The Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve is home to all six native reptile species, natterjack toads and three bird species designated as SPAs. Designated in 2025, the area brings the existing Thursley NNR together with 2,440 hectares of surrounding landscape. Its native wildlife gives Surrey’s natural region a distinctive character.
Landscapes and trails in Surrey
The Surrey Hills National Landscape covers about a quarter of Surrey. It stretches from Farnham and Haslemere in the west through Guildford, Dorking and Reigate to Oxted in the east. One of 46 nationally protected landscapes in the United Kingdom, it has landscape status and protection equivalent to that of a national park.
Leith Hill connects trails through woodland, heathland and farmland with exceptional views. Leith Hill Tower stands at the highest point in south-east England and offers views towards London and the English Channel. The Greensand Way long-distance trail passes the tower for 1.5 miles. This brings together changing landscapes, far-reaching views and a specific long-distance route in one place.
For orientation, Holmwood railway station is about 2.5 miles (4 km), Ockley 4 miles (6.4 km) and Dorking 5.5 miles (9 km) from Leith Hill. The distances vary considerably and provide a practical reference point for planning your trip.
Box Hill also combines panoramic views with ancient woodland, chalk downland, farmland and river scenery. A two-mile nature trail leads through the woodland, with opportunities to balance, climb and explore along the way. At Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, conservation status takes centre stage: both are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The Hidden Hindhead walk is 3.1 miles long.
The Downs Link offers a longer route: this largely traffic-free, 37-mile trail follows a disused railway line from St Martha’s near Guildford to Shore-by-Sea. Comparing it with the two-mile nature trail at Box Hill shows the range of route options; the North Downs Way is another long-distance trail in Surrey.
Gardens, country houses and culture
Surrey’s gardens each have a distinct character. Winkworth Arboretum features a collection of trees that changes with the seasons, a lake, a boathouse and ancient woodland. In Woking, RHS Garden Wisley is regarded as one of the great gardens of the world, offering a wealth of horticultural inspiration. Free daily talks and demonstrations on gardening advice and scientific discoveries take place at Hilltop Live.
Polesden Lacey is a 1,600-acre estate in Surrey, with elegant gardens and an Edwardian mansion. Hatchlands Park offers a different setting: extensive parkland surrounds a classical country house. These differences—formal gardens and a mansion, parkland or a diverse collection of trees—each give the region’s cultural and landscape character its own distinctive quality.
Leith Hill Place is associated with the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and has links to the Wedgwood family. In Guildford, a Norman castle has a tower that visitors can climb for far-reaching views over Guildford and Surrey. From the tower, the building is directly connected to the surrounding landscape.
Special experiences
Brooklands Museum presents Brooklands as the world’s first motor racing circuit and the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. The museum offers a public, half-hour Concorde experience on board Concorde G-BBDG. It is worth checking dates and availability when planning your visit.
The Surrey Hills wine route includes local wine tastings, seasonal events and a vineyard tour; the specific offerings vary between vineyards. At Denbies, a ride on the vineyard railway offers views across the Surrey Hills. A guided cellar tasting traces the wines from vineyard to glass. Timetables and booking requirements may change, so check them in advance.
Explore more destinations
Woking, Weybridge, Staines, Shepperton, Seale, Ripley, Reigate, Redhill, Ockley, Mickleham, Leatherhead, Horley, Haslemere, Guildford, Godalming, Farnham, Epsom, Egham, East Horsley, Dorking, Cobham, Chertsey, Charlwood, Camberley, Burpham, Betchworth, Bagshot, Virginia Water, Peaslake, Bookham, Crowhurst, Capel, Ottershaw, Chiddingfold, Newchapel, Worplesdon, Salfords, Frensham, Thames Ditton, Gatwick, Buckland, Lingfield, West Molesey, Cranleigh, Esher, Hindhead, Ash, Smallfield, Sunbury-On-Thames, Effingham, Banstead, Ashford, Addlestone, Bletchingley, Hersham, Copthorne, Chipstead, Farleigh, Pirbright, Godstone, Milford, Woldingham, Frimley, Chaldon, Brookwood, Englefield Green, Bisley, Chilworth, Thorpe, East Molesey, Peasmarsh, Ewhurst, Albury, Walton-on-Thames, Abinger Common, Bramley, Tatsfield, Windlesham
For the broader travel overview: South East England.
