Chipstead offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: species-rich chalk grassland, a circular walk through varied landscapes near the village, and the architectural history of Chipstead, St Margaret. When planning your stay, you can give different emphasis to nature and architecture: Long Plantation and the circular walk represent the landscape, while St Margaret represents the church’s architectural history. To plan your return, you can use the same car park on Holly Lane as the start and finish point for the circular walk.

Landscape and paths

Long Plantation is an area of species-rich chalk grassland on the Shabden Park Estate. Shabden Park is part of Chipstead Downs, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Long Plantation is an area of species-rich chalk grassland on the Shabden Park Estate; Shabden Park is part of Chipstead Downs, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A footpath runs along the edge of Long Plantation. The path may be uneven or slippery; bear this possible condition in mind when including it in your outing plans.

Circular walk through the Banstead countryside

The circular walk through the Banstead countryside is near Chipstead and passes through chalk grassland, mixed woodland and open farmland. Plan to return to the free car park on Holly Lane in Chipstead; the circular walk starts and ends there, so you do not need to arrange a separate endpoint. The Banstead circular walk passes through chalk grassland, mixed woodland and open farmland, linking several landscape types, while Long Plantation is a single area of species-rich chalk grassland with a footpath running along its edge.

History and architecture of St Margaret

Chipstead, St Margaret dates back to the 12th century, but is predominantly a 13th-century building. The tower was added or possibly altered in the 17th century. The south transept, porch and north aisle date from the 19th century.

The transept lies across the main body of the church; the north aisle is the side space on the north side. The porch is a separate part of the building, clearly distinct from the transept and the north aisle. The tower was added or possibly altered in the 17th century; the south transept, porch and north aisle date from the 19th century.

The exterior masonry is made of flint; the surrounds and details are made of stone. The exterior masonry is made of flint; the surrounds and details are made of stone.

When choosing between the nature attractions, you can also compare their form: Long Plantation is an area with a footpath along its edge, while the Banstead circular walk is a loop with a designated car park for both the start and finish.

Discover more destinations: Shepperton, Smallfield, Betchworth, Englefield Green, Virginia Water, Bisley, Albury, Ashford

Return to the broader travel overview: Surrey.