Guildford

Railway commuters zip through twice daily, but many miss what lies beyond Guildford's Victorian station. This Surrey market town sits where the North Downs begin their gentle climb southward, creating a landscape of wooded hills and hidden valleys that feels surprisingly wild for somewhere so close to London.

The real draw here isn't the high street shopping - though the cobbled lanes around the cathedral are lovely enough. It's the walking. Frith Hill and Hydon's Ball offer proper Surrey views across rolling countryside, while Hascombe Hill rewards the effort with panoramic vistas. Busbridge Lakes provide a gentler option, especially good for families wanting somewhere scenic without the steep climbs.

History buffs will find plenty to poke around. The WW2 Fortifications scattered through the area tell stories of Britain's wartime defences, while Roman Buildings near Farley Hill hint at much older settlements. The Holy Well adds a touch of medieval mystery to any ramble.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A3 sweeps you down from London in under an hour, and the train takes about 40 minutes from Waterloo. Godalming, just three miles south, handles the bigger supermarket runs if you're staying locally.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper pub lunch, but far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic. The Surrey Hills start practically on your doorstep, and with spots like Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat and Little Cowdray Farm Glamping dotted around the area, you can choose your level of comfort while exploring this surprisingly green corner of the Home Counties.