Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl

The Devil's Punch Bowl is a proper geological drama - a 100-acre sandstone crater that drops away suddenly as you walk across Hindhead Commons. It's the sort of place that stops you mid-stride. The bowl itself is scarred by two deep ravines, and honestly, the sheer scale of it catches you off guard. You're standing on open heathland one moment and the next you're looking down into this dramatic hollow filled with birch and pine woodland.

This is National Trust land, so it's free to wander around. The commons themselves are beautiful - wide open spaces with heather, gorse, and bracken depending on the season. The walking here is genuinely good, nothing arduous, but the paths do dip and climb enough to feel proper countryside rather than a park stroll. Most people spend between one and three hours depending on how much exploring they fancy.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the tale - the Punch Bowl was formed by springs eroding the sandstone, though locals have their darker folklore about it. Families do well here, especially those with walkers aged seven-plus who won't get bored on a two-hour loop. Serious hikers might find it a touch limited for a full day out, but combined with Witley Commons nearby, you've got a solid morning's walking.

Given you're near Godalming, the glamping options at Little Cowdray Farm and Tilford Woods Lodge work well as bases. Both are within easy driving distance, leaving your mornings free for an early start across the commons before the crowds arrive. Spring and autumn are best - the light across the bowl is exceptional then.