Covering over a quarter of the spectacular county of Surrey, the Surrey Hills are an amazing ensemble of picturesque countryside and quaint towns and villages; the perfect setting for a few days holiday in a rural cottage from which you can brisk walk or cycle in which to achieve your New Year resolutions.
Holiday accommodation in the Surrey Hills
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for the array of activities in which to see and enjoy, a trip to this scenic location is just the tonic you need after a busy period of work and a well-deserved break away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Surrey Hills aims to please all members of your family and it does that with relative ease. Those eager to exercise will love the plethora of walking, cycle and horse riding routes available. Why not take in the stunning countryside all around you with a challenging 14 mile run in and around historic market town Godalming, towards the village of Bramley before heading along the fishing friendly River Wey, where you can rent a canoe or kayak and appreciate the scenery in a whole new light. Alternatively, make your way over to the 130-year-old Woldingham Station for a relaxing 5-mile circular route exploring the hidden valleys, chalk downland and varied woodlands in the local area.
Cycling is at the peak of its popularity in the Surrey Hills largely due to the recent London 2012 Olympics and now you can follow in the footsteps of these trophy-winning cyclists when you embark on the Box Hill Olympic Route. On your way, you will encounter many of the key features of the Surrey Hills and savour unrivalled stunning views of the North Downs from the summit of the 224m high Box Hill. Pure, unadulterated joy! Take a break to relax and unwind at this spectacular viewpoint with a peruse around the Box Hill Café, known for its selection of homemade cakes, snacks or light lunches and make sure you say hi to the cafes very own chocolatier, Carlo who also hand crafts delicious sweets and truffles for your enjoyment! A well-deserved treat for cyclists of all ages.
A surprising discovery for some is the Denbies Wine Estate vineyard at the foot of Box Hill where people are welcome to book tours and taste the produce.
The beach at Frensham Pond
Being away from the coast, you wouldn’t expect this area of charming countryside to have a beach…but unbelievably it does! Frensham Ponds, known locally as the sands of Surrey is well worth dipping your toes into. With a sanctuary of wildlife, as varied as the nightjar and the mink to the hairy dragonfly and the grass snake, it has also been designated the prestigious title of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Moreover, as well as its multicoloured supply of heather that is so attractive to its visitors, Frensham Ponds are also historically well known. Did you know that they were originally created in the 13th century to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester?
Stay near Winkworth Arboretum
Wanting to see more colours than the rainbow? Surrey Hills is proud to announce the wondrous woodlands of Winkworth Arboretum. Popular with social media enthusiasts who constantly photograph its abundance of vibrant colours, this unfinished masterpiece boasts more than 1,000 different types of shrubs and trees. No matter what season you visit, you’ll be blessed with impressive displays of the in-season flowers. An idea first thought of in the early 20th century by a man passionate over plants, Dr Wilfrid Fox and the ideal place for a family picnic. Just don’t forget the pet pooch as the woods are dog friendly too!
Visit ancient monuments during your Surrey Hills holiday
Surrey Hills is a history buffs taste of heaven and now you can do a Marty McFly and step back in time at Reigate Fort, recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by English Heritage. Used for storing ammunition in the First World War, recommissioned for important communications in the Second World War and restored to its previous self in 2000, tourists are encouraged to wander around the atmospheric buildings in the fort and taste what life was like in these difficult periods. All this and more when you encounter the perfect views from the top of the fort over the width and breadth of the scintillating South Downs.
It’s not just history that’s important in the Surrey Hills. Its residents will also keep you updated of local legends like that of the Devil’s Punch Bowl. A large and natural amphitheatre of the finest scenery including streams, forests and plants, rumour has it that it was all created by the Devil when he threw great lumps of earth up at Thor the God of sky and thunder, just to annoy him. Likewise, Mother Ludlam’s Cave in the Wey Valley at Moor Park was supposed to have been the home of a friendly white witch who lent local villagers anything that they asked for with a two-day return policy and who wouldn’t be afraid of The Dragon of West Clandon who is said to have once blocked the road of the village before finally being defeated by a brave soldier in a fierce battle.
Whatever you and your family believe, it’s true that Surrey Hills needs to be visited to be believed!
View from Leith Hill
