Located in the heart of South East England, the Surrey Hills is one of the country’s most attractive destinations for outdoor recreation and countryside living. Covering rolling hills and picturesque villages, the region attracts walkers, families and nature enthusiasts throughout the year.
Its combination of scenic landscapes and easy access to London makes it particularly appealing to those looking to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle without being too far from the capital. Whether you are planning a weekend visit or considering a move to the area, the Surrey Hills offer a wide range of activities and attractions.
In this guide, we explore what makes the Surrey Hills so popular and why it continues to attract both visitors and residents seeking a closer connection to the outdoors.
What Makes the Surrey Hills Special?Â
One of the main reasons the Surrey Hills remains such a popular destination is its outstanding natural beauty. The area is recognised as a National Landscape and is known for its diverse scenery, ranging from chalk hills and ancient woodland to tranquil country lanes.
The region covers more than 160 square miles across Surrey and includes some of the county’s most famous landmarks and viewpoints. Visitors have opportunities to enjoy nature, exercise and fresh air throughout the year.
The Surrey Hills also benefit from excellent transport connections. Many towns and villages within the area can be reached easily from London by train or road, making it a convenient destination for the day. South Western Railway operates regular services from London to stations across the region, with some journeys taking around 30 minutes.
This accessibility has helped make the region one of the most visited countryside locations in the South East.
Walking and Hiking in the Surrey HillsÂ
One of the biggest attractions of the Surrey Hills is the opportunity to enjoy walking and hiking through some of England’s most scenic countryside. The area contains hundreds of miles of footpaths, allowing visitors to explore woodlands and open countryside at their own pace.
Box Hill is a well-known viewpoint in the North Downs, Surrey, located around 19 miles south west of London. Named after the box woodland that grows on its chalk slopes, the area has a history dating back to the Bronze Age. Managed in part by the National Trust, Box Hill attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers facilities including a visitor centre and café.
Visitors can enjoy impressive views across the Weald towards the South Downs from the Salomons Memorial viewpoint. The surrounding countryside features an extensive network of footpaths, along with several waymarked trails suitable for walkers of different abilities.
Leith Hill is another favourite destination for walkers. The hill is the highest point along the Greensand Ridge in southern England, standing at 294 metres (965 feet) above sea level. It’s also the second highest natural point in South East England. Visitors can easily reach the area via Holmwood railway station, which offers direct services to London Victoria.
At the summit stands a distinctive Gothic tower built during the 18th century. The tower is a popular attraction and is said to offer views across as many as 13 counties when weather conditions are clear. Leith Hill Tower welcomes visitors throughout the year and is open daily except on Christmas Day.
For those looking for longer routes, sections of the North Downs Way pass through the Surrey Hills and offer opportunities for full day hikes. Many of these trails connect villages, viewpoints and nature reserves, making it ideal for hikers interested in exploring more of the region.
Cycling, Horse Riding and Outdoor SportsÂ
Besides hiking, the region has become a well known destination for cycling, horse riding and other outdoor pursuits.
Cycling is particularly popular thanks to the area’s quiet country roads and challenging hill climbs. Many amateur and experienced cyclists visit the Surrey Hills to tackle routes that pass through villages and scenic viewpoints.
For mountain biking, the Surrey Hills offers an extensive network of trails that cater to a wide range of abilities, making it a popular destination throughout the year. From gentle countryside routes to more challenging terrain, the area has become one of England’s leading locations for mountain biking, with large areas of accessible countryside available to explore.
Horse riding remains another traditional activity within the area. With extensive rights of way and plenty of bridleways, the Surrey Hills gives riders access to miles of countryside routes through woodland and open landscapes. The Puttenham Ride and Holmbury Hill Ride are some of the more popular routes for riders and their steeds. Local riding centres also offer lessons and guided rides for beginners. Beechwood Riding School is one well-established example within the area.
Parks, Woodlands and Green SpacesÂ
One of the most appealing aspects of the Surrey Hills is the abundance of parks and green spaces available throughout the region. They are great areas for relaxation and spotting wildlife while helping preserve the natural character of the countryside.
Newlands Corner, which is close to Guildford town centre, is one of the area’s most visited beauty spots. Situated on the North Downs, it offers panoramic views across the Surrey countryside and serves as a popular starting point for walks and family outings. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas and nearby walking trails. There is a large free car park with accessible spaces.
The Hurtwood is another well known woodland area within the Surrey Hills. Covering thousands of acres, its extensive network of paths allows visitors to explore woodland areas, making it popular with both mountain bikers and hikers. It is a great place to observe wildlife, especially rare birds, with blackcaps, yellowhammers and buzzards being spotted in the area.
Many smaller parks and nature reserves such as Buckland Park Lake and the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve can also be found across the region. These areas help create the peaceful environment that continues to attract visitors and residents seeking a closer connection to nature.
Surrey Hills Villages, Cafés and Local AttractionsÂ
One of the features that makes the Surrey Hills particularly special is its collection of cosy villages located throughout the area. These communities combine historic character with traditional English charm.
Villages such as Shere, Albury and Abinger Hammer are popular with visitors thanks to their traditional architecture and local shops. Walking through these villages often feels like stepping back in time, with many historic buildings and quiet village greens still forming the centre of community life.
Local cafés, tearooms and pubs provide excellent places to relax after a day spent outdoors. Besides numerous National Trust run cafes in the area, there are many independent establishments that serve locally sourced food and offer views of the surrounding countryside. One popular location in Chiddingfold is the Ramster Hall Tea House, which is located next to the beautiful gardens of the hall, and are known for their cream teas and cakes.
Seasonal events, farmers’ markets and community festivals take place in the Surrey Hills throughout the year, so it is worth checking local event guides to make the most of your trip.
Living in the Surrey HillsÂ
One of the reasons many people choose to move to the Surrey Hills is the balance it offers between countryside living and modern life. Residents can enjoy access to beautiful outdoor spaces and attractive villages while remaining within commuting distance of London.
The area offers a diverse range of properties, from period cottages and village homes to larger family houses. Nearby towns such as Guildford, Dorking and Farnham provide shopping, education and employment opportunities while still maintaining close links to the surrounding countryside.
For many residents, daily life in the Surrey Hills revolves around outdoor living. Easy access to walking routes and open spaces allows people to make the most of the natural environment on their doorstep.
How Storage Can Help with Outdoor Living in Surrey
One of the advantages of living in the Surrey Hills is the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year. However, hobbies such as cycling and horse riding often require equipment that can take up valuable space at home.
For instance, bicycles and equestrian gear can quickly create clutter, particularly for households already working with limited storage space. Finding practical ways to organise these belongings can help make homes feel more comfortable and functional.
This is where services such as We Pack & Store can help. The company offers secure storage solutions in Surrey for people who need extra space for outdoor equipment or personal belongings. For extra convenience, they will collect your belongings and return them when needed. Â
Using external storage allows residents to continue enjoying outdoor activities without overcrowding their homes. It can also be particularly useful during house moves or periods when extra space is needed temporarily.
Conclusion
The Surrey Hills continues to attract visitors and residents looking for a balance between outdoor recreation and countryside living. From scenic walking routes to charming villages, the area offers a lifestyle that combines natural beauty with everyday convenience.
Whether exploring woodland paths, enjoying local tearooms or considering a move to the region, there are countless reasons why the Surrey Hills remains one of the South East’s most popular destinations. Its combination of natural beauty and varied landscapes will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
