National Trust - Box Hill
National Trust - Box Hill things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Visited on 13th June, just after first and biggest lock down. I wanted to go somewhere which is free for public, no need to booking in advance, because in the previous 3 weeks I just missed every place at National Trust which were already opened for advance booking. If I didn't want to be awake at midnight to see when new places were launched, so I had to compromise and see something public. I thought Box Hill would been OK, not far from London and if I go early, probably I avoid the crowd. OMG! How can I still be that naive in my age!!! 10am Saturday - when most Britons used to just wake up and have a lazy breakfast IN NORMAL TIMES, now the huuuuuge car park was almost full!!! Out of the car park every parking space on the road side was full. Even to get to the hill I could drive just very slowly due to hundreds and thousands of cyclists!!! Then when I parked, I went to the toilet straight, where I had to wait about 20 minutes to get in even that "early" morning. Then I tried a walk one way, but turned back soon, because I had no idea where it led. Then I went to the other side with the plan that I go to the stepping stones. And found that the way was going down very steep. I started but after a while I decided to turn back from here, too. Thought if it was steep down now, that will be extremely steep up later when I am already tired... And I definitely was not in that condition, especially after lock down. So this visit was short for me. First, because I was not able to take a proper walking route physically, second, because I pretty much hate crowd in any time, but after lock down when pandemic is still going around I just found this whole place very uncomfortable for myself. I took some pictures which shows that Britons did not really care social distancing either that time. On the way back to the car park, when I just approached my car, already 3 circle round drivers asked me if I was gonna leave and when...? That was only 11.30am!!! And that was the time when I decided not to go any public places this year, and better to wait while I can book something in advance. At least there won't be crowd as they limit the bookings. So I believe this is a perfect place for fit and healthy people, but for me this visit was short and unpleasant.
Evalynn B.Evalynn B.
00
Box Hill National Trust, Surrey Hills: A Nature Lover's Paradise **Highlights:** * **Breathtaking Views:** Panoramic vistas of the Surrey Hills and surrounding countryside. * **Diverse Trails:** Numerous walking routes for all abilities, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. * **Iconic Landmarks:** Explore the Stepping Stones, the Salomons Memorial, and the Box Hill Fort. * **Thriving Wildlife:** Spot a variety of birds, butterflies, and other creatures in their natural habitat. * **Natural Play Trail:** A fun and engaging adventure for children, encouraging outdoor exploration. * **Picnic Spots:** Numerous scenic spots for a relaxing picnic amidst nature. * **Charming Cafe:** Enjoy refreshments and snacks at the on-site cafe. * **Educational Opportunities:** Learn about the local history, geology, and ecology through informative signage and guided walks. * **Accessible Facilities:** Well-maintained paths, restrooms, and accessible routes for visitors with disabilities. **Tips:** * **Arrive Early:** The car park can get busy, especially on weekends. * **Check Weather Conditions:** Be prepared for changing weather, as it can vary on the hilltop. * **Wear Sturdy Footwear:** Choose comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. * **Bring Water and Snacks:** Stay hydrated and energized during your exploration. * **Respect the Environment:** Follow the Countryside Code and leave no trace of your visit. **Overall:** Box Hill offers a delightful escape into nature, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're seeking a challenging hike, a family day out, or a peaceful retreat, this National Trust gem is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Asad LoneAsad Lone
30
A Really Great Place to Enjoy the Very Best of the English Countryside, with Spectacular views, and Ancient Woodland... Lots of Walks, it's a Magical place to visit... Ours was a Superb Spring Day with Stunning Blue skies and Lot's Of Sunshine 🌞 ☀️, this is a National Trust Area and its very Popular... There is Good Parking spaces, but its Extremely popular on days like this , So I would Advise Arrivig Early, thee are other car parks, please Check the Website for prices/ Stay length... The Cafe on Top of the Hill, Opening Hours is 10am -4 pm... Has light Snacks, Sandwiches 🥪 and Cakes 🥮 ,ect... Hot Drinks 🫖☕, Soft Drinks 🥤🧃, you can sit down inside, and Other Seats, and Benches Available outside..... Please be Aware that this is a Very popular place, and Queues for Drinks and Hot Food, can be a little while ( 15- 20 minutes) but we felt that the Queues were Quite well Managed... Toilets 🚻 here as Well... As I Said Earlier there are Quite a few Walks Available, something for Everyone...please Check the Website for More details about length of the Walks.... Please Dress Accordingly for the Weather...I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND Walking Boots/ Stout shoes 👞 for the Paths/ Tracks through the woods, the can be Quite Muddy and wet... Fleece jacket, or Good Waterproof recommended... important to keep warm... Superb Views of Classic English Countryside...over the the Beautiful North Downs.... please Enjoy 😎👌📷🌅🌅🌅
