Caring for ancient woodlands and majestic country houses, the National Trust in Surrey and SW London offers a range of exciting days out for all the family.
In the following list we've compiled the best walks in and around National Trust properties to help you clear your head and enjoy the beauty of nature.
@Gareth Williams, , Sunny Afternoon on Box Hill, 17/03/12, https://www.flickr.com/photos/gareth1953/6990682699
Sunny Afternoon on Box Hill
1. Box Hill
Location: The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB
Rising majestically out of the Surrey Hills, Box Hill offers truly breath-taking views of the countryside below. Located just north of the market town of Dorking, it is a challenging if not rewarding hike.
Famous for its wildlife including the Adonis blue butterfly, the trail will take you through lush woodlands and beautiful meadows making it the perfect day out for the eco - conscious travellar.
@Mark Wordy
The Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede
2. Runneymede
Location: Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL
Take a trip down to the birthplace of English democracy and enjoy this walk through ancient woods and along the winding Thames. This landscape, studded with monuments and statues has plenty of adventurous walks to choose from.
We'd recommend the trail from the Air Forces Memorial down to the river for its unmatched scenery and stunning views.
@su-lin
Osterley House
3. Osterley Park and House
Location: Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB
A leafy oasis in the heart of London, the grounds of Osterley Park include beautiful woodlands, lakes and formal gardens. Against the backdrop of this incredible Georgian house, Osterley offers walks of a gentler variety for those wishing to unwind and relax.
Visitors may even stop to enjoy a refreshment or two from the fabulous tea rooms at the house.
@Art De Cade
Ham House and Garden
4. Ham House
Location: Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS
Situated on the banks of the river Thames and a short walk from Richmond, Ham House stands as the quintessential English country home.
Surrounded by diverse wetlands and majestic woods, the house is a great starting point from which to explore this storied landscape.
We'd reccommend the walk from Ham House to Richmond Hill offering stunning views of the river.
5. Hatchlands Park
Location: East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT
Hidden away in the countryside, just a short drive from Guildford, Hatchlands Park is a quiet and peaceful destination with a range of walks and leafy trails crisscrossing the 400 acre estate.
With much of the estate having been transformed by famous landscape architect Humphry Repton, the walks in and around this beautiful country house offer a patchwork of tranquil gardens, woodlands and parkland.
This destination is a great place to bring small children with a newly constructed natural play area making this a walk for the whole family.
@diamond geezer
Polesden Lacey
6. Polesden Lacey
Location: Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
Situated in the picturesque North Downs, the 1600 acre estate around Polesden Lacey is the perfect place for a great walk. Boasting beautiful gardens, ancient woodlands and rare wildlife habitats, this diverse landscape offers truly amazing views.
With a well stocked coffee shop for refreshments and a beautiful second hand bookshop, Polesden Lacey offers plenty of diversions.
@Andrew Tijou
The Wey I like it
River Wey
7. River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf
Location: Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
Partially by natural design and partially a product of human engineering, the River Wey is one of the National Trust's most unique landscapes.
Stretching 15 miles from Guildford to Weybridge, this intricate web of waterways and locks offers calming walks through the beautiful Surrey Countryside.
It is truly difficult to choose just one great walk across this amazing landscape, but if you're feeling adventurous you might consider walking all the way from Weybridge to Guildford.
@Andrew Bowden
Snowy scene in Morden Hall Park
8. Morden Hall Park
Location: Morden Hall Road, Morden, London, SM4 5JD
One of London's best kept secret's, the estate around Morden Hall Park offers an escape into rich wetland habitats, delicate rose gardens and rolling meadows.
Criscrossed by the calming River Wandle, the estate is a great place for a quiet walk away from the busy streets of London.
Look out for the folly bridges across the river, offering a great spot for that perfect instagramable photo.
@Timo Newton Syms
Poppies
9. Maidenhead and Cookham Commons
Location: Pinkneys Green, Pinkneys Drive, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 6QD
This ancient landscape has seen many great events in its time. In ages past it was the site of battles between the Saxons and Vikings, Roman ruins can be found hidden in the undergrowth and there is even evidence of ancient man having once inhabited this marshy stretch of land.
Today Maidenhead and Cookham Commons are sites of great natural beauty, home to a diverse range of animals including badgers and swans.
We'd reccommend the short 3 mile Wind in the Willows Walk, passing through the picturesque village of Cookham and the childhood home of Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows.
@Alistair Young
Pond on Bookham Common
10. Bookham Common
Location: Church Road, Great Bookham, Surrey, Nearest postcode KT23 3LT
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, Bookham Common is widely renowned for its diverse ecosystem. Its landscape of sheltrered ponds, woodlands and grasslands supports a vast array of wildlife and insects, among them rare specimens including the purple emperor butterfly.
The common is also a popular site for bird watching and walkers are often treated to the gentle song of Nightingales and Warblers.
