Popular with day trippers coming from London, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs east to west through Surrey. Striking ridges, beech-clad slopes and a prominent crest give way to a chalky landscape, along with sandy heathland to the west. Villages like Shere and Abinger are integral to the visual appeal of this AONB.
It was designated an AONB in 1958, the second area to be so recognised. Unusually for an AONB, agriculture is not the primary economic activity here. This is very much commuter territory, along with rural activities like equestrianism and outdoor activities.
Highlights include spectacular views from the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Leith Hill, the highest point in southeast England, and Newlands Corner's woods. Frensham Ponds is a lovely place for picnics, Reigate Hill offers wonderful views, and Box Hill is famous as a beauty spot with excellent walking trails. With so much on offer, it’s no surprise this area is such a well-frequented and popular AONB.
Top Surrey Hills AONB Camping Options
Alderstead Heath Caravan and Motorhome Club site is a surprisingly rural site given that it lies just 35 minutes from central London by train. It is also well located for exploring the North Downs and is situated on the Pilgrim’s Way. There are 181 touring pitches, all with 16 amp electricity connections. Most pitches are on well-kept grass and there are also 71 hardstandings. Given the proximity of the M25 and M23 motorways, this is a convenient stop en route to and from Dover. Care must be taken to follow the campsites directions, rather than sat nav as many of the approaches to the site are width/height restricted. There are numerous walks and cycle routes to explore in the area. The site has undergone extensive renovations (2020) including the refurbishment of the upper amenity block and a new amenity block in the lower part of the site. 3 accommodation units are available to rent.
Planted with silver birch, rowan and flowering cherry, Slinfold Caravan and Motorhome Club site is a gem nestled at the end of a country lane on the edge of a pretty stone-roofed village. It is ideal for a relaxing holiday break offering an amazing variety of wildlife, lovely walking trails and well-kept cycle routes including the South Downs Link to the North Downs which follows a quaint old railway line. The site is a haven for dogs, with many walks directly from the site and the dog-friendly Red Lyon pub only a 15 minute walk away. The site has 33 grass or hardstanding pitches (some seasonal) all with 16 amp electricity.
London and all the sights are only 40 minutes away by train, yet Horsley Camping & Caravanning site is delightful, quiet and unspoilt. It has a good duck and goose population on its part lily covered lake (unfenced). It provides 130 pitches, of which 73 have 10A electricity connections and 64 are on hardstandings. Seventeen pitches are around the bank of the lake (persons over 12 years only), the remainder are further back in three hedged, grass fields with mostly level ground but with some slopes in places. There is a range of mature trees and a woodland dog walk area (may be muddy), and an enclosed play area has been added. The soil is clay based so rain tends to settle – sluice gates remove extra water from the lake area when the rain is heavy. Basic provisions, gas and books are kept in reception and resident managers will make you comfortable.
