The Sands Play Area

The play equipment is said to be suitable for children to the age of 14 years old and includes:

• a hedgehog springer
• a frog springer 
• a seesaw
• swings
• toddler swings

• a spinner
• a roundabout
• a multiplay with a double slide with a wooden ladder, a fireman’s pole and a climbing wall
• a wooden obstacle course 
• seats for adults.

Next to the play area is a big playing field with football goals and a basketball net.

Finding the Play Area

There is a small path to the play area next to The Sands Room (GU10 1LL).  

Nearest Town: The Sands, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 1LL

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: You can park on the road by The Sands Room, which is signposted and next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: June 2025

Our visit to The Sands Recreation Ground and Play Area in The Sands, near Farnham, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Warning: Steep and Uneven Paths!

…but it is not an easy walk and involves steep hills.

This walk isn’t for everyone and should not be chosen without careful thought. 

The Walk to Combe Bottom 

Trying to locate the quarry myself was the really exciting part, and actually took me two visits. 

But for anyone without the luxury of time, here are the directions. 

From West Hanger Car Park there are two ways to walk down the hill to Combe Bottom but be warned, the hill is very steep – it’s not called West Hanger for nothing…

Route 1:  Along the Road

Walk out of the car park to the road. Turn right onto Staple Lane and then right again onto Combe Lane. 

Follow Combe Lane down the hill, around a sharp bend to the right and you will come to this sign on the left. 

Please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

Route 2:  Straight Down West Hanger

Leave the car park by the path on the left and walk into the woods. 

After a short walk through the woods, you meet a trail running to your right. 

Be careful – the trail is very steep and uneven 

and the path may be used by mountain bikers. 

Near the bottom of the hill you will see the road. 

This is Combe Lane and it runs along the bottom of the hill. 

Cross the road and walk a short way to the left, until you see the Combe Bottom sign on your right. 

Again, please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

Finding the Holloway

From the Combe Bottom sign, follow the wild path for five to ten minutes, under trees, 

through brambles patches

and into a holloway. 

If it isn’t too overgrown, you might be able to spot the pillbox on your right. 

The route to the quarry is near the end of the holloway, up the steep bank on your left. 

If you reach this sign and the end of the holloway, you have gone too far. 

To the Quarry!

You should now be standing on top of the steep bank with the holloway behind you. You will notice a second holloway in front of you, which seems to run parallel to the first. 

Believe it or not, this is the path to the quarry!

Follow this to the left until you come to a fallen tree blocking the way. This is the entrance to the lowest part of the quarry. 

A Neolithic Quarry

The only information I can find about this quarry is that it dates back to the Stone Age, or Neolithic period, and was used to quarry flint. 

Today it is a huge, bowl-shaped hole in the hillside with steep sides. 

Flint Tools

As you walk back up to West Hanger car park, and pause for the odd rest or two, keep an eye out for flints lying around or amongst the roots of trees. 

You may spot a flint tool!

Have a look at the Wessex Archaeology website for details of the types of flint to look out for. 

Combe Bottom

Combe Bottom is part of the enchanting Shere Woodlands and sits at the bottom of West Hanger hill.

There is not much to see unless you would like to find the quarry. 

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford, Surrey Hills
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9TE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or use one of the picnic tables. There is also a mobile cafe that visits (please see their website for details). 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Definitely not! 

Parking: West Hanger Car Park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: August 2023

Our visit to the Neolithic flint quarry in West Hanger and Combe Bottom in Shere Woodlands near Guildford and in the Surrey Hills is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Shere Woodlands

The woods have a wild and enchanted feel.

Pools of water collect amongst the beech tree roots

hidden pathways lead you to secret dens

and the trees seem alive. 

This is a special spot for us and we often come here to tell fairy tales about the creatures who might live here. 

The View

If you follow a path through the woods, you eventually come to a bench that looks out over the hills. It is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

Combe Bottom

You can also walk down the hill to Combe Bottom 

a Stone Age quarry and a World War 2 pillbox…but be warned, this isn’t called West Hanger for nothing.

