Fun on a budget
Here we've put together a list of fantastic things to do and see for free in Surrey to help you save money and make the most of your time in our lovely county.
- Surrey has plenty of events to enjoy that won’t cost you a penny - or are low cost. So, if you're on a budget but don’t want to skimp on the enjoyment, take a look at these great free events. We update our events lists weekly and you can add your Surrey events here.
- Explore the Surrey film locations trail. Some of the most famous film locations in Surrey, such as Bourne Woods, which has hosted Gladiator, Harry Potter and more, are completely free to visit.
- From May and into September, you can join a free afternoon Guildford Guide Town Walk. Meet at Tunsgate Arch (opposite the Guildhall Clock) in the High Street and a voluntary town guide will walk you through 1,000 years of history - as well as other themed walks.
- At Alice Holt near Farnham you will find lots of different trails and exciting play areas for you to discover, as well as the popular Gruffalo sculptures.
- While most people head straight for the viewpoint, the Stepping Stones or the world-famous Zig-Zag road (thanks London 2012!), there are many hidden trails that lead you away from the summit of Box Hill and into more secluded areas of the hill. Enjoy some peace with beautiful views of stunning Surrey countryside.
- Enjoy a waterside stroll around the lovely lake at Virginia Water near Egham. There's so much to explore as the well-defined path around the lake guides you through woodlands, gardens, an 18th century ornamental cascade and the Leptis Magna Ruins. Car parking charges apply.
- Farnham Castle is divided into two, with The Keep and Bishop's Palace. While the Bishop's Palace is a conference and wedding venue, Farnham Castle Keep is managed by English Heritage and is free for all to explore.
- And, last but by no means least, don't forget the stunning Surrey countryside - get out there and explore! Just please remember to leave things as you find them. Why not tackle the challenge of the North Downs Way National Trail over a number of days too? You'll find some more Surrey walk suggestions here.
Don't forget to share your Surrey adventures with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. #visitsurrey
Attractions
Dapdune Wharf
Simple riverside pleasures This is a place where past meets present, rural tranquillity meets urban…
Waverley Abbey
Waverley Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in England, founded in 1128 by William Giffard, Bishop…
Guildford Castle and Grounds
The Castle Grounds The castle gardens are famous for their vibrant floral displays, centred on the…
Elm Farm
An independent family run children’s farm, plant nursery, gift shop and cafe based in leafy…
Guided Walks of Guildford
When: Various dates and time Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from May to September Every…
Grayshott Pottery
One of southern England’s few remaining working potteries, Grayshott Pottery is a truly unique…
Leith Hill & Tower
The car parks at Leith Hill are open. You don’t need to book but parking space is limited. If…
Guildford Cathedral
Guildford Cathedral is one of the town’s iconic landmarks and a unique twentieth century Grade…
Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday open from 12 noon until 4:30pm…
Alice Holt Forest
Alice Holt has something for everyone! Whether you are looking for an exciting treetop adventure, a…
Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
Built over 300 years ago by the East India Company, Chilworth Gunpowder Mills was a thriving…
The Deepdene Trail
Just 15 minutes walk from Dorking High Street, visitors can explore free of charge the amazing…
Spike Heritage Centre
The Spike is privately owned by the Charlotteville Jubilee Trust and opens for visitors to the…
Farnham Castle
Perched on the hill overlooking Farnham The Castle which is steeped in history has an…
Museums and Galleries
Godalming Museum
Explore the story of the Godalming and its people. Uncover some surprising connecctions with…
Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday open from 12 noon until 4:30pm…
Ripley Museum
The museum may well be the smallest Arts Council accredited museum in the country. It was once a…
New House Art Space
New House Art Space, launched in late 2021 in central Guildford, Surrey, is a thriving Creative hub…
Dorking Museum
