While it’s a stone’s throw from London, Surrey feels worlds away from the city. Escape to charming towns and villages, visit boutique wineries and get lost in one of the country’s most enchanting Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fast road, rail and bus connections make Surrey a great base for exploring the capital.
Things to do in Surrey
Scenic trails wind through the countryside and make Surrey one of the top walking destinations in England. Some take you through rolling hills and valleys, while others lead to chocolate-box towns and villages. Devil’s Punch Bowl is one of the most popular walks in Surrey, with the chance to spot wild ponies grazing on the heathlands.
Chalky soil and a sunny climate have made Surrey Hills one of England’s top winemaking regions. Sip your way through award-winning vineyards and try signature wines that capture the spirit of the county. Larger estates feature elegant restaurants with fantastic views over the vineyards.
Across Surrey, you’ll see gardens created by legendary landscape architect, “Capability” Brown. One of the greatest gardeners in England, he designed magnificent estates like Gatton Park and Hampton Court Palace Gardens. Surrey is also dotted with historic gems like Polesden Lacey, an elegant Edwardian manor house operated by the National Trust.
Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty occupies a quarter of the county and protects a patchwork of grass-covered hills, chalky slopes and ancient boxwood forests. There are countless ways to explore the area, from family-friendly bike rides to challenging hikes. Walk up to Leith Hill Tower for sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.
Surrey is dotted with charming country pubs where you can enjoy traditional British cuisine. Fill up on fish and chips, steak and onion pie or a hearty ploughman’s lunch. You’ll also find excellent tearooms and manor houses where you can indulge in a traditional English cream tea.
Getting around Surrey
Surrey is easy to explore by car, bus and train. Guilford is the largest town in Surrey and is a one-hour drive from Central London. Trains run between Guilford and Charing Cross Station in London in around 45 minutes and Heathrow Airport is a one-hour drive away.