The Stepping Stones is Westhumble's village pub, right at the foot of Boxhill so it feeds and waters plenty of walkers who've been exploring the Surrey Hills. The general consensus from reviews seems to be that the service is very good and staff nice and friendly, and that the homemade food is good. Family friendly and dog friendly.

T: 01306 889932

A crisp and contemporary restaurant on the third floor of the winery at Denbies Wine Estate, with fabulous views over the vineyard to Box Hill and the North Downs. The menu is seasonal modern British fare, the food is divine and made using the finest local ingredients they can get. Go for Sunday roast and you're in for a treat and a half.

T: 01306 876616    

There's a few of these Smith and Western diners appearing throughout the country now, and they seem to be quite a hit. If you like authentic American style food, you'll love it. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy so get there early and have a cocktail before kicking off with Loaded Skins, Pan 'O' Buffalo Wings or a Nachos Platter. Move on to homemade steak burgers, a stacked club sandwich, chicken melt or Caesar salad. Gluten free and vegan menus and one for the kids too. Like, totally awesome.

T: 01737 841666

You can't miss this lovely old pub, right in the middle of Mickleham village opposite the church; it's origins are in the 16th century and inside is all cosy and characterful - wooden panelling, old settles, a big open fire and bumpy old walls. Food is traditional rustic British that you can eat in the bar or restaurant; things like Dry-aged rib cap burger, Wild mushroom & tarragon dumplings, and Ale-battered haddock and chips. 

T: 01372 372279

This is a nice little surprise, tucked away on a hillside up above the A24, with gorgeous views over the Mole Valley. It's all nice and homely inside with a varied menu of pub grub and British favourites; on a summers' evening the best thing is to sit outside in the garden and look out on the hills. Plan a walk to Box Hill or Norbury Park to finish here - the footpath runs right past the pub. Perfect. 

T: 01372 372590

At Arto the focus is on simple, honest cooking with a Mediterranean twist; it's all freshly prepared to classic recipes and the result is excellent; full of flavour, reminding you of holidays abroad. On the mains are dishes like Chicken Souviaki, Veal Milanese, Baked Sicilian Cod, Lamb Moussaka, pasta, steaks and salads. Food is served all day and there's a small menu for children.

T: 01306 644844

This is a good one for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, but if you want to go as a group you’ll need to book ahead. They do cooked breakfasts, sandwiches, paninis, toasties, jackets, home made daily specials and scrumptious cakes and scones that are baked on the premises. Nom nom.

T: 01306 889967

This is a nice pub so you should give it a go. The atmos is relaxed and welcoming, with a lot of lovely old character, vintage style interiors, and quirky knick-knacks dotted about. Food is homemade pub dishes, British favourites with a continental twist, sharing platters and open sarnies. Dogs welcome, live music in the beer garden in the summer, cracking Sunday roast.

T: 01306 889664

They have their own approach to modern fine dining at Sorrel, constantly developing their ideas inspired by the best produce around, including ingredients from Mother Nature's bounty. The man behind it all is Michelin starred Steve Drake, so you know it's going to be good. They do 5*/9 courses (you have 5 or 9 courses) featuring things like 36 hour aged pork belly, brill, sweetcorn & chickweed green curry, and Sicilian passion fruit with honeycomb and lavendar aero. Exquisite. Seriously. 

T: 01306 889414

This pub is right on the high street in Dorking, so you can't miss it. Inside it's all very chirpy, bright and modern, outside they have a terrace and garden. The food? It's a British & European menu with small plates and mains like Seafood platter, Crushed Pea, feta & mint risotto, and 28 day aged Dijon rubbed steak; at lunchtimes they also do sandwiches, wraps and burgers. If the reviews are anything to go by, it all goes down very well.

T: 01306 883041

No bones about it, this is a beautiful dining experience. The Japanese Grill is an elegant dining room where they serve exquisite modern Japanese cuisine; on the menu are sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and meat and fish cooked to perfection on the Josper grill, or try the chef's seasonal tasting menu. The setting is wonderful, in the main house on the Beaverbrook Estate; the views of the Surrey Hills are breathtaking. 

T: 01372 571300

All that gorgeousness of the English country house can be found here; an elegant dining room overlooking a beautiful walled garden, exquisite food with a menu of English classics and surprisingly, rustic Italian style dishes. Wiltshire black truffle tagliatelle, Ragu of slow cooked lamb shoulder, Roasted English partridge, Chicken Milanese & Somerset hen's egg, Grilled rib of beef....need we say more? Perfect for birthday treats.

T: 01372 571300

What they aim to do here is bring about the perfect mix of city style, good quality pub dining and the relaxed feel of the country local inn, and they seem to have got it right. Eclectic interiors, friendly staff, a good range of drinks and tasty home cooked food - pub classics, British favourites and pizzas. Lovely big beer garden with a play area, and regular events.

