Exploring Chaldon: The Beautiful North Downs Village

With its green and lush countryside and rich history dating back to a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, my little village of Chaldon is a wonderful place to explore.

We are a small community nestled in the North Downs among the beautiful Surrey Hills, with a population of only 1,442, according to the most recent census. The demographic consists of older residents, and the area is home to one pub (The Harrow), one church (Chaldon Church), and one school (St Peter's and St Paul's). Oh, and a golf course (The Surrey National).

I am genuinely grateful to be surrounded by the British countryside, and over the years, I have walked many footpaths that encircle my village. Being at one with nature, watching new plants appear, and listening to the intoxicating birdsong is lovely.

In this post, I share the peaceful charm that makes Chaldon such a great place to visit, along with a few notable sights you might enjoy while walking in Chaldon, including the 12th-century mural depicting Heaven and Hell on the wall of Chaldon Church!

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Pilgrims Way 

The Pilgrims' Way is a historic route followed by pilgrims from Winchester in Hampshire to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, Kent. Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury until his murder in 1170. He is recognised as a saint and martyr by the Catholic and Anglican Churches.

The historical and religious route is part of the North Downs Way National Trail, which cuts across the South-East of England, and offers walkers 153 miles of spectacular scenery. Pilgrims' Way runs near my house, so I can walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims whenever I fancy.

The Chaldon section of this famous trail passes hedgerows, farms and fields, where horses and sheep reside. It is a peaceful section of the trail, and I seldom meet anyone else.

Fields of Gold

The sight of yellow flower fields always fills me with a sense of happiness. Wandering through the flower pathways cannot help but raise the spirits.

The fields of gold are a crop called rapeseed, which is sown in autumn, and generally flowers in late spring. It ripens in 6-8 weeks and is ready for harvest as animal feed, vegetable oil, and biodiesel. Crops are cultivated in 3-4-year cycles, and fortunately, this year the fields nearest to my house came alive.

The rapeseed fields near me offer a great viewpoint. Gatwick Airport can be seen in the far distance, as well as the rambling hills behind me that go on for miles, to the seaside town of Brighton in East Sussex.

Brighton is a great tourist spot to visit if you are staying locally in the Surrey Hills. From Chaldon, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes by car, allowing me to experience the best of both worlds: the English countryside and the English coastline.

Tollsworth Manor

Tollsworth Manor is a medieval building, listed at Grade II, dating back to the early 14th century, with additions over the centuries. This charming manor house is in a farmyard setting, complete with barns and outbuildings, a pond, and a couple of farm cottages, all surrounded by the English countryside.

If you are walking the Chaldon Loop, you will pass this private home.

Crop Fields

During my walks in Chaldon, I found that I enjoyed photographing the large crop fields. Even though they appear barren in the spring, there are always signs of new growth, which highlight the ever-changing seasons. It's then nice to return in summer or autumn to see which crops the farmer has planted when they are all fully grown.

Ancient Bluebell Woods

I have discovered several woodland areas over the years. I love seeing shards of sunlight breaking through the canopy and swathes of fragrant bluebells carpeting the woodland floor; it's pretty magical. As you walk around Chaldon, you will undoubtedly stumble across wild bluebells.

Interesting facts about wild bluebells:

English bluebell woods hold half of the world's bluebell population, and, in April, the woodlands are in full bloom.

The English Wildlife and Countryside Act protects bluebells. It is an offence to pick a wild bluebell, and any trade of wild seeds or bulbs carries a hefty £5000 fine per bulb.

The presence of bluebells can identify ancient woodland dating back to the Middle Ages.

Bluebells are also called harebells in Scotland because it was believed that witches would turn into hares (rabbits) and hide among the flowers.

Whitebells exist - a mutation of the bluebell having lost its pigment. I think they are equally beautiful.

Surrey National Golf Course

Remember, I said there was a golf course in my village? Here it is. I don't play golf, but I do get to see the championship 200-acre course when I take the designated public pathways that circle its perimeter.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley is an area of open countryside comprising just over 250 acres of ancient woodland. It leads directly from the end of the golf course, so my walks usually continue here.

