Surrey does free days out well: big views, open common land and a handful of small museums run for the love of local history. Parking is the one cost to watch, so we say where it applies. Opening days matter too, because the museums keep short weeks.
Viewpoints and commons
Salomons Memorial Viewpoint, Box Hill, near Dorking
The National Trust calls it the best-known spot on Box Hill, and it is free to visit. The viewpoint was dedicated by Mrs Salomons on 16 August 1920, and it is named for her husband, Leopold Salomons, who gave 230 acres of Box Hill to the National Trust in 1914. The Visitor Centre at the top of the hill is the start point, a mile north of Dorking on the A24.
Parking is £4 for non-members and free for National Trust members, who scan their card for a ticket (check the current price before you go). Bus 516 runs Leatherhead, Dorking and Box Hill if you would rather leave the car. There is a café near the viewpoint for tea and cake.
For a longer walk, the Happy Valley circular takes in Broadwood's Tower and the viewpoint. The Box Hill Hike is eight miles with steep climbs and many steps, so wear proper footwear. Details are on the National Trust's Box Hill page.
Newlands Corner, near Shere and Guildford
On the A25, Newlands Corner commands some of the best views over the Surrey Hills, according to the Surrey Hills National Landscape. The North Downs Way runs through it, and there is woodland to explore, a café, toilets during café hours, a Discovery Centre, a natural play trail and an easy-access trail. The Surrey Hills site lists the main car park as free, which is worth confirming before you set off.
Agatha Christie staged her disappearance here in 1926, so the centenary gives a fine reason to visit. Weekends can be busy. More at Surrey Hills.
Devil's Punch Bowl, Hindhead, near Haslemere
The National Trust car park is on London Road, Hindhead, GU26 6AB. Parking is free for members and Blue Badge holders and paid for everyone else. A circular route of about 300 metres leads from the car park to a sandstone viewing platform over the Punch Bowl, though the surface is slightly uneven with loose stones. The longer walk to the Sailor Stone is about a mile and has five uneven steps with no handrail. The Trust also says volunteer-led guided walks run here free, so check its events. There is a café at the trail start.
Virginia Water and Alice Holt
Surrey Live, citing a Visit Surrey list, says Virginia Water lake is free to visit, though parking charges apply. Alice Holt Forest near Farnham has 247 hectares of ancient woodland, with play areas and walking trails free to access. See Surrey Live's budget list.
Free museums
Check the days. On Wednesday, Guildford, Godalming and Haslemere are open, while Dorking is not.
Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street
Free, in a Grade II listed building at the edge of the Castle grounds, a few minutes from the High Street. Displays run from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval finds to trade and industry, textiles, childhood, Lewis Carroll and Gertrude Jekyll, and there is a children's play area called the Scullery. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 4.30pm, last entry 4pm. Details on Surrey Museums.
Godalming Museum, 109a High Street
Free, opposite the Pepperpot and next to the Town Council offices. Art Fund says it sits in the oldest medieval house in the town and focuses on local history. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre, 62 West Street
Free entry, open Thursday 1pm to 4pm and Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm. The permanent exhibition tells the story of Dorking and nearby villages, from the Cretaceous period 100 million years ago to Brockham scientists in the 1960s.
Planning a free day
Pair Box Hill with Dorking's museum on a Friday or Saturday, or Guildford Museum with a walk up to the Castle grounds on a Wednesday. Parking is the only likely cost, so members of the National Trust are quietly rewarded.
