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

Introduction to Woking

Located in the heart of Surrey, Woking is a vibrant town with a rich history and thriving cultural scene. From its striking architecture to its well-preserved natural landscapes, Woking has something to offer every type of traveler.

With its convenient location just 23 miles from central London, Woking is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this charming town.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll highlight some of the must-see attractions, best places to stay and eat, and helpful tips to ensure that your trip to Woking is unforgettable.

List of Places to Visit in Woking

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

For travelers interested in history and culture, Woking is home to a variety of fascinating museums and historical sites. Here are some top picks:

(1) The Lightbox: This award-winning gallery and museum showcases a range of exhibits and collections, from contemporary art to local history.
(2) Shah Jahan Mosque: Built in 1889, this is the first purpose-built mosque in the UK, and is a designated Grade II listed building.
(3) Woking Palace: This medieval manor house was a favored residence of Henry VIII and offers a glimpse into Tudor life.

Natural Attractions of Woking: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Woking is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, from dense woodland to open countryside. Here are some of the best outdoor attractions to explore:

(1) Basingstoke Canal: Take a relaxing boat ride along this well-maintained canal, which stretches 32 miles through peaceful meadows and woodlands.
(2) Horsell Common: This 800-acre nature reserve is a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for walking, cycling, and horseback riding.
(3) Woking Park: Located in the heart of town, this family-friendly park offers tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a skate park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Woking

For outdoor enthusiasts, Woking offers a range of scenic hiking and cycling trails that wind through picturesque countryside and woodland. Here are some top picks:

(1) Woking to Guildford Canal Walk: This 8 mile walk (round trip) takes you along the Basingstoke Canal to the vibrant market town of Guildford.
(2) Horsell Common Circular Walk: This 2.5 mile (round trip) walk explores the beautiful Horsell Common nature reserve, passing by heathland, woodland, and ponds.
(3) Woking to Wisley Gardens and Wey Navigation Walk: This 7 mile (one-way) walk takes you through the idyllic countryside to the Royal Horticultural Society’s stunning Wisley Gardens.

Best Things to Do in Woking: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to keep visitors entertained in Woking. Here are some of the most popular:

(1) Woking Food Tour: A delicious way to explore Woking’s culinary scene, this tour takes you to some of the town’s top foodie hotspots and offers samples of local delicacies.
(2) New Victoria Theatre: For theater lovers, this state-of-the-art venue hosts a range of shows, from West End musicals to comedy acts.
(3) Woking Heritage Trail: This self-guided walking tour takes you through Woking’s history and highlights some of the town’s most iconic landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Woking

If you’re planning to spend a week exploring Woking and the surrounding area, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Woking, check into your hotel, and explore the town center.

Days 2-3: Spend the next two days exploring the town’s museums and historical sites, such as The Lightbox and Woking Palace.

Day 4: Take a relaxing boat ride along the Basingstoke Canal or explore the beautiful Horsell Common nature reserve.

Day 5: Visit the nearby Wisley Gardens and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Wey Navigation.

Days 6-7: Spend your final days in Woking sampling local cuisine and taking a Woking Heritage Trail walking tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Woking

Woking’s food and drink scene is diverse and vibrant, reflecting the town’s multicultural make-up. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

(1) Chicken tikka masala: Woking is famous for being the birthplace of this popular British-Indian dish.
(2) Traditional English Sunday roast: Visit one of the town’s many gastropubs to try this classic Sunday meal.
(3) Shepherd’s pie: A hearty and comforting dish made with minced lamb, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

(1) Hogs Back Brewery: Located just outside Woking, this award-winning brewery produces a range of traditional English beers, including their famous TEA (Traditional English Ale).
(2) English sparkling wine: Surrey is famous for its vineyards, many of which offer tours and tastings.
(3) Pimm’s: This fruity gin-based drink is a quintessentially British summer tipple.

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

Woking offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top picks:

(1) Hilton Woking: This centrally located hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the town’s top attractions.
(2) Premier Inn Woking Town Centre: A good budget-friendly option with clean, modern rooms and an on-site restaurant.
(3) Maybury Lodge Hotel: This charming guesthouse is located in a peaceful residential area, just a short walk from the town center.

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

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or gift to bring home from your trip to Woking, here are some local products to consider:

(1) Hogs Back Brewery beer: Pick up a case of their award-winning TEA to enjoy at home.
(2) Local honey: Surrey is famous for its honey and you can find jars of it at farmers’ markets and specialty shops.
(3) British tea: Visit one of the town’s many tea shops to pick up a traditional English blend.

Local Culture and Customs of Woking

Woking has a diverse and multicultural population, with influences from India, Asia, and Europe. Visitors are generally welcomed and should respect local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Woking

The best time to visit Woking is in the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town is busy during this time, so visitors should book in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Woking

Do:

(1) Visit the Shah Jahan Mosque, the first purpose-built mosque in the UK.
(2) Take a boat ride along the scenic Basingstoke Canal.
(3) Try some traditional English cuisine, like fish and chips or a Sunday roast.

Don’t:

(1) Forget to respect local customs and traditions.
(2) Be disrespectful to the town’s diverse population.
(3) Leave without trying a pint of local beer!

Safety and Health

Safety in Woking

Woking is generally a safe town, with low crime rates. Visitors should take basic precautions, such as keeping valuables in a safe place and staying alert in busy areas.

Health in Woking

Visitors to Woking do not require any special vaccinations or medications. The town has a good healthcare system, including several hospitals and clinics.

Getting to Woking: Transportation Options and Logistics

Woking is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach from other parts of the UK and beyond. Here are some options for getting to and around Woking:

Airports Near Woking

(1) London Heathrow Airport: Located 14 miles from Woking, this is the closest major airport.
(2) London Gatwick Airport: Located 30 miles from Woking, this airport is also well connected to the town.

Bus Stations Near Woking

Woking’s bus station is located in the town center and offers connections to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

(1) Train: Woking has a mainline railway station with connections to London Waterloo and other major cities.
(2) Car: Woking is easily accessible from the M25 motorway, which circles around London.

How to Get Around in Woking

Woking is a compact town that is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Visitors can also use local buses or hire a car to explore the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Woking: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Woking is a great base from which to explore other towns and cities in the surrounding area. Here are some top nearby destinations:

(1) Guildford: A picturesque market town, just a short boat ride along the Basingstoke Canal.
(2) Windsor: Home to the famous Windsor Castle, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants.
(3) London: Just a short train ride away, visitors can explore the UK’s capital city.

Conclusion

Woking is a hidden gem in Surrey, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With so much to see and do in this charming town, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable stay. From local cuisine to stunning hiking trails, Woking is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring the UK.

Woking Image Gallery

Alien invaders chose Woking for their attacks in HG Wells' ''War of the Worlds''