With Christmas around the corner, the idea of a White Christmas is little more than a dream for many of us. Although the likelihood of it snowing on Christmas Day in the South East is little more than none, we may expect a few snow days in the following weeks and months, and when they arrive you'll want to make sure that you know the best area to sledge in. We've rounded up our favourite sledging hills in Surrey and SW London to get you ahead of the game for when the snow does eventually show...
Newlands Corner
Drove Rd, Albury, Guildford GU4 8SE
With a viewpoint overlooking the South Downs, you won't find a prettier spot to sledge. A range of steep and more gentle slopes provide fun for the whole family, and with its own car park and café you can easily pop your sledge in the car and have a well-earned coffee after running up and down the hills.
Richmond Park
Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 5HS
We all know and love Richmond Park, but it's even better when it's covered in snow. Make your way to King Henry's Mound near Pembroke Lodge, where the steepest, most thrilling sledging hills can be found. The nearby lodge makes for the perfect refreshment stop and is also a great place for non-sledgers to enjoy the snowy views. Sawyer's Hill offers a gentler slope with magnificent views of the London skyline.
Box Hill
Laura Brouwer
The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB
If you're a little bit of an adventure-addict, this slope is for you! Famous for its steep sides and picturesque surroundings, Box Hill is a must-visit for sledging enthusiasts. The slopes prove popular every year and have included visits from adventurous skiers in the past. Just make sure you arrive early to get the best snow...
Brockwell Park
Norwood Rd, London SE24 9BJ
Offering hills with a range of gradients, the park is perfect for all the family. It's South London location makes it the perfect place for a lunchtime sledge for commuters, too. Pause for a break to take in the great views of the city down below or join in with the sledgers making their mark through the grounds.
Leith Hill
Leith Hill, Dorking RH5 6LX
Known to have been visited by band Scouting For Girls, Leith Hill provides some of the best sledge runs in the South East. With the looming Leith Tower and the countryside views below, you are sure to get the perfect backdrop for your Christmas sledging photo! This place is the one of the best to make memories that will last for a lifetime.
Putney Heath
Xico Pérez
Putney Heath, London SW15 3SU
The mounds of Roehampton Hills provide the perfect spot to sledge in Putney Heath. The surrounding pubs combined with the rural park make you feel as though you are deeper in the countryside, and create an idyllic winter wonderland which you will barely be able to recognise.
Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, KT18 5LQ
The space at Epsom Downs is plentiful which is convenient considering the numerous families that head there when the snow begins to settle. With rolling hills surrounding the racecourse, the sledging is sure to be top notch. We know that it's a staple location all year around but when it's snowing, we love it even more.
Colley Hill
Colley Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7HD
With beautiful views from the Inglis Memorial at around 756ft above sea level, choose to sledge or just sit and admire the countryside below. Combine the memorial, sledging and a glorious sunset and you have a stunning photograph. The steep hills mean that sledging around here is not for the faint-hearted!
Guildford Ski Slope
Larch Ave, Guildford GU1 1JY
One of the few locations where you can still sledge even with no snow, head to Guildford Ski Slope if you are craving some winter sports but are having no luck with the weather. The slopes are still open in snowy conditions and are a great place to practice sledging and skiing in preparation for the real thing.
