Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel

The hostel's location amid a network of woodland paths, cycle routes and along the North Downs Way, makes it ideal for all walkers and cyclists, from those with energy to burn to those seeking a country ramble or family bike ride. Nature lovers will delight in this rural location – spot deer grazing on the lawn or take a night time walk and listen to the owls hooting. The National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust and many other local organisations run year round programmes of walks, talks and events, for adults and children alike. There are many historic houses and glorious gardens in the local area. Discover marble halls and a Maori meeting house at Clandon Park, year-round colour and gardening tips at RHS Garden Wisley; and just a short walk from the hostel is Polesden Lacey with fine paintings and furniture in the Regency villa, rose gardens and landscaped walks in the extensive grounds. Also within walking distance is Denbies Vineyard - England’s largest - with two restaurants, a gift shop, many events throughout the year and of course tours and wine tasting. Children will love a day out at nearby Bocketts farm, a working family farm with many animals to see and activities to take part in, plus indoor and outdoor play areas with slides and trampolines. Two miles east from the hostel is Dorking, an historic market town with a mix of high street and boutique shops. Stroll down West Street, world renowned for its fine antique shops and art galleries; or time your visit to go underground at Dorking caves, once used as wine cellars. Ten miles west is stylish Guildford, a popular shopping centre with all the big names, and many independent shops, lining the cobbled High Street and narrow cross streets. Also here is Dapdune Wharf where you can discover Surrey’s secret waterway through interactive exhibits; climb aboard a barge and take a trip down the river, or hire your own boat or canoe from Guildford Boathouse. Between these two centres are picturesque villages of tile-hung and timber framed cottages, spacious greens and commons, charming tearooms and cosy pubs. Ten miles west of Guildford is Farnham and on the way there is The Hogs Back Brewery, an independent real ale brewery set in converted 18th-century barns. Farnham has many attractions - Birdworld, where you can meet a huge range of our feathered friends, and admission includes Underwater World, with tropical fish and crocodiles, and Jenny Wren Farm; Go Ape! in Alice Holt Forest, high wire forest adventure for all ages; and The Rural Life Centre, a museum of past village life displaying crafts and trades in ten acres of garden and woodland with an historic village playground for children. Further afield in Surrey are the well known attractions of Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures; Basingstoke Canal Centre with interactive exhibits, boat trips and picnic areas; Mercedes Benz World with simulator rides and interactive challenges; and Brooklands museum with the history of British motorsport and aviation. Day trips to London are within easy reach, just 25 miles away with easy access from Dorking rail stations; visit the city attractions then come back to the cosy ambience of Tanners Hatch.