The Glaziers

The Glaziers is a proper working forest just outside Dorking, and if you're expecting manicured woodland trails and signposted loops, you'll want to manage expectations. This is actual forest - dense, slightly chaotic, genuinely wild in places. The appeal is straightforward: it's good for serious walkers who want to disappear into proper Surrey woodland without the theme-park feel of some managed beauty spots.

What you get is a chance to move through trees without crowds. There are paths, though they're not always obvious, and the canopy is thick enough that even a bright day feels properly atmospheric. It's the kind of place where you notice moss on logs and hear birds properly. The forest floor changes constantly depending on the season - crunchy autumn leaves, boggy stretches in winter, greener and less interesting in high summer.

Families with young kids might find it a bit too shapeless - there's no playground or café, no obvious destination point. But older children and serious walkers will get hours here. Allow 2-3 hours minimum if you're going to do it justice. It's free to access, which is the good bit.

The Glaziers works well as part of a wider Dorking area exploration, especially if you're staying at The Green Escape glamping site nearby. Use it as a proper walking day rather than a quick morning stroll, and pair it with somewhere with actual facilities for lunch.