Box Hill
Surrey hills, for free
A free National Trust viewpoint and chalk-down walk, straight from the station. The Surrey Hills, an hour from Waterloo.
Free day out · Box Hill · Surrey · Waterloo → Box Hill & Westhumble
Box Hill is the easiest proper countryside escape from London, a chalk down rising out of the Surrey Hills with a famous viewpoint over the Weald, all free and looked after by the National Trust. Cross the River Mole on the stepping stones and climb up through the woods to the top.
From the summit the paths spread out for miles past ancient yew and box woodland, and the view south runs for thirty miles on a clear day. Bring boots and a picnic and you have a full free day's walking an hour from Waterloo.
Getting there from London: Waterloo to Box Hill & Westhumble, around 50 min, advance singles, book ahead. The hill, the viewpoint and all the paths are free. Only parking and the cafe cost, and you came by train anyway.
Getting there: Box Hill and Westhumble station is a fifteen minute walk to the foot of the hill, then a climb over the stepping stones and up the slopes to the top. Proper shoes help.
Best time to go: A clear day for the view south over the Weald. Autumn for the colour, spring for the wildflowers.
Official site: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/box-hill
More free day trips from London · Free things to do in London