The Surrey Hills, just to the south of London, is a world away from city life.
The Surrey Hills has masses of woodland; historic houses and parkland take up much of the land, and it is known for its wonderful views and Arts & Crafts Surrey-style houses.
These full and frank independent Surrey Hills holidays reviews are from travellers who have booked directly through our-land.co.uk. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travellers below.
You can trust our-land.co.uk reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
After a very, very long & cold winter it’s time to get out and about in the Surrey Hills this summer. There’s loads of things to see and do but here are five of our favourites which are perfect for enjoying the beautiful countryside of the Surrey Hills.
1. Adventures in the Surrey Hills
What a Wey to go! Kayaking along the river.
Get on your bike! After months in layers of woolly jumpers, why not bike, walk and paddle your way back to fitness with a Surrey Hills Adventure Tour. The Surrey Hills Safari can be tailor made to your requirements, be that a gentle paddle along the River Wey, spotting kingfishers and dragonflies, an exhilarating mountain bike to the top of Box Hill or a stroll along the Greensand Way which follows the ridge of greensand rock across Surrey and Kent. The Safari includes activities, accommodation and equipment and start from £180pp
2. All aboard!
A bridge over untroubled waters.
If you’d prefer a more leisurely approach to exploring Surrey’s waterways, then we can recommend a horse-drawn narrowboat ride along the River Wey (from £8.00pp). Sit back and relax on the ‘Iona’ as the heavy horses take the strain of providing the power to propel you downstream. You’ll pass by mediaeval water meadows which were once flooded each winter to protect the fertile land from frosts and to prepare it for spring regrowth. See if you can spot a red kite or a demoiselle crane and enjoy scrummy locally baked scones as you float along. Stay nearby in this beautiful Manor House (from £102pp) or this bed and breakfast in Guildford from £65pp.
3. Ballooning mad
Up up and away in our beautiful balloon
Still summer evenings are perfect for a balloon ride over the scenic Surrey Hills (from £125pp). Ascend at sunset or sunrise after a champagne reception and depending on the wind direction, you could enjoy views of the Devil’s Punchbowl or the blue-green waters of Frensham Ponds as you float silently above the spectacular countryside. Stay nearby at The Squirrel Pub in Hurtmore (from £50 per room) behind which the balloon takes off and lands. Guest bedrooms are located in a 16th century building named ‘The Cottages’ and the pub serves seasonal, local produce.
4. Purple Haze
Fragrant fields
Fragrant and colourful, the lavender fields at Mayfield Lavender stretch across 25 acres in east Surrey. Open to the public between June and August (admission free), the blossom in peak season are a source of inspiration for painters and photographers. Explore the fields and then enjoy some tasty lavender delicacies in the alfresco café. Stay nearby at South Godstone campsite (from £8 per tent). Set in beautiful grassland, the are around the campsite is rich with wildlife – there’s even a resident buzzard.
5. Saddle up!
Bluebells in bloom
From racecourses to bridleways, the ex racehorses at this Surrey horse riding school near Cranleigh in the south of the county provide an unusual steed for exploring Surrey’s hills and woodland. The Hopeful Earl Riding Centre provides a place of sanctuary for these magnificent horses, which are now used for cross country, show jumping and hacking. From day trips (from £105) to four day short breaks (short breaks from £385 including b&b), the Centre is perfectly located for discovering heathland in bloom, burbling river tributaries and postcard pretty villages.
Stay longer at this beautifully decorated self catering cottage in Farley Heath (from £750 per week) which sleeps four, or this bed and breakfast in Ewhurst Green (from £45pp), considered one of the finest arts and crafts houses in Surrey.
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You know Spring has sprung in the Surrey Hills with the arrival of cheeping chicks, lolloping lambs and frolicking foals in the countryside, and you don’t have to travel very far out of London to find them.
