Are you looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life?
Surrey is the perfect destination. From rolling hills to stunning coastlines, this county offers some of the best walking trails in Britain.
Whether you’re keen on an easy stroll or a more challenging hike, there’s something here for everyone!
Here are 11 of the best walks in Surrey that will have you feeling refreshed, invigorated and inspired.
Overview Of Walks In Surrey
Surrey is a county in South East England that’s renowned for its picturesque landscapes and countryside.
It’s no surprise then, that Surrey is home to some of the best walks in the UK. From rolling hillsides to rugged coastlines, surrey has something for every type of walker.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an energetic hike, there are plenty of trails and paths to explore across the region.
The most popular walking routes take you through breathtaking scenery including heaths, forests and riverside meadows where wildlife abounds.
There are also numerous country parks with lots of interesting attractions along the way such as historic sites, quaint villages and stunning views over the surrounding Surrey countryside.
Plus don’t forget all the wonderful pubs serving delicious local produce! With so much to discover on your travels around Surrey it’s easy to see why hiking here is becoming increasingly popular – come join us for an adventure you won’t soon forget!
1. Box Hill
For a serene, yet invigorating hike in Surrey, Box Hill is a perfect choice. This hill situated on the North Downs of England offers spectacular views and peaceful trails that make it an ideal spot for hikes or leisurely strolls.
With its winding paths, ancient woodland and chalk-rich grasslands, this hill provides plenty of opportunities to explore nature’s beauty. Plus, with over 350 species of wildlife living within its grounds, you can guarantee an ever-changing array of flora and fauna!
The most popular route to take at Box Hill is up onto the summit. You’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views across London and beyond – making it well worth the effort!
You can also choose from various routes down towards Dorking or head east onto Reigate Hill. If you’re looking for something more challenging then why not try tackling one of Box Hill’s many steep trails? Whatever your preference may be there are plenty of walking routes around Box Hill that will suit all levels of hikers.
So if you’re searching for a top hiking destination in Surrey then look no further than Box Hill; where peace meets adventure! Here you can escape reality in search of wild meadows, open skies and far-reaching views – what could be better?
2. Leith Hill
Leith Hill is a beautiful place to visit for those looking for an outdoor adventure. This hilltop offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, making it one of Surrey’s most iconic landmarks. As part of the National Trust, this walk will take you past rolling hills, ancient woodlands and breathtaking vistas.
The Leith Hill walk starts at Wotton House before heading up to Leith Hill Tower – one of England’s highest points – which stands at 294m above sea level. The route then continues through some stunning woodland before reaching Leith Hill Place where you can explore its enchanting gardens and estate grounds.
A further climb takes you to the top of the hill with dramatic views across Surrey and beyond. Here you’ll find a monument dedicated to composer Ralph Vaughan Williams who was also born in nearby Dorking.
This 2-3 hour circular route is perfect for anyone wanting to escape from everyday life and experience nature at its finest! With great picnic spots along the way and plenty of photo opportunities, there are so many reasons why Leith Hill should be on your list of places to go walking in Surrey.
3. Newlands Corner
Newlands Corner, located near Guildford in Surrey, is a must-see destination for walkers. This stunning area of the Surrey countryside was once owned by the National Trust and has been open to visitors since 1938.
It’s an ideal spot for taking in some glorious views as well as discovering exciting wildlife along its many walking trails. On a clear day, you can see across to London from here – it makes for an amazing panorama!
Newlands Corner also offers some great picnic opportunities, with plenty of natural beauty surrounding you wherever you go. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or something more invigorating, there are plenty of routes available around this special place – perfect if you want to explore further into the heart of Surrey.
A visit to Newlands Corner will no doubt leave you feeling reinvigorated and inspired; it’s definitely one of the best walks in Surrey!
4. Polesden Lacey
Leaving the stunning views of Newlands Corner behind, we make our way to Polesden Lacey. This beautiful estate in Surrey is a great place for a hike.
It’s full of history, with its Georgian mansion dating back to 1825 and sprawling grounds filled with lush gardens and wooded areas. With over 4 miles of well-marked routes, there are plenty of opportunities to explore this magnificent site.
The paths take you through formal gardens, wildflower meadows, woodland rides and past lakeside views – it really has something for everyone! You can even bring your four-legged friend along as they have plenty of dog-friendly trails too!
And don’t forget to stop off at the visitor centre where you can learn more about the local wildlife or grab some refreshments before continuing on your walk. So if you’re looking for an invigorating outdoor adventure, then Polesden Lacey is definitely worth checking out!
5. Reigate Hill
Reigate Hill is an excellent choice for those looking to explore some of the best walks in Surrey, UK. This hill walk route takes you through stunning scenery and provides a real sense of freedom as it winds its way through the beautiful Surrey Hills.
The views from the summit of Reigate Hill are simply breathtaking – on one side lies the picture-perfect town of Reigate, while on the other there’s a vast expanse of countryside that stretches out into the horizon. With plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way, this is definitely one path not to be missed!
Plus, with multiple routes available so hikers can choose their own adventure, what more could you want? Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll or something a little more demanding, Reigate Hill will certainly provide memories to last a lifetime.
6. The Devil’s Punch Bowl
The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a spectacular hike located in the Surrey Hills of Southern England. It’s one of the best walks in Surrey, with stunning views across rolling hills and lush valleys. The area has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it’s easy to see why this punchbowl hike is so popular among locals and tourists alike.
