Guildford

Medieval clock-hammering figurines strike the hour at Abinger Hammer Clock, setting the rhythm for one of Surrey's most unexpectedly atmospheric corners. This isn't Guildford's main drag - it's the quieter, wilder side where ancient Roman settlements dot the landscape and proper Surrey Hills countryside begins in earnest.

Pitch Hill offers some of the county's best walking, with sandy heathland trails threading through Bentley Copse and Great Copse. The views from the summit stretch right across the Weald on clear days. Down in the valleys, Shere Museum tells the story of these timeless villages, while Tillingbourne Brewery keeps local traditions alive with proper Surrey ales.

Roman history runs deep here. You'll find Roman Temple ruins and the remains of a Roman Tile Kiln tucked away in the woods - evidence of nearly two millennia of settlement. The Tillingbourne valley itself feels ancient, with its clear chalk streams and beech-clad slopes.

Gomshall station puts you on the main London line, making this surprisingly accessible despite feeling properly rural. Cranleigh Arts Centre hosts everything from touring theatre to local amateur dramatics if you fancy an evening out.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Surrey. You're ideally placed for both the South Downs Way and North Downs Way, with Albury Downs and Smithwood Common offering excellent day walks. The area works brilliantly as a base for tackling the Surrey Hills without the crowds that descend on Box Hill and Leith Hill at weekends.