T: 01737 845996

There are a few Grumpy Mole pubs in this area; the concept is cosy country inns offering high quality dining in cosy, relaxed surroundings and that's certainly what they've achieved here. On the A La Carte menu are mains like their own Grumpy Mole pies, Supreme of Chicken, Rump of English Lamb, and Mushroom Brie and Hazlenut Wellington, as well as steaks and beer battered catch of the day. Sunday Roasts are to be slowly enjoyed, and afternoon tea is an absolute delight - and guess what? They even have a vegan menu and a Mini Moles menu for the litt'luns!

T: 01737 845101

At Five Rivers they are very proud of the authentic Indian cuisine they serve; in fact it's so authentic that they even roast and blend their own spices and steer clear of artificial colourings, which is good news. The menu has all the classic curries, Tandoori dishes and sides, as well as in-house specials. The setting is modern, the service attentive. Eat in or takeaway.

T: 01372 363312

If you have a thing for proper job Italian food then you ought to give this restaurant a go. L'ultimo is right on the High Street in Leatherhead and it's a friendly place with excellent service and a relaxed and welcoming ambience. The menu changes regularly in tune with the seasons as ingredients are fresh and local. You'll find all the traditional Italian dishes, salads, pizzas, pasta and some very tempting specials. Worth saving yourself for as they say the portion sizes are generous. Bene!

T: 01372 373266

Eat in or take away at Thai Pinto; food is authentic Thai, obvs, and they say it's delicious. You can go for lunch or dinner and there's a choice of menus - Lunch, Happy Lunch, Happy Early Evening, a Bar Menu, A La Carte and Take Away. All the classics like Pad Thai, Panang Gai, Seafood Phad Char and Ped Makam, served in a very comfortable setting with attentive service. 

T: 01372 388304

At this busy village pub they've done what a lot of pubs have done in these parts - opened it up inside so it's bright and airy, and it's very stylish to boot. The food is diverse seasonal British, starting with brunch; the lunch menu features sandwiches, sharers, and what they call British Nostalgia - things like liver and bacon, and rib of beef, and the mains are in a similar vein - good old British classics all made from the freshest locally sourced produce. There's a private dining room, a Burger Shack on the patio, and a garden out the front. 

T: 01372 372624

Contemporary meets traditional at this award winning country pub in the Surrey Hills. There's plenty of authentic pub charm, and they have all round good ethics that go a long way to keeping their customers happy; ingredients are sourced locally, staff are genuinely smiley, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. On the menu are sharing boards, pub favourites and seasonal mains like Crispy dry aged belly pork and Winter squash risotto. There's a private dining room and a beer garden. Gluten free? Yes, of course.

T: 01372 377258

Good food, good drink, a warm welcome and attentive service. Well, that certainly ticks a few boxes, doesn't it? Go to the Plough in summer and sit out in the garden, listening to the birdsong; the fruit, herbs and nuts grown there are picked and used fresh by the kitchen team. Inside it's all been opened up and brightened up, which adds to the convivial atmosphere. A winter lunch menu has baguettes and mains like Venison, port & apricot hotpot and Slow cooked pork tenderloin, as well as festive fare and all the good old pub classics. Go on!

T: 01372 303105

How nice does this sound? A vineyard or winery tour, with wine tasting, in the Surrey Hills? Far reaching views, acres of open countryside - imagine that when the sun is shining. That's when you want to get on the Outdoor Vineyard Train Tour, and you won't want to forget your camera! They do indoor tours, evening tours and group tours, all equally good for corporate groups, hen parties or just because. Fantastic.

T: 01306 876616

The Surrey Hills Brewery is on the Denbies Wine Estate, about a mile or so from Westhumble. They supply all the local pubs and clubs with their award winning ales, but they also sell directly to customers. Go and sample it nice and fresh, straight from the cask; otherwise combine a tasting session with a Brewery Tour. Good for groups of friends and corporate parties.

T: 01306 883603

Explore Box Hill on a Spy Mission themed self-guided treasure trail with clues to solve based on permanent features; crack the code, complete the mission, and woah... don't you feel like a real secret agent? The trail starts at the Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill. 2.2 miles, allow 3 hours, or to make it longer get there via the stepping stones across the river at the bottom of Westhumble Street.

Book up for off road trail riding on Fantic Moto 250E Casa bikes that are suitable for riders of all abilities and all sizes; brilliant fun for corporate groups, hen parties and birthdays, with qualified and experienced instructors taking you off road in the Surrey Hills.

T: 01306 640007     

A rather pleasant way to spend a few hours; sat in a cosy studio painting your chosen piece of pottery. It takes a couple of hours then if it's ceramic you leave it with them to glaze and fire and they'll post it on to you a week later, for a small fee. If you use Foam Clay you can take it away with you the same day. The Make A Teddy sessions are popular with kids, and the studio takes regular bookings for hen parties, which is a good idea, plus there's a small cafe where they serve cakes and hot chocolate. Best to book in advance.

