Ranked: 16 of the best views in Surrey & SW London
From the North Downs to the Surrey Hills, there are no shortage of great views to be found in Surrey and South London.
Whether you’re looking for a great family day out or just hoping to find some peace and quiet, here are 16 stunning views you won’t want to miss.
Forming part of the beautiful Surrey Hills Natural Landscape, Box Hill looms high above the surrounding countryside offering breath taking views of the sprawling towns and fields below.
On foot the view from Box Hill can be a hard but rewarding hike and for those who prefer a gentler kind of excursion, there is a good carpark nearby.
1. Box Hill.
Location - The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB
Forming part of the beautiful Surrey Hills Natural Landscape, Box Hill looms high above the surrounding countryside offering breath taking views of the sprawling towns and fields below.
On foot the view from Box Hill can be a hard but rewarding hike and for those who prefer a gentler kind of excursion, there is a good carpark nearby.
2. The Runneymede Airforces Memorial
Location - Cooper's Hill Ln, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0LB
Offering great views of the winding Thames and the birthplace of English democracy far below, the view from the ‘Runneymede Airforces Memorial’ is a stand out feature of this historic landscape.
It is fitting that like the brave pilots commemorated on the walls of this memorial, this panorama also offers great views of Heathrow airport just down river.
3. Greenwich Observatory
Location - Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
Perhaps the most famous view on this list, Greenwich truly offers a scene at the centre of the world. Since 1884, the prime meridian line at Greenwich observatory has been the point from which all distances are measured.
Offering amazing views of London and the UNESCO world heritage site below, this scene truly comes alive when the sun goes down and the city is cast in the shadow of its artificial lights.
4. The Copper Horse
Location – Snow Hill, Windsor Great Park.
Under the watchful gaze of this massive bronze statue of George III, the view from The Copper Horse offers an amazing vantage point onto Windsor Castle and the historic town.
Set in picturesque Windsor Great Park, this panorama is surrounded by the beauty of one of Britain’s greatest natural landscapes. As an area of great biodiversity, The Copper Horse is also a unique destination for viewing local wildlife.
Deer roam around the base of the monument and rare birds fly above, making it the perfect location for the eco – conscious traveller.
5. Newlands Corner.
Location - Drove Rd, Newland's Corner, Albury, Guildford GU4 8SE
Just outside of Guildford, Newlands Corner is a quiet scenic viewpoint overlooking the Surrey Hills.
Famous as the spot where Agatha Christie staged her disappearance in 1926, this view has gained new notoriety in recent years for its ancient Yew trees and stunning woodland walks.
We’d recommend visiting in the spring when the surrounding area is covered in a thick layer of bluebells.
6. Reigate Hill
Location - Reigate Hill, Wray Lane, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0HX
Spotted with the remains of ancient castles and forts, Reigate Hill rises peacefully out of the North Downs. Its landscape a patchwork of beautiful meadows and forests all home to some of England’s most precious wildlife.
For the eagle eyed viewer, Reigate Hill also offers commanding views of nearby Gatton Park, a manmade landscape crafted by famous 18th century landscape architect, ‘Capability Brown.’
7. Richmond Park
Location – Sawyer’s Hill, Richmond, TW10 5
A green oasis in a sprawling city, visitors have been drawn for generations to the idyllic country surroundings of Richmond Park.
Famous for its ancient oak trees and some 600 free roaming deer, the park has been designated a National Nature Reserve, home to many of Britain’s rarest and most endangered creatures.
Across its 2000 acres of land, there are many breath-taking views to choose, from King Henry’s Mound and the stunning view of St Paul’s Cathedral, to our personal favourite Sawyer’s Hill, offering an unrivalled viewpoint onto the city.
8. Painshill Park
Location - Portsmouth Rd, Cobham KT11 1AG
Painshill Park, in my opinion, is one of the best places to escape to. The park was created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton, who was inspired by Renaissance art in Europe and made his own little slice of Heaven back home in Surrey. What's more picturesque than this?
9. Leith Hill
Location - near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6LU
Discover this majestic view from the highest point in the South East of England. Spotted with ancient woods and an old tower, a spectacular example of 18th century gothic architecture, this view truly rises above the rest.
From the summit, visitors should be able to make out London to the north and on a clear day, the English Channel in the south.
10. Waverley Abbey
Location - Waverley Ln, Farnham GU9 8EP
Waverley Abbey in Surrey is full of history. It was the very first monastery founded in Britain by the Cistercian religious order and a small group of monks settled here in 1128. Now lay the remains from the 13th-century refectory (you can find out more about the history here).
But, did you know in more recent times, the abbey has been used as a backdrop for the films Elizabeth (1998) and Disney's Into the Woods (2014).
11. Holmbury Hill
Location - Dorking RH5 6NS
Expect not only amazing views but a lovely afternoon walk through the trees within the Surrey Hills. Holmbury Hill is home to a lot of history; it's believed that the Iron Age hillfort dates back to the 1st Century and was constructed by the Belgic tribes of Celts.
12. Hindhead Commons
Location - London Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6AB
Famous Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl provide great views, great walks and a great cycling route, which you can find more details of here. The views are really incredible, and I recommend that you visit - you won't regret it!
13. Hatchlands Park
Location - East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT
Hatchland Park has beautiful gardens surrounding a dainty red-brick country house. A day out walking the grounds makes for a very pleasant, easy afternoon.
It doesn't get any older English country than this! The best time to visit this place is in the autumn, when the leaves are crisp, and the landscape looks like a fire. However, you won't be disappointed if you're a fan of winter landscapes like me!
14. Bushy Park
Location - Hampton Wick, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BZ
Bushy Park is the second largest of London's Royal Parks, the first being Richmond Park. But it's a debate whether it falls in second in terms of its scenic features.
The park is famed for its waterways, gardens and roaming herds of deer. What you may not know is that Bushy Park during WWII was used as a US air base, where General Eisenhower planned the D-Day Landings.
If you’re looking for one angle in particular, we would recommend the breath-taking vista by the ‘Diana Fountain’, a classic 17th century example of Sir Christopher Wren’s best work.
15. St Catherines, River Wey
Location - Wey Kayak Club, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW. Grid ref: SU996511
For me, there's nothing like being close to the water. There's truly nothing more beautiful and relaxing. However, to get this particular view of the River Wey one has to be a little adventurous. But all it takes is a little canoe ride, which makes for a different but fun afternoon.
16. St Martha's Hill
Location - Chilworth, Guildford GU4 8NN
Guildford has some breathtaking walking routes, and St Martha's Hill is one of them. I believe it's a view that cannot be compared to any other. If you're looking for some clarity, take a nice long walk and let your troubles step aside.