Chinthurst Hill

Chinthurst Hill

© Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

A hillside reserve of mixed woodland with a picturesque folly. Public access managed by Surrey County Council, conservation managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust

Location

Kings Road, Wonnersh Common
Surrey
Nearest postcode: GU5 0PS

OS Map Reference

TQ014458
A static map of Chinthurst Hill

Know before you go

Size
17 hectares
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Parking information

Car park off B2128

Access

Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility

Dogs

Under effective control
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Facilities

Picnic area
Outdoor play area

When to visit

Opening times

Open all year

Best time to visit

Spring & Autumn

About the reserve

As you walk gently up from the car park, there is the soothing effect of peaceful, open fields. Next, a shady canopy of broadleaved woodland, with fallen branches and stumps on the forest floor, promises a day of adventure for all ages.

When you reach the summit, your spirits are lifted by wonderful views from the base of an impressive stone folly (managed by Surrey County Council), built in the late 1930s by Lord Inchcape and now a listed building. Walk further along and you’ll see Chinthurst Hill House, designed by Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1895.

Then, of course, there is the wildlife. Birds include buzzards and sparrowhawks, red kites and wrens. Butterflies include brimstone, common blue, ringlet, small heath, speckled wood, meadow brown, orange tip and large white. And on the woodland floor, you’ll see wood anemone, yellow archangel, wood forget-me-not, red campion, pig nut, common figwort, wild garlic and lady’s smock.

You’ll find many different species of tree on the hill, including oak, sweet chestnut, hazel and rowan. There is a fine display of bluebells in the spring. Watch out for roe deer and, on a summer evening, bats hunting for insects.

More site information from SCC

Contact us

Surrey County Council
Contact number: 0300 200 1003

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)