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Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl
Spectacular views and walks in the Surrey Hills countryside
London Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6AB
Important notice
The café will be closed from the 13th of November til early December 2023 for essential works. You will be able to buy food and drink from the kiosk servery.
Toilet facilities and our Visitor Den remain open throughout.
Opening times for 4 December 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Café 10:00 - 16:00 MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedCafe
The Devil's Punch Bowl Café serves a range of hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches and paninis as well as a variety of cakes, flapjacks and pastries. Please note the café will be closed from 13 Nov to early Dec for refurbishment. The kiosk will open daily for hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Kiosk
The kiosk serves scoop Jude’s ice-cream and is open at weekends and daily throughout the school holidays from 12pm. Please note: the kiosk will be open daily from 13 Nov - early Dec, 9.30am-4pm while the café is closed for refurbishment.
Car park
National Trust members; please scan your card for your free ticket. Pay and display or Paybyphone - area code 803457 (0330 060 4037) £1.50 per hour; £6 for 5 hours and more. Coaches cannot use the car park on site, max 7.5 ton vehicles. Horse lorries and trailers are welcome to park in the overflow car park behind the café (usual parking charges apply).
Toilet
Toilets are located near the café and are available for use during the café opening hours.
Dogs
Well-controlled dogs are welcome. Please keep them on a lead on site between the months of April til September. In addition, we have grazing areas across the sites so dogs must be on leads near livestock. Assistance dogs only in the café.
Blue Badge parking. Full Changing Places toilet. All weather path suitable for wheelchairs. Benches.
Accessible route and/or map
300m easy access circular route, from the car park to a sandstone viewing platform.
Level access to food outlet
Accessible toilet
Located inside the café.
Level access/terrain
300m easy access circular route, from the car park to a sandstone viewing platform.
Changing Places
Seating available
Many benches dotted around the property at view points, near slopes and in picnic areas.
Designated parking
Accessible parking at the main Devil's Punch Bowl car park - fourteen designated spaces 70m from the café.
Steps/uneven terrain
The car park is at the top of the valley, many of the paths heading down into the Devil's Punch Bowl are very steep.
Induction loop
Wheelchairs available
A Mountain Trike all-terrain push wheelchair (MTpush – www.mountaintrike.co.uk) can be borrowed free of charge. To find out if our facilities and chair are suitable for your needs, and reserve, please email: hindhead@nationaltrust.org.uk. Weight restrictions: 17st/100kg. Chair user must be accompanied by person wearing appropriate footwear.
By road
From the North - Continue south along the A3 through the tunnel. On leaving the tunnel take the first exit (A333) signposted to Hindhead (Devil's Punch Bowl). At the traffic lights carry straight on and the car park is on your left hand side.From the South - Continue along the A3 north of Liphook and take the exit signposted 'PROHIBITED VEHICLES' (A333) towards Hindhead (Devil's Punch Bowl). At the traffic lights carry straight on and the car park is on your left hand side.
Parking: £4 (Pay and display)
On foot
The Greensand Way is a long distance path stretching for 108 miles across Surrey and Kent. The waymarked path starts in the nearby town of Haslemere and runs through the estate. It is hilly and uneven in places
By train
Haslemere 3 miles
By bus
from Farnham, Haslemere alight Hindhead crossroads
By bicycle
The Surrey Cycleway starts at Haslemere train station, from which the estate can be directly accessed via Farnham Lane.
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.
Planning an event in the Surrey Hills?
If you would like to host an event on National Trust land, or your sporting event includes routes on National Trust land, please email us at: surreyhills@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please contact us at least eight weeks before the event date. We know how important events are to organisers and participants. Please help us ensure events are safe and legal for both participants and our visitors.
PDF
PDF
Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl
Take a look at the map of Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl to help plan your visit.
Highlights
Heath and woodland
Now reunited by the Hindhead Tunnel, two heathland areas are a mass of heather and native trees with glorious views.
Café
Selling a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Hot lunches available in the café daily.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
There’s plenty for all the family to see and do this autumn at Hindhead Commons. Explore the Devil’s Punch Bowl and discover its myths and legends, look out for the Exmoor ponies, or just admire the glorious view across the South Downs. There’s also a natural adventure area for the children to enjoy.
Top trails
Trail
Hidden Hindhead walking trail
Follow this walk crossing the old A3 to discover local history, spot grazing ponies and cattle and, on a clear day, catch views of the distant London skyline.
Trail
Roam 639 walk at Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl
A great but demanding walk with varied terrain that takes in the base of the Devil's Punch Bowl, Gibbet Hill and The Temple of the Four Winds.
Trail
Sailor's Stroll walk at Hindhead Commons
Enjoy the glorious views on this gentle walk to Gibbet Hill's summit – the second highest point in Surrey – while learning about the barbarous murder of the unknown sailor.
Trail
Highcombe hike
Embark on a challenging hike through the ancient woodland and open heath of Hindead Commons, skirting the Punch Bowl before dropping down to the valley to return.
Eating
Article
Eating at Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl
Rest and refuel with a warm welcome in the café at The Devil’s Punch Bowl, serving locally sourced light refreshments and fresh bakes.
Upcoming events
Event
Free Friday walks
Join us every Friday for a free guided walk around the Devil’s Punch Bowl and Hindhead Commons..
About Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl
Open the gate and step into a colourful mosaic of purple, greens and gold. All is quiet apart from the sounds of nature. Visit and discover why Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
You don’t have to go far to admire the views across the Punch Bowl or venture a bit further and discover the stunning scenery at Highcombe Edge and Gibbet Hill. Gibbet Hill is the second highest point in Surrey with views across the Weald.
This is good walking country with many footpaths to explore. Walk through shady woods or across open heathland with grazing cattle and wild ponies.
There’s plenty of space for family adventures and many lovely spots for picnics too. Delicious home cooked food is available from our café.
The Commons and Punch Bowl is home to an abundant wildlife and the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Join us and immerse yourself in the natural world around you...
History
Article
The History of Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Discover the legend of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and explore the rich history of Hindhead Commons.
Our work
Article
Our work at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Learn about the work we’re doing to improve Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, allowing for nature to thrive and better access for all.
Project
Project
Improving visitor facilities at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Learn how we’ve been working to improve accessibility for everyone, with new parking spaces, a state-of-the-art toilet for disabled people, and an accessible path.
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl
Share your expertise, learn a new skill or come along and make some new friends – join our volunteer team here at Hindhead Commons and help make a difference.