Dorking Museum is a vibrant community hub that celebrates the history of the town and surrounding…
Museum of Farnham
The museum is set in a wonderful Grade 1 listed, Georgian town house and tells the story of…
Haslemere Museum
An award winning independent museum with remarkable collections of natural history, human history…
Guildford House Gallery
Guildford House is open: 10am to 4.30pm - Tuesday to Saturday Guildford House is a local box of…
Crafts Study Centre
The Crafts Study Centre is a specialist university museum open to the public as well as a research…
Sidney Sime Gallery
Visit Surrey’s hidden gem art gallery and meet Worplesdon’s Master of the Mysterious…
Surrey Heath Museum
Surrey Heath Museum is a local museum telling the stories of the area's past - covering the…
Chertsey Museum
ADMISSION FREE We have fine collections, including: •history of the Runnymede area •local…
Museum of Military Medicine
For over 200 years, the men and women of the Army Medical Services have been saving our lives and…
Spelthorne Museum
Spelthorne Museum is located in Staines Library and is divided into two rooms. The Elmsleigh Room…
Surrey History Centre
Surrey History Centre is so much more than a county record office and local studies centre. With six…
The Egham Museum
The museum is housed in the Literary Institute and contains local historical and archaeological…
New Ashgate Gallery
We curate more than 20 exhibitions of contemporary craft and fine art in the heart of Farnham World…
The Farnham Pottery
The Farnham Pottery is a carefully preserved example of a Victorian country pottery with charming…
Sunbury Embroidery Gallery
The award-winning Sunbury Embroidery Gallery is situated in an historic 18th century Walled Garden…
Leatherhead and District Local History Museum
The museum is housed in a restored 17th century cottage and contains displays on Roman remains…
Parks & Countryside
Virginia Water
The woodland shores of this magnificent lake are hugely popular amongst people who love to take part…
Newlands Corner
Located 4 miles east of Guildford town centre, Newlands Corner is a popular beauty spot that…
Leith Hill & Tower
The car parks at Leith Hill are open. You don’t need to book but parking space is limited. If…
Box Hill
Visit Box Hill for great scenic walks and stunning views. An outstanding area of woodland…
Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl are a remarkable landscape. The common is a…
Stoke Park
Situated between London Road and Parkway, Stoke Park is Guildford’s largest and best-known…
Silent Pool
Silent Pool was probably an old chalk quarry fed by underground springs and would have been a…
Sutherland Memorial Park
Sutherland Memorial Park is a great place to laze and watch a game of cricket as well as letting the…
Runnymede and Ankerwycke - National Trust
Seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy, this open landscape beside the Thames was…
Gostrey Meadow
A large grassed area has an excellent children’s playground, access to paddling in the river…
Alice Holt Forest
Alice Holt has something for everyone! Whether you are looking for an exciting treetop adventure, a…
Gatton Park
Gatton Park near Reigate is a beautiful historic parkland being restored by The Gatton Trust…
St Ann's Hill
This is a wooded park set on top of a hill with marvelous views over the surrounding countryside, a…
Runnymede Pleasure Grounds
This lovely Park situated near Egham offers modern play equipment, a paddling pool, café and…
Thursley Common
Located in the borough of Waverley, Thursley National Nature Reserve is one of the largest, (326…
Farnham Park
Farnham Park is a 320 acre medieval deer park overlooking the town with an impressive 1km tree lined…
Holmbury Hill
Holmbury Hill offers beautiful panoramic views across the weald and several of Surrey's…
Sunbury Walled Gardens
The historic walled garden in Sunbury Park was built in the early part of the 18th Century…
Horsell Common
Horsell Common is managed by Trustees of the Horsell Common Preservation Society, who do so with…
Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs is the large open space overlooking Epsom, which also includes the famous Epsom Downs…
Staines Moor
Staines Moor is one of 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Spelthorne Borough…
Allen House Grounds
Allen House Grounds is a wonderful open space in the centre of Guildford, ideal for escaping the…
Reigate Hill
Important notice - The car parks at Wray Lane and Margery Wood are now open. You don’t…