Welcome to the Visit Surrey blog!
Whether you are a first time visitor to Surrey or a resident, our blog is the perfect place to find top tips for travel around the county, ideas and inspiration for your stay and all the latest news.
Things to do
- 4 minute read
Jo McGowan, BID Manager for Dorking, shares some of the ways you can support your town centre and high streets in Surrey this Christmas. What are your best childhood Christmas memories? Mine are being in my town centre looking up at the twinkling Christmas lights, gazing in…
- 1 minute read
One of the UK’s best loved cooks, keen gardener and RHS ambassador, Dame Mary Berry visited RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking, to place the last ‘self-raising flower’ on top of a 1.5m floral “cake” to celebrate the opening of the new Oudolf…
- 3 minute read
Every year, the attention of the world’s horse racing fans turns to Surrey and the Derby festival at Epsom Downs racecourse. Known as the Greatest Flat Race in the World, the Epsom Derby was first run in 1780 and, while its name is now known around the world, it was…
Food & Drink
- 2 minute read
Celebrating 10 years of craftsmanship and flavour, Silent Pool Gin has unveiled its limited-edition 10th Anniversary Celebration Edition Gin in tribute to the passion, dedication and artistry that has defined Silent Pool Distillers since its very first launch. Reflecting the…
English Wine Week celebrations start with Vineyards of the Surrey Hills' Summer Spectacular
- 6 minute read
Taking place from Saturday June 15 to Sunday June 23, English Wine Week is the annual celebration of our blooming English wine and vineyard sector. Here in Surrey, we're blessed with a number of excellent vineyards including the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills group, a…
Eating out at The Merry Harriers country inn at Hambledon, near Godalming, Surrey – VS review
- 8 minute read
Is there anything better than strolling into a cosy country pub from a bracing walk in the Surrey Hills countryside and settling down to a local pint and delicious meal showcasing the best seasonal produce? Matthew Williams visits The Merry Harriers in Hambledon, an historic…
Places to enjoy afternoon tea in Surrey
- 5 minute read
The custom of afternoon tea has been credited to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late however The Duchess who would become hungry at around 4pm and would ask for a tray of tea, bread and cake to…
Family Fun
- 3 minute read
The UK's largest bird park, Birdworld in Farnham has announced multi-million-pound plans to transform into a year-round destination - with loveable creatures called ‘The Spriglets,’ inspired by the local natural landscape, taking a starring role. Through an…
- 2 minute read
A trip to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village is a fantastic day out for families, offering a unique blend of art, nature and history. There is so much to see and do, from exploring the galleries to creative activities. Here are five exciting things to keep the whole…
Activities for Younger Kids in Surrey
- 3 minute read
Build a den, fly high on a rope swing, meet cute animals and bring a picnic to eat in a beautiful countryside setting. There’s plenty to do with younger kids in Surrey. Plan your family adventure Wild play at National Trust Hatchlands Park Fire up their imaginations with…
Top Tips
Top must-sees in Surrey
- 9 minute read
Surrey is home to a number of stunning attractions. Whether you want to take in a little culture, visit a historic castle or explore the many scenic landscapes within the Surrey Hills you’re absolutely spoilt for choice here. So to help you decide what to do first, second…
- 1 minute read
Spend a day or two exploring some of Surrey's most unique landmarks and discover breath-taking views. Here are a selection of places that you really won't want to miss. From the highest point in south east England to the site where King John signed the Magna Carta…
Instagrammable Guildford
- 3 minute read
With our historic architecture and natural beauty you’ll find that there are plenty of photogenic spots in Guildford. All are very popular with our local photographers, but which spots are the most Instagrammable? If you are looking to capture some Instagram-worthy shots…
Film Locations
- 5 minute read
Discover more about the world of setjetting with Jeroen Huijsdens, a Dutch movie buff who runs the Fantastische Filmlocaties podcast about famous movies and the locations where they were filmed. Recently, Jeroen visit Surrey to explore our famous film locations and here he shares…
Film and TV locations in and around Guildford
- 4 minute read
With international film studios and London on the doorstep, Guildford and its surrounding villages have long been a top location choice for film makers and producers. With a host of Hollywood hits and prime time TV shows shot in the area, you never know who you might bump into…
History
- 4 minute read
While you may take Epsom Salts for granted these days for relaxing those aches and pains, did you know that they were first discovered in water with medicinal properties on Epsom Common in Surrey? In fact, Epsom was known as one of Britain’s earliest spa towns and thrived…
- 2 minute read
Airing on Friday May 10, the day before Surrey Day, Polesden Lacey will be one of the central stories when Hidden Treasures of the National Trust returns to the BBC for a second series. Scheduled for 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer the programme will reveal new and compelling…
- 4 minute read
Surrey has a number of interesting religious landmarks that span the ages, from medieval to modern. Surrey’s only cathedral at Guildford also happens to be one of the most modern in Britain. Until the early 20th century, Holy Trinity church on the High Street in Guildford…
Walking
- 7 minute read
As the longest river in England, the River Thames spans an incredible 215 miles, with Surrey enjoying around 20 miles of it along its northern border. The Thames Path and other riverside paths mean the Surrey section of the river can be enjoyed in its entirety by avid walkers and…
Surrey Day
A tour of Surrey from the Sky for Surrey Day
- 6 minute read
As Surrey from the Sky is the high-flying theme for Surrey Day 2024 this May, we wanted to share some beautiful Surrey photography and video taken from hilltops and drones to mark the occasion. We hope you enjoy these highlights from our beautiful county. If you would like to…