Box Hill is a popular destination for hikers, walkers and bikers alike. The connections from London and its panoramic views from the main lookout never get old. We visit as a family ever so often. It’s intriguing to see how the landscape changes with the seasons and as our children grow up. During Covid and after, we created amazing content together, which allowed us to contribute to the Surrey Hills ‘Better By Bus Summer Campaign 2022 advert a few years ago. During a recent visit, to Box Hill we explored part of the Play Trail, then segwayed to the Hike Trail for an interactive hour’s walk.
About Box Hill
The name of the hill comes from the Box Trees, Common Box tree (Buxus sempervirens) https://woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/box/, that grow there. The trees are evergreen, which means the ancient box trees, woodland and chalk slopes of the hill ensure that whatever the weather, it’s worth a visit.
The Box Hill estate was given to the nation by Leopold Salomon in 1914, and large portions of it are now operated by the National Trust. The Trust maintains a visitor centre and cafe, and offers details footpaths that criss-cross the wooded hillside.
Although Box Hill has iconic views and it was named as the location for picnic scene on in Jane Austen’s Emma the scene was actually filmed at Leith Hill.
Box Hill Trails
There are a variety of trails you can do when you visit Box Hill for various abilities and interests. There is:
- Box Hill Hike
- Box Hill Stepping Stones Walk
- Box Hill Happy Valley Circular Walk
- Box Hill’s Natural Play Trails
Just to mention a few. You will find the full list and maps on the Box Hill National Trust page.
As I mentioned earlier, we started out on the Natural Play Trail, then did a bit of the Hike Trail.
Our Experience At Box Hill
On sunny days, Box Hill’s car park can get packed. We managed to nab what was probably the last spot when we visited on a sunny day at noon. The car park was full, but we found a space close to the entrance of the East Car Park. Since the sun was overhead, we went directly to the Play Trail, which takes you into the woodlands and is very shady. Hubby wants me to see and try the log trail. I did my best Baby from Dirty Dancing walk along the logs. I’ll admit it was fun.
I noticed that the play trail is more interactive and informative. There are displays at various points telling the story of the trees, their type, age, etc Additionally, there are more opportunities to pause and play, whether it is on the logs, dens and other points of interest.
We eventually left the Play Trail and took the path of the Box Hill Hike. Along the way, the trees opened up to a breathtaking view that rivals that from the main lookout. We could see across the way to Denbies Wine Estate, which is the final stop on the Mole Gap Trail.
Since we only walked part of the hiking trail, the next point of interest was the Broadwoods Folly. Standing in front of the folly, we could see partway down to Mickleham village. After that, we turned around and headed back to the car.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog and would consider exploring Box Hill, in Surrey .
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