Exploring the North Downs Way with Surrey Hills vineyard visits

Cutting across the south east of England from Farnham in Surrey, the North Downs Way National Trail offers walkers 153 miles of spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious countryside, easily accessible from London.

All five of the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills - Albury Organic Vineyard, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, Greyfriars Vineyard and High Clandon Estate Vineyard – are found along the walking trail, which traces the ancient Pilgrims’ Way all the way to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover.

In fact, it’s the chalky lime and sandstone hills of the North Downs and Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that nurture our vines and help our vineyards to produce award-winning sparkling and still English wines.

As well as our Surrey Hills wine route, you’ll find beautiful hilltop views, cosy country pubs and historic heritage sites, whether you’re walking the whole trail or just enjoying a section or two over a weekend holiday. There is also a riders’ route for cyclists.

Walking the North Downs Way

Starting at Farnham, close to the train station, the first section takes you all the way through to the town of Guildford - passing Greyfriars Vineyard on route. On weekend visits, you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine among the vines.

While Farnham and Guildford are both beautiful towns to explore, other local attractions include Waverley Abbey, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Loseley Park and the picturesque River Wey.

Hilltops, beauty spots and Hollywood

Next up, the Guildford to Dorking section takes you directly past Chilworth Manor Vineyard (make sure to look out for St Martha’s Church, which stands on the hilltop above the vineyard) and then on to Albury Organic Vineyard, which stretches out next to the mysterious Silent Pool beauty spot.

The boutique High Clandon Estate Vineyard, meanwhile, is hidden away on the other side of the North Downs from Albury Organic Vineyard, and is close to the National Trust’s Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park country houses.

Also in this corner of Surrey is the chocolate box pretty village of Shere, which gained international fame for its part in films such as The Holiday.

The finishing touch

Last but by no means least on our Vineyards of the Surrey Hills tour of the North Downs Way – and, in fact, the opposite, as it is one of the biggest vineyards in England – is Denbies Wine Estate.

Found just outside Dorking, Denbies has 265 acres under vine and a host of visitor attractions that are open nearly every single day of the year.

With a vineyard hotel, two restaurants and daily food and wine tasting options and tours, plus Village Greens Farm Shop, Surrey Hills Brewery, Chimney Fire Coffee, Surrey Hills Physiotherapy and Pilates Centre and Just Pedal on site, it’s the perfect base to explore the Surrey Hills wine route.

And don’t worry, there’s plenty of parking if a North Downs Way walk does seem a little less than leisurely for your tastes.

From Greyfriars Vineyard in the west to Denbies Wine Estate in the east, our Surrey Hills wine route makes for a perfect weekend away packed full of inspirational views and delicious wines and flavours. And all less than an hour away from London!

Easily find our vineyards with the VoSH map