Amazing Things To Do When Visiting Surrey, England

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.

If you’re looking to explore a new part of the world, or are simply a fan of English culture, then visiting Surrey is a definite option. This county is home to some fantastic attractions and it’s worth exploring for its history, landscapes, and beautiful architecture. The capital city of South East England, London can be accessed quite easily from here and you can even do day trips from here if you’re keen on seeing the sights. Here are some things that you should do when visiting Surrey, England: A Guide for Tourists.

Plan your route before you arrive

If you plan your journey to Surrey before you arrive, you can make the most of your time there by visiting some of the county’s most popular attractions. You could visit the National Trust-run Kew Gardens, or the Botanical Gardens. All of these make for great day trips from London. If you have extra time, you could even visit the historic town of Bletchworth, which is just a few minutes away by train. If you’re visiting for longer than a few days, it’s worth looking into local bus services. You can get tickets online or at a bus station, and seats can be booked in advance. Alternatively, you could rent a car and make the most of the beautiful landscapes.

Discover the beautiful landscape

If you’re visiting Surrey for the rolling hills, than you’re in for a treat. The county is home to many beautiful landscapes that are well worth exploring. Take in the vast expanse of the Surrey Hills, or the trees and woodland of the Bourne Wood. There are also a number of beautiful gardens in Surrey to visit. The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Wisley are a must-see for all plant lovers, or why not visit the National Trust-run Kew Gardens? Surrey’s landscapes are well worth exploring, but if you’re hoping to see more of the city, you may have to get around by car. If you’re staying in London and have some extra time, you could also visit several of the outer London suburbs, many of which are quite beautiful.

Take in some culture at a castle and an art gallery

If you’re visiting Surrey to experience its culture, why not visit one of the county’s castles? The most popular one is Guildford Castle. If you’re visiting London, you could also visit the remarkable British Library or the Tate Modern, both of which offer great art exhibitions. On a cultural note, Surrey is home to two great music festivals. The Surrey Opera Festival is held in August and the Weyfest Music Festival. Both of these festivals offer a great opportunity to discover new music while enjoying the sights of a beautiful county.

Enjoy outdoor activities at a national park

If you’re visiting Surrey for its landscapes and culture, you could also visit the county’s national park to enjoy some outdoor activities. Norbury Park offers great hiking trails, and is perfect for cyclists too. Explore the great outdoors, or take advantage of the county’s great swimming spots. The park is also home to some lovely scenery and you could even visit the National Trust-run Surrey Hills National Park if you have time. These hills are one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK and are a perfect spot for walkers and hikers to visit. There are also plenty of buses that visit the park and are easy to navigate. If you’re staying in London, you could also explore the outer London suburbs that offer stunning landscapes like Richmond and Wimbledon.

Visit a traditional pub for lunch or dinner

If you’re visiting Surrey to experience traditional English culture, why not visit one of the county’s great pubs? Visit a traditional English pub for a bite to eat, or head to a modern pub for some great cuisine. Many of the county’s great pubs are in the city of Guildford, while a lot of the county’s modern pubs are in the city of Portsmouth. Visit a traditional English pub for a traditional English meal. There are plenty of traditional English dishes to try, like fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a classic English Sunday roast.

Here are some of our top recommendations for places to go for a Sunday lunch:

1. The Red Lion Inn, Shamley Green
2. The Beehive, Egham
3. The Kings Arms Hungry Horse, Bagshot
4. The Queen’s Head, Farnham
5. The Donkey, Tilford

Staying in? Then check out the central area’s nightlife options

If you’re visiting Surrey for the traditional British culture, then you could also explore the county’s vibrant nightlife. Visit the city of Guildford, which is known as the theatre capital of the county. This is also a great spot to head for music lovers as it offers great music venues. Alternatively, you could explore the many pubs and bars in Guildford. Dorking and Farnham are also lovely and bustling towns that you can go to visit. They also have plenty to do if you’re looking for an evening out or looking for something more family-friendly.

Find a great place to stay in Surrey

One of the most important parts of your trip is finding somewhere to stay. This can make such a difference to your overall experience. Luckily, Surrey has some absolutely lovely places to stay and I’m here to give you a hand and make your decision a little easier.

Here are our top recommendations for places to stay in Surrey:

1. The Flower Pot Hotel – This charming and characterful country pub in Sunbury has some cosy rooms that will make you feel right at home.
2. The Percy Arms – Elegant accommodation in Guildford with a great restaurant and nearby to all the local city life.
3. Aviator – A luxurious and modern hotel that’s perfect for aviation fans due to it’s close location to the local airfield.
4. The Princess Royal – In the village of Runfold, this charming and cosy country accommodation is perfect for those wanting something a little traditional.
5. The Lodge at Kingswood – A modern and bright hotel set in the middle of a great golf course for enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

If you’re looking to explore a new part of the world, or simply a fan of English culture, then Surrey is an excellent place to visit. It’s home to some fantastic landscapes, beautiful architecture, great music festivals, and museums. The county is also home to some great outdoor activities, and its vibrant nightlife scene is worth exploring. If you have the chance, why not visit Surrey and discover this beautiful county for yourself.

If you want to discover what there is to do in nearby London, go and check out my post on the UK’s capital.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon!

Ta-ta for now! x