The paths down are very steep 

and uneven.

From West Hanger Car Park

From the car park there are two paths into the woods. 

The path on the left goes into the woods and is flat but bumpy, although I had no problems with an all terrain buggy. 

The path on the right is the North Downs Way and is wider and smoother, although it was still rutted and muddy in places.

Both paths join up just before the view point, if you stay on the top of the hill.

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford, Surrey Hills
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9TE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or use one of the picnic tables. There is also a mobile cafe that visits (see the website for details). 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: We used a buggy on the paths on top of the hill but the paths down the hill are much too steep. 

Parking: West Hanger car park
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: August 2023

Our visit to West Hanger and Combe Bottom in Shere Woodlands near Guildford and in the Surrey Hills is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

St Martha’s Hill and Colyers Hanger

Accessible only on foot, St Martha’s Hill has been a place of worship since Norman times and its beautiful views makes it easy to see why.  

At the very top is St Martha-on-the-Hill church.

The Paths

The paths to the top of the hill are sandy, steep and uneven in places. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the top at a child’s pace. 

The Other Trails

There are other trails shown on the information board and in the car park, one of which is easy access. 

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8PZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: About two hours.
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are uneven paths and sandy slopes, which can be steep. 

Parking: There are two car parks, one at Halfpenny Lane (GU4 8PZ) and another on Guildford Lane (GU5 9BQ).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, reptiles butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to St Martha’s Hill in Guildford is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Shalford Park

Shalford Park itself is a large open area with lots of football pitches and some toilets. 

St Catherine’s Hill

St Catherine’s Hill has been a sacred site for thousands of years.

In the 14th century a chapel was built here, which now lies in ruins.

Sacred Spring

At the bottom of St Catherine’s Hill by the River Wey is a sacred spring that was believed to cure sore eyes. 

River Wey Navigations 

The River Wey runs along Shalford Park. 

St Catherine’s Lock

If you cross the river and turn left, you can walk to St Catherine’s Lock.   

Finding the River and St Catherine’s Hill

As you leave Shalford Park car park, head to the line of trees on your right and follow the footpath that leads through the trees and on to the River Wey and St Catherine’s Hill. 

Nearest Town: Guildford 
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8AA 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Generally buggy friendly but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: Car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 per day. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Shalford Park in Guildford (not including walking to St Catherine’s Hill and St Catherine’s Lock) is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

St Catherine’s Hill

St Catherine’s Hill used to be called Drakehull (or Dragon Hill) and is  a sacred site that dates back thousands of years to the Stone Age. 

In the 14th century a chapel was built here, which now lies in ruins.

Sacred Spring

At the bottom of St Catherine’s Hill by the River Wey is a sacred spring that was believed to cure sore eyes. 

Next to it is a little plaque and a poem:

“Your upward path, my downward flow 

Are fixed by law divine, 

My task is to refresh your soul, 

Yours to discover mine”

River Wey Navigations 

The River Wey flows past St Catherine’s Hill. 

You can follow the River Wey Navigations footpath along the river (if you are looking at the river then follow the path to the right)

and on to St Catherine’s Lock.  

St Catherine’s Lock

When at the lock, you can either turn around and go back to the car park the same way you have come or cross the river 

and follow the footpath back to Shalford Park, 

passing St Mary’s Church, Shalford. 

This route is wilder than the path along the river, with obstacles like fallen trees 

and streams. 

Finding St Catherine’s Hill

As you leave Shalford Park car park, head to the line of trees on your right 

and follow the footpath that leads through the trees and on to the River Wey. 

Once at the river, cross the bridge 

walk past the spring and up Ferry Lane to the main road. 

St Catherine’s Hill is on your left and will take you up to the church.

Nearest Town: Guildford 
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU3 1LJ is the nearest postcode but parking is on the other side of the River Wey at GU4 8AA.

