There is something particularly special about Surrey in Autumn. As the leaves turn golden, the countryside takes on a warm glow and the Surrey offers some of the most beautiful walking in the South East. Whether you’re looking for a gentle Sunday stroll, a longer countryside hike or somewhere to enjoy the autumn colours with the family, Surrey has plenty to choose from.
Box Hill
According to the National Trust website, the entire Box Hill hike is eight miles long. There are various pubs along the way to enjoy a refreshing drink or a bite to eat, and plenty of spots to see the best views along the way.
The Box Hill walking routes also offer the opportunity, as many top walking routes do, to see some wonderful wildlife as well,, such as butterflies and bees, and the woodlands themselves provide plenty of other animals and insects to see too.
There are a few different routes that keen walkers can choose from at Box Hill; either the full eight mile route, or some with less distance but equal appeal. One of the shorter routes as an example is the stepping stones route. Whilst a shorter option, it’s slightly more strenuous in terms of the adventure aspect to actually stepping over the stones! But the beauty of this part of the walk is certainly something to be seen.
Winkworth Arboretum – Godalming
Located in Godalming, this is the National Trust’s only arboretum and is home to approximately 6,000 trees and 1,000 different species. It not only is a wonderful place for families to enjoy a day out but it is also a fantastic place generally for those wishing to immerse themselves in nature and get some fresh air!
Whilst spring and summer tend to naturally be the most popular times for visitors here, autumn does bring with it a whole host of its own attractions. The landscape offers a variety of vibrant colours and all year round, there are attractions for everyone. In June this year, the new cafe opened here too, meaning that there is also now the perfect place there to enjoy a nice hot drink and a bite to eat too!
Shere Village
Located on the outskirts of Guildford, you may well have heard of the village of Shere thanks to films such as The Holiday, which have brought the location to new heights of popularity. However, one thing that has always been the case and never changed is the outstanding beauty that comes with the Shere landscapes.
There are many areas around the village to make your own when it comes to walking in Shere, and as long as you have a sense of direction to go in to avoid getting lost, there is nothing to say that any one particular route needs to be stuck to here. Ultimately, there is so much in the way of vast greenery, fields and woodland, that you’re sure to find plenty of options for a crisp autumnal walk.
However, one popular starting point is the route beginning down the road that leads from the centre of the village from behind the bakery. This tends to be a popular route to take because of the variety in length that you can make it, as well as the fact that there are so many different scenic spots along the way. Not to mention the fact that depending on which direction you choose to head in, pubs such as the William IV are located along the way, and make for very popular spots to stop and take a break.
Newlands Corner
Located high on the North Downs, Newlands Corner is one of Surrey’s most rewarding places for a walk, particularly if you enjoy wide-open views and beautiful countryside. The area sits above the Surrey Hills and offers spectacular views across the surrounding landscape, making it a lovely spot to escape for a few hours and enjoy some fresh air. With open chalk grassland, woodland and well-established footpaths, there are plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main viewpoint.
One of the highlights of walking at Newlands Corner is the sense of space. The paths lead through a mixture of woodland and open countryside, with plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery along the way. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles, while the changing colours of the landscape make the area just as enjoyable at different times of year. In spring and summer, the chalk grasslands can be full of wildflowers, while autumn brings beautiful colour to the surrounding trees.
Newlands Corner is also a great choice if you want a walk that feels like a proper countryside escape without being too far out. There are routes to suit different abilities, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk through the Surrey Hills. With its combination of peaceful woodland, open downland and far-reaching views, it’s easy to see why Newlands Corner has become such a popular destination for walkers, dog owners and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Surrey.
RHS Wisley
For a beautiful walk in Surrey, it’s hard to beat RHS Garden Wisley. With its mix of sweeping lawns, colourful planting, woodland paths and peaceful gardens, there’s always something different to discover as you wander. The changing seasons make each visit feel fresh, with autumn bringing plenty of blazing colours and crisp landscapes.
What makes Wisley particularly enjoyable is the variety of walking routes. You can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, pause beside the ponds and water features, or explore quieter corners away from the main paths. It’s a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the scenery and spend a few hours outdoors, whether you’re visiting for a gentle walk, a photography outing or simply some fresh air in a beautiful Surrey setting.
There’s also plenty to keep the walk interesting along the way. From beautifully designed borders and unusual plants to mature trees, glasshouses and seasonal displays, the gardens offer something to catch your eye around almost every corner. It’s the kind of place where you can set off with no particular route in mind and simply enjoy exploring at your own pace. Whether you’re a keen gardener or just someone who enjoys being outside, RHS Wisley provides a lovely combination of nature, tranquillity and inspiration.
Whether you’re looking for colourful gardens, peaceful woodland or spectacular countryside views, Surrey has no shortage of wonderful places to explore on foot. From the beautifully landscaped paths at RHS Wisley to the sweeping views and open countryside of Newlands Corner, there’s something to suit every kind of walker. So, next time you’re looking for a change of scenery, put on your walking shoes, head out into the countryside and discover some of the best walks in Surrey right on your doorstep. Why not have a look at some of our Area guides.
