Abinger Hammer: The Surrey village with riverside walks and old pubs

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Abinger Hammer is a small quaint village intersected by the River Tillingbourne and known for its interesting mix of architecture, ranging from the Tudor period up into the 20th century.

Located along the A25 between Dorking and Guildford, the village forms part of the parish of Abinger, alongside Abinger Common and Sutton Abinger, a mile from Gomshall railway station.

Abinger Hammer is a small quaint village intersected by the River Tillingbourne and known for its interesting mix of architecture. (Image: grassrootsgroundswell/Flickr)

The village has been featured in a number of TV shows, most famously in an episode of the TV series Poirot – The Theft of the Royal Ruby.

The village, which earned its name from a water-powered hammer forge in the 16th century, played a prominent role in trades like the iron industry, on account of the river running through the village.

Walking around the village today you’ll spot a number of historic buildings, from its 16th century timber framed cottages to its Blacksmith’s Clock, known as “Jack the Blacksmith”, dating back to the 19th century, along with remnants of the hammer pond which was part of the forge until it closed in the 1780s.

Its Blacksmith’s Clock, known as “Jack the Blacksmith”, dates back to the 19th century. (Image: grassrootsgroundswell/Flickr)

The cricket green beside the river is a summer highlight for picnicking and sports along with fishing.

Being situated within the Surrey Hills, the village is well placed for people to embark on several walks around the nearby countryside.

the village is well placed for people to embark on several walks around the nearby countryside. (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller)

Just south of the village you’ll find Oxmoor Copse, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but aside from that the area is also within easy reach of the National Trust sites Abinger Roughs and Netley Park, offering woodland walks and panoramic views over the Tillingbourne Valley.

the National Trust sites Abinger Roughs and Netley Park offer woodland walks and panoramic views over the Tillingbourne Valley. (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller)

But if it’s parks you fancy exploring, Netley Park features a Grade II listed house and remnants of its wartime role as a hospital and barracks.

For places to eat and drink, a mile from the village you’ll find The Gomshall Mill, which offers riverside dining in a historic 11th-century mill, which recently underwent a revamp.

Meanwhile The Compasses Inn serves traditional fare within a pub dating back to the 1820s.