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

Polesden Lacey winter view - National Trust Images John Miller Dec 01
  • 3 minute read

National Trust places in Surrey have Christmas all wrapped up for you this year. From gorgeously decorated houses studded with Christmas trees to fun outdoor family trails with favourite Christmas characters. It's the perfect backdrop to make festive family memories. Feast…

Christmas present and gift ideas with a Surrey twist Nov 27
  • 3 minute read

Give a gift with a Surrey twist this Christmas. From local food and drink hampers to tickets and vouchers to favourite Surrey attractions, here you will find a stocking full of inspiration for Christmas presents this festive season. Surrey food and drink gifts The Godalming Deli…

DorKingdom Fairytale Christmas Festival in Dorking, Surrey this December Nov 06
  • 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…

How the Epsom Derby Festival put Surrey on the map Sep 02
  • 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

Silent Pool Gin unveils 10-year anniversary celebration gin Oct 18
  • 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…

Oatlands Park Hotel Afternoon Tea Oct 29
Food & Drink

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

Verey Playwood, Watts Gallery Artists' Village, Chris  Lacey Jul 31
  • 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…

Children enjoying outdoor fun in the sand pits at Godstone Farm Jul 31
Things To Do

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

Video of Painshill, Cobham Oct 29
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…

Woman overlooking the rolling green countryside at Leith Hill Surrey Oct 20
  • 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 Mar 02
Things To Do

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

Bourne Wood near Farnham is a world-renowned Surrey film location Dec 13
  • 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…

Sunrise above a cathedral in Guildford - image credit Dan Hannington Nov 01
  • 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

Epsom Clocktower Sep 02
  • 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…

Guildford Cathedral at Night Oct 30
  • 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

GoBoats Kingston Oct 20
  • 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 view across the Surrey Hills from Reigate - credit Matthew Williams Mar 18
  • 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…