Pathways branch from every point, so every turn leads to something new and exciting.

One day, I stumbled across a wooded area and climbed a steep hill that led me to Farthing Downs. Another time, I discovered an old burial ground hidden among the trees (the former St. Lawrence's hospital cemetery).

Farthing Downs

Following Happy Valley is the open area known as Farthing Downs. Archaeological finds and features dating back to the Neolithic, Iron Age, and Roman periods have been discovered in the vicinity of the site. Nowadays, this area is used by walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers to enjoy the views of the surrounding English countryside. On a clear day, you can even see the skyline of London in the distance.

Farthing Downs has a pay-and-display car park for those who prefer to drive to this point rather than walk. However, remember that when you are in a car, you miss out on so much!

If you are walking from Farthing Downs, you can loop back and return to Happy Valley or, like me, continue to Chaldon Church along Ditches Lane to explore the history of this tiny parish church featured in the Domesday Book.

St Peter and St Paul’s Church

Do you remember I mentioned that there is only one church in my village? Chaldon Church is tiny, but with over 1000 years of history, it is worth a visit.

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church is mentioned in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record compiled on William the Conqueror's orders in 1086 to survey England and parts of Wales. The church is renowned for its twelfth-century "doom mural" on the back wall. The mural depicts heaven and hell. Or to give it the proper title, "Ladder of Salvation of the Human Soul", together with "Purgatory and Hell". It is said to have been painted by a travelling monk.

The mural was only rediscovered in the 18th century during renovations and is the earliest known English wall painting. Paintings of this kind were used as a visual aid for religious studies and to support the illiterate. I am fortunate to have seen it many times myself.

The mural is the oldest of its kind in Europe and is located in the middle of my village. The visitor book records the diverse nationalities that have visited Chaldon church and appreciated its history. If you are a history enthusiast, Chaldon Church is worth visiting.

Gates and Entrances

Looking back at my photographs, it becomes apparent that I have a thing for gates and entrances! It makes sense because each one leads to something new. Nothing is more exciting than stepping through a portal and finding yourself in a completely different environment.

I passed through one gateway and found a bluebell wood, so you see, gates and entrances can be interesting. I often wonder how many different people have passed through them over the centuries and how the landscape may have looked back then.

Foraging in the English countryside

I love the ethos of 'earth-to-mouth' eating because when food comes from a garden, the countryside, or a local farmers' market, it is fresh. In the English countryside, there will be all manner of plants and berries you can collect to eat. Of course, you need to know that they are edible and you won't end up poisoning yourself, but there are foraging guides that can help with identification.

One plant in abundance during spring is wild garlic, from which you can make a pesto dip. With its long leaves and delicate white flowers, it covers the woodland floor and the roadside verges. It is better to pick your plants away from the roadside so they aren't contaminated with exhaust fumes.

In summer, keep a lookout for blackberries, which grow on the hedgerows in Chaldon. Pick a few and, after washing them, serve with a dollop of cream. Delicious!

Rules for foraging:

Only pick from areas with a plentiful supply and never leave a completely bare strip, as this could damage the species.

Leave enough for wildlife and avoid damaging habitats.

Never pick protected species or cause permanent damage. Britain’s wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). The Act states that it is illegal to dig up or remove a plant - Remember the fine for bluebells!

Check the law before you forage, or if in doubt, take part in a beginner's class and learn the etiquette of foraging from an expert.

I hope you have enjoyed my photos of Chaldon. Please feel free to leave me a comment.

Helpful information for visiting Chaldon

English Countryside Code

Download version available.

What to take with you on a walk

• Water bottle - hydrate as much as possible during walks.
• Snack or sandwich - there are no shops or cafes on the Chaldon walk.
• Good walking shoes are essential, as the terrain is undulating and requires supportive footwear.
• Antibacterial hand soap for when you touch a gate, fence, etc.
• Hat/Cap to keep the sun off your face.
• Camera/Phone/Portable Charger, so you are always ready to capture photographs of the English countryside.