Surrey Travel Guide (South East England/England/United Kingdom/Britain and Ireland/Europe)

Introduction to Surrey

Nestled in the South East region of England, Surrey is a county known for its breathtaking countryside views, rich cultural heritage, and diverse activities. From beautiful parks to historic sites, there’s something for everyone in Surrey. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of bike and hiking trails. Looking for a romantic getaway or a solo adventure? Surrey is the perfect place to find tranquility and adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Surrey

If you’re planning to visit Surrey, here are some of the must-visit attractions in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Surrey has a rich cultural heritage, and a visit to its museums and historical sites is a great way to learn more about it. Some of the best places to visit include:

Guildford Castle: an 11th-century castle located in the heart of Guildford.
Hampton Court Palace: a royal palace built by Henry VIII that showcases Tudor architecture.
Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village: a beautiful museum showcasing Victorian art and architecture.
Rural Life Living Museum: an open-air museum that showcases Surrey’s rural life and history.
Mercedes-Benz World: a museum dedicated to the iconic car brand, featuring interactive exhibitions and driving experiences.

Natural Attractions of Surrey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Surrey is home to some of the most beautiful parks and natural landscapes in England. These destinations are perfect for outdoor lovers looking for a little adventure. Here are the best natural attractions in Surrey:

Box Hill: climb up to the highest point in the Surrey Hills for stunning views of the countryside.
Painshill Park: a beautiful 18th-century landscape garden with stunning lakes and follies.
Virginia Water: a stunning lake surrounded by beautiful woodlands and gardens.
Winkworth Arboretum: a picturesque woodland with rare shrubs and trees.
Devil’s Punch Bowl: a picturesque valley in the South Downs National Park, offering stunning views and challenging hikes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Surrey

Surrey is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, with hundreds of miles of trails through forests, fields, and hills. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

North Downs Way: a 153-mile route that takes you through peaceful countryside, ancient woodlands, and scenic valleys.
Thames Down Link: a 15-mile walk that follows the River Thames and the Wey Navigation Canal.
Surrey Hills: a scenic 25-mile cycling route that takes you through picturesque villages, woodlands, and hills.
Box Hill: a popular cycling and hiking destination with steep climbs and amazing views.
Newlands Corner: a peaceful walk that offers stunning views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Surrey: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do in Surrey, here are some of the best activities and tours you can try:

Denbies Wine Estate: take a tour of England’s largest vineyard and learn about the wine-making process.
Brooklands Museum: a popular museum showcasing the history of racing cars and aircraft.
Thorpe Park: a thrilling amusement park featuring roller coasters, water rides, and more.
Silent Pool Distillery: enjoy a gin-tasting experience at one of Surrey’s top distilleries.
Farmers’ Markets: visit one of Surrey’s many farmers’ markets and discover local produce, crafts, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Surrey

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Surrey, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1 - Discover Guildford’s historic castle, markets, and shops. Day 2 - Spend the day exploring Hampton Court Palace and its beautiful gardens. Day 3 - Hike or bike along the North Downs Way. Day 4 - Take a wine tour of Denbies Wine Estate, followed by lunch in the vineyards. Day 5 - Explore Box Hill and its surrounding countryside. Day 6 - Visit Watts Gallery and the nearby scenic village of Compton. Day 7 - Spend the day at Thorpe Park, one of the UK’s best theme parks.

Food and Drink Scene of Surrey

Surrey has a vibrant food and drink scene, with many excellent restaurants, pubs, and bars. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Ploughman’s Lunch: a classic English dish featuring cheese, pickles, and bread.
Fish and Chips: a staple of British cuisine, best enjoyed with a side of mushy peas.
Game Pie: a traditional savory pie made with game meats like pheasant and venison.
Eton Mess: a luxurious dessert made with whipped cream, strawberries, and meringue.
Hogs Back Brewery Ale: a local beer made with the finest hops and malt.

Local Beverages

English Breakfast Tea: a strong, black tea blend perfect for morning refreshment.
Surrey Hills Gin: a popular local gin featuring locally sourced botanicals.
Silent Pool Gin: a premium gin brand made with 24 hand-selected botanicals, including Juniper, lavender, and rose.

Where to Stay in Surrey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Surrey has a great selection of accommodation options for every budget. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, here are some of the best places to stay in Surrey:

Barnett Hill Hotel: a luxurious 4-star hotel in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
Premier Inn: budget-friendly accommodation with modern amenities.
YHA Tillingbourne: a picturesque hostel located in the heart of the Surrey Hills.

