Find the Atlantic Wall at Hankley Common, Thursley
With sandy paths galore, James Bond connections and World War 2 remnants, Hankley Common is full of surprises.
Hankley Common
Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths.
We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills.
The Atlantic Wall
Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943.
This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France.
Dragon’s Teeth
Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.
James Bond
Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.
Thor’s Den
There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.
Visit the Hankley Common website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate.
Parking: There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road.
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Birds, lizards, deer and insects.
Information Written: November 2020
Information Checked: May 2025
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