T: 07985 451696

How’s about a Tasting Experience, a Cocktail Masterclass, a Distillery Experience or a Cocktail Supper for that extra special birthday, that hen weekend in Surrey, or for corporate groups. The Gin Kitchen distil their own gin at their distillery in a lovely 170 year old barn in Dorking, and you’d be hard pushed to find a friendlier bunch of people. There’s a cocktail bar and shop on site so you can even take a bottle or two home with you.

T: 01306 889598   

Everyone knows that paintballing is a superb activity for hen parties and corporate groups, and even for birthday parties – the only rule here is that you need to be over 8 years old. There are 8 paintball game zones to choose from including the intergalactic Space Warz and the spine chillin’ Haunted Graveyard. Easy to find, just off the M25 (J10).

T: 020 3869 9305

Finding Go Ape Chessington is easy peasy because it's a mere stone's throw from Chessington World of Adventures. Think of it as roller coaster fun in the trees and you're all set for a jolly good time. The challenging high ropes courses have obstacles like stepping stones and wobbly bridges, with an exhilarating four person zip wire as the finale. All ages can have a go, as long as you're over 1m tall and weigh less than 130kg. Great for families, friends and team building.

T: 01603 895500

What an adventure this is! Four escape rooms with tricky puzzles and challenges to solve in just one hour so that you can - escape of course! Will you choose The Curse of Old Maid Milly, Operation Sealion, Mystery Express or The Challenge Chambers? The setting is Horton Park Golf Club so there's a very good restaurant and bar for refreshments and a bite to eat; a nice way to round things off, is it not?

T: 0208 393 8400

A miniature golf course at Horton Park Golf Club near Epsom, and what fun! Not just golf though, oh no! On Jungle Island there's a secret cave to explore, there are hungry crocodiles to avoid and there's a gorilla called Gary! The layout of the 18 hole crazy golf course is superb, with some interesting hazards, and when you've finished there's a restaurant/bar and a small play area. Excellent value for money, this one. 

T: 0208 393 8400 or 0208 394 2626

Watersports on a lake in Mercer Park, where they offer instruction and experience days in dinghy sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing. They have activities for grown ups and kids, and of course for corporate groups, hen parties and the like, so book up, go along and enjoy yourselves. There's a cafe and plenty of free parking, which is nice to know.

T:  01737 644 288

360+ cimbing routes, 200+ bouldering problems, 104 top and lead ropes. Sound like fun? Better get yerselves over there then! White Spider is one of the biggest climbing centres in the UK so they're all geared up to make sure you have an enjoyable and inspiring climbing session. Doesn't matter if it's something you haven't done before, they welcome all abilities; there's a Kids Castle for the litt'luns, and a cafe for all. 

T: 0208 397 0390

Four dry ski slopes for all abilities, courses for kids and adults and friendly instructors, so if you fancy a lesson or just a ski, go along. Their parties sound like fun, if you're up this way celebrating something like a birthday or a hen weeknd, or perhaps it's a good team building option. Anyhow, you can whoop and shout as you whizz downhill on ringos and sledges, and even combine it with a treetop adventure course at the on-site Skywalk Adventure. Round it off  with pizzas from the Terrace Bar, a picnic, or a hot chocolate in the ski chalet clubhouse. Not a bad view,  looking out over Sandown Park Racecourse and across the London skyline.

T: 01372 467 132

Make like a monkey and enjoy enormous helpings of family fun on high ropes courses with amazing views over the Sandown Ski Slopes and Sandown Racecourse. There are actually two courses, with zip wires, tyre swings, barrel crawls and a wibbly-wobbly bridge; both are exhilarating! Plenty of parking, book for groups, hen parties and team building, wear fancy dress by all means. 

T: 01372 701107 or 01372 467132 (opt 2)

Vroom, vroom! The main circuit at Surbiton Raceway is a 700 metre professional track that's used for day and night racing, but you need to be over 11 years old and at least 1.40m tall for that. For younger folk there's a Junior Cadet Track for up to age 11, and a Bambino Track for 4-6 year olds. They do races for individuals and races for teams - like Iron Man, Grand Prix and Team Endurance; all great fun for families, friends and of course for team building, but note that you need to book first - even for the Arrive and Drive sessions.

T: 020 8337 5550

Woo hoo! Any daredevils out there who want to give this a go? It's all about treetops high jinx and adventure here, with three options: there's Extreme Wild for grown ups and big kids, Wild Kids for 6-12 year olds, and a Zip Zone which is surely one for the adrenalin junkies, being just zips and drops. Take your pick, or if there's a group of you ring them up and ask about their Wild Trails, which they say isn't just for team building. The setting is gorgeous woodland of course, there's free parking and a refreshment kiosk, but bear in mind that they close for December and January, so check the website for opening times.