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Generally buggy friendly but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There is a car park at Shalford Park (GU4 8AA).
Cost of Parking: £4 per day. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to St Catherine’s Hill and St Catherine’s Lock in Guildford is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Kestrel Corner Play Area

Kestrel Corner Play Area is a wooden play area that is an easy ten minute walk from the house. 

It has equipment including:

• a wooden multiplay with a slide and musical instruments 
• a climbing frame
• an obstacle course with stumps, logs and a wobbly bridge
• toddler swings 
• swings 
• a basket swing
• a tunnel and 
• seats.

The House and Lawn

The house is picture perfect.

It has views over the surrounding hills, which you can enjoy from deckchairs. 

Natural Play Areas

Scattered along the trails are natural play areas to enjoy with stumps, logs, dens

and also a bird hide.

Nearest Town: Great Bookham, near Dorking
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6BD

Adult Cost Range: From £15
Child Cost Range: From £8
Free if: Under 5 or with National Trust membership

Opens: Daily (with some winter closures)

Where to Eat: There is a cafe, food vendors and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, a shop, picnic areas toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, bees, insects and birds.

Information Written: April 2023

Our visit to Polesden Lacey and Kestrel Corner Play Area in Great Bookham, near Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The House and Lawn

The house is picture perfect 

with views over the surrounding hills, which you can enjoy from deckchairs. 

The Walks

There are various signposted walks around the gardens and wider estate.

Natural Play Areas

Scattered along the trails are natural play areas to enjoy with stumps, logs, dens 

and also a bird hide.

Kestrel Corner Play Area

Kestrel Corner Play Area is a wooden play area that is an easy ten minute walk from the house. 

It has equipment including a wooden multiplay with a slide and musical instruments, an obstacle course, swings and a tunnel.

Special Activities

As for many National Trust properties, Polesden Lacey runs activities for various age ranges throughout the year, which are listed on their website. 

When we visited there was a trail through the grounds with activities at each station, including hide and seek, cars to drive and lawn games. 

The Paths

There are various footpaths around the grounds – some are surfaced, some gravel and some earth and grass. We did not have any access problems and used an all-terrain buggy.

Nearest Town: Great Bookham, near Dorking
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6BD

Adult Cost Range: From £15
Child Cost Range: From £8
Free if: Under 5 or with National Trust membership

Opens: Daily (with some winter closures)

Where to Eat: There is a cafe, food vendors and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, a shop, picnic areas toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, bees, insects and birds.

Information Written: April 2023

Our visit to Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham, near Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The Gunpowder Mills were established in 1626 by The East India Company and initially built by a dam near Blacksmith Lane.

By the 1700s there were 18 watermills using huge millstones to grind gunpowder, sulphur and charcoal.

These mills were an important manufacturer and supplier of gunpowder but were abandoned in 1920 and left to go to ruin.

Further details of the history of the Gunpowder Mills can be found on the Albury History Society’s website or pick up a leaflet at the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills.

The Ruins

We started the trail at Blacksmith Lane (see below details on parking) and saw the mill pond and West Lodge, where workers were checked in.

We then walked past the remains of the Corning House, which sadly exploded in 1901, killing 6 men.

Next along the trail are the ruins of an Incorporating Mill, with a fallen chimney and runner stones that were their sides to provide protection in the event of a blast.

There are also two bridges – a modern footbridge (that takes you to Vera’s Lane – see below notes on parking) and a swing bridge used by trams carrying coal to the mills from Chilworth and Albury railway stations.

At the end of the path we found the most complete Gunpowder Mill buildings. There are steps down into these ruins but we did not venture in very far as the floor was very uneven.

Paddling in the River Tillingbourne

The River Tillingbourne runs through this area. It is shallow with a log bridge and a large wooden snail sculpture.

It is perfect for a splash and a paddle. We waded a little way along the river and found a tree that has been made an island by the flowing water.

