Though it’s typically pigeonholed as simply being an prosperous commuter county, Surrey is definitely residence to among the most stunning sights in South East England. After shifting from North London, I purchased a small cottage in Surrey searching for a extra peaceable lifestyle and have spent many weekends exploring almost each nook of the picturesque county. In case you look previous its status for being just a little aloof and snobby…and having overly busy roads….and also you’ll discover superbly saved public gardens, nice nation homes, picture-postcard villages and landscapes so stunning they impressed well-known authors reminiscent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott and Jane Austen. After dwelling right here for over a decade, listed here are my favorite finest and most stunning locations to go to in Surrey, England…
1. The North Downs – probably the most beautiful areas to discover and stroll in Surrey
That is simply considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Surrey and the surroundings and the views and environment listed here are simply unimaginable. The North Downs are a good looking chalk ridge that winds over hills, historical woodland, and grassland stretching all the way in which from Farnham in Surrey throughout to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. In addition to being a well-known magnificence spot and a should for nature lovers and walkers, the route of the North Down Method passes by way of many protected websites of particular scientific curiosity. This area is residence to a number of uncommon species notably orchids and butterflies which are arduous to seek out wherever else within the UK.
There’s additionally a mysterious side to this a part of Surrey, as this was additionally one of many legendary crime author Agatha Christies’ well-known stomping grounds. In addition to being residence to lots of her favorite views she additionally famously disappeared from this space in 1926.
2. Polesden Lacey – an Edwardian home and property which is positioned in probably the most stunning spots in Surrey
One other considered one of my favorite magnificence spots in Surrey, this place enjoys the most effective positions and is surrounded by probably the most scenic landscapes and views in Surrey. Now owned by the Nationwide Belief, Polesden Lacey is a shocking Edwardian home and property, situated on the North Downs at Nice Bookham, not too removed from Dorking.
The Regency home was expanded from an earlier constructing and extensively remodelled in 1906 by the favored socialite Margaret Greville. She then used the opulent home to throw lavish events and entertain an entire host of vital folks right here from royalty, politicians, and numerous celebrities.
It is without doubt one of the Belief’s hottest properties and with good cause, when you’ve visited for your self you’ll see why. In case you like artwork and historical past then be sure you have a look inside the home which is stuffed with well-preserved decor and artifacts together with Dutch Previous Grasp work and glorious examples of nice silverware. Though arguably it’s the gardens, the grounds, the views, and the broader property that’s the actual draw, so make you deliver your digicam and in addition your strolling footwear to actually discover this stunning a part of Surrey. Canine are additionally allowed within the grounds and gardens in the event that they’re saved on a lead.
3. Virginia Water – a extremely popular magnificence spot to go to in Surrey
Situated within the northern a part of Surrey in prosperous Virginia Water, that is one other considered one of my favourite locations to stroll my canine and benefit from the stunning views. It’s additionally extremely popular with others too and might get very busy on financial institution holidays and at weekends so don’t count on to have the place to your self. In case you time your go to nicely you’ll be rewarded, right here you’ll be able to count on to see a beautiful nicely saved park, fairly woodlands, and an enormous glowing lake.
Each households and canine walkers come right here and take a leisurely 4.5 – 5 mile stroll round Virginia Water to completely absorb all of the sights, the preferred is the decorative Cascade waterfall and the 100-foot Totem Pole. In case you veer off the principle path and discover the woodlands you’ll be able to even spot wildlife reminiscent of deer, squirrels, and rabbits.
There’s a big onsite automobile park and different facilities embrace well-maintained paths, a restaurant, picnic tables, a kids’s playground, and onsite bogs.
4. Shere – probably the most fairly villages in Surrey which supplied the backdrop for The Vacation film
In case you fell in love with Jude Legislation and Cameron Diaz within the film The Vacation you then’ll love Shere as that is the place all of the magic occurred. Shere is an impossibly fairly and compact English village in Guildford, Surrey which is residence to a cluster of village homes, outlets together with a blacksmith, a trekking store, a fairly stream with geese, present outlets, a quaint tea home, an artwork gallery, a museum, two conventional pubs, and a Norman church.
The charming village is generally set within the wooded Vale of Holmesdale, which is situated between the North Downs and Greensand Ridge. It’s now extremely popular with passing guests as a result of it being an ideal instance of a quintessential English village, having beautiful environment and countryside and for its Hollywood fame – in addition to The Vacation, scenes from Bridget Jones, The Fringe of Cause had been additionally filmed right here.
5. Guildford – the historic and vibrant county city of Surrey with many nice locations to go to
Guildford is a thriving and prosperous metropolis in the midst of Surrey and there are various causes to go to this great spot in Surrey. Procuring and consuming are the preferred attracts as Guildford is stuffed with a unbelievable vary of retailers from cool designer manufacturers and upmarket boutiques to distinctive impartial retailers and a minimum of three procuring centres.
