Summary
Known to many as the “Stockbroker Belt” for its numerous affluent residents, Surrey has enjoyed a reputation as an elegant location for quite some time.
Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror allocated extensive areas of what is now Surrey to his nearest companions.
The Magna Carta was sealed in Runnymede in 1215, and later on, Guildford emerged as a vital center for southern England’s horse-drawn stagecoach network.
Currently, visitors can explore a multitude of market towns, each with its own unique history and character, along with regal estates and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Surrey Hills.
1. Dorking
This market town is situated in the Surrey Hills, surrounded by expansive country estates.
There are six manor houses located just minutes from Dorking, all constructed during the Georgian and Victorian eras, designed to maximize the stunning views of the area’s lush chalk downs.
These hills are adorned with yew forests and fields adorned with wildflowers in the early summer.
Box Hill, rising to 224 meters, was the venue for the road cycling race in the 2012 Olympics and offers one of southern England’s most picturesque rural vistas.
Dorking is also recognized for raising the Dorking Cockerel, distinguished by its additional toe, and the local heritage center includes an informative section dedicated to this breed.
2. Farnham
Nestled among the stunning green hills of the North Downs, the market town of Farnham features beautiful streets lined with Georgian homes and a historic medieval castle.
The town has hosted a market since the 12th century, initiated by William the Conqueror’s grandson, who established Farnham Castle to serve as a residence for the Archbishops of Winchester.
They would reside here for the subsequent eight centuries, and today a premier farmers’ market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Volunteers conduct complimentary tours of the castle, which boasts a circular outline known as a “shell keep.” Additionally, visitors will enjoy leisurely exploring the town, particularly the enchanting Castle Street filled with grand Georgian townhouses.
3. Guildford
With a rich tapestry of culture and heritage, Guildford gained recognition for being equidistant from the naval base in Portsmouth and the admiralty in Greenwich.
Travelers journeying between these two locations would often stay overnight at this staging post, with several inns from that time still in operation today.
On High Street, visitors can find the historic Angel Inn, retaining its original signage and currently functioning as a hotel, including sections constructed in the 1300s.
The cobbled High Street is adorned with numerous historic buildings such as the Guildhall, erected in the 1300s, which features a clock projecting over the street dating back to the 1600s.
A short distance from the town center, one can find prestigious estates such as Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, and Loseley House, alongside a multitude of other attractions worth discovering.
4. Godalming
Godalming affirms Surrey’s standing as one of the most affluent counties in the United Kingdom, located along the southern bank of the River Wey.
Just minutes away lies Charterhouse, one of England’s historically significant “Public Schools.” The High Street offers a glimpse into the town’s great antiquity, especially at the market square, framed by Tudor timber-framed houses.
At the heart of the town stands the Pepperpot, a former town hall established in 1814, featuring an arcaded design that lends charm to the marketplace.
In the 17th century, the River Wey was dredged and equipped with locks to facilitate navigation for barges, a system still in use today, complemented by elegant old longboats moored along the wharfs on the northern side of the town.
5. Weybridge
If you seek to immerse yourself in the idyllic surroundings of the River Wey, Weybridge should be your destination.
Beginning adjacent to the train station, the Locks and Levels trail offers a leisurely walking route along the river’s towpath, showcasing locks and other historical infrastructure from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Similar to Farnham, Weybridge is characterized by numerous Victorian and Georgian properties, contributing to the town’s period charm.
However, the primary reason for visiting is to explore the Brooklands Racing Circuit, established in 1907 as the world’s first racetrack specifically designed for motor racing.
Brooklands also served as an aerodrome, and its exceptional museum boasts a remarkable collection of vintage race cars, including a Napier-Railton, as well as an impressive array of aircraft, featuring an actual Concorde.
6. Oxted
Once an exceptionally prosperous town, Oxted experienced a transformation in the late 19th century when the railway line connected it to central London in mere minutes.
However, the town’s history predates this development, as Oxted was documented in the Domesday Book as the property of Eustace II of Boulogne, a close associate of William the Conqueror.
For a unique experience, visit Titsey Place, which holds exquisite paintings by Caravaggio and features meticulously landscaped gardens complete with a lake, greenhouses, and a charming walled garden.
There are opportunities for horseback riding through local stables and exceptional community offerings such as the Barn Theatre, where Shakespeare plays are performed in a beautifully restored 13th-century barn.
7. Leatherhead
An interesting town located in the stunning landscape of the Surrey Hills, Leatherhead is filled with historic buildings.
The town offers a heritage trail leaflet to guide visitors to its major points of interest.
The town museum is housed in Hampton Cottage, an evocative wattle and daub cottage dating back to the 1600s, which serves as a perfect setting.
