A damping valve for a hydraulic damper comprises a valve housing comprising an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. A valve seat is arranged between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A valve element having a cylindrical first portion is slidably received in a cylindrical bore of the valve housing. A second portion of the valve element has a valve surface for selectively engaging and disengaging the valve seat to allow passage of hydraulic fluid between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A spring element is mounted within the valve housing for biasing the valve element into engagement with the valve seat.