The Devil's Punch Bowl is a large natural amphitheatre and beauty spot near Hindhead, Surrey, in England, and is the source of many stories about the area. The London to Portsmouth road (the A3) used to climb round its side, but this is now closed due to the Hindhead Tunnel opening on 27 July 2011. The land is now owned and maintained by the National Trust as part of the "Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl" property. Hindhead Youth Hostel is located inside the bowl. Above the ridge, the former London to Portsmouth (now tunnelled beneath) road lies Gibbet Hill at 282m AOD.
Read more about Devil's Punch Bowl: Etymology, Natural History, Local Legends, Development and Protected Status, In Fiction, Trivia, Legacy Project
Famous quotes containing the words devil, punch and/or bowl:
“There are so many intellectual and moral angels battling for rationalism, good citizenship, and pure spirituality; so many and such eminent ones, so very vocal and authoritative! The poor devil in man needs all the support and advocacy he can get. The artist is his natural champion. When an artist deserts to the side of the angels, it is the most odious of treasons.”
—Aldous Huxley (1894–1963)
“Lilly Dillon: How’d you get that punch in the stomach, Roy?
Roy Dillon: I tripped on a chair.
Lilly Dillon: Get off the grift, Roy.
Roy Dillon: Why?
Lilly Dillon: You haven’t got the stomach for it.”
—Donald E. Westlake (b. 1933)
“The bowl will ensnare and enchant
men who crouch by the hearth
till they want
but the riot of stars in the night;
those who dwell far inland
will seek ships.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)