Norbury Park is an ancient nature reserve on the north side of Mickleham near Dorking, Surrey. It is a beautiful outdoor space, that is perfect for a family walk. After months of lockdown, we were looking forward to our first family meet-up, so chose to go walking at Norbury Park.
Norbury Park is notable as the first area of countryside protected by the council from commercial development. And we are so glad they did. Beautiful views of wide fields, ancient woodland and bright blue skies were just the tonic we needed!
You’ll find a choice of trails for walking in Norbury Park, but we opted for a circular route of about 6km.
Our walk started with open farmland and some very friendly sheep. The weather was on our side and, with a backdrop of blue skies, the landscape looked stunning. In fact, the park lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty, so it’s not surprising!
One of the best things about walking at Norbury Park is the diversity of its landscape. One minute we were walking along a country lane looking at fields and the next we were exploring the woods. The route is fairly flat and easy for kids. It is also a great place for dogs, who can explore to their heart’s content.
Three-quarters of the way round we came to Norbury Park viewpoint. This is a great spot with panoramic views over the Surrey Hills. From the view point, you can see over Mickleham Downs towards Box Hill.
There are several picnic benches so you can stop and admire the view, but this was probably the busiest area on our walk.
A short distance from the viewpoint is a commercial sawmill, Norbury Park Wood Products. This has been an active working sawmill for over forty years, using traditional methods to make natural products. Unfortunately, the company is now closing as the business is no longer independently sustainable.
Eventually, our circular walk took us back through woodlands and to the car park. It is an easy, relaxing walk which is ideal for families.
You may see the many cyclists who pass through Norbury on the way to or from the legendary Box Hill ‘zigzag’.
Norbury Park is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, who manage the habitat to encourage a variety of wildlife. We only saw sheep, horses and birds and an abundance of spring blossom and flowers.
We followed our own route, but if you prefer directions, this is a similar trail (in reverse!).
Getting to Norbury Park
Norbury Park is near the village of Mickleham between Leatherhead and Dorking in Surrey. You can access it from the A24, which is close to Junction 9 of the M25.
Parking at Norbury Park
There are two car parks on the A246, Fetcham and Young Street car parks. On the other side of Norbury Park, you’ll find additional parking in Crabtree Lane, Westhumble.
Refreshments at Norbury Park
There are no facilities available at Norbury Park, so it’s worth taking some snacks or a picnic. However, you could go to the café at Bocketts Farm, which is also on the A246.
You could also head to one of the nearby country pubs. Norbury Park is close to the Stepping Stones at Westhumble and the historic King William IV off the A24 near the Mickleham “bends”.
In addition Denbies Vineyard, host to the 2019 Camra winner Surrey’s Hills Brewery, is only a few miles away.
Have you been walking in Norbury Park? We’d love to hear your comments below.
Pin for later: Walking in Norbury Park, Surrey
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3 comments
Had never heard of Norbury Park, Jan, only of Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty and Boxhill, but this looks like a great find. Thanks for sharing.
Great place to visit Jan, the walks are well marked with the Saw Mill being a central point to many of the marked trails in the area.
A great area to explore, with other places of interest such as Ranmore (Northdowns Way) and Polesden Lacy.
Thanks for the suggestions Andy. We look forward to trying more of the great walks in the Surrey Hills.