T: 0344 8800026

Over 50 interconnected trampolines, an obstacle course, foam pit, dodgeball and much more. Excitement and fun for all ages, but if you don’t feel like having a bounce, there’s a café where you can chill out instead. They do special sessions for the under 5’s who may need a bit of help, and  AirHop Pro sessions for those who take jumping more seriously.

Tel: 0330 223 3333

Close to London it may be but Wimbledon Village Stables feels a million miles away from the city, with lessons and hacks through woodlands and wide open countryside on Wimbledon Common and across Richmond Park. The horses are very well behaved, the instructors are of course qualified and friendly, the scenery is stunning - no wonder this place has won so many awards. They even have a fully interactive horse riding stimulator for beginners who need a bit of confidence. Great for families or friends, and a fantastic activity for hen parties and corporate groups.

T: 020 8946 8579

If you're familiar with escape rooms, you'll know the scenario; you're locked in a room as a small group and you have an hour to put your heads together to solve mysteries, unravel riddles, find clues and crack codes with the ultimate aim of getting yourselves out of there. All jolly good fun with a fantastic choice of games and adventures - Nethercott Manor, Mutiny, Kraken Casino and Uncle Tick-Tock's Circus for example. Brilliant for families, friends and corporate groups. Round it off in the cafe or bar, like you do. 

T: 01342 718472

If you can squeeze this in to your itinerary whilst you're on holiday in these parts, do so, because it's a really enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, especially if the weather is behaving itself. They run several services and boat trips but perhaps the nicest is the Windsor 2 Hour Round Trip where you get fantastic views of Windsor Castle and Eton College; it also passes Windsor Racecourse, Sutherland Grange Nature Reserve and Bray Film Studios. Have Pimms or a glass of fizz on board or treat yourselves to a Cream Tea Hamper. Perfick.

T: 01753 851900

There's plenty to discover at Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre; find out about the great estates in the area, famous Dorking residents (among them E M Forster, author of  A Room With A View), see collections of old photographs and read personal histories of people who lived and worked in the town. There are exhibitions including a WW1 Centenary project, tours of South Street Caves, guided walks around Dorking, and family activities. Unlimited free entry too!

T: 01306 876591

Beneath the streets of Dorking lies the subterranean world known as South Street Caves; the Museum & Heritage Centre run tours of the cellars, bunkers and mysterious chambers. There are crypts and ice houses, a network of interconnecting galleries, and even a cock pit beneath a former coaching inn. It's all quite incredible, with dates and initials carved on the walls in the 17th century. The caves were possibly carved out to mine building sand, but have certainly been put to good use for storing wine and beer over the years.

T: 01306 876591

Now in the very capable hands of the National Trust, Polesden Lacey is a lavish Edwardian country house on the North Downs, where Margaret Greville, a famous socialite, held her parties, and where the Queen Mother and George VI spent their honeymoon. Explore the grandiose rooms, including the gold Saloon, the pillared central hall, the Billiard Room and the library; wander the beautiful landscaped gardens and ancient woodland, enjoy a slice of cake and a pot of tea in the cafe or coffee shop.

T: 01372 452048

This is a good all-weather option as there are play areas and animals inside and out, and the kids, especially the tinies, will absolutely love it. There are baby animals to see (it's still a working farm), rabbits to cuddle, rides on ponies or a tractor and trailer, and get this - pig racing! Fun to be had on the trampolines, giant slides, a bouncy pillow, two indoor play barns and outdoor adventure trails; grown ups will like the Tearooms, Shop and Kitchen Garden, so a good day out all round. 

T: 01372 363764

A classic Georgian country house set in typically English parkland; inside you can see six restored rooms, sumptuous and homely, and collections of historically important paintings and musical instruments. Kids can dress up in hand crafted Georgian costumes, play in the adventure area, or just let off steam in the grounds. Even when the house is shut for the winter, you can't beat a good country walk and hot chocolate in the Kitchen Cafe.

T: 01483 222482

AMAZING! Phew, what a day out! One great big enormous theme park, zoo and sealife centre all in one! There are over 40 rides and attractions, and more than 1,000 animals! The Theme Park has 10 themed lands, like Forbidden Kingdom, Pirate's Cove and Wild Woods; the Zoo is home to tigers, lions, giraffes and heaps more, and in the Sealife Centre there's a walkthrough ocean tunnel. Like we said, amazing!

T: 0871 663 4477

Have a family day out at one of the UK's most magical attractions. There's plenty to do, with a raptor centre, animals to get up close to, like camels, meerkats and coatis, and a brilliant adventure park where there are wooden towers, an underground labyrinth and aerial walkways to discover in Hobbledown Village. And then there's a high ropes course, zorbing, and for rainy days, an indoor play barn. The cafe, Hobnosh, has a good choice of streetfood from around the globe.

T: 01372 848990

The English landscaped garden is personified at NT owned Claremont; it's an absolute dream anytime of year. Go with the family and have a stroll around the lake followed by cakes in the Gardener's Bothy Cafe, play games and dress up in the Thatched Cottage, or build a den in Badger's Basecamp. The young 'uns will love letting off steam in the play area, or there are interactive trails with clues for them to solve. Take the dog - he can have a good walk too.

