Exploring Spring in North Surrey: Top Outdoor Activities and Nature Walks

As March ushers in the early days of spring, North Surrey transforms into a picturesque landscape filled with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and peaceful outdoor spaces. From tranquil woodland walks to historic riverside trails, this region offers a perfect escape for those seeking to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, North Surrey’s countryside, parks, and wildlife reserves offer ample opportunities for exploration. This guide highlights the best outdoor activities and nature walks to enjoy this March, inviting you to discover the serene beauty of this region.

1. Windsor Great Park

Distance from North Surrey: Approximately 30 minutes by car
Best for: Scenic nature walks, family picnics, wildlife spotting

Windsor Great Park is a vast, historic parkland that sprawls over 4,800 acres, offering some of the most picturesque walking trails in the South of England. A former royal hunting ground, the park is a rich tapestry of ancient woodlands, rolling meadows, and tranquil lakes, making it an idyllic destination for walkers of all levels. As March arrives, the early signs of spring start to appear, with daffodils, snowdrops, and bluebells emerging to add a splash of color to the verdant scenery. The park’s expansive grounds also provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, with deer, birds, and other animals often seen roaming freely.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• The Long Walk (5 miles / 8 km): This iconic trail stretches from the majestic Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue atop Snow Hill. As you follow the straight avenue, the sweeping views of the castle and the surrounding countryside create a truly breathtaking experience.
• Virginia Water Lake Circuit (4.5 miles / 7.2 km): This scenic route takes you around the peaceful Virginia Water Lake, passing by ancient monuments like the Leptis Magna ruins and a towering cascade waterfall. The serene lake, surrounded by lush woodlands, is a perfect spot for a quiet walk.

Practical Tips:

• Getting There: The park is easily accessible by car, with parking available near key entrances.
• What to Bring: Wear a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes, especially if the weather is unpredictable. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake or on one of the grassy meadows.

2. Box Hill

Distance from North Surrey: 25-30 minutes by car
Best for: Panoramic views, wildlife spotting, family hikes

Box Hill, part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a favorite destination for those seeking breathtaking views and invigorating hikes. With its dramatic cliffs, ancient woodlands, and winding rivers, Box Hill is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In March, as the trees begin to bud and wildlife reawakens after winter, the area becomes a vibrant hub for nature lovers. Birds can be spotted nesting in the trees, and the rich diversity of flora and fauna makes it a perfect destination for wildlife spotting.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Box Hill Circular Walk (8 miles / 13 km): This moderately challenging trail takes you along the ridgeline of Box Hill, offering panoramic views of the South Downs and surrounding countryside. The walk also passes through peaceful woodlands and across rolling hills, making it a rewarding route for experienced hikers.
• Stepping Stones Walk (2 miles / 3.2 km): For a shorter, family-friendly walk, this route leads you down to the River Mole, where you can cross the famous stepping stones before ascending back up the hill for stunning vistas.

Practical Tips:

• Parking: The National Trust car park fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a camera to capture the spectacular views from the top of Box Hill.

3. Painshill Park

Distance from North Surrey: 15-20 minutes by car
Best for: Scenic garden walks, family outings, and photography

Painshill Park is an 18th-century landscaped garden that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With its rolling lawns, shimmering lakes, and whimsical follies, Painshill is a masterpiece of garden design. Visitors can explore a variety of pathways that wind through the park’s serene landscapes, with highlights including the breathtaking Crystal Grotto, an underground chamber adorned with shimmering crystals. March is an ideal time to visit, as the park begins to awaken with the first blossoms of spring, creating a magical atmosphere for a tranquil walk.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• The Serpentine Walk (2.5 miles / 4 km): This loop around the park’s central lake takes you past its most iconic features, including the Gothic Temple, Ruined Abbey, and the stunningly picturesque Crystal Grotto.
• Crystal Grotto Loop (1.5 miles / 2.4 km): A shorter route that offers a more intimate experience of Painshill’s gardens, including a stop at the enchanting Crystal Grotto, which sparkles in the soft spring sunlight.

