It's a National Trust site of natural beauty in the south east of England. Not only is it a steep climb to a stunning spot but at the bottom of Box Hill lies a meadow that you rarely find in these parts. Once you have walked through this tranquil field with wild flowers, you walk across a bridge which covers an idyllic stream. So idyllic that dogs can be seen swimming excitedly in it. And you find yourself in a wooded area complete with various tree and shrub species, contorted fallen trunks and discarded logs. It's a treasure trove that's hidden away under the shade of the hill.
As you climb Box Hill you marvel at the view which Jane Austen's Emma did too.
Rail: Boxhill and Westhumble then about a mile walk. Please note - quite steep so wear good shoes.
Road: On the A24, close to Leatherhead in Surrey.
Box Hill Road, Box Hill, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7LB
National Trust: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-boxhill
Google map: bit.ly/9uSO0g
For those living in the South of England, who can't afford to travel abroad (in these credit crunch times) and who want to experience a working vineyard then it is an ideal place to go. Fun for the family, tours, cafe and gift shop. The wine is quaffable too!
This is a great mountain bike shop in the Surrey Hills. The staff are fab and they create their own bike maps of trails for the area. When you come back from a muddy ride you can wheel your bike round the back, make yourself a cup of tea and clean it down before getting the train back to London.
I've never bought a bike from them but have bought lots of little accessories, grease etc. One of those bike shops that makes you realise how pants Evans Cycles are.
An excellent place to refuel before tackling the steep climb up Box Hill, the King William IV pub in Mickleham, near Dorking, has excellent roast dinners on Sunday.
The standard menu is also worth travelling for though (see their website), and as Saturday lunch is less crowded than Sunday, there's no need to limit yourself to one day of the weekend.
Parking can be a problem (the pub is up a narrow lane, but there is parking on the main road), but once you get there, there is a lovely beer garden, with stunning views over the Mole Valley. Named best pub in Surrey three years in a row.
www.king-williamiv.com/
Byttom Hill, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6EL
01372 372590
Monday - Saturday 11am - 3pm & 6pm - 11pm.
Sunday 12noon - 3pm & 7pm - 10.30pm.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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