The Picnic Area

In a clearing in the centre of the woods we found a good sized picnic area.

The Paths

The paths around the Gunpowder Mills were generally earth and grass, which was dry when we visited but may well become muddy after rain.

We found the main paths to be generally wide and flat and we used our all terrain double buggy on them without any problems.

Keep to the Paths

We only walked on the paths because the leaflets and information boards warn that you enter this site at your own risk, you should not climb on the buildings and that there are hidden pits, water features and boggy areas around the grounds.

Chilworth Heritage Trail

If you fancy a longer walk then have a look at the Chilworth Heritage Trail, which starts and ends on Vera’s Path and leads past the ruins and ponds, up to St Martha’s Hill and then back down to the Gunpowder Mills.

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8NP or GU4 8NF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic area.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: We used an all terrain buggy but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There are a couple of parking spaces on Blacksmith Lane (GU4 8NF) opposite the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills, which is next to the little bridge. You can also park on the roadside next to Chilworth C of E Infant School (Dorking Road – GU4 8NP) from where there is a footpath, called Vera’s Path, that leads you to the Gunpowder Mills (see photo).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Frogs, toads, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: August 2017
Information Checked: September 2023

Our visit to the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills in Chilworth, near Guildford, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Your Mission…

Can you creep through the tunnel without waking the fox and badger, who have both fallen asleep on guard duty?

What’s the best way to run the gauntlet and escape the clutches of the giant jumping spider?

How quickly can you scale the eagle’s tower?

Is it possible to defend the swamp fortress at each of its many entry points?

Farnham Park Adventure Play Area

Little ones will probably need some help with the equipment, which is for children to the age of 14 years old and includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• slides
• a seesaw
• a zip wire
• a tunnel in the hillside

• a spider and web to climb on
• a fort with rope bridges, climbing walls, ladders and nets
• an obstacle course
• a wobbly bridge
• a trim trail with bars, ropes and beams
• a picnic table
• seats.

A Surprise Second Play Area

Farnham Park also has another play area called Farnham Park St James Play Area, which is a more traditional play area aimed at younger children. 

It is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the adventure play area.

Farnham Park Itself

Farnham Park is a 320 acre medieval deer park with a rural feel.

It’s a beautiful spot to go for a walk across rolling fields, through wooded areas and over hills with views.

We found plenty of places to play hide and seek, find secret dens and hunt for mini-beasts.

Paddling and Ponds

There are also some small streams you can paddle in and some wild ponds.

You can find a map of Farnham Park on the local council’s website.

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU9 0AU

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Picnic tables and a cafe. 
Facilities: Toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly. The main paths are well surfaced and there are smaller paths over the grassy fields.

Parking: There are two car parks both of which are on Folly Hill – the main car park is near Farnham Castle (GU9 0AU) and the second, smaller car park is called Farnham Park Rangers Car Park and is a little further up Folly Hill (with Farnham and Farnham Castle behind you) and on the right. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: February 2023

Our visit to the Farnham Park and the Farnham Park Adventure Play Area in Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Seale Recreation Ground and Play Area

This playground is said to be suitable for children to the age of 13 years old and has:

• a wooden climbing frame
• some balance beams that you can use with the climbing frame to make an obstacle course
• a cup and saucer spinner 
• two other spinners
• a hedgehog springer
• a basket swing
• a seesaw
• two toddler swings
• a slide with ropes and a pole.

Next to the play area is a good-sized playing field with football goals.

Nearest Town: Seale, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 1LD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park but we have never seen it open. You can park on the road next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2016
Information Checked: May 2022

Our visit to Seale Recreation Ground and Play Area in Seale, near Farnham, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Waverley Abbey

Founded by the Bishop of Winchester in 1128, Waverley Abbey was a Cistercian abbey until it was dissolved in 1536 by Henry VIII.  

Some of the buildings are remarkably well preserved. 

One has columns and vaulted ceilings that are still intact. 

