A drive through the Surrey Hills

This scenic self-drive itinerary will take you through some of Surrey’s picturesque villages, rolling hills and give you some breath-taking views.  

The RNG Classics | Self Drive Classic Cars collection ranges from legendary British classics like the Jaguar E-Type roadster, unmistakable Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, Or James Bond's choice of wheels an Aston Martin coupe with a V12 engine! To cool convertibles like the Porsche 356 Speedster and iconic 1966 Ford Mustang in its fully historic red glory!

The route

1. Guildford  - Newlands Corner (GU4 8SE) - 4 miles
2. Newlands Corner - Shere (GU5 9HF) - 3 miles 
3. Shere to Box Hill  (KT20 7LB) - 9.8 miles      
4. Box Hill to Leith Hill (RH5 6LU) - 10 miles 
5. Leith Hill - Guildford (GU1 2AA) - 12 miles


Guildford

1. Start a loop from the historic town of Guildford.  (GU1 2AA)

Head east out of Guildford on the A246 passing through the village of Merrow and then turning right onto the A25 signed Dorking. Continue along the A25 for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right into the free car park at our first stop.

Newlands Corner

A popular beauty spot, Newlands Corner managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust will offer you some of the best views over the Surrey Hills. Newlands Corner is also famous as the place where Agatha Christie disappeared in 1926.

2. From Newlands Corner turn right out of the car park and back onto the A25. At the bottom of the hill you will see signs for the quintessential English village of Shere. 

Shere

This village offers visitors charming buildings, a duck pond, a small museum, two pubs, shops, a tearoom and the Norman church of St James (as seen in the 2006 film The Holiday).

3. Next it's back onto the A25 continuing towards Dorking. Passing through the villages of Gomshall and Abinger Hammer, Wotton and Westcott. In Dorking follow the signs for Leatherhead onto the A24. Continue along the A24 passing Denbies Wine Estate and at the next roundabout turn right following signs for Box Hill. Ascend the zig zags to the top where you will be able to enjoy spectacular scenic views.

Box Hill

Managed and maintained by the National Trust with the most popular viewpoint overlooking the town of Dorking. 

4. Head back down the hill and then onto the A24 towards Dorking. On your right you will again pass Denbies Wine Estate (The Conservatory at Denbies makes an ideal stop for lunch). Re-join the A25 towards Guildford, travelling through the villages of Westcote and Wotton. Just passed Wotton turn left (following signs for Leith Hill) onto Hollow Lane and continue onto Leith Hill Road following signs for Coldharbour.

Leith Hill

The highest point in south east England maintained and managed by The National Trust. There is parking at either of the two Windy Gap car parks - please note there is no vehicle access to the summit. The walk up to the tower is approximately 3/4 mile long but the reward for walking up to the top of Leith Hill is the incredible panoramic views.  On a clear day you can see the coast as well as central London.  

5. Retrace your route, you will soon find yourself back on the A25 where you turn left back towards Guildford along the A25 and A246.

Alternatively

The Village of Albury

Make a small detour and drive through the charming village of Albury (GU5 9AG) best-known for its famous chimneys and the attractive church that featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. Then passing through Chilworth and if you have time, stop at the ruins of Chilworth Gunpowder Mills before completing the loop back to Guildford (GU1 2AA).

  • Speak to our friends at RNG Classics to hire your dream car and live like a film star for a weekend in the Surrey Hills.

Don’t forget your camera!      

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