The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

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The Surrey Hills is here for everyone

In these very challenging times that we face we want to remind you that the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is still here.

Covering over a quarter of the county of Surrey the hills stretch across the North Downs from Farnham in the west to Oxted in the east, also including the Greensand Hills which rise in Haslemere and stretch east to Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England.

With an extensive network of footpaths, byways and bridleways, there’s plenty of trails for you to walk and exercise safely. 

The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 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, from the chalk North Downs that run from Farnham in the west above Guildford, Dorking and Reigate, 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 of the Greensand Hills that rise to form the highest point in south east England at Leith Hill.

The Surrey Hills offer some of south east England’s most beautiful and accessible countryside. Famous beauty spots include Box Hill, Leith Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. You’ll discover an extensive footpath network, open commons, inspiring views, attractive market towns, villages and much more. Well-known iconic sites such as Box Hill, Leith Hill Tower and Newlands Corner to the more unusual including the Tillingbourne waterfall, Wilberforce memorial & Atlantic Wall – you’re bound to discover something you didn’t know about in the Surrey Hills. Find out more 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.

We’ve got some wonderful local businesses nestled within the Surrey Hills too and we’re proud of the diverse 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.