In April and May, Surrey’s ancient woodlands come to life and are awash with carpets of much-loved bluebells. A true springtime joy, here are some suggestions for the best bluebell walks in Surrey – with handy pub stops near by for refreshments.

 

Best bluebell walks in Surrey

 

Abinger Roughs & Netley Heath

NT Car park on White Down Lane, Abinger Hammer, Surrey RH5 6QS

A beautiful circular route through the Surrey Hills, this walk weaves across Abinger Roughs and Netley Heath, where ancient woodland bursts into colour with bluebells each spring. Expect peaceful forest trails, open countryside and classic North Downs scenery.

Pub stop: The Gomshall Mill in Gomshall

 

Albury & Shere

A quintessential Surrey Hills walk linking pretty villages and woodland, with stretches of bluebells lighting up the forest floor in spring - plus plenty of scenic stopping points along the way.

Pub stop: The Drummond at Albury

 

Banstead Woods

Holly Lane car park, Chipstead, Surrey CR5 3NR

Ancient woodland, thought to once have been owned by Anne Boleyn, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, Banstead Woods were a medieval deer park. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Narnia trail - you may spot Aslan, Lucy Pevensie, the White Witch and the wardrobe on your travels - all carved from wood.

Pub stop: The Ramblers Rest in Chipstead

 

The Chantries

Pilgrims Way, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8AW

The Chantries woods sit just south of Guildford as you head towards Shalford and make for a delightful short walk out from the town centre. One delightful feature of these woods is the bluebells, which shoot up around April/May each year. They carpet the forest floor and attract walkers from miles around to see the magical display in its full glory. 

Pub stop: The Seahorse at Shalford or The Weyside in Guildford town centre – both are found along the river.

 

Cranleigh to Ewhurst Green (Bookhurst & Canfold Woods)

Stocklund Square Car Park in Cranleigh GU6 8RG

A gentle countryside loop through tranquil woodland and open fields, with pockets of bluebells in Bookhurst and Canfold Woods during spring. Ideal for a relaxed walk before heading back into Cranleigh.

Pub stop: The Richard Onslow in Cranleigh

 

Frank’s Wood at Leith Hill

Landslip car park, Abinger Road, near Coldharbour, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6HG

This short but hilly walk around Frank's Wood on Leith Hill takes in views across to the South Downs and, between April and May, a colourful array of scented bluebells.

Pub stop: The Plough at Coldharbour

 

Gatton Park and Reigate Hill

Wray Lane (RH2 0HX) or Margery Wood (KT20 7EJ ) car parks

Overlooking lush pastures, mighty trees and sparkling lakes, designed by Lancelot Capability Brown, Gatton Park is a stunning landscape that opens for open days throughout the year. On its doorstep, however, are National Trust managed woodlands that lead all the way up onto Reigate Hill and Colley Hill. Bluebell woodlands plus spectacular hilltop views.

Pub stop: For a country pub and brilliant views, head out from the top of Colley Hill towards Mogador, where you’ll find The Sportsman.

 

Headley Heath

Headley Heath main car park, Headley Lane, Headley Heath, Surrey KT18 6NN

Explore some of the hidden corners of Headley Heath in Surrey on this family-friendly trail to discover distant vistas, wander through woodlands and valleys and enjoy a vast display of bluebells in the spring months.

Pub stop: The Cock Inn at Headley.

 

Hornecourt Wood

Outwood Common National Trust car park, Outwood, Surrey RH1 5PW

This walk takes you along quiet roads, across open fields and through the ancient Hornecourt woodland. Here you'll find displays of delicate spring flowers - bluebells, celandines and wood anemones.

Pub stop: The Bell in Outwood

 

Staffhurst Wood

Grants Lane, Edenbridge, Surrey TN8 6QR

Situated near the Surrey border with Kent, this pretty, ancient woodland has a carpet of bluebells in the spring and a remarkable array of both plant life and wildlife to enjoy throughout the year.

Pub stop: The Grumpy Mole near Oxted

 

Wallis Wood

Horsham Lane, Walliswood, Surrey RH5 5QY

A secluded and picturesque woodland reserve in the heart of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, Wallis Wood is a typical example of a Weald Clay hazel coppice woodland with oak standards. A gentle stream threads its way through the reserve, which is surrounded on one side by meadow pasture. The nearby Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden is another spring beauty.

Pub stop: The Scarlett Arms in Walliswood.

 

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