This delightful area can only be described as the ideal city break, providing a range of recreational activities for a variety of audiences. Just a 40-minute train ride from London, Horton Lane & Hobbledown provides the ideal destination for those seeking to relax and enjoy the greenery, the clean air and the tranquillity of the suburbs. With only a few residential houses, the area is dominated by green and open spaces, with many hotels and inns looking to accommodate any number of tired travellers. The area is famed for the Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park and Zoo, which is located just outside the Horton Country Park, attracting numerous young-adventure enthusiasts. Hobbledown is primarily occupied by families, which take advantage of the suburban tranquillity to avoid the busy London life.

During the 17th century the area was part of the Nonsuch Palace, which covered the better part of the surrounding region. After the palace’s grounds were divided and sold, the surrounding land was transformed to farms, giving the area a significantly different character than the one it has today. In the beginning of the 20th century the Long Grove Mental Health Facility was the main development in the area. The hospital was the central point of the Hobbledown with farms and parks dedicated to help its functions. Nevertheless, the end of the century saw its demolition, and the creation of residential units instead. As a result, the demand for housing boomed in the area over the last 20 years, enhancing Hobbledown’s residential character. It should be noted that even today one can participate in farming-related activities in many of the recreational grounds, thus honouring the long agricultural history of Horton Lane & Hobbledown.

It is always exciting to observe and even participate in traditional welding and iron processing work. A forge opened in the area in the 1990s provides just that experience to anyone interested, while demonstrating to the less daring the production of ornamental ironwork. In addition to that, brush and broom making can also be found in the area. To be more specific, after the old Water Pumping station closed down most of the machinery was cleared off, to make way for the building to host hospital patients interested in carpenter activities, as a medical exercise.

During bank Holidays and especially during the summer, the area might get too crowded, as more tourists are looking for an adventurous getaway from London. Nevertheless, the vastness of the green spaces and the distance they have from the residential areas ensure that even in the busiest period, locals and visitors will be able to find tranquillity.

Given that the area is dominated by protected greenbelt land and designated parks, not much development is expected to occur. As a result, that ensures that the residents’ lives are not to be disturbed by any major works. However, the planned arrival of crossrail 2 at nearby Epsom is expected to bring renewed interest to the area. This is predicted to help with congestion on the South Western Mainline, which is one of the busiest routes in the country. However, plans have been on hold since the covid-19 pandemic began in 2020 meaning the project could take a long time to come to fruition.