Russell NicholsonRussell Nicholson
10
It's the sacrifice site for tourism, meaning it's promoted and made accessible to draw people away from more ecologically sensitive spots. It gets absolutely packed. You've got more chance of seeing mamils (middle aged men in lycra) than mamals, since the Olympics 2012 cycling has replaced golfing for many SW London / Surrey hills city types who see box hill zig zag climb as their spiritual home. That being said it's still got all the charm that people have seen it it since they journeyed here to promenade on the escarpment in Victorian times. Where else can you see a Napoleonic fort, a man buried upside down intentionally, the birth place of TV, a woodland trail for kids with obstacles, view that gawps all the way from the north downs to the South downs. A short walk to a former soe spy school (not open to the public). Plus it's got a cafe, toilets, shop, good parking, a little visitors centre in the shop. Top marks to the NT who manage this place balancing the needs of all the users as best they can. So two tips; either come after school on a summer weekday evening when everyones gone home or walk 200m from the car park and enjoy the real sense of Box Hill. ***Do not *** come to box hill on a bank holiday unless you are seeking the feeling of rush hour at Victoria underground station.
Tim TeasdaleTim Teasdale
00
Amazing views & a convenient location. I arrived quite early, around 9AM because it was forcast to be a warm sunny day & I expected it to get busy. There was plenty of parking when I arrived, but by lunchtime people were struggling to find places left. I paid £4 for 4 hours, I think all day was £6 - not to bad, but be aware charges start at 06:00! I started off on the stepping stone walk, quite steep in places, and I had to stop & rest on more than one occasion! Next I tried the Juniper top trails - redirecting this to remain at the top of the Surrey Hills & be a less intense stroll. Either I was wrong, or I told l took a wrong turn. 😩 I'm sure the National Trust app and/or visitors guide office had more information on what to expect on each walk - but hey, it was great to push myself & the scenery and weather took my mind off of the "pain". As the day moved on, it got very busy indeed & also much more noisy - children, motorbikes, helicopters, dogs & cyclists. Not a complaint, just an observation. I did not eat or drink at the café, choice was limited, prices quite high and queues very long. Toilets were clean, but quite small for the number of visitors.
Lea FreemanLea Freeman
20
Lovely views with good proximity to London with a myriad of hiking options from light to super endurance. To moderate expectations, this is more like a convenient, easily accessible and well looked after point of interest with decent views, rather than a UNESCO grade view or one of those insane Swiss/Austrian type hilly vantage points. As always, the Trust facilities and weekend staff are great on the hilltop. Ample parking as well. It does get very busy however. I would caution the unprepared or those with limited stamina / elderly from doing the longer or more 'challenging' walks such as going down to see the stepping stones, as you will be in for a steep incline for a bit.. although it's not too bad. All I'm saying is, have common sense in informing yourself about the routes. Just an observation, as other said there are indeed a lot of dogs in general (don't see a problem with that) and soo many cyclists going up Zig Zag road, my gosh.
Booth MorganBooth Morgan
00
Nearby Attractions Of National Trust - Box Hill
Surrey Hills National Landscape
Stepping Stones Walk
Boxhill Viewpoint
Box Hill
Box Hill Fort

Surrey Hills National Landscape
4.7
(6K)Click for details

Stepping Stones Walk
4.6
(716)Click for details

Boxhill Viewpoint
4.8
(565)Click for details

Box Hill
4.7
(486)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of National Trust - Box Hill
Smith & Western - Boxhill
Rykas Boxhill
The Stepping Stones
Box Hill Cafe
Emlyn Restaurant

Smith & Western - Boxhill
4.4
(1.3K)Click for details

Rykas Boxhill
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details

The Stepping Stones
4.0
(648)Click for details

Box Hill Cafe
4.1
(288)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
The Old Fort Box Hill Road, Tadworth KT20 7LB, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1306 885502
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Website
nationaltrust.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(2.6K reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
pet friendly
attractions: Surrey Hills National Landscape, Stepping Stones Walk, Boxhill Viewpoint, Box Hill, Box Hill Fort, restaurants: Smith & Western - Boxhill, Rykas Boxhill, The Stepping Stones, Box Hill Cafe, Emlyn Restaurant