Visitors can explore intriguing artifacts from both Anglo-Saxon and Roman sites in the vicinity, as well as more contemporary items from local factories, including vintage “Goblin” brand household appliances and gas lamps.
8. Chertsey
Families with children looking for entertainment should consider visiting Thorpe Park.
This theme park is the second most-visited in the country and is tailored specifically for teenagers and young adults, featuring a wide variety of thrilling roller coasters and exciting rides.
The town is also located along the Thames, where the river is crossed at Chertsey Bridge, a structure rebuilt by the acclaimed Georgian architect James Paine in 1784. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy a serene cruise on this quieter stretch of the Thames, and on Sundays, families can take their children for a delightful ride on the Great Cockrow Railway, a miniature train celebrated for its care and preservation over the past 50 years.
9. Epsom
Even for those unfamiliar with horse racing, Epsom Downs is well-known as the venue of the iconic Derby race, which has been held since 1780, making it one of the oldest sporting events globally.
The Derby takes place on the first Saturday in June and is regarded as the premier race within the UK racing calendar. Epsom Playhouse Theatre is a charming venue that hosts a range of performances almost every evening, featuring touring comedians and musical acts.
The children’s attraction, Hobbledown, resembles an animal farm infused with a fantastical theme set within Horton Country Park.
Featuring llamas, alpacas, meerkats, otters, sheep, pygmy goats, pigs, and many more creatures, it offers children the opportunity to meet and interact with various animals.
10. Reigate
Situated in the picturesque countryside of the North Downs, Reigate is an affluent town possessing a rural ambiance despite its proximity to Greater London.
Stroll along Reigate’s High Street, lined with locally-owned shops housed in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian buildings, accompanied by a traditional covered market.
The area behind the High Street features steep terrain where Reigate’s Norman castle once stood.
Presently, the site has been transformed into a meticulously maintained park, presided over by an 18th-century folly that resembles a medieval gatehouse.
Beneath the gardens lies a walkable former road tunnel constructed in 1823, acknowledged as one of the oldest in Europe.
11. Egham
Bordering the northern edge of Egham is the Runnymede water meadow, a historical site where the Magna Carta was sealed between King John I and the rebellious barons.
This charter conferred various rights to these barons, including protection against unlawful imprisonment, and is recognized as a foundational constitutional document.
A National Trust monument stands at this location, selected for its proximity to Windsor, facilitating King John’s swift and safe access during a period of conflict.
For a reflective moment, also visit the JFK monument alongside the river, situated at the top of 50 steps, each representing a different state.
12. Haslemere
Situated at the southernmost point of Surrey, Haslemere is nestled within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, adjacent to the South Downs National Park.
Along Petworth Road and the High Street, the town presents itself as an upscale destination, characterized by Georgian townhouses and charming tile-clad cottages.
The breadth of Haslemere Educational Museum’s collections is impressive, primarily focusing on natural history, especially fossils amassed in the 19th century by the esteemed surgeon Sir Jonathan Hutchison.
Moreover, the natural amphitheater known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl is just a short distance uphill from Haslemere, celebrated as one of the South’s natural marvels.
13. Virginia Water
The quaint and typically affluent town of Virginia Water derives its name from the lake adjacent to its western boundary, part of the expansive 2020-hectare Windsor Great Park.
The allure of Virginia Water emerges from its stunning surroundings, luxury amenities, and intriguing historical features stemming from its location near a royal estate.
Wentworth Golf Club is renowned worldwide and was the site of the inaugural Ryder Cup.
The lake boasts a 4.5-mile perimeter footpath, and has also served as a shooting location for Harry Potter films, with fascinating historical monuments like an obelisk erected during the mid-1700s under King George II.
14. Esher
Although part of a southwest London suburb, Esher falls within Surrey’s jurisdiction and is characterized by numerous Grade-I listed sites despite its more understated reputation.
One such site is the Church of St George, constructed in the 1500s, which welcomed notable figures including Queen Victoria.
Differing from many English churches, St George’s remains unaltered from the 1800s renovations, preserving its Tudor fittings and architecture.
Claremont House and its gardens also hold Grade I status, originally purchased for Princess Charlotte and her spouse Prince Leopold of Belgium in 1816. The National Trust maintains the gardens, which retain their original design from the 1720s.
15. Shere
When envisioning a quintessential southern English village, most people would imagine something akin to what awaits in Shere.
Picture country pubs with outdoor seating, a historic Norman church, a babbling stream, a charming tea room, and timber-framed houses that provide a nod to traditional trades such as wheelwrights and blacksmiths.
Visitors will find it difficult to resist exploring the village, which has established a trail that educates on the historical significance of various buildings.
After enjoying a meal at a local pub, consider heading to Newlands Corner, a breathtaking viewpoint at 173 meters, where the chalk North Downs extend before you.