There’s additionally a nice vary of eating places and cafes lots of that are housed in superbly preserved historic buildings. Within the centre of the town resides the medieval Guildford Fort which has landscaped gardens and views from its sq. tower. One other spotlight is Guildford Home which is a Seventeenth-century townhome that has a gallery with residence to many exhibitions.
Additionally pay a go to to close by Watts Gallery Artists’ Village which will be discovered within the village of Compton and is devoted to the work of the Victorian-era painter and sculptor George Frederic Watts.
6. Loseley Park – a powerful Tudor manor home and grounds which is the most effective locations to go to in Surrey
The is one other actually stunning place to go to in Surrey which has a particular and fascinating attraction. Situated close to Guildford within the beautiful Surrey Hills it’s a big Grade 1 Tudor manor home – which was initially constructed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I – with a spectacular walled backyard and additional property grounds that are 1,400 acres of superb rolling countryside.
It’s privately owned and hosts quite a lot of occasions together with weddings and festivals however in any other case, it’s open to the general public and guests pays to discover the home and grounds with guided excursions, interval furnishings, a chapel, a present store, and a tea room.
7. Godalming – one of many prettiest cities to discover in Surrey
Godalming is a fairly historic market city within the Borough of Waverley in Surrey a few 15-minute drive from Guildford. It enjoys an idyllic location on the banks of the River Wey and has many quaint historic buildings and attention-grabbing impartial outlets and boutiques lining its streets.
In addition to being surrounded by excellent Surrey countryside and fairly villages different highlights embrace the Godalming museum, a captivating canal, conventional pubs, and a wide selection of eating places and cafes.
8. Leith Hill – for stunning views and lovely Surrey landscapes
In case you like strolling, hikes, and lovely views with Leith Hill, you get the chance to exhaust your self by climbing all 74 steps of the spiral stairs on the Nationwide Belief owned Leith Hill Tower. As soon as on the high you get to gaze by way of a telescope on the actually attractive views of the Surrey countryside and on a transparent day you’ll be able to see even Wembley Stadium Arch and the London Eye.
It’s really the best level in southeast England in addition to being a well-known native magnificence spot residence to woodland, parkland, farmland, and open heath.
With loads of well-marked trails, it’s a fantastic place for family and friends and canine walkers to take pleasure in. Don’t overlook to go to close by Leight Hill Place an atmospheric home with panoramic views which was as soon as the previous residence of Ralph Vaughan Williams. Apparently, Charles Darwin was as soon as a well-known visitor.
9. Hatchlands Park – a stunning red-brick nation home with surrounding gardens
Hatchlands Park is a good looking red-brick Grade 1 nation home that has beautiful surrounding gardens and an extra property which covers over 170 hectares and was in-built 1757-9 by Stiff Leadbetter for Admiral Edward Boscawen.
Situated in East Clandon, Surrey it’s one other Nationwide Belief property that enjoys a shocking spot. Historical past followers will love the interiors which embrace neo-classical decorations by Robert Adam and an attention-grabbing library, music room, and saloon. The landscaped gardens which sit on the sting of the woods are very fairly and options designs by Humprey Repton in addition to a terrace, fountain, stone ornaments, and a small temple.
10. Shepperton – a big suburban village which is residence to nice walks by the River Thames
Photograph © steve (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Picture: Ben Brooksbank
Shepperton is a peaceable suburban village in Surrey/Middlesex that has an extended historical past (that it makes an look in a doc of 959 AD and the Domesday E-book) and has even been voted as one of many high ten happiest locations to reside within the UK. It’s additionally lived in Shepperton for the final 11 years and I can simply see why so many others love dwelling right here. Although it lacks main sights and top-end outlets and eating places it greater than makes up that with fairly walks by the River Thames. One of the best stroll is Shepperton Tow Path which runs alongside the River Thames and is lined with a picturesque mixture of attractive designer houses and conventional boathouses and ending with a extremely popular riverside pub (Thames Court docket) which additionally has outside seating making the most of the stunning river views.
Different highlights embrace Shepperton Marina, the Nauticalia Store and cafe which enjoys a fairly place proper subsequent to Shepperton Lock, and Previous Shepperton which is residence to a lot of historic buildings and a small sq. lined with common conventional pubs.
In case you loved Shepperton different suburban cities and villages value visiting in Surrey embrace Esher, East Molesey, Weybridge, Decrease Sunbury, Kingston-on-Thames, and Walton-on-Thames, lots of which supply extra stunning walks by the River Thames.
11. Wisley Gardens – thought-about to be probably the most stunning gardens on this planet
Situated close to Woking in Surrey this is without doubt one of the best-loved magnificence spots in Surrey and probably the most common gardens to go to in the entire of England and is even thought-about to probably the most stunning gardens on this planet.
