Radius

By James Tunnard

Experience Art on the North Downs Way

At Denbies Hillside, we have connected the North Downs Way National Trail to a truly inspirational view where artist James Tunnard has created Radius. Made from locally sourced oak, the undulating curves of this sculptural seat reflect the shapes of the surrounding hills and valleys as well as the radial symmetries of growth found in trees and other plant life. The curved form of the seating area orientates visitors towards the inspiring views that radiate out from the hillside.

Self-guided Walks to download:

Denbies, Dorking & Radius Walk This circular walk takes you through the beautiful vineyard, along the North Downs Way past ‘Radius’ and into the pretty town of Dorking. Approx 3.2 miles.

Denbies and Polesden Lacey Walk This circular walk takes you along the North Downs Way, through Ranmore Common and to the National Trust Polesden Lacey House and grounds. Approx 7 miles.

Denbies Flat Accessible Walk This is a flat route through Denbies Vineyard suitable for wheelchair users and families. Approx 1.5 miles.

Radius is engraved with poems written by local poets and inscriptions from members of the public. Inspired by the natural surroundings these offer a stimulus for thought for those visiting this special location.

“Radius is about creating a place to pause for a moment, for visitors to enjoy the view and contemplate the sculpture and poetry inspired by it.”

James Tunnard

The Radius Podcast

Listen to a fascinating tour around ‘Radius’ and Denbies Hillside featuring the voices of those involved in the project. This is part of ‘Walking With Artists’ a series of podcasts by Whistlestop Arts. Listen here.

The Radius Film

Watch our short film by Markus Dell which gives an insight into the project, its process and involvement of local people. Watch here.

The Inspiring Views project restores hidden viewpoints across the Surrey Hills, improving access and celebrating these views through innovative, sculptural seating.

Alongside Radius, an inspirational learning programme engages communities through talks, walks, conservation and creative activities making sculptural structures to support local wildlife. 

Plan your visit

The nearest stations are Dorking and Box Hill & Westhumble.

Denbies Wine Estate
London Road
Surrey, RH5 6AA
View on map

Free parking available.

From the Denbies car park, take the path beside the farm shop uphill until you reach the tarmac path that is the North Downs Way. Turn left and follow this path until you find a break in the fence. The steps will lead you directly to the artwork and viewpoint. Alternatively there is a slope that leads from the North Downs Way along the flat grass ridge to the artwork for those with buggies or electric wheelchairs.

What3Words location: rapid.leads.play

This artwork forms part of the North Downs Way Art Trail . It is part of the Interreg Experience programme co-financed by the European Union  and the European Regional Development Fund which aims to develop and promote sustainable tourism initiatives across pilot regions.