What is it? Gentle rolling hills dotted with orchids, orchards and long winding rivers. Get there: Around 50 minutes by train from Waterloo to Dorking Station. That’s if you can drag yourself away from the roll top bath. As an added bonus, the National Trust-run cottage allows guests free use of the on-site croquet courts and gardens out of hours, and entry to the main house for free. Stay here: Book the Garden Cottage, surrounded by formal grounds on the estate of grand Edwardian retreat Polesden Lacey. There’s Michelin-starred Sorrel restaurant, incredible antiques stores, and bags of independent character. There’s a huge choice of destinations on offer, but for starters, go for Box Hill and follow the three-mile butterfly walk.ĭon’t miss: The Georgian market town of Dorking is the perfect base to explore the surrounding hills. The area goes big on walking and trail running – both of which make the most of outstanding scenery.

Why go? Even the reluctant day-tripper can get on board with the Surrey Hills, a convenient green getaway that visitors can reach in under an hour. What is it? A pretty patch of verdant countryside that’s surprisingly easy to reach from London. Get there: Around 45 minutes from London Bridge to Tunbridge Wells, which has bus services out into the High Weald countryside. Choose from the fairytale Meadow Keeper’s Cottage, complete with log burner and stable door, or the luxe Roundhouse with a wood-fired hot tub. Stay here: Cabins don’t get much cuter than those nestled in the 40 acres of gardens belonging to Swallowtail Hill. Steam train experiences include murder mysteries and afternoon tea, all while being hauled through the picturesque countryside by a steam or diesel engine. ĭon’t miss: A trip along the Spa Valley Railway. Despite enjoying a relaxed pace of life, the area also has a bumper line up of events throughout the year, from a popular walking festival to vineyard tours. Why go? Whether you want to wander the pretty woodland walks, scale the sandstone crags of Harrison’s Rocks, or pedal along the 22km of cycle tracks in Bedgebury Forest, High Weald packs a lot into its patch of south east England. What is it? A charming medieval landscape with a lively events calendar.

Romantic natural beautiful scenery