Box Hill
Contact information
Owner: National Trust
The Old Fort, Box Hill Road
Tadworth
Surrey KT20 7LB
Telephone: 01306 885502
Fax: 01306 875030
Email: boxhill@ntrust.org.uk
Facilities and additional information
Established as a Country park in 1971, Box Hill at 172 metres commands a wonderful panorama over The Weald and South Downs. During the late 1890s, a series of mobilisation centres were built as focal defence points in the event of invasion. Box Hill is one of many constructed along the high ground of the North Downs. During World War Two the North Downs Way again took on defensive significance and many pillboxes were built in this area. Nearby you will find the grave of the eccentric Major Peter Labellière who was buried upside down in 1800. One explanation was that he felt the world was topsy turvy and therefore at the end, he would be the right way up. Close by also is Swiss Cottage where the Scottish inventor John Logie Baird (1888-1946) carried out early television experiments. Site owned by the National Trust. Shop and cafeteria facilities. An easy access route from the car park to the viewpoint.