T: 01372 467806

Garden lovers won't want to miss this! Wisley is the historic home of the RHS and home to one of the world's largest plant collections. Discover these enchanting gardens, a delight in all seasons; see the famous Glasshouses, The Exotic Garden, The Rock Garden, The Bonsai Walk, The Cottage Garden, The Mediterranean Terraces and the beautiful Rose Garden. Allow plenty of time, and include lunch in the Terrace Restaurant, the Garden Room or one of the cafes. 

T: 01483 224234

At Gatwick Aviation Museum they have a unique and historically important collection from the hey day of British aircraft manufacture. Among the exhibits are big names like Hawker, Gloster, De Havilland, Avro and Blackburn, and you know, these are fine looking planes so go on, admire them. You can also find out about the history of Gatwick Airport and see radio controlled model aircraft, walk around the nature trail and round it off with an egg sarnie in the picnic area.

T: 01293 862417

Something different. These beautiful and tranquil gardens provide a very magical backdrop to exhibitions of contemporary sculpture, with over 200 pieces on show each year. Definitely one for the art lovers but also for gardeners as what's here is an astonishing example of how nature and art can work in harmony in an environment that changes with the seasons. Open from April to October, picnic areas, dogs welcome on leads.

T: 01306 627269

This place is only open for train rides from Easter till October but they don't half get a lot of visitors! People love it, they make a day of it, with rides on the miniature steam trains, a picnic or a cup of tea in the cafe, and a run about in the field with the young 'uns; great fun! They run the trains on the first Sunday of each month and on Bank Holiday Mondays from 2.00pm to 5.30pm. Little boys (and some big boys!) love choo-choos; take them along. 

T: 0208 398 3985

Nowhere else on earth will you see such a vast collection of working historic London buses, from horse drawn vehicles of the late 19th century to the rear engined models of the 1970's and everything in between. Find out everything you could possibly want to know about them and if you're lucky, you'll get the chance for a ride on a good old double decker London bus. Climb on board!

T: 01932 837994

This is a must - a chance to explore the Tudor home of Henry VIII, his wives and children, and to see the famous Great Hall, the Haunted Gallery and Tudor Kitchens. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens in the Chapel Royal, wander the spectacular gardens and find your way out of the maze. There are exhibitions and events throughout the year, and at Christmas it gets seriously festive with an ice rink. A fantastic family day out.

T: 020 3166 6000

A very colourfully planted garden with tropical plants, a Japanese garden with a water feature and fabulous showy borders. Right in the middle there's a display lawn where the flying sessions take place, around the edge of the garden are the aviaries that are home to eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and buzzards. Meet the birds, hear talks and watch the flying displays, or book an Experience Day.

T: 07792 267490

Prebook tickets to see inside one of the most splendid houses in the world; home to the Royal family and a major focus in national and royal celebrations. The State Rooms are open to the public for 10 weeks during the summer and on selected dates during winter and spring. See the Throne Room, the magnificent Ballroom and the Picture Gallery; watch the ceremony of Changing The Guard from outside the palace gates. 

T: 0303 123 7300

History buffs and those with an interest in architecture will love this beautiful abbey in central London. It's played host to coronations, royal weddings and funerals, and it's where several heroes and poets lie in rest. Visit The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries with incredible views above the abbey floor, see Poets Corner, the Pyx Chamber and the Royal Tombs. Walk the Cloisters, admire the Chapter House and relax in the abbey gardens. 

T: 020 7222 5152

Anyone who's been to the London Dungeon will tell you what a fun filled immersive experience it is. If you like storytelling, interactive shows, and rides, plus bucket loads of history, then this is for you. The more gruseome aspects of the capital's past come to life with sights and smells and real life characters; see it all - The Torture Chamber, Mrs Lovett's Pie Shop, Jack The Ripper and Escape from Newgate Prison, but be afraid. Be very afraid...

T: 0333 321 2001

If you haven't already been on The London Eye, you really should do it. The 360 degree views of the city are incredible, and the whole experience of being up there, part of the skyline, in a glass pod is something you'll never forget. There are several packages to choose from, they have events throughout the year and you can even hire your own capsule.

T: 0870 990 8883

Did you know that Windsor Castle is the oldest and the biggest occupied castle in the world? It's been home to royalty for over 900 years and most weekends is home to the Queen. It's open to the public throughout the year and if you go you can see the State Apartments, Queen Marys' Dolls House and St George's Chapel where Prince Harry was married. 

T: 0303 123 7334

This is more than likely the closest you'll get to some of the biggest names in showbiz, music, sport and history. And what fun! You can star in immersive experiences like Star Wars and Marvel Superheroes, step onto the Royal balcony with the Royal family, walk the red carpet and rub shoulders with A-list celebs. Bolster up and tell world leaders and politicians what you really think of them, get a backstage pass and meet all the big names in pop! A superb family day out.

