Hiking the Pilgrims' Way and Box Hill Surrey

Surrey, Canada

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Walk Box Hill and the Pilgrims' Way

Start on the Mole Gap Trail, a flat dual-width path that winds past a vineyard and brings you to the Pilgrims' Way. From there, the real adventure begins: cross the wide road using the reputedly monk-laid stepping stones at Westhumble, then climb Box Hill itself. The reward is a 180-degree view that sweeps across London and Surrey. On the way, detour 500m west to see Westhumble's Norman chapel—a small, cobbled-together stone building that anchors this quiet corner. If you cycle instead of walk, the London-Surrey Cycle Classic loops show off the quirky chalets and coloured stone buildings of tiny Mickleham across the valley, and the famous zig-zag climb that makes this stretch legendary among riders. The path is free and open year-round, though snow is rare except in mid-January.

Tour Denbies Vineyard and Taste Surrey Wine

Denbies Vineyard offers winery tours, a 360-degree cinema experience about vineyard and wine-making, and cellar tours. The vineyard runs 50-minute train tours during summer months, giving you a different perspective on the vines and landscape. You can taste wines with your tour (sparkling wine or wine and food pairings available), then eat at the on-site restaurants, which serve lunch daily and dinner Thursday to Saturday evenings. If you want to stay longer, the property includes a luxury farmhouse for overnight guests. Tours cost £9.95 for the basic option, £14.00 with sparkling wine, or £16.00 with wine and food.

Explore the Savill Garden in Englefield Green

Thirty-five acres of interconnected gardens spread across the Savill Garden near Camberley. It is described as "Britain's finest ornamental garden" and includes a restaurant and the Royal Landscape shopping area. The garden is accessible from the M25 (Junction 14) heading towards Camberley on the A30, or by bus from Egham railway station. Admission is £6.50 in winter and £8.50 in summer, with discounts available; entry is free in January and February. Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM (closing at 4:30 PM).

Watch County Cricket at The Oval

Surrey CCC plays cricket at The Oval, located in the Lambeth district (now part of London but historically part of Surrey). This is a chance to catch domestic cricket in a storied ground and follow one of England's oldest county cricket teams.

Cycle or Hike the Mole Gap Trail

The low, flat Mole Gap Trail is ideal for cyclists and walkers of varying abilities. It runs past vineyards and connects to the Pilgrims' Way, one of Surrey's most scenic long-distance paths. The trail is part of an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways across the county, including the North Downs Way, a scenic long-distance path that traverses the chalk escarpment dividing Surrey's busy north from its quieter rural south. The area around Box Hill and the Mole Gap is particularly rewarding, with villages like Mickleham and Westhumble offering stops along the way.

Surrey's mix of wooded hills, river valleys, and country gardens makes it easy to escape London's weight while staying within reach. Start with Box Hill's views or a morning at Denbies Vineyard, then move on to the Savill Garden or a long walk through the Pilgrims' Way. There is enough green space, trails, and working countryside here to spend days exploring without repeating yourself.

Sources

  1. Surrey
  2. Wikivoyage: Surrey

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