Keswick Plantation

Dense woodland stretches across the hillside just outside Dorking, offering proper walking country without the crowds that plague Box Hill. Keswick Plantation delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Surrey forest - well-maintained paths threading through mixed woodland, with enough elevation changes to keep things interesting.

Families with older children will appreciate the network of footpaths here, though pushchairs might struggle on some of the steeper sections. The plantation connects nicely with the broader Surrey Hills walking routes, making it a solid choice for anyone staying at nearby spots like Surrey Hills Yurts or Norbury Park who fancy a morning ramble.

What strikes you most is how quiet it remains compared to the more famous Surrey beauty spots. You can actually hear birdsong here rather than chattering day-trippers. The beech and oak canopy provides welcome shade in summer, while autumn transforms the whole area into something rather special.

Allow a couple of hours for a decent walk, though you could easily spend half a day if you're linking up with other Surrey Hills paths. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as part of a longer holiday exploring this corner of Surrey - close enough to your accommodation for an easy morning out, yet substantial enough to feel like you've had a proper countryside experience.