Often referred to as ‘the garden of London’, the South East county of Surrey sits just 16 miles south of the capital. The beautiful green county and rolling countryside cover approximately 648 square miles, and alongside Greater London is bordered by Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire. Its name dates back to the Saxon occupation in the 5th and 6th centuries – the term ‘Suthrige’ meaning ‘southern kingdom’. Traces of its rich history are also visible throughout many of its towns and villages: Guildford and Farnham castles constructed during the Norman conquest; the ruins of the first Cistercian monastery in England, Waverley Abbey in Farnham; and the numerous royal palaces built throughout the Tudor period, of which only Hampton Court remains.
Surrey remained sparsely populated until the 19th century when improved transport links and the arrival of the railways attracted more people to the region, sparking the creation of new towns and the evolution of others. Today many of its towns and villages are highly sought-after residential areas, offering sanctuary outside of the city within a commutable distance of the capital. Despite its growing population, Surrey is still renowned for its countryside and remains the most wooded county in England. Alongside its green appeal, it offers historic market towns, picturesque villages, a range of attractions including over 40 museums, an impressive arts and crafts heritage, beautiful parks and gardens, and a diverse culinary scene. Without further ado, here are some of our favourite things to do in Surrey.
The Sculpture Park in Farnham
Set across ten acres of arboretum, enchanting woodland, and water gardens, Farnham’s Sculpture Park is a must-visit. With 650 modern and contemporary sculptures of a range of different styles, sizes, and mediums from over 300 international artists, you can easily lose hours taking in the eclectic mix of art, set across the serene backdrop of the rolling Surrey hills. The two-mile woodland trail offers the perfect route to see all that the park has to offer – sculpture, nature, and wildlife. The park is open all year-round, with the changing seasons and ever-evolving collection of works providing a different experience at every visit.
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Wine tasting at Albury Vineyard
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply enjoy an occasional glass, you’re sure to love all that the beautiful Albury Vineyard has to offer. Located on the southern slopes of the North Downs, Albury Vineyard produces only the highest quality English wines from grapes grown in the Surrey hills. The passionately run family business prides itself on being Surrey’s only organic vineyard, producing organic fruit with a commitment to biodynamic principles. Albury Vineyard was originally renowned for its Silent Pool Rosé served at the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012, and its wines have gone on to receive international acclaim. Take in all that the vineyards have to offer with a guided tour, followed by the tasting experience with the cheeseboard pairing – you can thank us later.
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The British Wildlife Centre
Whether you’re looking for an activity to entertain the family or are simply seeking a memorable day out, The British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield is not to be missed. The centre was founded by former dairy farmer, David Mills, to educate the public about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife and the challenges they face living in the wild. Today, it’s home to over 40 native species, from the lesser seen Scottish wildcats to the elusive pine marten. It also features Britain's first-ever walk-through red squirrel enclosure, allowing visitors to experience the iconic breed up close. Once you’ve made it around the animal enclosures, be sure to visit the edge of the centre’s 26-acre nature reserve from the Wetland Boardwalk, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the wetland habitat and catch a glimpse of the resident birds, including a colony of herons.
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Visit Watts Gallery
Lovers of arts and culture will find themselves in their element at Watts Gallery – The Artists’ Village. Set in the village of Compton near Guildford, the gallery was founded in 1904 to display the work of Victorian artist and ‘England’s Michaelangelo’, George Frederic Watts. The historic galleries feature George’s vast portfolio – over 7,000 works from the intricate portraits of his earlier years to the majestic sculptures he moved onto later in his career. Visitors can also explore Limnerlease, the historic home and studios of George and Mary Watts, to get more of a unique insight into the life and works of the artist and his wife, who was herself an artist, designer, and writer. Also set in the 18 acres of woodlands and gardens is Watts Ceremony Chapel, a Grade I listed building and the work of Mary Watts herself. If you need to rest and recharge in between all the exploring, pop into the idyllic tea shop on site – its famous Welsh rarebit is worth a special mention.
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Guildford Cathedral
On top of Stag Hill in the centre of Guildford sits its majestic modern cathedral – a powerful symbol of the town’s community spirit with quite a remarkable story behind its existence. Building work on the cathedral first began in 1936 before coming to a halt in the Second World War. Even once materials were available again and post-war building restrictions were lifted, the work was hindered by limited funds. An extraordinary outpouring of public support and generosity followed with the launch of the ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign, which saw more than 200,000 people become ‘brick-givers’. The work was able to commence again in 1954 and the interior was furnished with the creativity and voluntary efforts of local people. The People’s Cathedral was finally consecrated in 1961. Today, the Cathedral is a busy Christian church running over 1,000 services each year, as well as concerts, events, and exhibitions. Take an afternoon to explore all the beautiful buildings and grounds have to offer and climb the 249 steps to the top of the Tower to enjoy the stunning views over Surrey.
Here we’ve shared just a handful of our favourite picks, but we really are only just scratching the surface of this remarkable county. There’s so much more to see, do and explore in Surrey, that after ticking off these must-see activities you’ll only just be getting started.
