Car Hire Albury

Small, wooded and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it—Albury rewards the curious more than the hurried. Set deep in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it lies between historic trails and patchwork farmland, easily reached by car along the A25. Its population count is on the lower end, just little north of 1000.

Spring brings wildflowers to the hedgerows, while crisp autumn skies make it ideal for walking. Weather shifts quickly here, so a good coat and walking boots won’t go amiss. We’ve often paired it with lunch in Dorking or a quiet drive south through Godalming—routes where the scenery feels like part of the destination.

Attractions In Albury

Albury’s interest lies in its texture: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the sudden view over a treeline, the shift from pasture to woodland. It’s a place of smaller discoveries, rarely crowded and all the better for it.

Shere Viewpoint

We nearly walked straight past this one—just a subtle rise along the North Downs Way, where the path opened suddenly to a clearing that looks out toward Shere.

Sit for a moment and the view south slowly reveals itself. No railings, no fuss—just the land, still and wide. Ideal near sunset. Open 24 hours.

Newlands Corner

Park up, stretch your legs and walk straight into some of the best countryside Surrey has to offer. This spot draws a lot of interest from walkers based in Bookham, thanks to its sweeping views and easy access to trails.

There’s a café, public toilets and enough open space to lose yourself without going far. Open 24 hours.

The Optohedron By Will Nash

An unexpected moment of modern art in the middle of the woods. This brushed steel dome, studded with kaleidoscopic lenses, distorts your view of the forest in strange and clever ways.

It’s tucked among felled logs with a bench nearby—no plaque, no guide, just something curious to stumble upon.

Albury Vineyard

Tucked beneath the chalky slope near Silent Pool, this biodynamic vineyard is a quiet highlight of the area. We tried a glass of their award-winning rosé in the barn before walking the short trail between vines.

It’s an easy first stop if you’re coming from town—and hard to leave without taking a bottle home.

Deer Trail

East of the main car park at Newlands Corner, this looping path draws you into softer woodland. It’s unofficial, lightly worn and alive with birdsong.

Look carefully in the clearings—we saw a flash of deer before it vanished into the trees. The route takes about an hour if you’re not in a rush.

The Warren

A sunken lane so narrow and steep-edged, it feels more tunnel than path. Once a link between Albury and its heath, it’s now a favourite for walkers who want something a little offbeat.

Midway through, there’s a break in the trees—we stood there for a while, just watching the wind in the fields.

Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

This quietly atmospheric ruin is easy to miss but worth the detour. While heading in from Cranleigh, we pulled off the main road and followed signs into woodland.

You’ll find moss-covered wheels, old watercourses and the remains of a once-busy 17th-century site. Open 24 hours.

Shere Hill Climb

A popular annual event tucked between villages, where vintage and sports cars race a short hill climb course. We caught it one sunny September while driving over from Ripley.

The atmosphere was friendly, the crowds relaxed and the cars unexpectedly close. It’s as much about conversation as speed.

Shere Well And Water Fountain

Along Middle Street, past stone cottages and hanging baskets, you’ll find this old water source. It’s decorative now, framed by pots and tucked in beneath the trees but once served the whole village.

You’ll likely hear the church bells before you spot it. A nice halfway point between the pubs.

Site Of Roman Temple

A faint outline of stone in the earth, this Roman site is as understated as it gets—and all the more intriguing for it.

Approaching through a stand of trees from the direction of Hindhead, we paused where the forest light changed and saw the faint square appear in the moss. Open 24 hours.

Abinger Hammer Clock

There’s a gentle rhythm to this small green in the village of Abinger. Every hour, Jack the Hammer strikes the bell below the clock face—something we timed perfectly after a slow breakfast coming from Leatherhead.

It’s small but oddly satisfying. Open 24 hours.

National Trust – Hatchlands Park

Just east of Guildford, this Georgian estate offers big skies and even bigger trees.

The house itself contains an unexpected trove—historic keyboards and pianos once played by everyone from Chopin to Marie Antoinette. Outside, we found a second-hand bookshop, decent coffee and wide paths perfect for kids or dogs. Open daily, 10am–5pm.

Samuel Wilberforce Memorial

Tucked into the woodland of Abinger Roughs, this modest memorial marks the site of a tragic riding accident in 1873.

There’s not much signage but the walk itself—bracken-lined, quiet underfoot—is its own reason to visit. A fittingly peaceful end to a day on foot.

Where To Pause In Albury

You’ll find no chains or crowds in Albury—just local gems with time to spare. The Drummond sits just off the main road, serving honest pub food with seasonal touches and a pint that’s properly poured. Kinghams in Shere is more refined: linen napkins, local venison and a wine list that knows what it’s doing.

For a scenic stay, the route out toward Chilworth brings you to The Percy Arms—rooms above a smart pub and the kind of breakfast that sets you up for another loop around the hills. One route we loved connects the vineyard, Shere viewpoint and Deer Trail—all in one leisurely half-day.