Welcome to our guide to walking in Norbury Park, a picturesque area in the Surrey Hills, National Landscape.
Norbury Park is an ancient nature reserve on the north side of Mickleham near Dorking, Surrey. It is a delightful outdoor space, that is perfect for a family walk. It is popular with walkers, dog-owners, joggers, and nature lovers.
The area is notable as the first section of countryside protected by Surrey County Council from commercial development. And we are so glad they did. Norbury Park is a haven for wildlife and offers beautiful views of open fields, ancient woodland and the Surrey Hills.
So, come with us as we explore the wonders of walking in Norbury Park.
Norbury Park is a brilliant place for walking in Surrey. The changing landscape looks amazing throughout the year.
You’ll find a choice of trails in Norbury Park, but today we are exploring a circular route of about 6km. To access this popular route, we parked at the free car park on Young Street in Fetcham, which is close to the entrance for Bocketts Farm.
Our walk started on a sandy path past 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, an 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 you will be walking along a country lane looking at fields and the next you’ll be exploring the bluebell woods. There’s plenty of open spaces for kids to run around or woods to explore. Norbury Park is also a fantastic place for dogs, who can explore to their heart’s content.
Halfway round the route you’ll come to the Norbury Park viewpoint. This is a fantastic spot with panoramic views over the Mole Valley. From the viewpoint, you can see over Mickleham Downs towards Box Hill. There are several picnic benches here, so you can stop for a break whilst you enjoy the view. You may see the many cyclists who pass through Norbury on the way to or from the legendary Box Hill ‘zigzag’.
As you rejoin the path after viewpoint, you’ll come to a commercial sawmill, Norbury Park Wood Products. This was an active working sawmill for over forty years, using traditional methods to make natural products. Unfortunately, the company is now closed, as the business is no longer independently sustainable.
However, you will often find refreshments at the crossroads in the path. (see our section on eating in Norbury Park)
The circular route is signposted and fairly easy to navigate. We followed our own route, but if you prefer directions, you can use this similar trail (in reverse!).
Contents: click to jump to a section
Wildlife at Norbury Park
Norbury Park is designated as an area of special scientific interest and is now managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. The diversity of the landscape provides a rich natural habitat which attracts a variety of wildlife. This includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and woodpeckers.
Although you can walk in Norbury Park all year long, spring is a particularly good time to visit. As well as being the lambing season, it’s one of the best times of year to see the spectacular wildflowers which grow here. At the end of April, the woods are awash with bluebells, which attract a collection of local artists with their easels.
If you take the longer trail across the River Mole, you’ll also see a carpet of wild garlic (just follow your nose!). Both of these wildflowers attract butterflies and insects. Keep an eye out by the river, as you may also see kingfishers.
Eating at Norbury Park
Although there isn’t a permanent café at Norbury Park, you can usually get hot drinks and snacks from the barista van, Wild about Coffee. You’ll find this hidden gem at the crossing by the former Saw mill.
Wild about Coffee is much loved by the local dog walkers and runners who regularly meet there. The owners are always extremely friendly and make everyone feel welcome. The van sells a good choice of hot drinks, including freshly brewed coffee, as well as pasties and sweet treats. You can sit on the benches or logs and in winter they have an open fire, so it’s an excellent pit stop for a warm up.
In summer, Norbury Park is an excellent place for a picnic. There are picnic benches at the view point, so you can eat your sandwiches with a panoramic view over the Surrey Hills. Another option is to go to the café at Bocketts Farm, which is also on the A246.
If you’re looking for a pub lunch near Norbury Park, there are several traditional country pubs near Mickleham. A couple of the best local pubs are the Stepping Stones at Westhumble and the historic King William IV off the A24 near the Mickleham “bends”.
Another great choice is Denbies Vineyard, host to the 2019 Camra winner Surrey’s Hills Brewery, which is only a few miles away.
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
You can park for free at Norbury Park on the A246, Fetcham and Young Street car parks. On the other side of Norbury Park, you’ll find additional free parking in Crabtree Lane, Westhumble.
What’s your favourite walk in Surrey? Let me know in the comments below.
More fantastic walks in Surrey you may enjoy:
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