Box Hill: A Visitor’s Guide

Box Hill: A Visitor’s Guide

Box Hill, a summit of the North Downs in Surrey, England, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its breathtaking views, diverse walking trails, and fascinating historical landmarks, Box Hill offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests ¹. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to plan your trip to this captivating destination.

Getting There

Box Hill is easily accessible by train and bus ². The nearest train station is Box Hill & Westhumble, located approximately 1.5 miles from the hill itself ³. While the walk from the station is uphill, it’s a manageable distance for most visitors. Please note that there is no ticket office at BH & Westhumble station, so it’s advisable to purchase your tickets in advance online or at a staffed station ².

Train Routes and Schedules:

You can reach Box Hill & Westhumble station via several routes:

• From London: Direct trains from London Victoria and London Waterloo take approximately an hour ⁴.
• From Other Locations: Direct trains are also available from Ewell West, Petersfield, Portsmouth, and Woking ⁴.

For detailed train schedules and to book tickets, check the trainline.com website ⁵ or the Southwestern Railway website ⁴.

Bus Routes:

Alternatively, you can take the Metrobus 21 or Arriva 465 bus to reach the site ⁶.

Things to Do and See

Box Hill offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages:

Walking:

Box Hill boasts an extensive network of walking trails, catering to different interests and fitness levels. Here’s a breakdown of some popular walks:

Short Walks:

• Hilltop Stroll: An easy half-hour walk circling the top of Box Hill, taking in Salomons Memorial, Peter Labilliere’s grave, and Box Hill Fort ⁷.
• Stepping Stones Walk: A moderate 2-mile walk down to the River Mole and back up again ⁷. This walk includes a moderately challenging climb, but the views and the iconic Stepping Stones make it worthwhile ⁸.

Family-Friendly Walks:

• Natural Play Trail: A 2-mile circular path with lots of natural play features for children ⁷.

Challenging Walks:

• Box Hill Hike: A challenging 8-mile circular walk covering much of the estate ⁷.
• Walk the Chalk: A challenging 6.5-mile walk along the North Downs escarpment ⁶.

Other Notable Walks:

• Box Hill Riverside Walk: A delightful 3-mile circular walk along the River Mole ⁶.
• Mole Gap Trail: A 6-mile route from Leatherhead to Dorking railway station along the River Mole ⁶.
• Happy Valley Circular Walk: A moderate 2.7-mile walk that includes Broadwood’s Tower and Happy Valley ⁷.
• Juniper Top Circular Walk: A 4-mile walk with views of Leith Hill and tranquil valleys ⁷.

For a more detailed overview of the walks, refer to the table below:

Cycling:

Box Hill is a popular destination for cyclists, especially after the London 2012 Olympic road races were held here. The challenging 2.5km Zig Zag road with its steep gradients and sharp turns is a favorite among amateur and professional cyclists ⁹.

Other Activities:

• Natural Play Area: A one-mile-long natural play area with wooden play features for children ¹⁰.
• The Old Fort: Explore the exterior of the Victorian fort built in the late 1890s ¹⁰.
• Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views at various spots around Box Hill ¹¹.
• Visit Denbies Wine Estate: Take a tour and sample local wines at the nearby Denbies Wine Estate ⁶.

Points of Interest:

• Salomon’s Memorial: A viewpoint offering stunning views south towards Dorking and the South Downs ¹².
• Broadwood’s Tower: A mock-medieval tower built in 1820 by piano maker Thomas Broadwood ¹².
• Box Hill Fort: A Victorian fort built in the 1890s as part of London’s defense system ¹².
• Labilliere’s Grave: The grave of Peter Labilliere, an eccentric army major who requested to be buried upside down ¹².
• Stepping Stones: A series of broad, flat stepping stones across the River Mole ¹².
• Shepherd’s Hut: An information point for visitors where you can find maps and information about the area ⁶.

Shops and Amenities

Shops:

• Bookshop: Located inside the café, offering a selection of pre-loved books ¹⁰.
• Destination Bike: A specialist bike shop in Box Hill village selling, building, and repairing bikes ¹³. They also have a café.

Amenities:

• Café: Serves barista-style coffees, cakes, bakes, hot and cold sandwiches, soups, baked potatoes, pies, and pasties ¹⁰.
• Servery: Offers a takeaway service with pastries, breakfast baps, pasties, and ice cream ¹⁴.
• Car Park: Ample parking is available for a fee ¹⁰.
• Toilets: Toilets and baby changing facilities are located in the main car park near the café ¹¹.
• Accessibility: Accessible toilets, parking for Blue Badge holders, and an all-terrain push wheelchair are available to borrow ¹⁰.
• Dog-friendly: Well-controlled dogs are welcome ¹⁰.

Opening Times:

• Park: Dawn until dusk ¹¹
• Servery: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM (seasonal opening times apply) ¹¹
• Café: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (seasonal opening times apply) ¹¹

Reviews and Recommendations

Box Hill consistently receives positive feedback from visitors, who often highlight the stunning views and the variety of walking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels ¹⁵. Visitors often mention that the climb from the Stepping Stones can be challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort ⁸. It’s worth noting that the trails can be muddy in winter, so appropriate footwear is recommended ¹⁵.

A Deeper Dive into Box Hill’s History

Box Hill has a rich history dating back centuries. Diarist John Evelyn documented his walks through the box copses in 1665 ¹², and the area has been a popular destination since the seventeenth century when people visited from Epsom Spa ¹⁶. The hill’s association with notable figures like Peter Labilliere, with his unusual burial request, adds another layer of intrigue to its history.

Conclusion

Box Hill is a true gem in the Surrey Hills, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and historical significance. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking a challenging climb, a family looking for a fun day out, or a history enthusiast eager to explore the past, Box Hill has something to offer everyone. Its convenient accessibility by train and bus, excellent amenities, and diverse range of activities make it a must-visit destination. So, plan your trip, lace up your boots, and prepare to be captivated by the charm of Box Hill.