Secret Carshalton had the pleasure of sampling five Surrey pubs. Each one has lovely views and somewhere close by for a country stroll. Let’s start with the Well House Inn at Mugswell…
1. The Well House Inn
Chipstead Lane, Mugswell, Coulsdon, CR5 3SQ
The pub at Mugswell, and village both take their name from the 1000 year old well in the garden. Locals called the area Magswell after the St. Margaret’s well, which slowly became known as Mugswell. Originally a row of three timber-framed cottages from the 1560s, converted to Tea Rooms in 1926 and then to a pub in 1956, since when it has changed very little. There are various walks around the area, or you can simply wander up the hill opposite for a nice view back down on the pub.
2. King William IV
Byttom Hill, Mickleham, Dorking, RH5 6EL
Also highly recommended is the King William IV pub in Mickleham. It’s reached from a steep track and then up a narrow stairway. Parking can be a little limited. The food and views are lovely. Just a short distance away is the vineyard in Dorking, where you can stop for free and stretch your legs after or before a meal.
3. The Pheasant at Buckland
Reigate Road, Betchworth, RH3 7BG
A cosy pub with a large amount of covered outdoor seating out the back. Sit yourself in one the many brightly-coloured deck chairs that look out over fields. There is a lovely circular walk that goes from this pub.
Check out the circular walk:
See Britain’s smallest working windmill just 25 minutes from Carshalton
4. The Watermill
Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1NN
This is the Watermill pub in Dorking where you can sit in the peaceful garden looking up at the iconic Box Hill. It’s a sunny spot with good seating and lots of menu options. Once you’re in the area, you can’t miss a visit to Box Hill itself.
Check out Denbies Vineyard too…
The Stunning Watermill Pub and a Wander Around Denbies Vineyard in Dorking
5. Botley Hill Farmhouse
Limpsfield Road, Warlingham CR6 9QH
Although called a farmhouse, it is actually a pub. And a fine pub it is, with beautiful undulating countryside views. Again, there are plenty of paths near the pub to enjoy.
We recommend a walk-tracking app to make the most of your visit to these pubs. Now it’s time to sober up. Have you visited any of these pubs? Please let us know how you got on in the comments.
All pics and content © Secret Carshalton, except for exterior shots of Botley Hill Farmhouse, and the main pub building at The Watermill and Pheasant at Buckland – which are all the pub’s own.
