Take the road less travelled for a day in Surrey. Head off the beaten track and discover scenic walks and historical landmarks, usually without the crowds. We’ve unearthed some of our favourites, so you can get exploring.

Gardens and open space

Many visitors to Surrey head straight for the most popular gardens but there are so many lovely hidden gems in Surrey

Tucked well off the beaten track, you will find the magical Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden near Ockley, south of Dorking. Take a peaceful trail and discover some amazing art.  Beautiful pieces of sculpture in many different styles are sympathetically arranged in a lush wooded area with ponds and water features. 

The beautiful tranquil Ramster Gardens is only open in the spring/early summer and for a short period in autumn.   If you’re a fan of the “secret garden” you’ll love Ramster!.

At 892 feet, Gibbet Hill is the second highest hill in Surrey after Leith Hill. It's part of Hindhead Common and the Devil's Punch Bowl. The scenery is breath-taking and the walks endless - on a clear day it is possible to see London’s skyline. 

We’d recommend The Deepdene Trail as this gem, located near Dorking is free for all to enjoy and allows visitors access to one of the country’s most historically significant gardens. Uncover the many fascinating stories and grand physical features of the Deepdene Estate, and then head off to Denbies Wine Estate to indulge in a glass of award-winning English sparkling wine.

Nestled just below Newlands Corner off the A25, four miles east of Guildford, the spring fed Silent Pool has links with ghostly legends. Take a walk around the pool (strictly no swimming!) and enjoy the tranquillity. Whilst in the area, why not pop next door to the beautiful Albury Organic Vineyard.

History & Heritage

The amazing ornate handmade Watts Chapel is best seen as part of a visit to Watts Gallery - Artists' Village. Be sure to discover for yourself the delights of this wonderful arts and craft cemetery chapel. 

A visit to The Spike, near Guildford will give you a vivid description of the reasons for the creation of workhouses and life for the poor unfortunates inside them. Experience for yourself the original waiting room, bathing, sleeping and working accommodation that the inmates endured.

Head to Chilworth, take a self-guided walk and learn about the historic Chilworth Gunpower Mill.  Located just outside the village of Chilworth and you can walk up to St Martha on the Hill church should the urge hit - the views from the North Downs Way are well worth it!

Steeped in history and beautifully maintained, Brookwood Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Britain. Take time to look at the war graves where you can reflect on all generations of lost servicemen and women from the Great War to the modern day.

There seems to be something rather magical about the ruins at Waverley Abbey. There is plenty of signage around the site which explains the history. By the time you have circled the site, you will leave with a great appreciation for this historical site and the magical beauty that remains.