It takes about two hours to complete the 4-mile loop around the bowl, but there are plenty of places along the way where you can stop for lunch or a picnic.
Take your time to fully appreciate the natural beauty as you traverse through woodlands and open meadows before reaching the highest point at Hindhead Common. From here, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over vast expanses of the countryside – something that just can’t be experienced anywhere else in Surrey!
7. Winkworth Arboretum
Leaving the Devil’s Punch Bowl behind, our next destination is Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey. This enchanting area offers an ideal blend of nature and adventure.
Explore winding trails through acres of woodland gardens filled with colorful flowers, trees and plants. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, there are plenty of hills to traverse as well.
But what makes this park truly special is its sheer diversity; from tranquil streams to captivating views – Winkworth has it all!
Take your time on any of the numerous paths that meander throughout the arboretum grounds and experience first-hand why Winkworth is one of the best walks in Surrey.
Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet or simply want to take in some stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone here. So grab your camera (or phone) and explore all that Winkworth Arboretum has to offer – you won’t regret it!
8. Wisley Gardens & Rhs Garden At Wisley
Wisley Gardens and the RHS Garden at Wisley offer some of the best walks in Surrey. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an energetic ramble, there are plenty of trails to choose from.
With its rolling hills and spectacular views across the English countryside, this is one of the most beautiful places to explore in Surrey.
The gardens cover 240 acres of land with over 4 miles of paths; perfect for making your way around the many attractions on offer including rockeries, alpine beds and wildflower meadows.
There’s also a woodland walk dotted with sculptures, as well as several ponds that attract wildlife such as dragonflies and frogs. You can even take part in activities like orienteering and geocaching while enjoying all that Nature has to offer here in Surrey.
Visiting Wisley Gardens is always a pleasure no matter what time of year it is – spring brings a showy display of blossom trees, summer sees the garden come alive with vibrant colours and autumn adds its own unique beauty when leaves start to turn golden brown.
Plus, if you get hungry during your visit there are plenty of refreshment options available too!
9. Puttenham Common And Crooksbury Hill
Next on the itinerary of the best walks in Surrey is Puttenham Common and Crooksbury Hill. For those looking for a little more adventure, this walking route offers an invigorating trek through some stunning countryside.
From lush green meadows to rolling hills with sweeping views across the surrounding area, there’s something for everyone here.
On your journey, you’ll pass by ancient woodlands and explore one of Britain’s most important sites of archaeological interest – the Iron Age hill fort at Crooksbury Hill. The site is part of a series of prehistoric earthworks that stretch along the North Downs Way National Trail and gives visitors an insight into history dating back thousands of years.
The walk also takes you through Puttenham Common Nature Reserve – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Here you can marvel at rare species such as adders, slowworms and grass snakes while admiring wildflowers like common spotted orchids and greater butterfly orchids. With so much beauty all around it’s easy to see why these two places are amongst the top spots for enjoying Surrey’s glorious outdoors!
10. Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park is anideal place for those wanting to experience a picturesque walk in Surrey. Its rich history, grandeur and natural beauty make it one of the most sought-after places for outdoor adventures.
Its trails are well-maintained and provide plenty of options for exploring; whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an energetic hike, there’s something here to suit everyone’s tastes.
The park boasts over 6,000 acres and features several paths, walks and trails that offer myriad opportunities to take in its stunning vistas and wildlife.
Whether you decide on meandering through the woods or strolling along the banks of Virginia Water Lake, Windsor Great Park will not disappoint! From ancient trees to rolling hills, lush forests to winding streams; this park has something for all nature lovers.
With so many great park walks available, visitors can easily find one that suits their needs – from short loops to longer hikes – making Windsor Great Park perfect for families as well as adventurers seeking solitude.
11. Hindhead Commons And The Devils Punchbowl
Next on our journey of the best walks in Surrey is Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl. Here, you can explore walking routes that are perfect for a day out with friends or family.
The area contains some of Surrey’s finest countryside – including lush green heathland, which forms part of the National Trust-owned Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The landscape here is full of surprises and beauty. As you wander through this picturesque area, be sure to take in its majestic views across the rolling hills and valleys.
There are plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife – look out for butterflies flitting between patches of wildflowers and birds soaring above your head! And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the infamous Devil’s Punchbowl – a natural amphitheatre carved from chalk downlands by water over millions of years ago. Its steep sides offer spectacular views across Haslemere and beyond so make sure to pack your camera!
Best Walks in Surrey – Final Thoughts
I’ve been exploring Surrey and all its hidden gems for a while now, and there’s no denying that this beautiful county in the south of England is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
From Box Hill to Leith Hill, from Newlands Corner to Polesden Lacey – I’m sure you’ll agree it has something for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek; these best walks in Surrey have something special to offer each one of us.
If you’re planning on visiting Surrey anytime soon, make sure to set aside some time to explore these wonderful trails. You won’t regret it! Whether you take in the sights at Windsor Great Park or challenge yourself with Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl, your experience will be unforgettable. Plus, who knows what kind of wildlife sightings await?
There are so many stunning places here in Surrey waiting to be discovered and explored – why not get out today and start walking? With my list of the best walks in Surrey, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever adventures come your way!