The grass is mown to give an idea of the floor plan.

The Paths

Waverley Abbey is about a five to ten minute walk from the car park. 

The ruins are in a grassy field, which can be uneven in places. 

Nearest Town: near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU9 8EP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Choose a buggy that can handle grass.

Parking: There is a small car park that can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Herons, ducks, swans and butterflies.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: November 2021

Our visit to Waverley Abbey in Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Runfold Recreation Ground Play Area

This playground is said to be suitable for children to the age of 14 years old and has: 

• two swings 
• two toddler swings.

Nearest Town: Runfold, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 1QE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 20 minutes
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Small car park by the play area
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2016
Information Checked: October 2021

Our visit to Runfold Recreation Ground Play Area in Runfold, near Farnham, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Natural Play Trail

The Natural Play Trail include things like:

• a tree to climb through
• a see saw made of planks and logs 
• a fort with tunnels
• log balance beams 
• ropes to climb on 
• logs to edge along 
• areas to build dens 
• areas to climb trees

Box Hill

As well as the Natural Play Trail, Box Hill also has picturesque views, mini-beasts, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone. 

Box Hill Fort

The Box Hill Fort was one of a series of forts built in the 1890s to enable London to defend itself from invasion. It was used again during WW2. 

The Stepping Stones

The River Mole flows along the foot of Box Hill and can be crossed by jumping between the famous Stepping Stones. 

To find the Stepping Stones you can either walk down the hill or drive to the Stepping Stones car park (see below).  

From April to June the air is heavy with the unmistakable scent of wild garlic.

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, shop, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths around the car parks are surfaced and buggy-friendly. The paths along the play trail are muddy and uneven in places but I used an all terrain buggy without any issues. 

Parking: There are different car parks to choose from –  a couple on top of Box Hill (KT20 7LB – can be unreliable so follow signs as soon as you see them) and another by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE). They all become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to Box Hill and the Box Hill Natural Play Trail in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Stepping Stones

Each stepping stone is big enough to make me feel confident about crossing and, as there are 17 stones, it also feels like an achievement, especially if the stones are already wet!

Bear in mind that you may not be crossing alone – some children cross confidently and others refuse and are either carried over or kept back. 

On Top of Box Hill

The Stepping Stones are at the foot of Box Hill. At the top there is lots more to do, including the Natural Play Trail, a fort, a cafe and fabulous views. 

The Natural Play Trail

Scattered throughout the woods on top of Box Hill are natural play areas that form the Box Hill Natural Play Trail. It has balance courses and a seesaw

ropes and a tunnel. 

It’s a fantastic way to liven up a walk in the woods. 

Box Hill

At the top of Box Hill there are several viewing points, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone but this was shut when I visited. 

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, try one of the nearby pubs or go to the top of Box Hill and try the cafe.
Facilities: None at the Stepping Stones. On top of Box Hill there are facilities – cafe, snacks, ice cream, shop, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: The paths around the stepping stones are muddy but fairly flat and I used a buggy without any problems but did not take it over the river. Clearly, jumping between stepping stones with a buggy would be tricky! 

Parking: Car park by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for signs as this is easy to miss). All Box Hill car parks become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to the Box Hill Stepping Stones in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

At the Top of Box Hill

The Natural Play Trail

Scattered throughout the woods on top of Box Hill are natural play areas that form the Box Hill Natural Play Trail. It has balance courses

a seesaw

ropes 

and a tunnel. 

It’s a fantastic way to liven up a walk in the woods. 

Box Hill

At the top of Box Hill there are several viewing points, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone but this was shut when I visited. 

Box Hill Fort

Box Hill Fort was part of a series of forts built in the 1890s to enable London to defend itself from invasion. It was used again during WW2. 

At the Bottom of Box Hill

The Stepping Stones

The River Mole flows along the foot of Box Hill and can be crossed by jumping between the famous Box Hill Stepping Stones. 

