Dorking

The chalk downs rise dramatically around this market town, creating some of Surrey's most distinctive rolling countryside. Dorking sits perfectly positioned in a natural gap between the North and South Downs, making it a proper gateway to the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

Box Hill looms to the east - that's the famous cycling climb from the Olympics - while Leith Hill stretches south with its Gothic tower offering cracking views across five counties. The town itself has that agreeable mix of chain stores and independent shops you'd expect, though it's really the surrounding landscape that draws visitors.

Polesden Lacey, the Edwardian house where the future King George VI honeymooned, sits just north of town. The National Trust property comes with extensive gardens and miles of walking routes through beech woods. Denbies Wine Estate sprawls across the southern slopes - England's largest vineyard and a bit of a surprise for those who don't know Surrey produces decent wine.

From Dorking station, London Victoria is 45 minutes away, making this commuter country. But venture onto the footpaths threading through Oldlands Copse or Chapel Wood, and you'll quickly forget the M25 exists. The North Downs Way passes right through, bringing serious walkers who appreciate a proper pub at day's end.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the Surrey Hills makes perfect sense. You're within striking distance of Guildford and the Surrey countryside opens up in every direction. The hills here aren't massive - White Hill and Dunley Hill top out around 250 metres - but they're steep enough to get your heart pumping and offer those sweeping views that make the climb worthwhile.