Car Hire Ashtead

Ashtead sits on the northern slopes of the Surrey Hills, surrounded by greenbelt and well-positioned for drivers using the A24. Around 14,000 people live here. The climate is mild year-round, with spring through early autumn offering the most reliable weather for outdoor activities. Pack walking shoes and layers, as conditions can shift. The village is known for its green spaces, historical commons and annual events like Ashtead Village Day, which draws strong local turnout each June.

Attractions In Ashtead

Ashtead is a calm, green place that’s easy to enjoy. There aren’t big attractions or busy crowds—just open spaces, woodland walks and quiet corners to explore.

Ashtead Park

Just behind the high street, Ashtead Park is a natural mix of meadow, woodland and a large duck pond. It’s ideal for short walks or a sit-down on one of the shaded benches. We found it especially quiet in the late morning.

Open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm (10 am on Sundays), it’s a relaxed place to begin your visit—peaceful and close enough to walk to from most of the village.

Langley Vale Centenary Wood

On the south-eastern edge of the village, this 640-acre site honours those who served in the First World War. It’s one of four national centenary woods planted by the Woodland Trust. With wide trails, young trees and striking views, the landscape still feels new but meaningful.

A favourite with walkers from Tadworth, it opens from 7 am and rewards early starts with open skies and quiet ground.

Flag Pond

A small, still body of water tucked into Ashtead Common, Flag Pond is one of those hyper-local places you’d miss unless you knew where to look. We stepped off the main trail and came upon it by chance—reeds, dragonflies and the sound of nothing but wind in the trees.

Locals from Ewell often mention it as a quiet moment worth making time for.

Ashtead Common

This is the village’s defining green space. A National Nature Reserve with over 200 hectares of ancient woodland and grassland, Ashtead Common is criss-crossed by well-worn trails, some gravel, others muddy depending on the season.

We entered via Woodlands Road and wandered without any particular aim—perfect if you enjoy letting the path choose the pace. It’s open 24 hours and rarely feels crowded, even on weekends.

Broadwood’s Tower

We were tipped off to this one by friends in Bookham. Broadwood’s Tower stands just outside the village, hidden among woodland above the Mole Valley. It’s a short, slightly steep walk up.

Once there, you’ll find a squat 19th-century tower and wide views through the trees. It’s rarely busy and the unmarked path gives it a low-key, secret feel.

Rosebery Park

Located in central Epsom, this is a tidy, traditional town park with open lawn, a duck pond and seasonal flower beds. We grabbed sandwiches nearby and sat under the trees before heading to the shops.

It’s compact but its central location and year-round access make it a solid pick for a short break. Open 24 hours.

Chessington World Of Adventures Resort

Chessington is the high-energy contrast to Ashtead’s calm. This major theme park combines rollercoasters, zoo enclosures and seasonal events like Halloween trails and splash areas in summer.

Families from Banstead seem to make a full day of it. Crowds can build fast, so we’d recommend arriving before 10 am.

Epsom Common

More open than Ashtead Common, this green stretch links well with nearby walking routes and neighbourhood paths. We joined from Richmond Crescent and looped down past Stamford Green.

Good space for dog walkers and the wider trails make it easy for joggers too. Regulars from Kingswood know it well.

Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve

Nower Wood is run by Surrey Wildlife Trust and only open by appointment. It’s mainly used for education and guided woodland walks.

We visited during one of their open days and found the team both welcoming and deeply knowledgeable. A compact site with ancient trees and clear teaching areas—ideal if you want to learn something as well as stretch your legs.

Norbury Park

West of Ashtead, Norbury Park is a larger countryside space with meadows, riverside sections and long-established trails. The main car park off Young Street gives good access and from there you can choose short or long loops depending on the time you have.

Approaching from Cobham, we found it an easy stop-off before heading further into the Surrey Hills.

A Break Worth Taking

Ashtead has a steady, easygoing pace. We began our visit at The Rye Café & Juice Bar—small, relaxed and tucked into Barnett Wood Lane. It’s a handy stop for coffee before heading into the commons or out for a drive.

For dinner, Himalayan Kitchen on The Street serves well-spiced Nepalese dishes with quick service. It’s popular with locals and our takeaway order was still hot by the time we got back to the car.

If you’re staying the night, Leatherhead‘s Beaverbrook Hotel & Spa offers a peaceful base with countryside views and well-reviewed dining. We left feeling like a return visit wouldn’t need much planning—just the right shoes and a bit of open time.