Banstead
Woods
Large area of woods and chalk grassland with marked circular
walks through nature reserve. Large carpark on Holly Lane
between Banstead and Chipstead.
Basingstoke Canal
The Surrey section leaves the Wey Navigation near Byfleet
and runs through Woking and west towards Aldershot.
Interesting walks along the towpath.
Blackheath
Large area of heath and woodlands south of the A248 between
Chilworth and Albury. Criss-crossed with footpaths and
bridleways.
Bocketts Farm Park
Childrens farm park on the A246 near Leatherhead. Many rare
breeds of animals to see and handle. Large play and picnic
areas. Enquiries (01372) 363764. Back
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Bookham Common
National Trust area between Stoke D'Abernon and Fetcham. Low
lying and marshy, but there is a wide variety of wildlife
and vegetation.
Box Hill
National Trust Country Park, near Dorking. 1,000 acres of
woods and chalk downland to walk with excellent views
towards the South Downs. Enquiries (01306) 885502.
Busbridge Lakes
South of Godalming. Forty acres of private landscaped
parkland with three lakes, sometimes open to the public.
Many rare species of waterfowl and other birds.
Chantries
Wooded, hilly area between Guildford and Chilworth crossed
by the ancient Pilgrims Way and North Downs Way. Pleasant
walks with views from the higher
ground. Back to top
Chobham Common
Almost 1500 acres of heathland part of which is designated
as a Nature Reserve. A popular area for walking, horseriding
and other activities with plenty of car parks.
Clandon Park
18th century National Trust Country House at West Clandon,
near Guildford. Also gardens and Queens Royal Surrey
Regiment Museum. Enquiries (01483) 223419.
Claremont Gardens
Early 18th century garden in Esher restored by National
Trust. Lake, pavillion, views, etc. Enquiries (01372)
469421.
Crooksbury Hill
200 acres of common land comprising heath and woodland.
Excellent views from the hilltop. Back
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Devils Punchbowl
A large hollow of dry sandy heath to the west of Hindhead
owned by the National Trust. The A3 winds around it and it
is overlooked by Gibbet Hill which at 894ft is the second
highest hill in Surrey.
Downs Link Footpath
Starting at Chilworth, near Guildford, this long- distance
track largely follows a disused railway line and links the
North Downs Way with the South Downs Way in Sussex. Ideal
for walking.
Epsom Common
A large area of grass and woodland between Epsom and Malden
Rushett with ponds very popular with anglers.
Frensham Ponds
National Trust property straddling the A287 at Frensham. The
Great Pond and the Little Pond are separated by Frensham
Common. Anglers and sailors use the popular Great Pond.
Godstone Farm
Childrens farm south of Godstone. Many breeds of animals to
see and handle. Large play areas and picnic grounds.
Enquiries (01883) 742546. Back to top
Greensand Way
A long-distance footpath, a little obscure but said to run
some 50 miles from around Haslemere eastwards to Kent. The
route is marked by the letters GW on footpath and bridleway
signs.
Hackhurst Downs
A National Trust area near Gomshall and a local Nature
Reserve.
Hatchlands Park
1750's National Trust house and grounds at East Clandon,
near Guildford. Enquiries (01483)
222482. Back to top
Headley Heath
A large common high on the North Downs criss-crossed with
footpaths and bridleways. Very popular with walkers.
Horton Country Park
Lying between Epsom and Ewell this 50 acre park has a
network of paths, equestrian centre, polo club and a
childrens farm with rare breeds, craft and gift shop, cafe
and adventure playground.
Hurtwood Control
This organization manages several areas of privately owned
forest and heathland covering a total of about 4000 acres
west of Holmbury St Mary. Large areas of pine woods are
interspersed with a network of footpaths and bridleways
accessed from a dozen or so car parks. There are excellent
views from Holmbury Hill and Pitch Hill.
Leith Hill
National Trust property near Coldharbour, mostly woodland
with a number of footpaths leading to the hill which, with
its 18th century Tower, is the highest point in S.E.England.
Enquiries (01306) 711774.
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Lightwater Country Park
South of Bagshot and part of Bagshot Heath, an area of some
150 acres with nature trails and a visitor centre.
Limpsfield Chart
Owned by the National Trust and Forestry Commission, this
area of woodland and heath includes Limpsfield Common.
Loseley Park
A privately owned stately home just outside Guildford with lots to see and do. House and gardens, Lake Walk, picnic and play areas, tearoom and gift shop. Also a highly regarded venue for weddings, parties, corporate dinners and meetings, plus large-scale shows and public events. Details on the website: www.loseley-park.com
Newlands Corner
A local beauty spot on the A25 near Guildford served by a
large car park, this is the centre point of a large area of
woodland and chalk grassland very popular with walkers and
picnickers. Footpaths lead to the villages of Shere, Albury
and Chilworth and the breathtaking views take in the lonely
St Martha's Church standing on a neighbouring hill
surrounded by woodland.
North Downs Way
Running from Farnham to Dover in Kent, a distance of
approximately 140 miles, and passing close to Guildford,
Dorking, Reigate and Oxted, this path is marked with an
acorn symbol on signposts. Back
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Oakhurst Cottage
This very small 16th century cottage is owned and restored
by the National Trust. Situated at Hambledon, near Godalming,
it can be veiwed by appointment. Enquiries (01428) 684733.
Polesden Lacey
National Trust 1820s remodelled Regency villa with a
collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain and silver.
Near Dorking. House, garden, grounds, shop, restaurant and
landscaped walks open to the public. Enquiries (01372)
458203.
Puttenham Common
South of the A31 (Hogs Back) between Guildford and Farnham
this 450 acre heath is bordered to the southwest by a chain
of six lakes. There are many footpaths and bridleways and a
number of car parks.
Ranmore Common
Five hundred acres of sloping woodland above Dorking owned
by the National Trust. Car parks, walks, views a number of
ponds and a forest trail. Back
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River Wey, Wey Navigation
17th century, 19 mile historic waterway between Godalming
and Weybridge. Towpath, locks, weirs, and barge-building
museum at Dapdune Wharf. Enquiries (01483) 61389.
Runnymede
National Trust area of grassy meadows, where King John
signed the Magna Carta in 1215, and leafy woodland sloping
up from the banks of the River Thames at Egham to Coopers
Hill where there is a memorial to John F. Kennedy.
Shalford Mill
18th century National Trust watermill on the Tilling Bourne
(river) at Shalford, near Guildford. Enquiries (01483)
61617.
Silent Pool
Lying at the foot of the North Downs on the A25 between the
lovely village of Shere and Newlands Corner the well known
local beauty spot, this hidden pool is served by a car park
from which a footpath leads past it and on up to the North
Downs Way. Back to
top
Thorpe Park
Near Chertsey, this was the first theme park to be set up in
Britain. Over 70 attractions of interest to all age groups
occupy 500 acres in which a number of flooded gravel pits
also provide facilities for a wide range of water sports.
There are also gardens, exhibitions, a farm and restaurants
linked by train and waterbus.
Virginia Water
On Surrey's border with Berkshire this large lake lies on
the edge of Windsor Great Park and is a well known local
beauty spot.
Winkworth Arboretum
National Trust area of woods and lakes. Many rare specimens
of trees and shrubs. Southeast of Godalming. Enquiries
(01483) 208477.
Witley Common
National Trust area with a Nature Information Centre.
Interesting walks, pinewoods and common. Enquiries (01428)
683207.