Open to the general public for a payment it spans over 200 acres in dimension and it receives over one million guests every year.
Wisley Gardens was gifted to the RHS in 1903 and is residence to an enormous well-kept backyard, a glasshouse with three climatic zones, a studying area, and a Rising Lab, a novel Rock Backyard, and a fairly fruit orchard – a real horticultural paradise!
12. Claremont Panorama Gardens – stunning landscaped gardens close to Esher beloved of royalty
Claremont Panorama Backyard is a superb place in case you are seeking to escape the trendy world and expertise a tranquil and pure expertise. Situated simply outdoors Esher, the backyard is Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and is without doubt one of the earliest surviving gardens which nonetheless options its unique 18th-century landscaped format.
Claremont has been round for near 300 years and for many of that interval, it was a countryside retreat of the aristocracy and the royals.
The gardens are superbly saved and are beautiful, and highlights embrace the lake, the amphitheatre, the Camellia Terrace, the Belvedere Tower, a kids’s play space, and the lovable Thatched Cottage, which is stuffed with quirky Victorian-style video games and dressing up garments.
13. Hampton Court docket Palace – Henry VIII favorite royal hangout
One of many highlights of Better London and the Surrey border, Hampton Court Palace is a Grade I listed royal palace which is known for being Henry VIII’s favorite royal hangout.
It’s a very spectacular and sprawling place which historical past lovers shouldn’t miss and right here you’ll be able to count on to see stunning formal gardens, elegant cobbled courtyards, and sumptuous Tudor and Baroque structure. Highlights embrace the world-famous and really enjoyable maze, the Nice Fountain Backyard with historic yew timber, glowing fountains, and the longest herbaceous blended flower border in Britain.
There are additionally numerous occasions hosted right here all year long together with ice skating, the well-known flower festivals, and lots of food-related festivals.
Make a day of your go to and discover close by East Molesey which is residence to many impartial outlets in addition to glorious eating places and conventional pubs.
14. Field Hill and the remainder of the Surrey Hills – an Space of Excellent Magnificence
The Surrey Hills are an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence and one of many highlights of this space embrace Field Hill which is understood for being residence to a few of Surrey’s most unimaginable views and walks.
There’s parking on the backside however be sure you pack your strolling boots and your stamina – it’s a fairly steep climb to the highest, however that’s arguably what makes this place so common!
Don’t miss the Stepping Stones which give an ideal spot to picnic by the River Mole and the Fort which is considered one of Field Hill’s oldest buildings.
15. Denbies Wine Property – England’s largest winery and a fantastic spot to discover in Surrey
Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest winery and is located on the outskirts of Dorking within the Surrey Hills in addition to being an area magnificence spot common with households and canine walkers. The vineyards stretched for miles right here and on a nice day should you squint just a little you would nearly be in France!
The property is residence to a Wine and Reward Store, Artwork Gallery, native Village Greens Farm Store, a Gallery Restaurant which gives attractive views, and the Conservatory Restaurant gives good al-fresco eating.
Additionally discover the close by fairly city of Dorking which is residence to many outlets, pubs, and eating places lots of that are housed in very fairly historic buildings.
16. Painshill Park – a powerful award-winning 18th century panorama backyard
Stunning Painshill Park is a superb alternative for a day or a day out in Surrey. Situated in Cobham, the pristinely preserved and completely saved landscaped gardens date from the 18th-century are good for lengthy or leisurely walks on the well-maintained paths that comply with by way of the grounds and the wooded areas (canine are additionally allowed so long as you retain them on the lead).
The park is residence to a good looking lake, beautiful vistas, follies, grottoes, a waterwheel, a winery, a tearoom, and an Artwork Workshop.
17. Bushy Park – a former royal searching floor turned atmospheric magnificence spot
Beautiful Bushy Park covers over 445 hectares and is the second largest Royal Park in London but it surely’s formally situated in Surrey. As soon as a Royal Looking floor it resides simply reverse Hampton Court docket Palace and is Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Bushy Park is an excellent place to stroll your canine, cycle, jog, or simply go for a hike and spot deer. It has a lot of picturesque options, together with the Longford River, a number of ponds and monuments, mannequin boating ponds, formal plantations, conservation areas, and herds of each crimson deer and fallow deer, and in addition a kids’s playground.
In case you’re seeking to discover additional afield, the park is surrounded by some fairly locations reminiscent of Teddington, Hampton, Hampton Hill, and Hampton Wick.
18. Runnymede – a fantastic place to go to and discover in Surrey
Runnymede is a magnificence spot situated on the Surrey border (not too removed from Winsdor in Berkshire) which is known for being the location of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 by King John and his Barons.
It’s a beautiful meadow space now owned by the National Trust and is common with walkers, households, and picnickers in the course of the summer season. There’s additionally a tea home, three historic monuments to stare upon, and a parking lot within the space.