From here you can either continue on up Box Hill or stop and have a paddle or pond dip in the river. 

From April to June the air is heavy with the unmistakable scent of wild garlic.

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, shop, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths around the car parks are surfaced and buggy-friendly. The paths along the play trail are muddy and uneven in places but I used an all terrain buggy without any issues. 

Parking: There are different car parks to choose from –  a couple on top of Box Hill (KT20 7LB – can be unreliable so follow signs as soon as you see them) and another by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE). They all become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to Box Hill and the Box Hill Natural Play Trail in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Shere Recreation Ground

The play equipment includes:

• swings (these were missing)
• toddler swings 
• two slides
• a multiplay with puzzle boards
• two springers 
• a spinning basket
• a roller
• seats.

Next to the play area is a large sports field with:

• tennis courts
• a skate ramp 
• a marked fitness track
• a multi-gym (for those aged 14 and over). 

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9JF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There are nearby pubs and cafes or bring a picnic.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a public car park on London Lane (a small turning off Upper Street – GU5 9JF is the closest postcode I could find), which is next to the play area and we parked easily.
Cost of Parking: None

Information Written: August 2020

Our visit to Shere Recreation Ground in Shere, near Guildford, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Millenium Playground

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a multiplay with a slide, cargo nets and ladders
• a balance course
• two springers 
• a rope swing 
• a basket swing 
• a zip wire 
• seats.

Next to the play area is a large sports field with a football pitch. 

Nearest Town: Gomshall, Near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9LJ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There are nearby pubs or bring a picnic.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: I couldn’t find a public car park nearby. The one next to the playground is for the Scout hut only.
Cost of Parking: None

Information Written: August 2020

Our visit to Millenium Playground in Gomshall near Guildford is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Pink Photos

If you think the photos look a little pink and dark then you’re right. We visited on an eerie day when a storm carried sand over from the Sahara and turned the sun pink!

The Lizard Trail

We followed the Lizard Trail, which is about 2 miles and marked along the way by orange posts. It starts at the main car park and is aimed at families. 

The Paths

Some parts of the paths were surfaced and others were made of loose stones, grass, earth or sand. 

It was hard work in a few places – there were hills and tree roots to contend with but we had no problems with an all-terrain buggy.

Den Building

There are lots of spots to head off the path and build a den. 

World War 2

Headley Heath was used during World War 2 in two ways. The Canadian army had a headquarters here. They created many of the paths that still crisscross the heath and stored ammunition at The Pyramids (the area you come to at marker 6 on the Lizard Trail). The heath was also used to support the Czech resistance.

Nearest Town: Leatherhead
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: KT18 6NN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There is a snack van or bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: Snack van.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a medium sized car park. 
Cost of Parking: Various charges but free to National Trust members.

Wildlife You Might See: Deer, dragonflies, grasshoppers, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: October 2017

Our visit to Headley Heath in Leatherhead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

St James Play Area

The play equipment is aimed at children from 0 to 14 years old.

It includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• a roundabout
• springers
• a spinner
• a large slide built into a hill with a tunnel and
• a multiplay with a slide, bridge and a climbing walls.

There is also a picnic table and seating for adults.

Farnham Park

Farnham Park is a 320 acre medieval deer park with a rural feel. 

It’s a beautiful spot to go for a walk. 

Farnham Park Adventure Play Area

When we do, we aways play at the fantastic Farnham Park Adventure Play Area and sometimes visit St James Play Area as an add on.

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU9 9QF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Picnic tables.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is no car park next to St James Play Area but we parked on St James’ Avenue on a Saturday without any problems. Farnham Park itself has two car parks both of which are on Folly Hill – the main one is near Farnham Castle (GU9 0AU) and the second, smaller car park is called Farnham Park Rangers Car Park and is a little further up Folly Hill (with Farnham and Farnham Castle behind you) and on the right
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2017

Our visit to St James Play Area in Farnham Park is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.