What to Buy in Surrey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home, here are some products to buy in Surrey:

Surrey Lavender: a local lavender farm offering scented products like oils, soaps, and candles.
Handmade Ceramics: local potters and ceramicists offer beautiful handmade ceramics.
Surrey Wine: bring home a bottle of wine from one of Surrey’s many vineyards.
Handmade Chocolates: local chocolatiers offer hand-crafted chocolates in various flavors.
Local Crafts: visit one of Surrey’s many farmers’ markets or craft fairs to find unique items made by local artists and artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Surrey

Surrey has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many customs and traditions that are unique to the region. Here are some of the most notable ones:

The Surrey County Show: an annual agricultural event that showcases the best of Surrey’s farming and rural life.
Morris Dancing: a traditional English folk dance performed by groups in Surrey and across the UK.
Cheese Rolling: an annual event where participants chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill.
Surrey Hills Choir: a community choir that performs at concerts and events throughout the year.
Surrey County Cricket Club: a world-renowned cricket club with a proud history in the sport.

Best Time to Visit Surrey

Surrey is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the countryside is at its most beautiful. Spring (March-May) is also a great time to visit, with flowers blooming and wildlife emerging from hibernation.

Do’s and Don’ts of Surrey

To make the most of your visit to Surrey, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Take advantage of Surrey’s beautiful countryside and outdoor activities.
Explore the local food and drink scene.
Take a tour of one of Surrey’s many vineyards.
Visit the region’s historic sites and museums to learn about local culture and history.
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking.

Don’t:

Underestimate the steepness of hills in the region.
Forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
Disrespect local customs and traditions, such as the Morris Dancing.
Litter or damage natural areas, including parks and nature reserves.
Forget to try a traditional Ploughman’s Lunch or local gin.

Safety and Health

Safety in Surrey

Surrey is generally a safe place to visit, with low crime rates. However, it’s always important to take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips to stay safe during your trip:

Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
Keep your valuables in a secure place, and don’t leave them unattended.
Be cautious of traffic while walking or biking along roads.
Follow the countryside code to avoid getting lost or injured while hiking.

Health in Surrey

Surrey has a good standard of health care, with many hospitals and clinics available throughout the region. It’s important to have travel insurance that covers any medical costs in case of an emergency. Be sure to carry any necessary medications with you, and research local health facilities before you go.

Getting to Surrey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Surrey is well-connected to the rest of England, with easy access to airports, bus stations, and train stations. Here are some of the best transportation options for getting to Surrey:

Airports Near Surrey

London Gatwick Airport (LGW): located in Crawley, just 25 miles from Surrey.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR): located in Hillingdon, just 20 miles from Surrey.

Bus Stations Near Surrey

Guildford Bus Station: located in the heart of Guildford, offering services to London and other destinations.
Woking Bus Station: located in Woking town center, offering services to Heathrow Airport and other destinations.

Other Options

Train Stations: Surrey has many train stations, offering services to London and other destinations.
Car Rental: there are many car rental companies in Surrey if you prefer to drive.

How to Get Around in Surrey

Once you’re in Surrey, there are many transportation options available to help you explore the region:

Buses: Surrey has a good network of local buses that connect different parts of the region.
Trains: the South Western Railway provide fast and efficient service to destinations across the region.
Taxis: there are many taxi companies in Surrey, offering affordable and convenient travel.
Bicycles: Surrey is a great place for cycling, with many bike rental companies available.

Where to Go Next from Surrey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore England, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

London: just a short train ride away, London is one of the world’s most vibrant cities, with a plethora of attractions and activities.
Thames Valley: explore the scenic River Thames Valley, with its charming towns, quaint villages, and gorgeous countryside.
Brighton: a seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant nightlife.
Winchester: a historic city with stunning architecture, ancient ruins, and beautiful parks.

Conclusion

Surrey is a stunning part of England, with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an outdoor adventure or a cultural journey, Surrey has something to offer. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re on your way to discovering the best of South East England.

Surrey Image Gallery

Selected interesting towns. The southern half is prime walking and cycling hills and lovely. The Thames Path is its parallel, but only through the far north.

Seale, Surrey in snow

Hampton Court Palace viewed from Thames Ditton. The wing was laid out by Sir Christopher Wren who was seen as a pioneer of the Classical in its transition from the Baroque. In the baroque style are its Charles II fountains, statues and ornaments and some of its mouldings. The reverse of the palace is multi-chimneyed and crenellated early Tudor.