Practical Tips:

• Accessibility: Paved and wheelchair-accessible paths make Painshill a welcoming destination for all visitors.
• Facilities: On-site café, toilets, and picnic areas provide plenty of options for a relaxed family day out.

4. Newlands Corner

Distance from North Surrey: 20-25 minutes by car
Best for: Stunning viewpoints, family walks, and birdwatching

Newlands Corner is a popular viewpoint located along the North Downs, offering sweeping views across the Surrey Hills and beyond. The area is particularly popular with families and nature enthusiasts who come to enjoy its peaceful walks and stunning vistas. Birdwatchers will also find Newlands Corner a rewarding spot, as the surrounding woodlands are home to a variety of native bird species. In March, the crisp air and clear skies make for perfect walking conditions, with early spring flowers beginning to emerge.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• North Downs Way (2 miles / 3.2 km): This short section of the long-distance North Downs Way takes walkers along a ridge, providing panoramic views of the rolling hills and distant farmlands below.
• Silent Pool Walk (3 miles / 4.8 km): This peaceful route meanders through woodlands and down to the mysterious Silent Pool, a spring-fed lake surrounded by myth and legend.

Practical Tips:

• Parking: Free parking is available on-site, though spaces can fill up on weekends.
• What to Bring: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a packed lunch to enjoy at the viewpoint.

5. Hatchlands Park

Distance from North Surrey: 15-20 minutes by car
Best for: Woodland walks, historic house tours, and family fun

Hatchlands Park is a National Trust property that boasts 400 acres of beautiful gardens, ancient woodlands, and open parkland. The estate is home to a grand Georgian mansion, which is open for tours, as well as a variety of nature trails that are perfect for a family day out. As March progresses, the park’s woodlands come alive with the first blooms of bluebells, offering a colorful backdrop for a peaceful walk.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Parkland Walk (3 miles / 4.8 km): This leisurely walk takes you through Hatchlands’ extensive parkland, passing ancient trees, open meadows, and scenic views of the estate’s grand house.
• Bluebell Woods Trail (1 mile / 1.6 km): Visit in late March to witness the bluebell woods in full bloom, with a stunning carpet of vibrant blue flowers spreading across the forest floor.

Practical Tips:

• Facilities: The park offers a café, picnic areas, and parking for visitors.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the vibrant bluebells and scenic landscapes.

6. Runnymede

Distance from North Surrey: 30 minutes by car
Best for: Historic walks, riverside strolls, and family outings

Runnymede, a site of immense historical significance, is where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215. Today, it offers peaceful riverside walks along the Thames and several memorials, including the Magna Carta Memorial and the JFK Memorial. The serene beauty of the area makes it an ideal spot for a family outing, with gentle walking trails and open spaces perfect for picnicking.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Runnymede to Magna Carta Memorial (2 miles / 3.2 km): This gentle riverside walk follows the banks of the Thames, leading to the historic Magna Carta Memorial. The scenic route offers a peaceful setting for reflection and relaxation.
• Ankerwycke Walk (3 miles / 4.8 km): This trail loops around the ancient Ankerwycke Yew, a tree believed to be over 2,500 years old, and passes the ruins of a medieval priory, adding a sense of mystery and history to your walk.

Practical Tips:

• Parking: Free parking is available near the visitor center.
• What to Bring: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river and wear comfortable shoes for walking on the grassy paths.

7. Claremont Landscape Garden

Distance from North Surrey: 10-15 minutes by car
Best for: Peaceful garden walks, history lovers, and family outings

Claremont Landscape Garden is an 18th-century garden designed as a tranquil retreat for royalty and aristocracy. The garden’s serene lakes, woodlands, and sculpted vistas create a peaceful environment perfect for a leisurely walk. March brings a sense of renewal to the garden, with early blossoms adding color to the landscape.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Lake Walk (1.5 miles / 2.4 km): This gentle stroll takes you around the central lake, offering lovely views of the garden’s follies and perfectly landscaped grounds.
• Woodland Walk (2 miles / 3.2 km): This trail leads through the quiet woodlands surrounding the garden, offering a peaceful nature walk with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

Practical Tips:

• Facilities: A café, toilets, and picnic areas are available on-site.
• What to Bring: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a camera to capture the stunning views.

