I have walked up Box Hill more times than I can count – it’s my go-to escape from London when I need fresh air without travelling far. The stepping stones across the River Mole never lose their charm, and the view from the summit across the Weald still impresses after dozens of visits. On a clear day with the South Downs visible in the distance, it’s hard to believe central London is just 30 minutes away by train.
Box Hill is a chalk ridge in the Surrey Hills, about 30 minutes by train from London. The viewpoint at the top looks south over the Weald towards the South Downs. It’s popular with walkers, cyclists, and families looking for a day out from London.
The hill became internationally known after hosting the road cycling events during the 2012 Olympics. The Zig Zag Road climb is now a bucket-list ride for cyclists across the UK.
Getting There
By Train: Box Hill & Westhumble station is on the Dorking line from London Victoria (about 50 minutes). The station is unstaffed with no ticket office – buy tickets online or at Victoria before you leave. From the station, it’s a 1.5-mile uphill walk to the summit.
By Bus: Metrobus 21 and Arriva 465 both stop at Box Hill.
By Car: The National Trust car park at the top charges £4 for non-members (free for members). Parking fills up quickly on sunny weekends – arrive before 10am or after 3pm.
Walks
Box Hill has trails for all abilities, from flat strolls to proper hill walks.
Easy Walks
Hilltop Stroll (1 mile, 30 minutes) – A flat loop around the summit. Takes in the Salomon Memorial viewpoint, Box Hill Fort, and Peter Labilliere’s grave (an eccentric army major buried upside down in 1800).
Natural Play Trail (2 miles, 1 hour) – Circular family route with wooden play features for children along the way.
Moderate Walks
Stepping Stones Walk (2 miles, 1.5 hours) – Down to the River Mole and back. The stepping stones across the river are the highlight, though the climb back up is steep. In winter the stones can be underwater.
Happy Valley Circular (2.7 miles, 1.5 hours) – Takes in Broadwood’s Tower (a mock-medieval folly built in 1820) and the peaceful Happy Valley.
Juniper Top Circular (4 miles, 2 hours) – Views towards Leith Hill and through quiet valleys. Less crowded than the main summit area.
Challenging Walks
Box Hill Hike (8 miles, 4 hours) – Covers most of the National Trust estate. Good for experienced walkers wanting a full day out.
Walk the Chalk (6.5 miles, 3 hours) – Along the North Downs escarpment through chalk grassland. Can be combined with a finish in Dorking for a pub lunch.
Mole Gap Trail (6 miles, 3 hours) – From Leatherhead to Dorking along the River Mole. Linear route – you’ll need to plan return transport.
Cycling
The Zig Zag Road is a 2.5km climb with an average gradient of 5%, though sections hit 10%. It’s the same route used in the 2012 Olympic road race. Hundreds of cyclists tackle it every weekend.
There’s a specialist bike shop in Box Hill village – Destination Bike – that sells, repairs, and rents bikes. They also have a café.
What to See
Salomon Memorial – The main viewpoint with panoramic views south towards Dorking and the South Downs.
Box Hill Fort – A Victorian-era fort built in the 1890s as part of London’s outer defences. You can walk around the exterior but not go inside.
Stepping Stones – Broad flat stones across the River Mole, used by walkers for centuries. Popular with children but can be slippery.
Broadwood’s Tower – A small mock-medieval tower built by piano manufacturer Thomas Broadwood in 1820.
Labilliere’s Grave – Peter Labilliere, an army major, requested to be buried upside down because he believed the world was “topsy-turvy.” His grave is marked near the summit.
Facilities
Café – Barista coffee, sandwiches, soups, baked potatoes, and cakes. Open 10am-4:30pm (seasonal variations).
Servery – Takeaway hatch with pastries, bacon rolls, pasties, and ice cream. Opens earlier at 8am.
Toilets – By the main car park. Baby changing facilities available.
Accessibility – Blue Badge parking available. The National Trust has an all-terrain wheelchair you can borrow (book ahead).
Dogs – Welcome if kept under control. Can get busy with other dogs at weekends.
Practical Tips
- The trails get muddy in winter – bring proper walking boots
- Summer weekends are busy. Weekday mornings are quieter
- The climb from the station is steep. If you want flat walking, drive to the hilltop car park
- No ticket office at Box Hill & Westhumble station – buy tickets before you travel
- The café can have queues on sunny days. The servery is quicker for basics
