The 405 bus from Croydon to Redhill is a brilliant route to get out of the city and into the Surrey countryside
London’s buses offer a brilliant means of navigating the capital and, for the most part, prove far more dependable than many would acknowledge. With a fleet of 8,600 buses serving an impressive 700 different routes throughout Greater London daily, they also represent an affordable option for venturing into the surrounding countryside.
Certain routes on the outer edges of the capital whisk passengers away to picturesque rural destinations, all for just £3.50 for a return trip. Among the most breathtaking routes available for such an excursion is in South London, with the 405 bus service running from Park Street in Croydon to Redhill in Surrey.
The route meanders out of London and through the countryside, passing a magnificent National Trust property offering spectacular views across the rural landscape. The most captivating landmark along the route to Redhill is the National Trust park and gardens at Gatton Park, a historic 260-acre estate crafted by the renowned Edwardian landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. You can reach it by alighting the 405 at Rocky Lane and entering the parkland from the eastern entrance.
The journey will set you back merely the standard £1.75 fare to transport you all the way from London into Surrey, with some beautiful panoramas as you travel along country lanes enveloped by lush greenery.
Following the London to Brighton railway line, the 405 delivers the north-to-south bus connection through Coulsdon and serves as the sole bus service reaching the Surrey village of Hooley.
Explore Gatton Park and Reigate Hill
The story of Gatton Park goes back hundreds of years. A house has existed on the site since 1086 when it was owned by the half-brother of William the Conqueror. Over time the estate has been transformed by its various owners who all modelled it to their tastes.
Boasting its own lake and several beautiful ponds, the gardens at Gatton Park welcome visitors on the first Sunday of every month from 12pm to 5pm between February and October, while the broader woodland and parkland areas remain accessible year-round.
The wider Reigate Hill and Gatton Park estate is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with flower-rich chalk grassland, peaceful woodland and sweeping views across the North Downs. The landscape was designed by Capability Brown and is home to rare wildlife, including the striking Adonis Blue butterfly, making it an excellent destination for walkers, picnics and family days out.
For £6 on one of the Garden Open Days, you’ll gain access to the restored Japanese Garden featuring its thatched tea house, the Rock and Water Garden, The Parterre, the Walled Garden and Orchard, the Pleasure Garden and Old World Garden, plus the Millennium Stones.
The gardens are generally open on the first Sunday of each month from February to December between 12pm and 5pm, with additional seasonal events including Snowdrop Sundays throughout February, Easter activities and the annual Gatton Country Fair in July.
The trails, viewpoint, and historic fort at Reigate Hill (managed by the National Trust) are open daily year-round. However, the Wray Lane car park (located at Wray Ln, Reigate RH2 0HX) has a locked gate and is only open from 07:30 to 18:00
Walking routes and nearby attractions
The site also connects to the picturesque Reigate Hill, offering spectacular countryside vistas, a tea shop at the summit, and a magnificent walk leading to the impressive Inglis Memorial. There’s also Reigate Fort to discover – a ruined fort constructed in the late 1800s with iron gates and stone walls, ideal for history enthusiasts to explore.
Visitors can also enjoy an easy circular walk around Gatton Park, covering around two miles (3.5km) in approximately 90 minutes. Starting from the Wray Lane National Trust car park, the route follows public footpaths through Capability Brown’s historic landscape, passing lakes, mature trees and panoramic viewpoints. While the walk is suitable for most people, there are some uneven surfaces and moderate slopes which can become slippery in wet weather.
Facilities and getting there
Getting back won’t be a problem either, as four buses run every hour along the 405 route, allowing you to return to London or press on towards Redhill while taking in the views along the way. Not a bad day out using public transport.
If you’re arriving by car instead, the nearest parking is at Margery Wood car park, where parking charges apply for non-National Trust members (£2 for up to one hour, £4 for up to two hours, £6 for up to four hours and £9 all day), while National Trust members can park for free. Visitors should note there’s limited phone signal, so it’s worth downloading the JustPark app before arriving.
Well-controlled dogs are welcome throughout the site but should be kept on a short lead around grazing livestock. Toilets and a kiosk can be found at Wray Lane car park, making it a convenient base for exploring both Gatton Park and nearby Reigate Fort.
Find out more info here. Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0TW
