Hindhead - Local Info
YHA Hindhead is converted from three adjoining ‘broom squires’ cottages, once homes of the traditional craftsmen who inhabited the area and made brooms from the surrounding birch trees. The hostel is at the bottom of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and the area is now conserved by the National Trust for all to enjoy..
There are many walking and cycling trails in the area and a National Trust cafe at the southern edge of the bowl near Hindhead village offers information and refreshments. Two long distance walks start in nearby Haslemere: the 108 mile Greensand way which follows the Greensand Ridge to Hamstreet in Kent; and the 64 mile Serpents trail which snakes it’s way through West Sussex to Petersfield.
Also in Haslemere is the Educational museum, founded in 1888 it has exhibits on geology, archeaology and natural history, and extensive gardens and grounds to explore. Nearby are many picturesque villages including Chiddingfold, with one of the oldest Inns in England; and Grayshott, with its famous pottery where you can see the artists at work.
Between Haslemere and the country town of Farnham is the Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park. It has over 200 sculptures along a one and a half mile trail through woodland and water gardens, and many sculptures are for sale. The park borders Frensham Common, an area of wet and dry heath, woodland, scrub and ponds, which is a haven for wildlife and has many trails to explore.
Another long distance walking trail starts in Farnham, the North Downs Way travels 153 miles to Dover, with a loop via Canterbury. Farnham has many attractions - a 12th century castle; the Rural Life Centre, a museum of past village life displaying crafts and trades in ten acres of garden and woodland with an historic village playground for children; Birdworld has many exotic birds, and also includes Underwater World, with tropical fish and crocodiles, and Jenny Wren Farm; Go Ape! in Alice Holt Forest, high wire fun for all ages; and just outside of Farnham is the Hogs Back brewery, with a shop and tours offering generous sampling.
At the other end of the Hogs Back is Guildford, the county town of Surrey. With both high street names and independent boutiques lining its cobbled streets, it is a favourite place for shoppers. It also has it’s fair share of attractions with a boathouse where you can take trips down the river Wey, or hire a rowing boat or canoe and make your own voyage of discovery; also nearby on the river is Dapdune Wharf with a visitor centre of interactive exhibits and displays that bring Surrey’s secret waterway to life; there is also a castle with panoramic views over the town and a museum with local history and changing exhibitions. Guided walks of the town are available, and ghost tours for the brave.
Close to Guildford are three stately homes and gardens open to the public: Clandon Park, with one of the finest marble halls in Europe; Hatchlands Park, with the worlds largest collection of composer related keyboards; and Loseley Park, with stunning gardens and an award winning rose garden.
Further afield in Surrey are the well known attractions of Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures; the famous gardens of RHS Wisley; Basingstoke Canal Centre with interactive exhibits, boat trips and picnic areas; Mercedes Benz World with simulator rides and interactive challenges; and Brooklands museum with the history of British motorsport and aviation.