T: 0871 894 3000

This famous castle on the north banks of the Thames has more history than you can shake a stick at. It's been a secure fortress, a royal palace and a prison in its time - and of course it's where the crown jewels are kept. Take a Yeoman Warder Tour, shoot arrows and brandish a  sword, even fire a cannon in the Armoury in Action Experieince in the White Tower. A good family outing. 

T: 020 3166 6000

What an amazing day trip! There are so many animals at London Zoo - lions, tigers, gorillas, pygmy hippos, Galapagos tortoises, Komodo dragons, giraffes, and so on, far too many to list here. There are daily events, talks and feeds, and Experiences like Meet The Animals and Keeper for a Day. Eat in the Terrace Restaurant or grab a bite from one of the food kiosks.

T: 020 7449 6200

The Holly & Laurel Emporium used to be a busy coaching inn, but not so long ago it was given a new lease of life and is now a much loved spot for all things vintage - clothes, furniture, knick-knacks and that, plus a bit of repro for those who aren't so keen on used stuff. There are several rooms to browse about in, so go and have a poke about because you never know what you might find. There's a lovely little tea shop too, where they do scrummy cake. Easy to find as it's right on the A24 dual carriageway.

T: 01306 885460

What this place is renowned for is the watercress that's been grown here in natural spring water by the same family since 1854. They sell a lot more than that though, all manner of local food and drink as well as local flowers, and some stuff that comes from a little further afield but is nonetheless ethically grown or raised. The abundance of fresh fruit and veg is a feast for the eyes, and of course, the stomach. Take your baskets, fill 'em up.

T: 01306 730703

Named as the Best Farm Shop in Surrey by the Surrey Life Food & Drink Awards 2019, this place is all about local, natural and ethical produce - just as you'd expect. Fruit and veg is all seasonal, some home grown from their own Victorian walled garden and growing fields, everything else is sourced as closely as possible to their two shops (one in Ockley, one on the Denbies Wine Estate). Go and fill your basket with all manner of local goodies - meat, breads and pastries, cheese, smoked fish, ice cream, and more. 

T: 01306 713474

Another pretty village in the Surrey Hills AONB, midway between Leatherhead and Dorking. These places are nice for a stroll around, looking at the houses (many are listed), stopping at the church and enjoying a leisurely pint in the village pub. It's easy to make Mickleham part of a walk to Norbury Park or Box Hill.

Leathehead is an historic market town right on the banks of the River Mole, and though the shops in the town centre are testament to its keeping up with the times, there is a lot of very attractive old architecture; rich red brick, grand Georgian buildings and the like. The town is called the 'gateway to the Surrey Hills AONB', and is surrounded by gorgeous countryside. Worth a browse. 

Ah, these Surrey villages are just SO pretty, and what's surprising is that considering how close they are to London, they still retain an air of traditonal charm. Headley is surrounded by gorgeous countryside, including Headley Heath and Nower Wood, there's a shop and a pub, and something you really ought to see, the Rev. Faithfull's Tomb, built from the remains of the old church. 

Another historic market town with a backdrop of the beautful Surrey Hills - this time the North Downs. Reigate has a rather nice, upmarket villagey feel to it, with several independent shops and places to eat. Quiet spots include the castle grounds and the 200 acre Priory Park; both are worth seeing, as are Reigate Caves. 

Guildford has a wonderful mix of historic charm, vibrant shops and markets and plenty of things to do. There’s a museum, the 17th century Guildford House Gallery, a Saxon castle, a Medieval Undercroft and a modern cathedral. Visit the former workhouse at the Spike Heritage Centre, catch events at the Guildford Fringe Festival in July, stroll along the River Wey or have a boat trip from Dapdune Wharf.

Godalming is an ancient market town that has managed to retain its charm over the centuries. It's quite a well-to-do place, but that's not surprising as it's so sweet - the streets are lined with quirky and characterful buildings, and there's a unique mix of shops and eateries; canal boats line the wharf and cows graze in the watermeadows. It's like turning the clock back a little and sometimes that's nice. 

Where to start? Everyone's heard of London, everyone knows how much there is to see and do there! Highlights are surely Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, The London Dungeons, The Tower of London, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Camden Market. For starters!

This 18 hole parkland course is tucked away in the North Downs near Box Hill so you don't need us to tell you how beautiful the setting is. Visitors are welcome and will no doubt appreciate the challenges the course offers and the fact that they are playing on one of the best greens in the South of England. There's trolley and buggy hire available, and for when you've finished your game, a very welcoming clubhouse where the best thing to do, if the weather is nice, is sit out on the the balcony and enjoy the views of the Surrey Hills.

T: 01306 882052

An 18 hole course set in glorious parkland with sweeping greens, mature trees and challenges to all abilities. The backdrop is of the beautiful Surrey Hills so it's nothing to see golfers pausing to admire the views. Visitors are welcome both on the course and in the relaxed Terrace Bar which is open daily for drinks, snacks and meals.

