Deepdene House (site of)

Nothing remains above ground of Thomas Hope's grand Regency mansion, demolished in the 1960s after decades of decline. What you'll find instead is an overgrown archaeological site where foundations and garden terraces hint at what was once one of Surrey's most spectacular country houses. The location itself is stunning - perched on the slopes above Tadworth with views across the Surrey Hills that explain why Hope chose this spot in 1807.

History enthusiasts will get the most from a visit here, particularly those with imagination to picture the elaborate Italianate gardens and conservatories that once graced these hillsides. Dog walkers use the informal paths that weave through the site, though there's no official interpretation or signage to help visitors understand what they're looking at.

Allow an hour if you're genuinely interested in the story, though there's honestly not much to see beyond earthworks and the odd bit of Victorian brickwork poking through the bracken. The approach from Tadworth is straightforward enough, and it's free to wander about - mainly because there's no one to stop you.

For families staying at nearby Surrey Hills holiday parks, this makes a decent leg-stretch rather than a destination in its own right. Combine it with a proper walk through the surrounding National Trust land at Box Hill for a more satisfying day out.