8. Frensham Ponds

Distance from North Surrey: 40 minutes by car
Best for: Lakeside walks, wildlife spotting, and family picnics

Frensham Great Pond and Little Pond are two picturesque bodies of water surrounded by heathland and woodlands, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and families alike. These tranquil ponds, which were originally created in the Middle Ages, are now a haven for wildlife, with a wide variety of birds, amphibians, and plants flourishing in the area. March is a wonderful time to visit, as the early spring sun glistens off the water and the surrounding landscape comes alive with the sounds of nature.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Frensham Great Pond Loop (2 miles / 3.2 km): This circular walk around the large pond offers stunning views of the water, along with plenty of spots to stop for a family picnic or to simply enjoy the scenery.
• Little Pond Walk (1.5 miles / 2.4 km): A shorter loop around the quieter Little Pond, this walk provides a peaceful nature experience, perfect for a leisurely stroll or birdwatching.

Practical Tips:

• Parking: Free parking is available at both ponds, but it can fill up quickly on weekends, especially when the weather is nice.
• What to Bring: Don’t forget your camera for some wildlife photography, and pack a picnic to enjoy by the water.

9. Thames Path

Distance from North Surrey: Varies by location
Best for: Riverside walks, cycling, and family outings

The Thames Path is a long-distance national trail that follows the course of the River Thames, offering beautiful riverside walks and cycling routes. The path passes through quaint villages, historic landmarks, and serene natural landscapes, making it a versatile option for walkers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer trek, the Thames Path has something to offer. In March, the riverside is particularly lovely, with the water reflecting the soft spring light and the surrounding countryside bursting into bloom.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Chertsey to Staines Walk (5 miles / 8 km): This scenic route takes you along the banks of the Thames, passing through charming riverside towns and lush green meadows. It’s a perfect family-friendly walk with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.
• Hampton Court to Kingston Walk (3 miles / 4.8 km): This shorter, yet equally scenic walk, takes you past the historic Hampton Court Palace and along the peaceful riverside, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

Practical Tips:

• Parking: There are multiple access points along the Thames Path, each with its own parking facilities.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the sometimes uneven paths, and bring a camera to capture the scenic riverside vistas.

10. Denbies Wine Estate

Distance from North Surrey: 25 minutes by car
Best for: Vineyard walks, wine tasting, and scenic views

Denbies Wine Estate, located in the heart of the Surrey Hills, is one of the largest vineyards in England. With over 265 acres of grapevines stretching across the hills, it offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to explore the vineyard’s scenic trails. March is a lovely time to visit, as the vineyard begins to awaken from its winter dormancy, with the first signs of new growth appearing on the vines. Visitors can enjoy guided vineyard walks, wine tasting, and even explore the estate’s picturesque hills on foot.

Suggested Walking Trails:

• Vineyard Walk (2.5 miles / 4 km): This gentle trail winds through the heart of the vineyard, offering spectacular views of the rolling hills and the surrounding Surrey countryside.
• Denbies Hillside Walk (3 miles / 4.8 km): For a more challenging route, this trail takes you up into the chalk hills that surround the vineyard, providing panoramic views of the estate and beyond.

Practical Tips:

• Facilities: Denbies offers wine tours, tastings, a café, and ample parking. Guided tours are also available, allowing visitors to learn more about the winemaking process.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the vineyard trails, and consider bringing a picnic to enjoy while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Conclusion:

As the early days of spring unfold, North Surrey offers an inviting selection of outdoor activities and nature walks that showcase the region's natural beauty. Whether you’re admiring the scenic views from Box Hill, exploring the historic Windsor Great Park, or enjoying a peaceful stroll along the Thames, there’s no better time than March to reconnect with nature. With options ranging from easy family-friendly walks to more challenging hikes, North Surrey has something for everyone. And if you’re visiting from out of town, Pass The Keys offers charming accommodations that allow you to fully immerse yourself in this stunning countryside.

Plan your spring adventure in North Surrey and make the most of the fresh air, blooming landscapes, and endless opportunities for exploration.