Gatton Park

The grounds at Gatton Park sweep down from the village towards Redhill with the sort of understated grandeur you don't always expect from Surrey. What was once a country estate is now a nature reserve, and the walking is genuinely rewarding - proper trails through woodland, open grassland where you can actually see what's around you, and a lake that catches the light nicely on a decent day.

The landscape tells a story if you're bothered to look. There's the bones of a Victorian garden still visible, a chapel tucked away among the trees, and enough open space to make you forget you're barely five miles from suburban sprawl. History buffs will appreciate the remnants of the estate's past, though you won't find plaques at every corner - it's more about wandering and discovering for yourself.

Walking is the main event here. Set aside a couple of hours minimum if you want to do the circuit properly, less if you're just after a quick leg-stretch from Redhill town centre. It's free to access, which is always welcome. Families with younger children will manage the gentler sections fine, though teenagers might find it a bit slow unless they're genuinely keen on nature.

Staying at Alderstead Heath, just two miles away, puts you within easy striking distance. The reserve works well as part of a broader Surrey Hills exploration - combine it with walks across the National Landscape and you've got a proper week of it.