council for further information
By bicycle
Take B2033 (Headley Common Road) to Headley village. View local cycle routes on Sustrans website
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Surrey Hills with your dog
Surrey Hills is a one pawprint rated place. With a wide variety of paths and open spaces, the Surrey Hills are an ideal place to bring your dog for a walk. Here’s what to keep in mind to keep your dog and others safe.
Highlights
Countryside
Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rich, varied and rare wildlife on open heath, chalk downland slopes and mixed woodland.
Mobile van (not National Trust)
Takeaway hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Headley Heath
With an incredible network of paths, Headley Heath has so much to offer you on a day out, and it's not far from London either.
Top trails
Trail
Headley Heath circuit
Enjoy stunning views on this moderate walk over some uneven terrain of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland.
Trail
Headley Heath bluebell walk
Explore the hidden corners of Headley Heath to discover the bluebell dell and high spots. Enjoy this wonderfully varied walk across heathland, through woods, and along ridges and valleys.
Trail
Headley Heath to White Hill walking trail
Explore the Surrey Hills on this 4-mile walk over heathland and through woodland, open pasture and across farmland.
Trail
Headley Heath Second World War walking trail
Take this fascinating walk over Headley Heath to learn more about its military past and how it has shaped the landscape today.
Trail
Headley Heath butterfly walk
Follow this 2-mile circular walk through Headley Heath and see how many butterflies you can spot along the way.
Trail
Headley Heath Lizard Trail
Explore the rich array of flowers, birds, insects and animals that inhabit Headley Heath's rare environment of acid lowland heath and chalk downland on this circular trail.
Places to stay
Polesden Garden Cottage
You’ll find gorgeous views over the Polesden Lacey estate and elegant interiors in this Regency-style villa.
About Headley Heath
Headley Heath has a wide network of tracks to explore, and stunning views to rival any of its neighbours - the perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horseriding.
The Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its rich, varied, and sometimes rare, wildlife, made up of a wonderful mosaic of open heath, chalk downland slopes and mixed woodland.
There's always something new to see, from fragrant, bright yellow gorse and breathtaking purple heathers, to deer, badgers and dragonflies.
During the warmer months Headley Heath is alive with bird song from rare birds like stonechats, linnets, meadow pipits and woodlarks.
History
Article
The history of Headley Heath
From being the home of a Queen Mother to playing a role in defending the nation during the Second World War, Headley Heath has a truly remarkable history.
Our work
Article
Our work at Headley Heath
Find out how we manage and conserve our site to continue to provide a home for much of our resident and visiting wildlife, plus how our herd of belted Galloway cattle help out.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Headley Heath
Find out all you need to know about the current volunteer roles on offer at Headley Heath and how to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for new team members