Attractions and Places To See around Plaistow - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Plaistow include historical sites, natural viewpoints, and challenging cycling routes. This area, located near the Surrey Hills AONB and the South Downs National Park, offers diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient monuments, scenic summits, and dedicated cycling paths, providing a range of experiences for different interests.
Best attractions and places to see around Plaistow
- The most popular attractions is Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill, a man-made monument that was erected in 1851 to mark a historical site. It offers views from Gibbet Hill and has historical significance related to local events.
- Another must-see spot is Hydon's Ball Summit, a forest and prominent hilltop in the Surrey Hills AONB. This summit is one of the highest points in Surrey and provides views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visitors also love Barhatch Lane Climb, a challenging cycle way. This route is considered one of the toughest climbs in the Surrey Hills, featuring a sustained ascent with a steep final section.
- Plaistow is known for its historical sites, natural viewpoints, and cycling routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monuments to scenic natural features.
- The attractions around Plaistow are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 100 upvotes and 14 photos shared.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
The Sailor's Stone
Highlight • Historical Site
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Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill
Highlight • Monument
Three thieves were executed and their bodies hung on the hill as a warning to others. They murdered an unknown sailor they had befriended in the Red Lion in nearby Thursley. His memorial stone is closeby. Locals began to fear the area so in 1851, Sir William Erle erected this cross to show that it was safe.
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Barhatch Lane Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Devil's Punch Bowl Picnic Site
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Baynards Station
Highlight • Historical Site
(You can take a look from outside though 😉)
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Tips from the Community
The picnic area at the Devil's Punch Bowl provides an ideal outdoor setting to relax and dine before or after exploring the Surrey Hills. Located right next to the main Devil's Punchbowl Car Park, this family-friendly zone serves as the central hub for visitors preparing to take on the nearby walking trails. The area is beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, featuring open, grassy spots sheltered by mature trees.
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Erected in 1786 along the Old Portsmouth Road, the Sailor’s Stone is a historic boundary marker commemorating a notorious local tragedy. It marks the exact spot where an unknown seafaring traveler was brutally murdered and robbed by three men he had just befriended in a nearby pub. The stone features a stern biblical inscription condemning the crime and features a famous, ominous curse on its reverse warning anyone against moving it.
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Erected in 1851 by judge Sir William Erle, the granite Celtic cross on Gibbet Hill was built to dispel local fears of evil spirits. It marks the notorious site where three highwaymen were hanged and displayed in chains in 1787 for the brutal murder of an unknown sailor.
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The most typical feature in the design of Celtic crosses is the circle connecting the horizontal and vertical bars. This is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of the sun; in this sense, Celtic crosses are sometimes also called sun crosses. I found the following meditative reflection on this topic while working as a chaplain in the Protestant deanery of Nassauer Land: "The sun cross is a special symbol of Celtic Christianity. It can become a symbol of spirituality. + What you can practice – the horizontal arm of the cross. Your conscious rituals, prayers, quiet moments. The attention you give to the sacred. + What happens to you – the vertical arm of the cross. Experiences that touch and transform you. Moments in which you sense something greater than yourself. + What gives you interpretation – the circle that encloses both. Words, stories, and traditions that help you understand and share these experiences. Spirituality connects you to sources of strength that reach deeper than what you can see. For me as a Christian, spirituality is a word for encountering the God who revealed himself in Jesus."
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Not much to add that hasn't already been said in the comments above, other than that there used to be a pub, but this closed in 2009, the current owner has done an excellent job of maintaining the station and out buildings, when we passed they were working on some machinery in the engine shed.
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The station was used in the 1957 BBC television adaptation of The Railway Children. Has been lovingly restored, lovely to ride past.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural features and viewpoints can I explore around Plaistow?
Plaistow is situated near the Surrey Hills AONB and the South Downs National Park, offering diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Hydon's Ball Summit, one of the highest points in Surrey, which provides lovely views of the surrounding countryside and is home to heathland and woodland. Additionally, Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill offers great views from its elevated position.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in the Plaistow area?
Yes, the area around Plaistow is rich in history. The Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill is a man-made monument erected in 1851 with a significant local history. You can also find Baynards Station, an old railway station that has been beautifully restored into a private home, showcasing impressive historical architecture from the disused Guildford to Christ's Hospital railway line. The village of Plaistow itself features the 12th-century Grade I listed St. Mary's Church and the historic Plaistow House, dating back to the 16th century.
What outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, are available near Plaistow?
The region around Plaistow is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. For cyclists, the Barhatch Lane Climb is considered one of the toughest ascents in the Surrey Hills. You can find various cycling routes, including easy touring bicycle loops like the 'Wey and Arun Canal – Kirdford Coffee Van loop' or more challenging road cycling routes. For hikers, there are easy trails such as the 'Loxwood Lock – Baldwin's Knob Lock loop' or the 'Wey and Arun Canal – Loxwood Lock loop'. Explore more options on the Cycling around Plaistow and Easy hikes around Plaistow guide pages.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities near Plaistow?
Yes, families visiting Plaistow have options. Near the village, Fishers Farm Park offers a family-friendly experience with horse and tractor rides, animal enclosures, and an adventure playground. For a more relaxed outing, The Milk Churn Coffee Shop is noted as family-friendly and is a great spot for a break.
Where can I find a good coffee shop or place to eat near the attractions?
For a delightful stop, The Milk Churn Coffee Shop is highly recommended. It's known for excellent coffee and is located across a field from a fine gravel path, making it a perfect break spot during an outing. You might even catch their jumbo cheese straws fresh from the oven! The village of Plaistow also has a traditional pub, The Sun Inn.
What is the best time of year to visit Plaistow for outdoor activities?
Given the focus on hiking and cycling in the Surrey Hills AONB and South Downs National Park, spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. These seasons provide ideal conditions for exploring trails, enjoying viewpoints, and visiting local attractions.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Plaistow?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscapes, from challenging cycling climbs like Barhatch Lane Climb to the peaceful natural beauty and views from Hydon's Ball Summit. The historical significance of sites like the Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill also draws interest, offering both scenic beauty and a glimpse into the past. The komoot community has shared over 100 upvotes and 14 photos, highlighting the area's appeal.
Are there any challenging cycling routes in the Plaistow area?
Absolutely. The Barhatch Lane Climb is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the Surrey Hills and the wider South East of England. It features a sustained ascent with a particularly steep final section, making it a favorite for those seeking a challenge. You can find more challenging routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Plaistow guide page.
Can I find easy walking routes near Plaistow?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes suitable for a relaxed pace. Examples include the 'Loxwood Lock – Baldwin's Knob Lock loop' (6.03 km) and the 'Wey and Arun Canal – Loxwood Lock loop from Plaistow' (7.3 km). These routes offer gentle terrain and scenic views. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around Plaistow guide.
What kind of wildlife might I spot in the natural areas around Plaistow?
When exploring natural areas like Hydon's Ball Summit, which features heathland and woodland, keep an eye out for butterflies and birds of prey. The nearby forest, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is also known to be home to rare creatures, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Are there any unique or hidden gems to discover near Plaistow?
While not exactly hidden, the beautifully restored Baynards Station, now a private home, is a unique sight for history and railway enthusiasts, even if only viewed from the outside. The village of Plaistow itself, with its traditional green, pond, and historic church, offers a charming, less-traveled experience compared to larger attractions.
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