Chantry Wood — Attraction in Guildford

If you are walking the North Downs Way, I would recommend a slight detour via the hilly expanse of Chantry Wood - especially in April/May, when the forest floor is covered with bluebells. At the top, there is a clearing in the trees with a view of Guildford cathedral. Also take in the southern stretch, to walk over open grassland with views of Blackheath, the Haslemere hills and the South Downs.

Some of the paths can be quite muddy when it's been wet, but generally Chantry Wood is fine even in winter, and it's usually possible to circumvent the muddy bits. Since there are car parks at both ends (the one outside Guildford in the west and the other for St. Martha's Hill at the eastern end), it tends to be...

This is such a wonderful place for a gentle stroll or a picnic, and an absolute must-see destination in the Spring, when the bluebells are in bloom. The carpet of pretty flowers, with their delicious fragrance, set among contrasting lime green beech leaves is a tonic for the soul.

There's a free car park nearby at Halfpenny Lane or you can even walk from Guildford, and you won't need a jetpack to get here.

You should also consider combining your visit with a walk up to St. Martha's Church for some great views over the Tillingbourne Valley. If you've got a dog, bring it - dogs like it here. Your dog...

Attractive area of woodland at its best during the Bluebell flowering season from mid April to early May. Walking through the woods and enjoying the occasional views over the Surrey Hills, you'd never guess you were so close to the edge of Guildford. There's free parking at St Martha's Hill a few minutes walk away. It's a great place for short dog walks not far out of town, or a good starting point for longer walks. Well marked paths head out over Martha's Hill and down into the Tillingbourne valley at Chilworth...