Discover Banstead: Heath, Woodland and Historic Traces

Banstead combines open landscapes, ancient woodland and an unusually large number of historic traces. Anyone wishing to combine nature experiences and culture on a trip will find a variety of options for planning each day: from walks across Banstead Commons and paths through Banstead Woods to monuments and church art. When looking for a holiday let in Banstead, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus primarily on outdoor activities, historical discoveries or a mixture of both.

Heathland, commons and woodland paths

Banstead Commons are open to everyone for recreation. In addition, there is Banstead Heath, which is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. The landscape includes traditional heathland, acidic grassland meadows and areas of secondary woodland. Banstead Heath also has more than eight miles of bridleways and permitted riding routes. These different landscape features give your trip a varied character, without requiring you to commit to just one type of excursion.

For a shorter outing, the Narnia Trail in Banstead Woods is a good option. It starts at the Holly Lane car park, Holly Lane, Banstead, Surrey CR5 3NR, takes about half an hour and is largely suitable for pushchairs. However, some paths are gravelled and have steep slopes. The approximate duration, along with the information about surfaces and inclines, can be helpful when planning days out with younger children, allowing you to alternate between shorter and longer activities. Anyone planning more time for a walk can consider the 3-mile (5-kilometre) circular route through 250 acres of ancient woodland.

History between Banstead Downs and Banstead Woods

The landscape also tells stories of earlier times away from the paths. The four Gally Hills on Banstead Downs are historic monuments and rare examples of Anglo-Saxon hlaews, meaning burial mounds or barrows. In the Middle Ages, Banstead Woods was a deer park where royal red deer were kept; the area was enclosed in 1439. Today, Banstead Woods is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is managed by the council in accordance with Natural England guidelines.

Further historical and cultural points of interest can be found in the local history. The site of a Roman villa near Chussex Plain is located on Banstead Heath. At the Church of All Saints in Banstead, the west windows contain designs by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris. Anyone wishing to discover not only landscapes but also history, architecture and art during a holiday can incorporate these themes specifically into their travel plans.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

For active days outdoors, it makes sense to establish your preferred pace first when choosing accommodation: should the focus be on the short Narnia Trail, a longer circular walk or a combination of nature and cultural destinations? The annual programmes of guided walks by the Banstead Commons Conservators provide another reason to consider the commons as part of your travel plans. Banstead Downs Golf Club adds an option for travellers wishing to include a par-71 course measuring just under 6,600 yards.

For further guidance, you can also explore Chertsey, Chilworth, Dorking, Leatherhead, Ripley, Hindhead, Burpham and Bramley.

For the overarching travel overview: Surrey.