Welcome to Botley Hill Farmhouse, a historic 16th-century country inn perched at the highest point of the North Downs Way. Located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our farmhouse offers panoramic views, legendary sunset suppers, and a rich history connected to the historic Tudor merchant dynasty, the Gresham family. Whether you are cycling down from London for a weekend challenge, hiking across the spectacular Surrey Hills, or simply looking for a beautiful country escape, we are the perfect basecamp. Discover the best things to see and do around us.
The famous North Downs Way National Trail stretches 153 miles from Surrey all the way to the white cliffs of Dover, and Botley Hill Farmhouse sits directly on the trail at its highest vantage point. This unique location makes our inn a natural and welcome place for hikers looking to rest and refuel. A perfect day itinerary involves enjoying a meal at the farmhouse, wandering out along the ridge of the downs to soak in breathtaking valley views, dropping by the nearby Titsey Taproom for a halfway pint, and looping back to us just in time for a glass of wine on our sunset terrace. You can also enjoy walks through 500 acres of woodland on the Titsey Estate for most of the year.
Just a 20 minute drive from Botley Hill Farmhouse, you'll find Down House in Kent, which has a unique place in the history of science and evolution. The family home of world-renowned scientist Charles Darwin, it is a must-see English Heritage attraction when visiting this area. You can stand in the study where Darwin wrote 'On the Origin of Species' and listen to a Sir David Attenborough led interactive multimedia tour to learn more about how Darwin’s ground-breaking theories were developed.
There are several excellent courses within easy reach of Botley Hill Farmhouse. Westerham Golf Club is well worth a mention, with its award-winning 27-hole course, while Woldingham Golf Club offers a challenging par 71 course stretching over 6,000 yards from the yellow tees. Built on a chalk base with excellent natural drainage and USGA specification greens, it offers the opportunity for year-round play. For something a little different, Limpsfield Chart Golf Club is a par 70, 9-hole course with 18 different tees. Established over 130 years ago, the course retains many of its original features and offers a great way to enjoy a round in beautiful surroundings. Park Wood Golf Club is another nearby option with an 18-hole course and impressive views across the surrounding countryside.
Drink in the history and heritage of the Titsey Estate, one of the largest surviving historic estates in Surrey, located immediately on our surrounding grounds. Its story dates back to 1535 when the prosperous Tudor merchant Sir John Gresham acquired the manor. Open to the public from mid-May to September, visitors can take a guided tour of the stunning manor house to view an exquisite collection of fine art—including an acclaimed set of four Canaletto paintings—explore beautifully restored formal gardens, and discover vibrant Victorian horticulture. While the house is seasonal, the estate's miles of dedicated parkland and peaceful woodland walks are open all year round. They showcase the quintessential English countryside, making a stroll through the estate a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon before heading back to the farmhouse for dinner.
A former RAF base, London Biggin Hill Airport is just 12 miles from the heart of London and is now a commercial regional airport. One of Britain’s oldest aerodromes, you can visit the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum and St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance there. It is famously home to the annual Biggin Hill Festival of Flight Air Show every August. In 2020, this festival will give way to a public event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and The Hardest Day.
As well as the wonderful hidden Surrey gem, Titsey Place, which is right on our doorstep, there are a number of gardens that open up through the National Garden Scheme (NGS) at various times throughout the year. These include Chauffeur's Flat in Tandridge, The Chalet in Caterham, 57 Westhall Road in Warlingham, Southlands Lodge and The Bothy in Oxted and The Old Rectory in Bletchingley, among others. Tatsfield Gardens Tour and Woldingham Open Gardens usually run in June too.
Following the ancient route taken by medieval travelers to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, the historic Pilgrims' Way intersects our local trail networks and remains a firm favourite for long-distance walkers and cross-country cyclists alike. We regularly welcome individual riders and local cycling clubs escaping the busy streets of London. The challenging climbs up the Surrey Hills are instantly rewarded with pristine country lanes, panoramic ridge views, and a fast, sweeping descent down our scenic local pathways. Whether you are tackling a multi-day trek or a weekend ride, Botley Hill Farmhouse makes the perfect milestone stop to refuel with a hearty meal and a refreshing drink.
Did you know that if you head to the National Trust managed Ridlands Grove at Limpsfield Common, you can walk a free nature trail with your family that visits Peter Rabbit’s Post Office, Fox Villa and Badger Barracks, among other child-friendly highlights in the woods. It’s only about a 10 minute drive from Botley Hill Farmhouse. Ridlands Grove is just off Ridlands Lane, which is about half a mile south of the A25 on the B269 (Kent Hatch Road) heading towards Edenbridge from Oxted.
Enjoy a pint in the fields at Titsey Brewing Co. & Taproom. Take a short stroll from our car park to visit our close friends at the Titsey Brewing Co. & Taproom, located just one mile away via a gentle, scenic walk straight across the open fields. As a small, independent brewery operating right on the Kent and Surrey border, they craft traditional ales and authentic lagers with a distinctly adventurous spirit. Open four days a week, the taproom welcomes everyone and serves up fresh coffee, hearty brunch, lunch and early evening food. You can also sample their locally celebrated beers, like the Gower Wolf bitter or Gresham Hopper, right here on tap at Botley Hill Farmhouse, as their brew names are deeply rooted in the history of the surrounding estate.
This moated manor house near Sevenoaks is owned by the National Trust and dates back to the 14th century. Discover its courtyard, Great Hall, crypt, Tudor painted ceiling and even a Grade I listed dog kennel. You can also enjoy the gardens and their orchard, lakes and woodland.
Another National Trust property, Quebec House was the childhood home of General James Wolfe, who won America for the British at the Battle of Quebec in 1759. The house appears as it did in the 18th century when Wolfe lived here with his family, including Mrs Wolfe's gardens.
Built in 1681, Squerryes Court has been in the Warde family since 1731, and it is they who are responsible for restoring the Victorian and 16th century gardens and have preserved the art, furniture, porcelain and tapestry collections. Events run in the gardens on selected days of the year.
This Grade II listed church dates back to the 11th century and may have been built by William the Conqueror's half-brother. Situated just half a mile from the Pilgrims Way, it is believed pilgrims may have taken communion through the low quatre foil window in the south wall on their way to the shrine of Thomas a Becket at Canterbury.
This grand former archbishop's palace near Sevenoaks has been in the hands of the Sackville family since 1603. An outstanding art collection includes works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyck. The surrounding medieval deer park is open year-round.
The family home of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill, Chartwell near Westerham is filled with the artefacts of one of Britain's most famous leaders. View the largest collection of paintings by Churchill, and meet Chartwell's famous cat, Jock.