See extraordinary wildlife in the Surrey Hills
I see trees of green… lalala
The Surrey Hills Wildlife Centre, nr Lingfield nurtures over 40 animals native to Britain including all seven British owl species, snakes and badgers. After a winter hibernation, the Centre re-opens to the public in March when visitors can walk through the red squirrel enclosure, take a stroll over the wetlands boardwalk or make the most of the half-hourly keeper talks.
Our Land has a selection of camping holidays that are a great option for seeing a range of wildlife as the weather becomes a little warmer. Secluded woodlands and open spaces are nearby for visitors to roam when Glamping (camping, but a little more glamorous!) in the Surrey Hills AONB. Near Horsham, each bell tent sleeps 4, from £250 per accommodation per week.
Book your Our Land stay in the Surrey Hills
The last of the winter mists?
Stay at the Oxted B&B from £65 per room per night. You won’t have to venture far from the house to encounter wildlife as deer, badgers and woodpeckers are regular visitors to the garden. It’s a perfect base to explore more of the attractions in the Surrey Hills including the North Downs Way or Titsey House, a 16th century manor house with magnificent gardens.
Family fun on the Farm – exotic species & giant astro slide at Bockett’s Farm!
Near the market town of Dorking lies Bocketts Farm, a popular family visitor attraction. From traditional farm animals including piglets, chicks, lambs and goat kids to more exotic species such as zebus and llamas, there’s lots of animals to meet and even feed. Typical farm activities such as tractor rides, scarecrow spotting and goat milking take place alongside play barns with a giant astro slide, Supersix trampolines and Young Tractors Driving Zone.
If, after getting up and close and personal with the Llamas at Bockett’s, you’re left wanting more- try llama trekking in the Surrey Hills AONB. The llamas will carry your picnic as you journey through the North Downs, an amazing (and unusual!) family day out.
Perfect family accommodation and activities this Easter
If we could just figure out how to get down…
Stay with the family in a quadruple room in this B&B in Dorking, nearby to Bockett’s Farm, from £100 per night. Perfect for the Easter weekend, the house is situated close to other family attractions including Polesden Lacey (link), a National Trust property which boasts garden trails, acres of land to run wild in and the Squirrel’s Corner adventure play area.
View all Our Land’s Surrey Hills holidays
Find out more information about the Surrey Hills AONB
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Fantastic holidays for bird, nature and wildlife lovers
Our Land’s Project Co-ordinator, Sarah Loftus, recommends places to stay near RSPB reserves - all of which are also great advocates for looking after wildlife and ideal for nature lovers or those looking for birdwatching holidays UK.
hello birdie
Spot birds on the South Downs National Park Amberley wetlands at one of Our Land’s pub near RSPB’s Pulborough Brooks reserve in Sussex, go wild camping on a woodland reserve in the High Weald AONB near the RSPB’s Broadwater warren reserve, get a bird’s eye view on a tree climbing tour near the RSPB’s Brading Marshes reserve on the Isle of Wight or stay the week next to nesting kingfishers near Farnham Heath RSPB reserve in the Surrey Hills AONB. Read on for full details of places to stay near RSPB reserves.
Read more about Our Land’s partnership with the RSPB
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Coming soon!
We’re busy squirreling away behind the scenes to bring you some great content from the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on top tips, things to see and do to really experience the special features of the landcape, what to eat and drink that’s specifically local and – you’ve got it – basically, all the information you need for your super duper Surrey Hills Holidays.
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We’re busy squirreling away behind the scenes to bring you some great content from the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on top tips, things to see and do to really experience the special features of the landcape, what to eat and drink that’s specifically local and – you’ve got it – basically, all the information you need for your super duper Surrey Hills Holidays.
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Notable Peaks with Fantastic Views
The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been shaped for centuries by changing patterns of land use and settlement. As the name suggests, the landscape features notable peaks including Leith Hill, Box Hill and Gibbet Hill and so it is dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’ by the locals.
