Box Hill

The chalk downlands rise dramatically here, creating some of the finest walking country in the South East. Box Hill's famous stepped hillside draws walkers and cyclists from across London and Surrey, offering spectacular views across the Weald and glimpses of the capital's skyline on clear days. The North Downs Way threads through ancient woodland and open grassland where orchids bloom in summer.

Ranmore Vista provides one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Surrey - a proper climb that earns its panoramic payoff. The surrounding area feels surprisingly wild despite being just 25 miles from central London. Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve offers guided walks for those wanting to understand the chalk grassland ecology better, though visits need advance booking.

Leatherhead sits at the foot of the downs, a practical base with good rail links to London Victoria. The M25 brings the area within easy reach of most of southern England, though weekend traffic can be heavy.

St Giles Church in nearby Ashtead represents the quieter side of this corner of Surrey - medieval stonework in a village that feels genuinely rural despite the proximity to suburbia.

Staying at one of the touring parks scattered around the Surrey Hills makes perfect sense for exploring this landscape properly. You can tackle the North Downs Way in sections, cycle the quiet lanes between villages, and return to base without the hassle of London traffic. The downs reward early starts when the light is soft and the paths less crowded.