Newlands Corner

About

Probably the best views in Surrey can be had from Newlands Corner.

The woodlands here are mixed, with some deciduous trees like oak and birch, plus evergreen yew. Some of the yew trees are hundreds of years old. The woods shelter roe deer and are home to green woodpeckers, nuthatches and tawny owls.

Newlands Corner lies on the chalk ridge of the North Downs at a height of over 170m (500ft). The Downs command fine views across the Weald to the ridge of the South Downs. Below the slope from Newlands car park lies the village of Albury.

In spring and summer, the chalk grassland is a spectacular carpet of wild flowers. In the past the grasslands were grazed, and nowadays they are mown once a year after the plants have set seed. This keeps the grassland open and stops scrubby plants invading.

Getting there: Simply catch the South Western Railway service to Guildford (there is a 9 mile circular walk from Guildford station to St Martha’s hill via Newlands Corner), or the Great Western service to Chilworth (there is an 8.5mile circular walk from Chilworth station to Newlands Corner) with a short-cut option. Or hop on Compass Travel bus route 23 or 25 (from Friary bus staion).

What to do when you’re there…

The crime writer Agatha Christie staged her disappearance from Newlands Corner in 1926. She was found days later in Harrogate! From Newlands Corner you can pick up the North Downs Way National Trail, this 153 mile trail from Farnham to Dover offers spectacular views and a fascinating heritage, passing through the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you are interested in local wine and gin then just down the hill, on the banks of the legendary Silent Pool, a picturesque spring-fed lake at the foot of the North Downs you’ll discover the Silent Pool Distillery. The distillery specialise in bespoke, hand crafted gin and vodka and offer tastings and tours. Next door to the distillery is the Albury Organic Vineyard producing high quality English wines.

Walking routes:

There are lots of options for walks in this area we’d recommend…

There’s a delightful Silent Pool and St Martha’s Hill 6 mile walk which takes you along the North Downs Way National Trail.

Surrey Wildlife Trust have a series of short circular walks with a good downloadable leaflet.

Something to eat…

Newlands Corner is a great picnic spot but also has a small on-site café. Across the A25 you’ll discover the Plucky Pheasant Café.