Discover the Beauty of Box Hill and the North Downs
Box Hill is a stunning summit of the North Downs in Surrey, just 31 km (19 mi) southwest of London. Named after the ancient box woodland on its steep chalk slopes, it overlooks the picturesque River Mole. The western hill is managed by the National Trust, while the village of Box Hill sits on higher ground to the east. Betchworth Clump, at 224 m (735 ft) above OD, is the highest point, though the Salomons Memorial at 172 meters, overlooking Dorking, is the most popular viewpoint.
Box Hill is part of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and contributes to the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its chalk downland is famous for orchids and rare plants. The hill is a haven for 38 butterfly species and has lent its name to a species of squash bug, now widespread in southeast England.
The North Downs are a breathtaking ridge of chalk hills stretching from Farnham in Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. This area boasts two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs. The North Downs Way National Trail offers a scenic route from Farnham to Dover.
Botley Hill in Surrey, at 270 meters (890 ft), is the highest point of the North Downs. Betsom's Hill in Kent, at 251 meters (823 ft), is close to Westerham Heights, Bromley, the highest point in Greater London.
Surrey, a ceremonial county in South East England, borders Greater London, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire. Its largest settlement is Woking. With an area of 1,663 km² (642 sq mi) and a population of over 1.2 million, Surrey is a vibrant mix of urban and rural landscapes.
The North Downs, a defining feature, runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the bustling north from the serene south. The rivers Wey and Mole, tributaries of the Thames, cut through this chalk escarpment. The county boasts the densest woodland cover in England, at 22.4%.
London, the vibrant capital of England and the UK, boasts a population of nearly 9 million in 2023. Its metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with 15.1 million residents. Situated on the River Thames, London is a city rich in history and culture.
As a global city, London influences art, fashion, commerce, and more. It's home to Europe's largest concentration of higher education institutions, including world-renowned universities like Imperial College London and University College London. The city's diverse culture is reflected in over 300 languages spoken here.
London is a city of landmarks, including four World Heritage Sites: Kew Gardens, the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, and Greenwich. Other iconic sites include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The city hosts major events like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the London Marathon.
Buxus sempervirens, known as the common box or boxwood, is a flowering plant native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It's found from southern England to northern Morocco and east to Turkey. Buxus colchica and B. hyrcana are often considered synonyms.
The River Mole, a tributary of the River Thames, flows from West Sussex through Surrey to Hampton Court Palace. It carves the stunning Mole Gap through the North Downs between Dorking and Leatherhead. Known for its rich biodiversity, the river is home to diverse fish species and numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The river's name, possibly derived from the Latin 'mola' (mill) or from Molesey (Mul's island), has inspired authors and poets. In hot summers, the river can dry up between Dorking and Leatherhead, a phenomenon noted as early as 1611.
