Box Hill & the Surrey Hills: Views, History & the Best Walks

Box Hill rises above the River Mole just north-east of Dorking, a steep chalk hill of the North Downs clothed in woods and grassland. It lies in the Surrey Hills National Landscape and is cared for by the National Trust.

Why Box Hill & the Surrey Hills Is Special

From the Salomons Memorial on the brow of the hill, the view stretches across Dorking and the Weald to the South Downs, one of the classic views of southern England, barely twenty miles from central London.

Paths lead in every direction through rare woods of box and yew and over chalk grassland full of wild flowers and butterflies.

The History of Box Hill & the Surrey Hills

The hill takes its name from the box trees that grow on its steep chalk slopes, one of the largest areas of native box woodland in Britain. Its highest point is Betchworth Clump, 224 metres above sea level, but the most popular viewpoint is the Salomons Memorial, at 172 metres.

Box Hill has been a favourite outing for Londoners for centuries. Jane Austen set the famous picnic in Emma on Box Hill, where Emma is rude to Miss Bates, and Victorian visitors came by train to walk its slopes.

In 2012 the hill became famous around the world when the Olympic cycling road races climbed its Zig Zag Road lap after lap, and it is still a favourite with cyclists.

What to See & the Best Walks at Box Hill & the Surrey Hills

Start at the National Trust visitor centre at the top, walk to the Salomons Memorial for the view, then follow one of the waymarked trails down through the box woods. The stepping stones across the River Mole at the foot of the hill are a favourite crossing for walkers.

Follow The North Downs Way along the escarpment, or walk over to the vineyards of Denbies on the slopes opposite.

Wildlife at Box Hill & the Surrey Hills

The chalk grassland is one of the best places in England for butterflies, including the Adonis blue and the chalkhill blue, and for wild orchids in early summer. Please keep to the paths on the steep slopes.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Box Hill & the Surrey Hills

See the Box Hill listing. In Dorking, Pilgrim's Antiques Centre and Talbot House Antiques Centre are on West Street.

RHS Garden Wisley is about twenty minutes' drive north, and Shere is a few miles west; see our guide to Shere.

Box Hill & the Surrey Hills Through the Seasons

Spring brings bluebells to the woods and orchids to the slopes. Summer is the season of butterflies. Autumn colours the beeches, and on a crisp winter day the view reaches the South Downs.

Getting to Box Hill & the Surrey Hills

Box Hill & Westhumble station, on the line from London to Dorking, is at the foot of the hill. There is National Trust parking at the top.

Box Hill & the Surrey Hills: Questions & Answers

Why is it called Box Hill?

After the box trees that grow on its steep chalk slopes, one of the largest areas of native box woodland in Britain.

Which Jane Austen novel is set on Box Hill?

Emma: the famous picnic, where Emma is rude to Miss Bates, takes place on Box Hill.

Our Advice

Our advice: Take the train to Box Hill & Westhumble, cross the stepping stones and climb to the Salomons Memorial, then walk down into Dorking for the antiques shops.