Are you a Londoner looking for an easy day-trip out of the city?
Or maybe you just want to explore the south-east of England?
Well you’re in luck, because we’ve gone and planned a whole family day out for you.
It’s a 60 mile trip down to the South Downs from central London (that’s about 2 hours and 30 minutes – we’ve checked), but there’s plenty to see while you’re driving down the A3.
Our itinerary will take you on a whistle-stop tour of Surrey and Sussex, dropping in at nature reserves, pubs and even a spa.
So round up your family, pack some snacks, and head off on your road-trip adventure.
Safe journey!
Eat at…The Stag On The River
When hunger hits, do your belly a favour and stop at The Stag On The River, a charming 17th-century pub on the River Wey in Lower Eashing.
Even the bar snacks are a cut above the rest with proper pork scratchings flavoured with paprika and fennel (£2.75), and smoked duck fat roast potatoes with a chicken fat gravy dip (£4.75).
Meanwhile, hand-pressed chicken pies, braised beef cheek and Brick Lane fish curry (mains from £14.50) are just example of the culinary delights on offer.
And if it all gets too much, there are seven rather charming, oak-beamed rooms upstairs to snooze in.
Drink at…The Mitre, Richmond
Victorian London certainly knew how to build a good pub and The Mitre on St Mary’s Grove in Richmond is a fine example of a classic west London boozer.
Originally a coach house in the 1800s, it’s retained its Victorian appeal with huge arched windows and colourful stained glass, but it’s the impressive selection of craft ale and cider, cosy Chesterfields, real fires and live music that makes it special.
And the Naples-style pizza from Rudi’s Pizza Kitchen really seals the
deal, making it the perfect place to hunker down on a drizzly afternoon.
Unwind at…Pennyhill Park, Guildford
If you’re going to retreat from the world, then do it in style at Pennyhill Park, an award-winning country house hotel and spa in Guildford.
It’s centred on a vast state-of-the art spa with both indoor and outdoor heated pools, all manner of hydrotherapy experiences and thermal circuits with laconiums, tepidariums and even a mud room to play in.
While the expansive ballroom pool features underwater music and fibre-optic lighting for the ultimate relaxing experience.
Walk along…The Devil’s Punch Bowl, Latter half of route
The Devil’s Punch Bowl is an area off the old A3 London-Portsmouth road and is a great place to stretch those cloven hooves.
Stacked with legend and myth, it’s apparently where the devil lobbed a massive lump of mud at Thor, god of thunder, which formed the bowl-shaped dent in the earth.
The 3.5-mile walking route that circumnavigates the bowl has an eerie appeal, especially in winter, and is said to have been the inspiration behind Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound Of The Baskervilles.
Visit…Box Hill, Near Dorking
Rumour has it that there’s a local by-law stating that you can’t pass through Surrey without climbing Box Hill.
As Surrey’s most popular beauty spot, Box Hill offers a variety of walking trails suitable for all abilities, including the Stepping Stones walk and the Natural Play Trail, which has some cracking trees for nippers to climb.
But the very best view is from the summit of Box Hill, which sweeps over both the North and South Downs, and along the River Mole.
See aliens at…Horsell Common, Between Richmond and Woking
Remember in The War Of The Worlds when the alien tripods wreaked havoc on Horsell Common?
Well, you can revisit that extraterrestrial fear at The Martian, a Wellsian art installation by sculptor Michael Condron.
Installed in 1998 and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the H G Wells masterpiece The War Of The Worlds, Condron’s The Martian is a spindly chrome tripod, which stands seven metres tall and seems to survey the area as it marches ominously through Woking town centre.
Take a pic at…Lovelace Bridges, Near Guildford
Looking like an uncovered corner of Middle-earth from that marvellous fantasy The Hobbit, Lovelace Bridges in East Horsley has a real Tolkien appeal about it.
The series of horseshoe-shaped bridges was built by the first Earl of Lovelace in order to transport logs easily through his East Horsley Estate. Originally there were 15 bridges built out of flint.
Ten remain, with names like Dorking Arch, Robin Hood and Troy, and all can be ticked off along the pretty six-mile trail. It’s highly recommended for a good walk.
Don’t miss…Winkworth Arboretum
Founded by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1938 and now owned by the National Trust, the Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming boasts more than a thousand species of trees.
A spectacular sight all-year-round, it is especially beautiful during autumn and winter. Wander though the Winter Garden and Holly Walk, stop off for a breather at the boathouse and see the trees reflected on the lake.
And children will adore the Tree Adventure, an awesome playground.
Detour to…Bushy Park, Hampton
Located next to Royal Bushy Park, Hampton Pool is a rare treat on a bright winter’s day and well worth a detour off the busy A3.
Keeping a year-round temperature of an almost balmy 28 degrees, the 36-metre pool has steam rising off it in winter and keen dippers can even swim under the light of the silvery moon once a month.
Open 365 days a year, the open-air lido celebrates its centenary this year and there’s no finer place for a winter dip. So pack your swimming cozzie and enjoy!
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