T: 01306 886917

Tyrells Wood Golf Club has a beautiful parkland and downland setting with incredible views of the Surrey countryside. The 18 hole course has the benefit of two starts and is set among specimen trees with challenges that they say are tough, but rewarding, so it's good sport. After your game go and relax with a drink and a snack in the Grade II listed clubhouse and enoy those glorious views. 

T: 01372 376025

Visitors are welcome here as long as they hold a current handicap of not more than 28 for men and 36 for women. The 6,800 yard course is set in 264 acres of beautiful chalk downs at 500 feet above sea level, so as you can imagine, the views are spectacular. There are two well separated loops of 9 holes with mature trees and the kind of challenges you'd expect on a traditional course. When you're done with your clubs and that, head to the clubhouse or the Half-Way House for refreshments and a bite to eat. 

T: 01372 452203

Walton Heath is renowned for its high quality golfing and the exceptional challenges offered by the heathland layout, which probably has a lot to do with the club hosting the British Masters in 2018. Walton Heath Golf Club was founded in 1903 and its first captain was HRH the Prince of Wales, appointed in 1935. There are two 18 hole courses; the Old Course is a par 72, 7406 chamionship course and the New Course stretches to 7199 yards. The clubhouse is very convivial and welcoming to members and visitors alike. 

T: 01737 812060

What they have here is a Pay and Play Golf Course, a floodlit driving range, golf academy and bar and restaurant. The full length six hole course offers 6 holes in 60 minutes, so it doesn't  take up your whole day. It's open to the public 7 days a week and everyone is welcome, so it's a good one for families in particular; an opportunity for Dad or Grandad to take the young ' uns along and show them how to perfect a good swing!  Clubs and trolleys are available for hire for those impromptu visits. 

T: 01372 843453

Horton Park Golf Club is set in glorious parkland on the edge of Epsom, easily reached from the M3 and M25. There's an 18 hole Millennium Course and a 9 hole Academy Course, and it's home to the 18 hole Jungle Island Adventure Golf, which is definitely one for families. The main course has several challenges, mature trees, streams and ponds, with the 10th hole being the longest Island green par 3 in England. Visitors are welcome on the greens and in the clubhouse. Also on site are two footgolf courses and Epsom Escape Rooms.

T: 020 8393 8400

This bike shop in Westhumble don’t do guided tours or rides, but anything they don’t know about bikes isn’t worth knowing. They do sales, repairs and servicing – worth knowing if you’ve got your own bikes with you, and they can advise on local cycle routes and rides. Plenty of OS maps and cycling/walking guides in stock.

T: 01306 886958

This 10 mile cycle route follows a section of the Olympic Cycle Path, taking in some truly stunning scenery. A good mix of A and B roads, country lanes and a few hills, suitable for all abilities. Stop for refreshments at The King William IV pub or NT Box Hill Café.

This part of the National Cycle Route goes from Banstead to the Isle of Wight but you can pick up part of it in Dorking, otherwise join at Headley and head down to Dorking and on to Westcott for a good tour of the Surrey Hills. Easy diversions for grub and you can do as many miles as you want to.

30 miles starting and finishing at Strood Green, Betchworth. It’s quite a challenging route with three good hills - the downs make the ups well worth the effort and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Plenty of places to stop at for sustenance. This is a good one for the evening when the busier roads are quieter.

See the sights of London on a guided cycling tour! Tours start from Lambeth where you’ll get set up with bikes and safety gear before you head off around the capital. There’s a choice of rides – The Classic Tour, The Original Bike Tour, a Love London Tour and an exciting Night Tour. They do private tours for groups which is a great idea for hen and stag parties and corporate activities. Minimum age 10 years.

T: 020 7928 6838

Broadwood's Tower stands right on the top of Lodge Hill in the Surrey Hills, where it's stood for over 200 years. Built by Thomas Broadwood of the famous piano manufacturing family, it's made entirely of flint and is now a listed building. The National Trust are hoping to conserve it and possibly rebuild the staircase; the views are amazing to say the least. Walk here from Box Hill.

Box Hill is one of the best known beauty spots in the Surrey Hills; people come here to walk and to cycle, to fly kites, to picnic, to look out for the rare Adonis Blue butterflies that can be seen here, and just to admire the incredible views. There's a Nature Play Trail for the younglings, and a cafe. One of the best ways to get here is via the Stepping Stones walk that starts at the River Mole in the valley. Do it. 

This 2 mile walk starts and finishes at Box Hill, taking you on surfaced tracks, down steps (275 of them!) through the woods, through meadows and over the Stepping Stones across the River Mole. You pass Box Hill Fort at the top, and there’s a café, picnic area and nature play trail. Gorgeous scenery, breathtaking views.

