National Trust - Abinger Roughs and Netley Park
Dorking, Surrey · Country Park
The bit you came for
Our verdict
Kids
7.6/10
Novelty 8 · Age Fit 7
Parents
7.2/10
Value 8 · Sanity Preservation 8
Good free woodland wandering, with a few oddities to keep kids interested and parents unruffled.
The long read worth saving for nap time
What’s it actually like?
Abinger Roughs and Netley Park is a National Trust countryside site in Surrey: woodland, grassland and easy trails rather than a full-on attraction. Think gentle family walk, dog walk, or a leg-stretch with a couple of points of interest dotted about the route. The best bits for families are the straightforward paths, the views over the countryside, and the slightly quirky features that give children something to spot. Reviewers mention the Witch’s Broom Tree, WW2 pill boxes, and a monument, plus plenty of shade in summer. Several people also say the paths are pushchair friendly, which is always a win when you’re trying to avoid carrying a sulking small person uphill. The downsides are mostly practical rather than disastrous: parking is free but small, there’s no mention of café facilities, and wheelchair access is poor on the trails. It’s also more pleasant than spectacular, so manage expectations. Lovely for a peaceful outing, less so if you need bells, whistles and a decent flat white.
Two-minute orientation
Quick read
Free woodland and open countryside with easy walking trails and decent views. There are a couple of kid-friendly talking points, including the Witch’s Broom Tree and WW2 pill boxes. Best for a calm outdoor wander rather than a big day out; parking is free but small.
Best for ages
Strong score for mixed-age siblings
The boring brilliant stuff
Need to know
Indoor vs outdoor split
Mostly outdoor
Parking detail
Full parking wording is landing soon — meanwhile check Maps plus the venue’s own FAQs.
Dog-friendly?
Yes
Dogs welcome — confirm if rules apply (on lead, designated areas).
Pram-friendly?
Yes
Pram-friendly throughout — easy access on main paths.
Baby change?
Probably not
Probably not on-site. Bring a changing mat for the boot.
Food on-site & BYO
Probably not: Probably no food on-site. Pack a picnic.
Locate it
Dorking, Surrey
THINGS PARENTS ASK
Common questions
Is it good for young children?
Yes. Reviewers say the paths are pushchair friendly and the Witch’s Broom Tree is fun for little ones.
Can you do a proper walk here?
Yes, but it’s more of a gentle ramble than a big hike. One reviewer did about 2.5 hours, others found it shorter.
Is parking easy?
Parking is free, but the car park is small and can be tight.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, it’s popular with dog walkers.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Real review quotes
"the paths are pushchair friendly"
"free parking"
"the Witch's Broom Tree"