When you come and stay on the landscape be sure to take a trip to Leith Hill – the highest point in Southeast England. Its gothic tower rises majestically above the surrounding hills and from the top you can see sweeping views towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south. Another must-see spot during your visit is Box Hill. A beautiful picnic spot that was famously frequented by Jane Austen’s Emma, Box Hill has breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside and is the home to rare species including the Adonis blue butterfly and the Bee Orchid.
The Legend of the Devil’s Punchbowl
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a large natural amphitheatre of dry, sandy heath created by erosion as water soaked through the soil and hit an impervious layer of clay. A large number of springs then sprung up across the area as the water pressure built up underground. Local legends have it that the Punchbowl was actually created by the devil spending time tormenting the god Thor by pelting him with enormous handfuls of earth, digging out the great crater that you can still see today. For a fantastic view of the Devil’s Punchbowl head to the top of Gibbet Hill – the second highest hill in Surrey. The hill has a gruesome history – it was a well-known spot for highwaymen and robbers and the corpses of three that were caught were left hanging from a gibbet as a punishment for their crimes.
Signature Surrey Hills Architecture using Brick and Flint
A number of buildings across the Surrey Hills feature distinctive Surrey-style architecture that was inspired by Lutyens and the Arts and Crafts Movement whose designs reflected local vernacular traditions. The materials that were used for building were all found on the landscape and included stone, flint, tile, brick and oak, creating a visual identity for the area. Many of the picturesque villages that you will discover as you explore the landscape evolved around village greens and Medieval churches and are designated protected Conservation Areas – some of the best examples well worth a visit are Hambledon in the west, Shamley Green near Guildford and Nethern-on-the-Hill, a new village in the east.
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Coming soon!
We’re busy squirreling away behind the scenes to bring you some great content from the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on top tips, things to see and do to really experience the special features of the landcape, what to eat and drink that’s specifically local and – you’ve got it – basically, all the information you need for your super duper Surrey Hills Holidays.
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Meet Sarah Loftus, Our Land’s Project Co-ordinator
“A firm believer in tourism being a force for good – as long as we get it right!”
Sarah at a recent Our Land member event in the South Downs
I’m Our Land’s project co-ordinator, working for the nine protected landscapes that make up Our Land. I was previously working for the Kent Downs AONB (and this is where I hale from) but before that spent 20 years in the hotel industry and then business travel sector. Through my work I’ve travelled extensively and seen the detrimental effects tourism can have when we get it totally wrong! What is so great about Our Land is its focus on landscape – putting it right at the heart of the visitor experience – usually the very reason why we are staying in that b&b, hotel or self-catering. The business owners we work with love their place and take great pride in sharing it.
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Mike Coates is honoured to have the pleasure of running the RSPB reserve at Farnham Heath. He has worked with heaths for a long time, so he is a specialist on the landscape. He first fell in love with heaths when he heard his first nightjar, back in May 1986. Mike describes the heath landscape as “marmite”: you either love it or hate it! He will be writing articles on the conservation work that is being done on the reserve, as well as giving information on all the different types of flora and fauna you can expect to see on your visit to Farnham Heath in the Surrey Hills.
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Coming soon!
We’re busy squirreling away behind the scenes to bring you some great content from the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on top tips, things to see and do to really experience the special features of the landcape, what to eat and drink that’s specifically local and – you’ve got it – basically, all the information you need for your super duper Surrey Hills Holidays.
If you’d like to become an Our Land Local Expert and contribute content to the Our Land site, please contact:
The post Surrey Hills Holidays appeared first on Our Land.
Coming soon!
We’re busy squirreling away behind the scenes to bring you some great content from the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on top tips, things to see and do to really experience the special features of the landcape, what to eat and drink that’s specifically local and – you’ve got it – basically, all the information you need for your super duper Surrey Hills Holidays.
If you’d like to become an Our Land Local Expert and contribute content to the Our Land site, please contact:
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