In Surrey, England’s most wooded county, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly autumn walks. With nearly half the county covered in woodland, there are so many places to enjoy the changing colours, crunch through leaves, and go conker hunting with the kids.
Here are some of the best autumn walks in Surrey with children, perfect for fresh air adventures, nature spotting, and a splash of autumn colour.
If you’re looking for even more ideas this season, don’t miss our list of things to do this autumn in Surrey and our full guide to autumn events in Surrey.
*may contain affiliate links
Contents: click to jump to a section
Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming
If you’re looking for stunning autumn colours in Surrey, Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming is hard to beat. Managed by the National Trust, this woodland is famous for its breathtaking display of russets, ambers, and golds. The real highlight, though, are the fiery Japanese maples that turn a brilliant red in late October.
For kids, there are plenty of ways to keep busy: climbing on logs, exploring boardwalks, following woodland trails, or simply feeding the friendly ducks by the bridge. Winkworth is a walk that’s as fun for children as it is beautiful for parents.
👉 You can also check out our full guide to the best places to see autumn colour in Surrey for more seasonal inspiration.
- Start Point: GU8 4AD
- Distance: Various walks
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Refreshments: National Trust Café
- Opening times: 10am to 4pm (pre-booked tickets only)
Click here to find more ideas of the best places to see autumn colour in Surrey.
Virginia Water Lake & the Valley Gardens
A walk around Virginia Water Lake is always special, but in autumn the scenery becomes even more magical. Families can look out for Roman ruins, a towering totem pole, an ornamental cascade waterfall, and lots of local wildlife.
If you take a detour into the Valley Gardens, you’ll find even more spectacular autumn shades, especially the deep reds of the Acers. It’s the perfect mix of history, nature, and open space to explore with kids.
👉 Admission is free, but parking charges apply.
- Start Point: GU25 4QF
- Distance: 5 miles around lake (but shorter walks available)
- Difficulty: Easy (main path is paved)
- Refreshments: The Pavilion Café
- Opening times: 7.30am to 7pm
Alice Holt Forest, near Farnham
For a real family forest adventure, head to Alice Holt near Farnham. This is one of the best places in Surrey for kicking up leaves, collecting conkers, and spotting wildlife.
Little ones will love the wooden animal play sculptures and the chance to hunt for the Gruffalo and his friends hidden along the trail. With wide pathways, it’s great for buggies too, making Alice Holt a top choice for autumn walks with toddlers in Surrey.
If you’ve got older kids, they will enjoy the Treetop Adventures at Go Ape.
When you’re ready for a break, stop by the Alice Holt Café, which serves hot drinks, light lunches, and plenty of kid-friendly snacks, perfect after an energetic walk in the woods. There’s picnic area outside, so it’s ideal for meeting up with family and friends.
- Start Point: GU10 4LS
- Distance: Various (4 way-marked trails)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Refreshments: Alice Holt Café
- Opening times: 8am to 7pm
RHS Garden, Wisley
RHS Wisley is famous for its incredible spring blossoms and vibrant summer borders, but it’s still a fantastic place to visit in autumn. The gardens take on a different kind of beauty at this time of year, with ancient trees and late-season flowers bringing a kaleidoscope of colour.
Families can wander through the pinetum with its towering trees, enjoy sweeping views from the viewing mount, or explore the waterways of the Rock Garden. Kids will also love the miniature trees along the Bonsai Walk and the exotic plants inside the Glasshouse.
To top it off, Wisley has a brilliant nature playground and picnic areas, making it a perfect day out for families in every season.
👉 Don’t forget to read our guide to the best autumn events in Surrey for even more ideas.
- Start Point: GU23 6QB
- Distance: Various
- Difficulty: Easy (main path is paved)
- Refreshments: Restaurant, café, and food hall
- Opening times: 9am to 5pm (pre-booked tickets only)
Devil's Punch Bowl, Hindhead
Legend says that the Devil’s Punch Bowl near Hindhead in Surrey was created by the Devil throwing boulders at Thor. In reality, this vast natural amphitheatre was most likely formed by centuries of water erosion on the clay.
Today, it’s one of Surrey’s most spectacular beauty spots and a brilliant place for a family-friendly autumn walk. With five waymarked trails to choose from, you can enjoy anything from a short stroll to a longer hike, all with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Kids will love kicking through leaves and spotting wildlife along the way. Afterwards, head to the National Trust café for a well-earned treat while the children burn off extra energy in the natural play area.
- Start Point: GU26 6AB
- Distance: Various (5 way-marked trails)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Refreshments: National Trust Café (10am – 4pm)
- Opening times: Dawn to dusk
Banstead Woods
Set in 250 acres of ancient woodland, Banstead Woods is a brilliant place for an autumn walk with children. Once a medieval deer park, it’s now best known for its Narnia Trail.
The 3-mile woodland path is dotted with wooden sculptures of Aslan the lion, Lucy Pevensie, and the iconic wardrobe, all carved from local deadwood. Alongside hunting for conkers, this trail is guaranteed to keep kids entertained.
- Start Point: CR5 3NR (Holly Lane car park)
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (some hilly areas)
- Refreshments: The Ramblers Rest, Coulsdon (1/2 mile from start)
Richmond Park
Although just outside Surrey, Richmond Park is close enough to deserve a spot on this list. With 2,500 acres of space, it’s one of the best places for a family walk near Surrey.
Autumn is a particularly exciting time to visit as it’s rutting season for the 600+ red and fallow deer that roam freely through the park. Don’t miss the Isabella Plantation, a Victorian woodland garden filled with ponds and rare plants. Kids will love spotting wildlife and climbing on fallen logs while you enjoy the autumn views.
Don’t approach the deer, as they can be dangerous and it can cause the deer stress.
- Start Point: TW10 5HS
- Distance: variety
- Difficulty: Easy
- Refreshments: Tea rooms at Pembroke Lodge and various refreshment cabins
- Opening times: 7.30 am until dusk
Have you taken your family on any of these autumn walks in Surrey? We’d love to hear your comments below.
Here are some other walks you may enjoy:-
Pin for later: Autumn walks in Surrey with kids
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.