Surrey, SUSSEX and Hampshire ROAD TRIP

Drive highlight
CAR CULTURE
CAR
Surrey to Sussex Driving Tour
This loop begins with poise, rolling out from Denbies Wine Estate before climbing the iconic Zig Zag Road up Box Hill, a short but spirited ascent where the surface holds well, and each bend invites precision over pace. It’s the kind of opener that sharpens the senses without overwhelming, setting a measured tone for the day ahead.
Dropping south, the A24 and A29 stretch the car’s legs. These are broad, flowing roads, well-surfaced, unfussy, and bordered by wide horizons. It’s easy to find a stride here, with enough sweep to stay alert and enough calm to enjoy the view. A cheeky stop at Petworth House is well worth it if you have time. PAs you pass on through Midhurst, the A272 and A286 weave through postcard-perfect villages, the bends arriving gently, the camber working with you, not against.
Then comes the reward: a call into the Goodwood Motor Circuit Café, a pitstop wrapped in motorsport heritage, home of The Festival of Speed and The Revival. Park up and take a walk around the paddocks before heading in to the café and watch the planes take off and listen to cars roar around the track! One of Steve and Henry’s favourite tracks to drive.
The route narrows and tightens through South Harting on the B2141. It’s more intimate driving now: hedge-lined, technical, but always manageable. Next stop is a little known gem. Lanzante. Also known as McLaren Petersfield. A british automotive engineering specialist, creating beautifully designed and crafted models for the most discerning car collectors and enthusiasts. If the owner, Dean is in, say hi, he’s a top chap.
The run to Caffeine & Machine via the A272 and A32 opens things up again before a smooth return through the Hindhead Tunnel, where progress is quiet, fast, and flowing. The final pass through The Albury Estate, past Shere (where The Holiday was filmed) and along the valley of the North Downs as it weaves its way to the last stop.
Back at Denbies Wine Estate, put down the keys and take a guided wine tour, a slower-paced finale that pairs perfectly with the memory of the miles just driven.
And if you want to stay in the area there are three Surrey delights at the bottom of this page.
route overview
Stage 1 | Denbies → Box Hill → Petworth |
|---|---|
stage 2 | Petworth → Lanzante → Caffeine & Machine, The Hut |
stage 3 | Caffeine & Machine → The Hindhead Tunnel → Albury → Denbies |


stage-by-stage Plan

Stage 1: Denbies → Box Hill → Petworth
Drive time: ~50 mins (28MI) via A29 and A272.
Route highlight: Iconic Zig Zag road to climb Box Hill followed by long straight Roman roads followed by twisting elevational changes through Ockley and Billingshurst. The drive up to Petworth along the stone walled House is wonderful but please respect the locals here and drive to the speed limit.
Activity: Stop and explore the historic 17th Century Petworth House and have a walk around the quiet little village centre.

Stage 2: Petworth → Lanzante → Caffeine & Machine, The Hut
Drive time: ~50 mins (26MI) via A272 and B2146.
Route highlight: Short, smooth section along the A272, then into the country lanes before crossing to the wonderful B2146 which raises up before it drops down into Peterfield. A pitstop at Lanzante to marvelous at their beautiful creations. The final run to C&M is back on the flowing A272.
Activity: Time it right and you’ll be in for a car culture destination like no other! Caffeine & Machine, where the food is great and the vibe is lo-fi with a community passionate about anything on 2 or 4 wheels!

Stage 3: Caffeine & Machine → Albury → Denbies (via the Hindhead Tunnel)
Drive time: ~1.25 hrs (46MI) via A3, A248 and A25.
Route highlight: Cruise along the A3 to the 1.2MI long Hindhead Tunnel, off along the A3100 and on to the country roads of the A248 through historic villages and hamlets. On to the A25 pass Shere (where The Holiday was filmed) which dips and dives back to Denbies Wine Estate.
Activity: Finish up with a tour of Denbies Wine Estate which has some of the best British wines.

Scenic loveliness that slacken the jaw
"Back in the ’80s, when I was a road tester on Motor magazine in Sutton, Box Hill was a routine go-to for photography, supplying both the bends and the beauty in a neat package. We probably didn’t realise how lucky we were. It stands at the south-eastern corner of the Mole Gap, the valley carved by the River Mole through the North Downs..."

Explore Hotels

Denbies Vineyard Hotel

Hartsfield Manor

Beaverbrook
What fellow DRIVERS say about this Road trip
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