The Surrey Hills National Landscape
Visit the backbone of our county, the Surrey Hills and discover a picturesque tranquil area of natural beauty.
The Surrey Hills National Landscape is one of 46 nationally protected landscapes in the UK, having equal landscape status and protection to a national park.
The hills stretch across a quarter of the county of Surrey, that run from Farnham in the west along to Guildford, Dorking, Reigate and on to Oxted in the east. The hills embrace an amazing variety of countryside, from the rolling chalk downs of yew and box woodland and flower rich grasslands, to the acid heaths and woodland. The area includes the Greensand Hills which rise in Haslemere and stretch east to Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England, where it is said that you can see 13 counties from the top of this spot on a clear day.
With an extensive network of footpaths, byways and bridleways, there’s plenty of trails for you to walk. Although Surrey is not particularly well-known for its ruins, there are still some to hold as a badge of honour, including Waverley Abbey, located in Farnham and the Chilworth Gunpower Mills near Guildford.
The Surrey Hills offer some of south east England’s most beautiful and accessible countryside. You’ll discover open commons, inspiring views, attractive market towns, villages and much more. Well-known iconic sites such as Box Hill, Leith Hill Tower, Newlands Corner and Holmbury Hill to the more unusual including the Tillingbourne waterfall, Wilberforce memorial & Atlantic Wall – you’re bound to find something you didn’t know about in the Surrey Hills. Learn about the legend of Silent Pool, the military history associated with Reigate Fort and why Wanborough Great Barn is the oldest and most important wooden building in Surrey. The National Trust cares for over 4000 hectares of countryside in the Surrey Hills.
We’ve got some wonderful local businesses nestled within the Surrey Hills too and we’re proud of the diverse local produce, crafts, activities and places to stay that bring life to our landscape.
It’s easy to get here too, with good rail and bus links from London and the airports – whether it’s a day out or weekend away – make the Surrey Hills your go to place this year.
The Surrey Hills is here for everyone