Best things to do in Surrey – from amazing walks and top market towns to stunning chocolate-box villages, there are many places to see in Surrey this weekend!
The stunning county of Surrey is one of the most beautiful regions in the South of England. Its proximity to the capital city has made it a top area for many who work in London but want a more rural lifestyle.
If you are looking for some of the best places to visit near London, then Surrey has to be very top on your list! The county of Surrey offers a huge variety of different activities. From visiting its villages (many are amongst the prettiest villages in England) to some of the best walking trails near London.
Ready to learn more about Surrey? We are proud to present some of the best locations and activities you can do in Surrey!
Where is Surrey located?
Where is Surrey England? Surrey is a county in the South East of England, surrounded by Kent, East Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Greater London. It is the 12th most populated county in England and is considered a relatively affluent area. It is considered to be one of the home counties, which are the counties that surround London.
The County Town in Surrey is Guildford, and other popular towns include Walton on Thames, Woking, Redhill, Leatherhead, Epsom, Weybridge, and Camberley.
How far is Surrey from London?
Surrey is just 20 miles from the City of London or 24.2 miles by road. You can easily travel to Surrey from London by car via the A3, or there are regular rail services from Waterloo Station to Woking which take just 29 minutes.
Other major train stations in Surrey with links to London include Shalford, Epsom, Ashford, and Guildford. Travelling to Guildford has a longer journey time of 56 minutes from London Waterloo.
What is Surrey UK famous for?
The county of Surrey is known for being one of the most affluent areas in England. Not only that, but it is officially the most densely wooded county in the country. More than one-fifth of the land in Surrey is covered in trees, making it a haven for greenery and wildlife.
Many famous films have been shot in Surrey, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Skyfall, The Holiday, and more. Surrey is also home to the Surrey Hills, which cover a quarter of the county and offer one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
What is the main town in Surrey?
The main town in Surrey is Guildford. It has a population of about 80,000 and it is located about 20 miles from London. It is a very popular place for people to visit as well as live. In fact, Guildford is one of the best commuter towns near London.
Explore the best places to visit in Surrey England and top ideas for things to do in Surrey this weekend:
Most Picturesque Villages in Surrey:
1. Shere
Best things to do in Surrey? From all attractions in Surrey, Shere is one of the most visited villages in this county. This is not a surprise as Shere is a very popular village near London.
Shere village is nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and thanks to its incredible location there are many walking trails nearby.
From little shops and great pubs to a much-loved café restaurant called The Dabbling Duck – there are many things to do on a day out to Shere village!
2. Peaslake
Places to visit in Surrey? Peaslake is a great place for a relaxing weekend break in the countryside or an action-packed day hurtling through the Surrey Hills trail on two wheels.
On a trip to Peaslake, you can enjoy the local cuisine from the village store or nearby restaurants and explore the history at St Mark’s Church.
Thanks to its great location in the Surrey Hills, the village is a very popular spot for walkers – perfect for a nice walk near London! There are many hill trails to explore making mountain biking also a common activity in this part of Southern England.
3. Abinger Hammer
What to do in Surrey? Abinger Hammer is a quaint village in the county of Surrey. It is located in the south of the county, on the A25 between Guildford and Dorking. Abinger Hammer is a beautiful destination for a peaceful day out, and you will find a small village shop, a local pub, and a picturesque green.
On the green is a small stream, which is a popular place for locals and visitors when the weather is warm. During summer, you will see many kids take a paddle and families enjoying a picnic in the village.
4. Ripley
Things to do Surrey? The village of Ripley is a charming spot in Surrey and home to beautiful Ripley Castle. The Ingilby family have lived in Ripley Castle for over 700 years, and they have opened part of the attractive castle to visitors through guided tours.
The guides share intriguing facts and knowledge about Ripley Castle and the family who own and live there. As well as the castle, Ripley has stunning walled gardens and a lovely park and lake to explore. The lake and park in the grounds were designed by Capability Brown and are well worth a visit.
There are many places in Surrey you just have to see and Ripley village is just right there!
5. Mickleham
Things to do in Surrey for adults? Between the towns of Dorking and Leatherhead sits the village of Mickleham. This small civil parish covers just 7.21 square kilometres on the east side of the river Mole valley and by the base of Box Hill. Mickleham Priory is steeped in history and certainly worth a visit when in the area. Box Hill Country Park is also nearby to Mickleham and covers stunning woodland areas and chalk downland.
Another firm favourite among visitors to Mickleham is Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England, which is just 1.3 miles from the village.
6. Brockham
Places to go in Surrey? Located in the Mole Valley district of Surrey, just east of Dorking, is the village and civil parish of Brockham. It has a population of just 3,000 people and is a vibrant community with a selection of local shops and pubs.
Brockham is famed for its extravagant bonfire night celebration in November, which is an event not to be missed. This lovely little spot is thought to be one of the most photographed villages in the country, with a classic English village green in its heart.
7. Gomshall
Places to visit Surrey? The village of Gomshall is part of the borough of Guildford in Surrey, along the A25 between the town and Dorking. Flowing through the middle of Gomshall is the River Tillingbourne, and the North Downs Way passes on the north of the village.
There is a small railway station in Gomshall, offering direct services to Reading and Redhill. Gomshall has a rich history and appears in the Domesday Book from 1086. Back then, it was known as Gomeselle and was held by William the Conqueror.
8. Chiddingfold
Things to do in Surrey this weekend? Chiddingfold lies in the south of the county of Surrey and falls within the local authority of Waverley. The stunning village is a favourite among tourists to Surrey, with plenty of quaint cottages and beautiful timber-framed Wealden houses to explore.
