Car Hire Godstone

We pulled into Godstone early one spring, the roads still damp from overnight rain. Set in eastern Surrey and close to both the M25 and A25, the village is quietly tucked between hills and open fields. With its 6,000 residents, it’s not showy but it rewards those who give it time.

Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, especially with boots in the boot and a spare jacket at the ready. The village green hosts occasional events and the slower pace is something locals from Reigate and Redhill seem to appreciate. It’s a place where the day gently unfolds.

Attractions In Godstone

What stood out most during our visit was how naturally everything seemed to unfold. One moment we were walking through sun-dappled woodland and the next we were beside still water, the only sounds a couple of ducks and the breeze moving the leaves.

Godstone Farm

We started at the farm because, frankly, it’s hard to resist a place that smells faintly of hay and serves fresh scones. The whole space was thoughtfully laid out. Goats chewed contentedly in their pens, kids darted through soft play tunnels and more than a few parents looked genuinely relaxed. The animals looked well cared for and happy and everything felt welcoming without being overly polished.

We stayed longer than we thought we would. Between the tractor rides and the piglet dash, it was a full afternoon. It’s open daily from 9:30am to 4:45pm and with over 2,700 reviews behind it, it’s clearly a favourite for many.

Godstone Ponds

Later in the day, we wandered down to the village green and found ourselves by the ponds. Ducks and geese drifted slowly across the surface and benches around the edge gave us a good place to stop. People from Lingfield were there too, leaning against railings and keeping an eye on toddlers who kept edging a little too close to the water. It wasn’t fancy but it was peaceful and just what we needed.

Tilburstow Hill

If you like walking with some elevation, this is your spot. We parked near Rabies Heath Road and took a trail through the woods. It was quiet and soft underfoot, with only the occasional rustle in the branches above. Wildflowers were just beginning to open. We passed maybe three people in the space of an hour. It’s a regular choice for walkers from Coulsdon and we could see why.

The White Hart Barn

We heard it before we saw it. The soft hum of voices and shuffling feet came from inside and sure enough, the barn was buzzing. Tables were set up for an antiques fair. There were stacks of books, faded glassware and more enamel teapots than you’d think could fit in one room. This timber-framed building is a community hub, hosting everything from talks to local music nights. People from Warlingham had come over for the fair and we ended up chatting to a couple about vintage kitchen scales.

The Hundred’s Knoll

We weren’t looking for this one. A handwritten sign near Tandridge Hill Lane pointed us toward it. The path curved up a small grassy rise and there it was. Quiet and oddly powerful. There’s no plaque or fence. Just a spot that has stood still for centuries. On the drive back toward Oxted, we agreed it was one of the unexpected favourites.

Godstone Vineyards

It’s not obvious from the road but tucked along Quarry Road is the vineyard. Rows of vines stretched out and there was a simple café with tables looking across the hills. The atmosphere was slow and personal. Locals from Smallfield treat it like a weekend secret. We followed their circular walk through the countryside, then came back for sparkling wine and a shared platter of cheese. It felt like a small reward at the end of a day well spent.

Godstone Emporium

From the outside, it looked like a typical village shop. Inside, it felt more like a treasure hunt. Shelves were stacked with old postcards, brass fixtures and kitchenware from every era. If you’re coming from Caterham, it’s worth the short drive. We left with a biscuit tin shaped like a cottage and absolutely no regrets.

Whitehill Tower

This place took us by surprise. The tower looked like it hadn’t been touched in decades. Ivy had crept into every crack and a slight lean made us wonder how it was still standing. We found it off Stanstead Road and stood there for a while, quietly taking it in. There were no signs or explanations. Just an old, beautiful structure that felt both forgotten and significant.

Old Village Pump

We almost walked past it. The old pump stands by the roadside in Bletchingley, a simple marker of another time. People used to come here for water. Now it’s just a quiet reminder. We liked that it hadn’t been made into anything more than what it was.

Pendell House

We saw it from the lane. Large, symmetrical and still lived in. The kind of house you imagine having a drawing room and stories in the walls. We couldn’t go inside but that didn’t matter. We paused, admired the brickwork and moved on. Sometimes seeing something from the outside is enough.

After The Stroll: Where To Eat, Browse And Unwind

Once we’d explored the lanes, trails and tucked-away spots, we found ourselves ready for something warm and familiar. The Hare & Hounds, which has been standing here for over 400 years, gave us exactly that. Inside, the low beams and quiet corners made it easy to settle in. The menu was straightforward and comforting and the garden outside looked like the perfect place to sit when the weather plays along. There’s even a wood-burning stove for those colder months when you want to linger a little longer.

The next day, we drifted just beyond the village centre and ended up back at Godstone Vineyards. Their café terrace served charcuterie and local cheeses with a view that stretched calmly across open countryside. We weren’t in a hurry. With a glass of English sparkling wine in hand and barely a sound around us, it felt like time had paused for a while.

Occasionally, The Green hosts markets and pop-up stalls, though it’s worth checking ahead if you’re hoping to catch one. For longer stays, there are a few bed and breakfasts nearby, along with self-catering cottages and small inns dotted along the quieter streets. Most are just a short walk from everything you’ll want to revisit.