You don't need to spend long in the Surrey Hills to appreciate why it's a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; stunning scenery, views that stretch for miles and miles to meet the sky, old follies, ancient churches, picturesque villages, and market towns to mooch around, like Dorking, Godalming and Reigate.There are countless interesting things to see in the hills, far too many to list but at least put these on your list: Box Hill & Broadwood's Folly, Leith Hill Tower, The Deepdene Trail, Inglis Memorial and Tillingbourne Waterfall.

This 6.2 mile walking trail takes you through the beautiful Surrey Hills landscape from Dorking to Leatherhead. You'll pass through Denbies Wine Estate and Norbury Common, with plenty of suitable spots for a picnic lunch, or time it so you finish your walk in Leatherhead just in time for dindins.

Starting in Dorking, the Deepdene Trail takes you through what remains of the former Deepdene estate that was home to a wealthy merchant banker in the 18th century. Winding pathways lead through the woodland to a restored mausoleum, hidden Bronze Age barrows and ancient castle ruins. At the heart of the trail are the revived Deepdene Gardens. Enchanting. 

These romantic castle ruins on the western banks of the River Mole have a very sinister side to them; allegedly they are haunted by a big black dog that prowls about at night, all part of a very grim legend. The privately owned castle (it was bought for £1 in 2011) is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is surrounded by Betchworth Park Golf Course, but you can walk right up to the ruins via the Deepdene Trail. 

We all need to get out and connect with Mother Nature sometimes, to experience the great outdoors, take lungfuls of fresh air, and to sit and stare. Denbies Hillside is an incredible place to do any or all of those things; the rich chalklands are home to a myriad of plants and creatures, including the rare Adonis Blue butterfly. The views are absolute soul fodder.

The woodlands at Ranmore Common are a popular place for families and walkers; the views are fantastic and there are several walking trails you can pick up to explore the landscape. Amble from Ranmore to Polesden Lacey, over to Denbies Hillside, or do the Ranmore Circular Walk which will take you about 3.5 hours. 

If you fancy a breath of fresh air, a bit of peace and quiet, or somewhere to stretch your legs, go to Norbury Park. This huge nature reserve is a varied landscape managed by Surrey Wildife Trust, and includes rich grasslands, a river valley, farmland and a working sawmill. Take a picnic and watch out for wildlife - you might see roe deer, foxes, woodpeckers, fieldfares and yellowhammers. 

These bridges were built by Lord Lovelace to aid the transport of timber by horse drawn carts from the woods in these parts. There’s something quite magical about them because the middle of the woods is the last place you’d expect to see a series of such structures; all are horseshoe shaped and ornately designed. Originally, there were fifteen, now ten remain.

This cascading waterfall is tucked away on the Wotton estate near the sweetly named hamlet of Friday Street.You can't climb over the fence to get close to the waterfall because it's on private land but you can see it from the public footpath that continues about 200m after you cross the river. It's well worth seeking out; expect gasps of wonder and have your camera ready. 

Perhaps Colley Hill isn't exactly where you'd expect to find such a grand and classic memorial, but here it stands as it has since 1909, originally a drinking fountain for horses at the top of what was then the main route over Reigate Hill. It's a popular spot these days, for families, walkers, cyclists, and those who just like to come and connect with the peace and quiet and enjoy the immense views. 

Leith Hill is the second highest point in South East England, affording spectacular views across the landscape. Climb the 74 steps of the tower and they're even better - peer through the telescope and you might even see the London Eye. The tower was built in 1765 and is now owned by the National Trust who have an information room halfway up and a servery at the bottom. 

Painshill is an 18th century landscape created by the Hon. Charles Hamilton after two grand tours of Europe. See the Gothic Temple, the Ruined Abbey, and the Cystal Grotto, stroll around the vast Serpentine Lake, find the Hermitage hidden in the woods, and just enjoy the spectacular vistas and views. Playground, Tea Room and Cafe, and plenty of fresh air.

T: 01932 868113

Come here for some of the best views of the Surrey Hills; inspiring, breathtaking, staggering. Just down the hills is the legendary Silent Pool, a spring fed lake with something of an eeriness about it. The whole area is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, within the privately owned Albury Estate. Newlands Corner is where Agatha Christie famously disappeared in 1926.

You wouldn't expect gunpowder to be manufactured here in the beautiful Surrey Hills, but from 1650 to 1920, that's what went on in the quiet village of Chilworth. How come? Well, the River Tillingbourne could be used to power the watermills, and the alder trees in the valley made for good charcoal, a vital part of gunpowder. The remains of these vast works are a complete contrast to the attractive woodland; go and have a walk round.

This National Trust owned arborteum is home to an internationally significant collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are very rare. It's a lovely backdrop to a day out in the fresh air and in typical NT style there's a Tree Adventure course for kids, woodland walks, regular events, and yep, a tea room. Best are the showy magnolia and azaleas in spring, and the vibrant colours in autumn.

T: 01483 208477