Make a
Day of it

Botley Hill Farmhouse is located among a wealth of cultural sights and sweeping Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty countryside, which is just waiting to be explored via the North Downs Way. Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do in the local area. We'll be waiting with a refreshing drink and a delicious snack when you come back!

Local

Walks

At approximately 267 meters (876 feet) above sea level, the area surrounding Botley Hill Farmhouse has some of the best views over the breathtaking Surrey countryside. A cycle and pedestrian path runs from Chelsham to Botley Hill Farmhouse alongside the farms and open fields. Along the route you can look down across London and the Thames valley. You can also enjoy walks through 500 acres of woodland on the Titsey Estate for most of the year. 

Down

House

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.

Golf

Courses

If you love pristine fairways and glorious greens, you’re spoiled for choice in this area. Get in the swing at the likes of Woldingham Golf Club, North Downs Golf Club near Woldingham, Park Wood Golf Club in Tatsfield, Godstone Golf Club, Tandridge Golf Club near Oxted, Limpsfield Chart Golf Club, Westerham Golf Club, Farleigh Golf Club and The Addington near Croydon. The area is perfect for a golf holiday, and you could always book a stay in our North Downs Shepherd Huts.

titsey

place

The former seat of the Gresham and Leveson-Gower families, Titsey Place is an historic manor house near Oxted which is especially noted for its fine art collection, including works by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Canaletto. See one of the greatest surviving examples of Victorian horticulture in the restored gardens and find the remains of a Roman villa in the parkland. Titsey Place also provides the inspiration for the names of the beers from our neighbours, Titsey Brewing Co.

Biggin

Hill

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.

Garden

Visits

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.

North

Downs

Botley Hill forms the highest point of the North Downs Way, which runs from the Hog's Back near Guildford to the cliffs of Folkestone and Deal in Kent. The North Downs Way largely follows the Pilgrims' Way, an ancient pilgrimage route between Winchester and Canterbury, and offers more than 150 miles of scenic walks through stunning countryside. Attractions along the way include Waverley Abbey, Farnham Castle, Rochester Castle, Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral.

Limpsfield

Common

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.

Our sister

inn

Only a 25 minute drive across the Kent border from Botley Hill Farmhouse, The Castle Inn is a grade II* listed building. Dating back to the early 15th century, its historic features include the fireplaces, tiled floors, oak panelling and bars. It is located in Chiddingstone, a National Trust village considered to be one of the best-preserved Tudor villages in Britain. There are a number of wonderful tourist attractions to visit nearby, including Chiddingstone Castle, Hever Castle and Penshurst Place. 

Ightham

Mote

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.

Quebec

House

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.

Squerryes

Court

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.

St Mary's

Church

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.

Knole

House

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.

Chartwell

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.