THE OPEN ROAD
Surrey Life|November 2020
Chris Pickering rounds up some of the best drives in Surrey
Chris Pickering
THE OPEN ROAD

One of the most remarkable things about Surrey is the sheer number of beautiful and interesting places that are crammed into this relatively small county. Home to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Downs, it’s a treasure trove of sleepy woodlands, wide open commons and rolling hills. There’s no better way to explore the county than the network of scenic roads that crisscross its length and breadth. Some are well-trodden routes for good reason, while others are hidden gems where you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

1 HEADLEY HEATH TO BOX HILL

No list of country drives through Surrey would be complete without Box Hill. A prominent venue in the 2012 Olympic Games, it’s home to the aptlynamed Zig Zag Hill road, which culminates in one of the most stunning views in the county.

Start at the National Trust car park on Headley Common Road (near Headley Grove where motoring icon Sir Donald Campbell once lived). Head north into Headley, then bear left to take the B2033 and then left again onto Lodgebottom Road. At Mickleham, pick up the B2209 (Old London Road). This will take you to the base of the famous Zig Zag Hill, which leads on to the summit. Be sure to check out the National Trust café at the top.

2 NEWLANDS CORNER TO WESTCOTT

The A25 from Newlands Corner to Westcott is another scenic highlight. Take in the views over the chalk downs at the start, before passing through the picture postcard village of Shere. The Compass Inn, with its delightful beer garden, is well worth a lunch stop when you reach the mid-point at Gomshall.

Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Surrey Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Surrey Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SURREY LIFESe alt
The House That Rocks
Surrey Life

The House That Rocks

Transforming an impressive, seven-bedroom Victorian property in Dorking wasn’t without its challenges, but the result is a stunning family home that has had the interiors world raving

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
REMEDY FOR SUCCESS
Surrey Life

REMEDY FOR SUCCESS

Surrey’s Tracy Borman discusses the return of her heroine healer in the final book of her best-selling fictional trilogy

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Love Celia
Surrey Life

Love Celia

Actress Celia Imrie has travelled the world for work and leisure but wherever she goes there is a part of her which is forever Surrey

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
Surrey Life

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH

Art & Action: Making Change in Victorian Britain at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village in Compton focuses on the Victorian roots of art activism

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Electric dreams
Surrey Life

Electric dreams

The Range Rover plug-in hybrid brings silent electric motoring to this iconic luxury car

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
THE OPEN ROAD
Surrey Life

THE OPEN ROAD

Chris Pickering rounds up some of the best drives in Surrey

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield
Surrey Life

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield

With the North Downs looming nearby and glorious countryside surrounding it, Oxted is a town with real “escape from London” appeal and character, while nearby Limpsfield has a superb village vibe with its own community-run pub

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Artist to the stars
Surrey Life

Artist to the stars

Known as ‘The Face of Modern British Impressionism’, Mickleham-based Sherree Valentine Daines is celebrating four decades at the forefront of her field

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2020
A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME
Surrey Life

A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME

The Signet Collection’s inaugural hotel project is a reimagining of a former royal guest house, situated directly opposite Hampton Court Palace

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe
Surrey Life

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe

On the banks of the River Wey, Godalming is a watercolour pretty town surrounded by pristine countryside and in-demand rural villages, such as Hascombe

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2020