Some of England's most idyllic locations may be found in its southern reaches. The wooded hills that sweep across north Surrey are just 20 miles from London and therefore easily accessible from the great metropolis. Gentler, northern slopes are also close-by and form the rolling green downs of Banstead and Epsom. This is ideal horse riding country and is aptly the home of the world's most famous flat horse race.
The town of Dorking is an ideal touring centre for the area. It retains its country charm, and the surrounding region offers plenty of beauty spots, many of which can be reached by car or on foot. Nearby is Leith Hill, the highest point in south-east England, with views that stretch to the Channel coast.
Hidden among dense woods are pretty villages like Peaslake, Friday Street, Abinger and Holmbury St Mary. These placeas are joined together by a maze of narrow lanes, sunk deep into the soft sandstone. Large trees join overhead and provide natural, safe habitats for foxes, badgers and squirrels. To the Northeast of Dorking, the downs rise, most notably at Box Hill, then stretch towards Kent. This is a land of winding lanes and ancient country inns. The following are a collection of some of the most notable villages and visitor attractions in the South East of England.
Abinger
This is a village located in the wooded hills of near Dorking boasts a beautiful Norman church and a collection of old houses. The name of the nearby Abinger Hammer recalls the forge 'hammers' of the once thriving iron industry.
Betchworth
This picturesque village overlooks the River Mole and affords impressive views of the Betchworth Clump. Brockham lies about a mile away and features one of the most attractive village greens in Surrey.
Bletchingley
Bletchingley features a grand main street, and the remains of a Norman castle. Tilbury stow Hill is about a mile and a half to the east and offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Box Hill
One of the most impressive viewpoints in southern England - it's an easy walk to the summit and there are plenty of good picnic spots. There's also a road which runs from Burford Bridge which ascends the hill in a series of zigrags, much like an Alpine pass. North of Box Hill a narrow road runs through a beauty spot of hills and valleys, known as Little Switzerland and continues on to the delighfully unspoilt village of Mickleham.
Caterham
This is a modern town with a number of peaceful open spots surrounding it. These include Gravelly Hill, situated to the south. Fine views of the Weald and Pilgrim's Way are to be had from its summit.
Dorking
This village has an illustrious past. Its high street closely follows the route of the Roman Stane Street. It was also an old dwelling for the Saxons before being raided by the Danes. In addition, Charles Dickens stayed in one of the local watering holes, the 400 year-old White Horse Inn.
Epsom
The buildings in Church Street offer reminders of the town's heyday in the 18th century, when visitors would flock from all over to use its medicinal spring. Nowadays the town is more famous for the Derby - a flat horse race that has been run since the late 18th century. Early morning walkers can see horses exercise on the downs to the south east of the town. A bridleway runs for 5 miles along an old Roman road to Box Hill.
Esher
Esher Common, Arbrook Common and Oxshott Heath exemplify a resistance to the encroachment of modern suburbia. Sandown Park Racecourse also lies to the north. Claremont Woods is ideal for ramblers and features a large lake. This is National Trust Land which was laid out by Capability Brown.
Friday Street
A beautiful, tiny hamlet set amongst pine-wooded hills. Next to a large lake lies the 6o-acre Severell's Copse.
Godstone
This is an attractive village set in the North Downs with a quaint village green with pond and an impressive Elizabethan inn, The White Hart. The village of Limpsfield lies two miles to the east and is set in densely wooded countryside. To the north, the North Downs rise to almost 900ft
Leatherhead
An old town brimming in character with narrow streets and gabled houses. Some of its buildings, such as the church date back to the 12th-century. Further to the west, the visitor will find the heavily wooded Bookham and Banks Common, both of which consists of nearly a square mile each of woodland.
Leith Hill
This hill rises to almost 1000ft and has a stone tower at the summit. Built in 1766 by local, Richard Hull, the tower belongs to the National Trust and is open to the public. The views at the top are superb and take in a panorama of farmland and woods which stretches as far as the eye can see.
Lingfield
A village with a plethora of old buildings dating from the 15 century. Also of interest is a lock-up that dates from the late 18th century.
Outwood
One of the UK's best preserved post mills lies to the east of this village. This old windmill consists of a wooden body that carries the sales and revolves around a central upright wooden post. Visitors are permitted to observe the millstones at work, and buy the flour from the grind.
Polesden Lacey
This is an attractive 19th-century house with a superb rose garden. The dramatist Sheridan once lived in a house found on the site. The present building was the honeymoon retreat of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Reigate
Notable attractions include an 18th century market house and a castle mound under which run a warren of medieval tunnels. Also of note is Reigate Heath to the west which is home to a converted windmill, now used for church services. Collev Hill and Reigate Hill afford fine views of the North Downs and the Pilgrims' Way runs along their base.
Woldingham
Noted for the fine views from the wooded South Hawke, as well as the nearby Titsey Hill, where the North Downs rise to a pleasing viewpoint.
