Car Hire Kingswood

Kingswood greets you quietly—a village where tall trees line the lanes and the air feels a touch cooler on early mornings. It sits on the edge of the North Downs, between Tadworth and Banstead, with gentle hills rising around it and footpaths running off into woodland. You can drive in easily via the M25 or A217, the roads winding pleasantly through fields and green edges. It’s a place of mindful relaxation from the urban crowds with just shy of 7,000 people living there.

The weather tends to shift quickly—a waterproof layer and walking shoes are a good bet most of the year. Spring suits Kingswood best: wildflowers underfoot, drier trails and that quiet stillness before summer crowds arrive.

Attractions In Kingswood

Expect a mix of quiet green spaces, hilltop views and bits of local history tucked into the landscape. Some spots feel almost hidden—like small parks off residential lanes—while others open out dramatically over the Downs.

Praca Basen Park

Tucked away on Sandy Lane, this little green space doesn’t call attention to itself—it simply waits. There’s not much more than a patch of grass, a few benches and the quiet rustle of leaves but sometimes that’s all you need. Good for a breather, especially after walking the lanes nearby.

The Millennium Stones

Hidden up in Gatton Park, these stones feel older than they are. Each one is carved with a century’s mark—starting at the year 0 and moving forward—and they’re spaced in a slow arc around a shallow rise. The view opens behind them.

We came across them by chance one afternoon, the air still and the pond below catching the light like glass. It’s peaceful there, with only the soft crunch of boots on gravel and the occasional breeze pulling at your jacket. The trail is part of a wider walking route, often followed by those heading toward Redhill.

Reigate Fort

You’ll find Reigate Fort just off Fort Lane, where the path forks between trees and opens out onto the brow of the hill. It’s unassuming at first—a brick gateway and a few old signs—but beyond that are the remains of bunkers and an open field with sweeping views.

Some days, volunteers from the National Trust are around and happy to share the site’s history. We caught one of them just as he was locking up and he gave us a brief, casual tour of the underground rooms. You get the sense the site matters to people—not just historically but personally. There’s something honest in how it’s looked after.

Gun Corner

At the bend where Ebbisham Lane meets Walton Road, there’s a grassy triangle of land known as Gun Corner. Not much to it at first glance—some flower beds, a red phone box—but once you know the story, you notice more.

The gun that once stood here was a gift to the village after the First World War. It’s long gone now but the name remains and local volunteers still tend the flowerbeds. A nice pause if you’re passing through, especially with Tadworth so nearby.

Box Hill Fort

The climb to the fort is a bit of a scramble—steep in places and not well signposted—but there’s a quiet reward at the top. The views stretch far, even as far as Caterham on a clear day.

The fort itself is half overgrown, half hidden in the hill. A few stone walls, darkened entrances, moss clinging to brick. Kids love it and it’s easy to see why. It has that secret-place feel. We brought a flask and sat beneath the trees after walking the perimeter.

The Children’s Trust Grounds

Within the grounds of The Children’s Trust, the gardens are open on weekdays and surprisingly serene. It’s not somewhere you go to be entertained—more the kind of place where you sit quietly and take in your surroundings.

The trees are tall, the paths well-kept and the benches dotted in thoughtful spots. You’ll often see staff or visiting families moving between buildings but the space remains calm and welcoming. Worth stopping by, even briefly.

Preston Children Park

In a quiet corner of the Preston estate, this park does double duty: a space to play and a place to gather. The equipment is modest but well used and if you’re lucky, the local scooter workshop might be open—they’ve got a knack for pulling kids into their projects.

We chatted with one of the volunteers fixing up a ride-on, while a small group tinkered nearby. It’s the kind of grassroots community space that stays warm even on a grey day. Families often loop through here on the way from Ashtead or Epsom.

Surrey Hills National Landscape

This is the real draw: the hills themselves. Kingswood sits right on the shoulder of the Surrey Hills and from Box Hill you can take in that layered view—green on green, fading into the blue of distance.

We followed a path along the ridge, then dipped into a hollow near the stream. The kids rolled down the bank; we laid out some lunch on a low wooden bench. The air always feels different here—cleaner, quieter. We passed a couple of hikers heading back toward Coulsdon as the light softened behind them.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley has the name of a cartoon and the heart of a proper wild walk. The trails are soft underfoot, winding between chalk grassland and clumps of ancient trees. Come autumn, the colours are rich—copper, gold and damp bark browns.

It’s quiet enough to hear birdsong clearly. One of the side tracks leads to a lookout you’ll probably miss the first time—but that makes it even better when you do find it.

Headley Heath

On a fine day, Headley Heath fills with walkers, dogs and the occasional troop of ramblers in matching waterproofs. But it never feels busy. There’s space to spread out—woodlands in one direction, open heath in another.

We stopped by the snack van near the main car park (tea, flapjacks and a bacon roll if you’re lucky) and followed the orange route across the scrub. Plenty of shaded spots if you want a quiet sit, especially near the southern loop. A good end point if you’re walking from Banstead.

Simpson Memorial

The path up Reigate Hill narrows near the memorial, with just enough signage to find it if you’re paying attention. The stone sits tucked beneath some trees—nothing elaborate but you don’t need much when the view beside it opens so wide.

It was muddy on our visit and we had to edge around a patch of brambles but once you reach it, the silence is striking.

Surrey Iron Railway Memorial

In Merstham, along Quality Street, you’ll find a quiet stone marking the route of what was once Britain’s earliest public railway. It’s easy to miss—just a simple sign and slab near a wall—but it carries the weight of industrial history.

We passed it on the way to lunch in Reigate. It’s not a destination in itself but worth a moment’s pause if you’re nearby and curious about how the region once moved.

Where To Pause In Kingswood

Kingswood doesn’t overwhelm with options but what it offers is comfortable, welcoming and close at hand. The Waterhouse Café, just along Waterhouse Lane, is a quiet favourite for locals—known for its strong coffee, generous slices of cake and an easygoing, homely feel. It’s the kind of place where you might end up staying longer than planned.

For something more substantial, The Kingswood Arms sits just up the road. This traditional pub serves hearty British classics and has a warm, relaxed dining room that works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a quiet evening out.

If you’re staying overnight, The Lodge at Kingswood offers boutique accommodation within the golf club grounds. Surrounded by trees and just a short drive from the village centre, it’s a peaceful spot to settle in after a day exploring the Downs.