Sometimes life in London becomes a little too much to bare; there is only so many armpit-to-face scenarios that one can take before feeling the need to flee to the countryside. But a woodland escape need not to be a far-flung, far-fetched plan, there are plenty of glorious outdoorsy adventures to be had right on the Capital’s doorstep. In my series of easy day trips from London, here’s the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Surrey.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl, Surrey
The Devil’s Punch Bowl, a National Trust site located in Hindshead, Surrey, is the perfect place to fill your lungs full of fresh air, rather than the fumes of the 188 bus. By car, it is around three-quarters of an hour from London and parking is available either through the National Trust (for a fee) or free on Gorse Hill. By public transport, a 45 minute train from Waterloo will take you to Haslemere station, where there are regular buses into Hindhead.
The route around the Punch Bowl is what you make it; I used this plan from Fancy Free Walks as my inspiration, but the free National Trust maps that you can collect on arrival give ample direction and the routes are heavily sign–posted so it’s up to you how many steps you want to rack up on your FitBit! A leisurely 5 miles took us around 2 hours, after which I felt rosy–cheeked and refreshed, whilst simultaneously justified in going home and getting my slob–on in front of Gilmour Girls.
The National Trust cafe isn’t worth a visit; the cake and coffee was a bit rubbish and the place felt messy and disorganised.
How to Get There
By Car: put Gorse Hill in your satnav or Google Maps
By Public Transport: take the train from Waterloo to Haslemere and then a bus to Hindhead. You can find train times and tickets online.
Take
Water, your camera, your pal, your four-legged fur-baby, wellies or walking boots and a bit of enthusiasm for the hilly areas!
Visit the National Trust site on the Devil’s Punch Bowl here
See more of my London posts here!
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