There are so many beautiful sights to see in the greenbelt county of Surrey. As we head into Spring get out and about in your area with these stunning walks with scenery hotspots from Box Hill’s Viewpoint to Tillingbourne’s impressive waterfalls, the legend of Thor at Devil’s Punch Bowl and the Bluebell Trail at Winkworth.
BOX HILL VIEWPOINT
Box Hill is the summit of the North Downs in Dorking and is 224 metres high at the Betchworth Clump. The western part of the hill is owned by the National Trust and the most popular viewpoint Salomons Memorial overlooks the town of Dorking at 172 metres. It’s a great place to visit with kids as there are detailed adventure walks to do as well as having cafes, restaurants and ice cream vans for visitors to enjoy on their trip.
There is also 38 species of butterfly and both the north and south facing slopes support an area of chalk downland noted for its orchid and other rare plant life. There are great picture opportunities here too for budding photographers, as well as the beautiful summit views there is an upside down grave and World War 2 bunkers and look outs.
Plus, at the foot of the hill there is another National Trust car park that leads to the famous ‘Stepping Stone’ formation of rocks across the river.
TILLINGBOURNE WATERFALLS
This hidden gem is tucked away on the Wotton Estate on the north slopes of Leith Hill.
While you can’t actually jump in the water as it is located on private land there is a public bridleway nearby that brings you within metres of the waterfall allowing you to soak up the sights and take photographs.
Not the easiest to find and you will have to take a short walk to get there, which has been known to get quite waterlogged!
So to avoid a really muddy walk the best time to go is when we have not been hit by too much rain.
BLUEBELL TRAIL AT WINKWORTH ARBORETUM
Winkworth Arboretum is a national trust owned arboretum which has over 1000 species of trees and plants leading down to beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes.
Located between Godalming and Hascombe, it was set up by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1938. The National Trust took ownership in 1952.
There are play areas for the kids and tea rooms to enjoy meals and snacks. Booking is via their website during lockdown so be sure to book before you arrive.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum
A great time to visit the arboretum is April and May when there is a gorgeous bluebell walk on offer. Winkworth is dog friendly too.
VIRGINIA WATER LAKE
Enjoy a beautiful walk around the Virginia Water Lake, located on the edge of Windsor Great Park just off London Road and the A30.
The walk which is approximately 2-3 hours has various routes that can take you to such sights as a cascade, a 100 foot high totem pole and obelisk raised by George II, part of a ruined city imported from North Africa.
With parking from £1.50 per hour, there is also a cafe selling hot food and beverages on site.
DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL
As featured on the TV programme ‘Seven Natural Wonders’ the Punch Bowl is a large natural amphitheatre situated just east to the village of Hindhead. The diversity of nature and beauty of the area has earned it the title of a ‘Site of Scientific Interest’ with the bowl seen as a natural nature reserve encompassing heathland, streams, bracken and woodland.
The highest point of the bowl is Gibbet Hill, which is 272 metres above sea level where you can see panoramic views of London’s skyline 38 miles away on a clear day.
Local legend has it that the 697 acre site was named ‘Devil’s Punch Bowl’ after the devil threw lumps of earth at Thor, the god of Thunder, to annoy him which then made the hollowed out bowl. A great one for the kids that are into Marvel Films.