Surrounding Chiddingfold village is spectacular Surrey countryside, with a range of walking routes. Chiddingfold was once famed for its glassmaking, and during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, there were eleven glassworks on the village green alone.
9. Hambledon
Surrey things to do? In the borough of Waverley in Surrey is the scattered village of Hambledon. Sitting south of Guildford, Hambledon is remote, with no railway lines or dual carriageways in the area. There is a small population in Hambledon, and it’s a quiet place to visit, but visitors certainly get a real understanding of the quaint charm of a tiny Surrey village.
There is a local church, post office, pub, and a village shop to explore. In Hambledon, you will find Oakhurst Cottage, which is owned by the National Trust and a chance to see a restored labourer’s dwelling.
Top sights in Surrey:
10. Godalming
Where to go Surrey? Godalming is an ancient market town on the banks of the pretty River Wey. On a visit to Godalming, you will see canal boats dotted along the wharf and local cattle grazing at the waterside meadows.
Throughout the year, various seasonal festivals take place in the charming town, and there is plenty to see and do in the area. Along the High Street and Church Street, there is an abundance of historic and unique architecture. The village also has its own museum celebrating the work of garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.
11. Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Days out in Surrey? Let’s face it – as one of the best areas in Surrey, the Surrey Hills has to be on any list of the best places to visit in Surrey!
The Surrey Hills cover more than a quarter of Surrey, stretching from Oxted in the east to Farnham in the west. They are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is clear to see why. There are so many walking routes, cycling paths, and things to see in the vast Surrey Hills, including the Devil’s Punch Bowl, The Gibbet, Leith Hill Tower, Frensham Ponds, and so much more. As well as beautiful scenery and unique features, the Surrey Hills are home to many local businesses, such as the Surrey Hills Brewery.
This really is one of the best Surrey tourist attractions!
12. Box Hill
Beautiful places in Surrey? Box Hill is a very popular destination for day-trippers from London and surrounding areas. It is managed by the National Trust and is one of the best viewpoints in Surrey. From Box Hill, you can see views stretching across the South Downs, and there are many beautiful walks to enjoy in the area.
Box Hill is primarily made up of woodland and chalk downland and has so much to offer for a memorable day out.
13. Tanhouse Farm
Places to go Surrey? South of the Surrey Hills is Tanhouse Farm Shop. Located near to Dorking, this farm shop has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Tanhouse Farm serves delicious food for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, perfect for stopping off on a walk to bike ride in the beautiful area.
As well as serving scrumptious treats and drinks, Tanhouse Farm Shop also sells local produce from the farm for visitors to take home and enjoy.
So, is this farm on your list of things to see in Surrey?
14. Thorpe Park Resort
Fun things to do in Surrey? Thorpe Park Resort is the most famous and well-known day out in Surrey. Located in Chertsey, Thorpe Park is a popular theme park with more than 30 hair-raising rides, water rides, unique attractions, and more. They host various live events throughout the year and offer something for all the family.
Visitors of all ages will love a day out at Thorpe Park Resort, and people flock from all over the country to visit this amusement park.
Thorpe Park really is one of the top Surrey attractions!
15. Guildford
Tourist attractions Surrey? Guildford is the country town of Surrey and is a historic and vibrant place to visit. Just 40 minutes from London and 50 minutes from the South Coast, it is the perfect spot to discover the whole of the South East. Wander down the quaint cobbled high street and explore some of the attractions in the charming town.
Guildford is home to many different heritage sites, as well as beautiful riverside scenes and vibrant shopping locations. The town has a rich history with deep Saxon roots and many historic buildings, including The Guildhall and Guildford cathedral.
16. Painshill
Family days out Surrey? Painshill can be found near Cobham in Surrey and is one of the finest examples of a classic 18th century English landscaped park. The beautiful area was designed and created by Charles Hamilton between 1738 and 1773 and has been well preserved and restored over the years.
Painshill has won various awards and spans across 158 acres of Surrey countryside. It runs along the banks of the River Mole, and the central feature is the serpentine lake which covers 14 acres.
17. RHS Garden Wisley Surrey
RHS Garden Wisley is a garden and visitor attraction in the village of Woking, Surrey, England, owned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is the largest garden to be maintained by the RHS.
The garden covers an area of around 100 acres (40 ha) and contains over 50,000 plant varieties on display. The gardens are open to visitors all year round. The main flower shows are held in May and June, with the RHS Show being staged in June. The garden also holds a series of smaller events throughout the year, including courses and workshops on gardening.
18. Leith Hill
Leith Hill is the highest point in the county of Surrey and its prominence qualifies it as a Marilyn. The summit lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The hill has been used by walkers for many years and there are several marked trails to the summit from different points around its circumference. The hill is also famous for its large number of cyclists coming to cycle up the hill.
Is it worth visiting Surrey?
Surrey is a great place for a day out or a short break in the beautiful countryside. Surrey features many hiking routes and breathtaking landscapes to explore for those who enjoy getting out into the great outdoors.
Thrill-seekers will love a visit to Thorpe Park Resort, and there are so many beautiful places to stay nearby. If you are looking for a trip away with plenty to see and do, Guildford is a great base for staying in Surrey.
If vast open spaces and quaint little English villages are more your thing, you will be spoilt for those in this county.
Surrey England FAQ:
Surrey is a separate county in the South of England. But because of the boundary changes in 1965, some of the Surrey boroughs were transferred to Greater London.
Some of the most scenic views in Surrey include Painshill Park, Leith Hill, Box Hill and Holmbury Hill.
If you would like to escape to a scenic countryside or market town then relocating to Surrey is an excellent choice! Some of the best places to live are Shere, Camberley, Farnham and Guildford.
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