Top must-sees in Surrey

Soak up the atmosphere and immerse yourself in the greatest and most authentic Tudor experience in the world. Explore the home of Henry VIII, his wives and children, experiencing their public dramas and private lives in the unique world of the Tudor court. A number of events take place at the Palace, including the annual Flower Festival and the Christmas Market. No matter when you visit, there’s always something going on!

Guildford Cathedral is a unique twentieth century Grade II* listed building and a is an iconic landmark.  The Cathedral stands on a commanding spot on Stag Hill and dominates the skyline as you drive into Guildford!  The interior of the Cathedral is a revelation, and provides an unrivalled and memorable moment of awe and wonder

Cathedral Tower Tours

There are a number of tours you can take up to Guildford Cathedral Tower during the year.  For those with a head for heights, the Tower Tour will take you all the way up to the top of the Cathedral Tower, where you can experience the most amazing views across the Surrey countryside.

The former home of socialite Margaret Greville is perched on a chalk ridge offering spectacular views.  The gardens offer something in every season, bursting into life in spring with snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells.  Throughout the summer, the walled Rose Garden and Double Herbaceous Borders are full of colour and fragrance.  Children will love the tree swings and natural play area, or indeed rolling down the South Lawn.

For more than 200 years, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has been the force behind the nation’s love of gardening, backed up by its core vision to ‘enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place’. A shining example of this is the charity’s flagship garden, RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, which is one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens.

RHS Garden Wisley has undergone some exciting changes in recent years with the opening of a new  Welcome building that sweeps visitors into the heart of world-class horticulture, as well as a large Garden Centre and the new Wisley Café.

Highlights at RHS Garden Wisley

The Rock Garden
The naturalistic Rock Garden is one of Wisley’s oldest and most magnificent features. It is a showcase for a wide range of plants that flourish in alpine conditions and dwarf conifers, alongside winding paths and calming water features. While exploring this garden, look for the cloud-pruned Japanese larch, which is more than 200 years old.
Wisteria Walk 
Wisteria is one of Wisley’s signature plants that can be found adorning the garden in May. To display this springtime favourite, the Wisteria Walk was created in 2018. Now establishing well, the walkway will feature glorious purple racemes of two cultivars, Wisteria floribunda ‘Kokuryu’ and ‘Kimono’. Head here to take in the delights of spring.
The Orchid House
Opened in 2023 this is the home to over 3000 orchids that have been collected since the 1980s. Faux rocks and artificial branches provide unique growing conditions for the plants with appropriate companion planting creating a magical cloud-forest feel. 
The Old Laboratory
Step back in time and discover the early days of the RHS at Wisley. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of horticultural students and scientists delving into a century of exploring and experimenting. The Wisley Gallery has temporary exhibitions exploring aspects of horticulture through different media both from the archives and contemporary sources.
Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden 
Summer is the time to experience the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden at its best. Delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances.
Exotic Garden 
An intriguing tropical inspired space, it invites visitors to explore a jungle-like atmosphere, with showy flowers and large juicy leaves of bananas, cannas, palms and much more.
The Glasshouse 
A visit to the cathedral-like Glasshouse is a must all year round. Home to the Society’s world-class tender plant collection, it features three climatic zones to explore: tropical, moist temperate and dry temperate. 
Family events

A full programme of family-friendly events also run throughout the year, such as half term activities and summer holiday fun, as well as the Glow event each festive season.

Surrey is home to a number of parks and green spaces. Winkworth Arboretum is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. Here you will find over 1000 species of trees as well as large collections of azalea, rhododendron, and holly on slopes leading down to landscaped garden lakes. Getrude Jekyll explored the woods in the early 20th century. 

Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden
The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden exhibits an ever-changing collection of contemporary sculpture throughout the magical gardens.  Surrounding a 15th century, Grade 2 listed cottage, the grounds have been lovingly restored and reinvented over the past 40 years by owner and renowned landscape designer Anthony Paul. Using a palette of broadleaved, architectural plants, ponds, and mature trees, Anthony and his wife Hannah Peschar have created a truly unique and magical environment.  

Sculpture Park 
The atmospheric Sculpture Park is sited within 10 acres of woodland, lakes, streams and walkways which are home to a number of wild birds and other creatures as well as the residential doves. With over 600 ever changing sculptures on exhibition from over 200 well-known and upcoming sculptors, throughout 2 miles of trail, there will always be something new to discover and a surprise around every corner.

Scenic landscapes.
Surrey is home to many scenic viewpoints, including Box Hill and Leith Hill.   These areas are perfect places to discover a family walk and enjoy breath taking views.

Home to the finest collection of native species in the country, where you will see and learn about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife, with over forty different species on display.  Here you’ll view rarely seen species such as otters, Scottish wildcats and pine martens, as well as foxes, deer and beautiful free-flying British owls. View elusive night creatures in the Nocturnal House and badgers in their underground sett.

Painshill in Cobham, was created between 1783 and 1773, by the Hon. Charles Hamilton. He embarked on two Grand Tours across Europe before acquiring the land at Painshill, his vision was to create 'living paintings' in a new style of magical garden inspired by his travels. The landscapes form living works of art into which Hamilton placed follies for dramatic effect. Largely unchanged it is a fantastic place to wander, picnic and some have even proposed at this beautiful garden.

One of the most significant events in world history took place in a quiet meadow in Surrey in June 1215, when King John reluctantly sealed Magna Carta at Runnymede. Today Runnymede is an ideal place to relax outdoors, or to pause and reflect on the history of the struggle for freedom. As well as a monument to the democratic legacy of the Magna Carta, you'll find further memorials to John F. Kennedy and the Commonwealth Air Forces, and unique installations by artists Hew Locke and Mark Wallinger.

Denbies Wine Estate, one of England’s largest vineyards, is situated on the outskirts of Dorking has an excellent reputation for producing world-class premium still wines. 

With indoor wine tasting tours and outdoor vineyard train tours taking place daily. Approaching the expansive Denbies Estate, for a moment, one could really be anywhere in the world, acres and acres of vineyard rolling into the distant hills, a captivating sight.  

Surrey  is home to a number of fantastic museums and galleries. Perfect for a fun family day out, there are exhibitions and experiences to suit all ages - and all interests. Surrey Museums also hosts a variety of guest exhibitions throughout the year, alongside live talks, classes and events.

Brooklands Museum
Re-live the thrills and glamour of speed and flight, from over 100 years of British history at Brooklands Museum. Step back in time to the days of innovation, determination and record-breaking on the site of the world’s first racing circuit. Hear the stories of the pioneering men and women that shaped the world of motoring and aviation. Discover supersonic flight at the home of Concorde and get up close to the aircraft designed, built, and flown here. Imagine the excitement of the races as you explore the interactive collections of cars and motorbikes and learn about the real-life experiences from our volunteers. 

Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and displays a wide range of Brooklands-related motoring and aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles, and bicycles to a vast collection of civilian and military aircraft, including the Second World War Wellington Bomber and the only Concorde with public access in South East England. 

Watts Gallery Artists' Village
One of Surrey’s most prestigious art gallery. It houses a wonderful collection exquisite Victorian ar.  Founded by artists George Frederic and Mary Seton Watts, visitors will encounter art, old and new, in engaging ways. After you’ve explored the Gallery, head outside to the to visit a magical chapel and the artists' historic home, Limnerslease. You can also explore 18 acres of woodland and immaculately kept gardens. Families can enjoy the Verey Playwood, trails and craft activities throughout the year.