The county of Surrey, located in the southeast of England, is celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, great schools and thriving, vibrant communities. Surrey offers a lifestyle of convenience and tranquillity, with its idyllic countryside, historic charm and proximity to London making it the perfect place to settle. The county is home to iconic sites such as Guildford Castle, illustrating its rich history, and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the stunning Surrey Hills.
In a 2024 survey commissioned by The Telegraph, 13 Surrey towns were named among the top 50 most desirable places to live in Britain. Many of these towns boast an array of recreational facilities, tight-knit communities and offer anything from long, riverside walks to dynamic high streets lined with boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. They also have outstanding transport links to London allowing Surrey to deliver the best of both worlds: tranquil charm and urban accessibility.
This guide will explore some of the best towns Surrey has to offer, each with its own unique appeal.
Cobham
This exclusive town nestled on the banks of the River Mole was the highest rated Surrey town in The Telegraph’s 2024 survey, coming in second just below the Hertfordshire town of Harpenden. With a picturesque location that compliments its upscale community perfectly, Cobham is a vibrant countryside retreat that offers unimpeded access to scenic trails like Painshill park, a beautifully landscaped 18th century garden.
Cobham has a thriving high street, a bustling hub of activity that features a mix of shops, artisan cafes and popular restaurants like the highly regarded Kinjo, a Japanese eatery with an extensive menu and excellent service. Schooling in Cobham is of an excellent standard, with institutions like the prestigious ACS International School making it a popular town for families.
Situated within the commuter belt and boasting efficient transport links to London, Cobham has a highly exclusive property market, with the average house price in the area sitting at around £1.4 million. This furthers the status of Cobham, often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Britain,” as one of the finest towns not only in Surrey, but in the entire country.
Esher
Esher, which placed 7th on the list, is one of the most sought-after towns in Surrey due to its mix of elegance, culture and community. In Esher urban sophistication and rural tranquillity combine to provide residents with an excellent quality of life. The central location of the town provides close proximity to Hampton Court Palace, Sandown Park Racecourse and Claremont Landscape Garden, ensuring that there is an abundance of leisure activities for people to enjoy.
Recognised for its abundance of amenities and lively town centre, Esher boasts plentiful shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities with the Everyman Cinema providing a luxury movie watching experience alongside a variety of high-end retailers perfect for any shopping trip. Esher has top rated schools as well as convenient road and rail connections to London making it the perfect choice for families and young professionals alike.
Virginia Wate
Offering luxury living in an idyllic, rural setting, Virginia Water is a popular commuter village located at the southern edge of Windsor Great Park. Centred around the beautiful Virginia Water Lake, this area boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The lake has an abundance of walking trails, waterfalls and Roman ruins for residents to explore, making it the perfect town for outdoor enthusiasts.
Virginia Waters’ reputation for luxury and exclusivity stems from its popular amenities including the Wentworth Club, a renowned golfing destination, as well as Savill Garden, a 35-acre haven of gardens and woodland. The town centre is also a vibrant destination with its shops and restaurants, and the schools in the area have top-tier reputations for academic excellence.
With the average price for a detached property currently at £1.5 million, Virginia Waters remains a popular and highly exclusive town in Surrey.
Ashtead
Once considered a charming little village nestled between the Surrey Hills and Epsom Downs, the recent increase in people moving to Ashtead has led to its growth from village to town. Offering an exceptional quality of life with its balance of countryside and convenience, Ashtead is a standout choice for families, retirees and professionals alike. It is home to a number of extensive green spaces, the most popular of which is the Ashtead Common, a nature reserve ideal for scenic walks, cycling, and outdoor family adventures.
Ashtead still retains its thriving village atmosphere and close-knit community, with a bustling town centre full of leisure facilities and convenient amenities. The Greville Primary School and St Andrew’s Catholic School are two of the town’s best educational establishments, furthering Ashtead’s status as a family-friendly destination, and nearby access to the M25 makes for easy commuting to the city.
Given the relatively small size and popularity of Ashtead, detached homes in the area tend to cost upwards of £750,000.
Farnham
Known for its historic charm, Farnham is a highly sought after Surrey gem located a stone’s throw from the North Downs Way. The town features a wealth of perfectly preserved Georgian architecture, winding cobbled streets and a number of iconic landmarks for residents to explore including Farnham Castle, a towering 12th century structure that is often used as a wedding venue. The town is also considered one of the most culturally rich in the county, with the Farnham Maltings, a vibrant arts and community centre, hosting numerous workshops, performances and events throughout the year.
With its direct access to nature, thriving high street and strong rail connections to London, Farnham offers the ideal blend of history, community and convenience. The area’s nicest homes, detached Georgian gems and countryside cottages, are valued on average at around £700,000.
Not only are the towns of Surrey steeped in history and natural beauty, they are also constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern living. The continued investment in infrastructure, education and community development all points toward a bright future for the area. From the riverside elegance of Cobham to the vibrant community of Farnham, Surrey is set to remain an ideal destination for those seeking a seamless blend of beauty, convenience and progress.
