cafe
Rykas Cafe
Iconic biker and cyclist cafe at the foot of Box Hill in Surrey, a must-stop gathering point on one of England's most famous riding roads.
6 km · about 10 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Ashtead
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Ashtead
Ashtead works well as a base: 10 minutes from Fetcham, 7km from Box Hill.
Ashtead is in England, United Kingdom, with about 13,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Fetcham, about 4 km away.
Ashtead is a village in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, England, approximately 16 miles (26 kilometres) south of central London. Ashtead is on the single-carriageway A24 between Epsom and Leatherhead. The village is on the northern slopes of the North Downs and is in the catchment area of The Rye, a tributary ofRead more
the River Mole.
The earliest archaeological evidence for human activity in the village is from the Stone Age. At several points in its history, including during the early Roman period, Ashtead has been a centre for brick and tile manufacture. From medieval times until the late 19th century, Ashtead was primarily an agricultural settlement. Residential development was catalysed by the opening of the railway line between Epsom and Leatherhead in 1859 and by the breakup of the Ashtead Park estate in the 1880s. Housebuilding continued into the 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1930s. Future expansion is now constrained by the Metropolitan Green Belt, which encircles the village.
There are two nature reserves in the village: Ashtead Common, to the north west of the centre, forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is owned by the Corporation of London; Ashtead Park, to the east of the centre is a Local Nature Reserve owned by the District Council.
Where to Stay in Ashtead
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Ashtead?
Within an hour or so of Ashtead: Rykas Cafe (6 km), David's Cafe at Box Hill (6 km), Box Hill National Trust Cafe (7 km), Box Hill (7 km).
Are there any good drives near Ashtead?
The nearest famous roads are Crystal Palace Circuit, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Where is Ashtead?
Ashtead is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Fetcham.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 13,494
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.3087, -0.2997
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Ashtead
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
David's Cafe at Box Hill
A popular roadside cafe at the base of the Box Hill zig-zag road, serving as the unofficial meeting point for the Surrey biker community.
6 km · about 10 min drive
cafe
Box Hill National Trust Cafe
The hilltop cafe at the summit of Box Hill offering sweeping views across the Surrey Hills, a classic destination for drivers and cyclists alike.
7 km · about 15 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Box Hill
A steep chalk escarpment above the Mole valley, the Zig Zag Road on its flank made famous by the 2012 Olympic road race.
7 km · about 10 min drive
museum
Brooklands Museum
The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, featuring the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit from 1907.
13 km · about 25 min drive
racetrack
Brooklands
The world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, opened 1907, where surviving sections of the towering concrete Members' Banking rear up out of the Surrey woodland. The museum holds racing cars and aircraft on the original site.
13 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Leith Hill
The highest point in south-east England at 294 m, its 18th-century tower taking visitors just above the 1,000-foot mark.
16 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Thorpe Park
Thrill-focused theme park near London catering to older children and adults with intense roller coasters.
18 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Ashtead
4 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
- Right hereBox HillA steep chalk escarpment above the Mole valley, the Zig Zag Road on its flank made famous by the 2012 Olympic road race.
- 16 kmLeith HillThe highest point in south-east England at 294 m, its 18th-century tower taking visitors just above the 1,000-foot mark.
- 20 kmCrystal Palace CircuitA parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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