Surrey is packed with family-friendly attractions and activities, from farms and animal encounters to adventure parks, museums and outdoor play.

At Brooklands Museum, families can discover the history of motorsport and aviation and step aboard Concorde. Mercedes-Benz World provides another option for families interested in cars, driving and motoring.

Younger children can meet animals and enjoy outdoor activities at Godstone Farm and Bocketts Farm Park.

Surrey is well as home to treetop courses and water-based activities is has some great golf courses.

When the weather is wet, there are plenty of things to do in Surrey on a rainy day, including museums, galleries, indoor play centres, trampoline parks, cinemas and other indoor attractions.

For families visiting during school holidays, check the latest Surrey events and what's on listings for seasonal activities, children's trails, workshops and family events.

If you enjoy being outdoors, Surrey is a destination for walking, cycling and adventure.

The Surrey Hills National Landscape is one of the county's defining landscapes, with rolling chalk hills, woodland, valleys and far-reaching viewpoints.

Popular outdoor activities include:

• Walking and hiking
• Cycling and mountain biking
• Nature and wildlife spotting
• Running
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Swimming
• Adventure courses and treetop trails
• Exploring rivers and canals
• Scenic countryside drives

Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England, provides spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Other popular outdoor destinations include Box Hill, Winkworth Arboretum and the many trails and viewpoints across the Surrey Hills.

For a more relaxed day outdoors, visit one of Surrey's parks, gardens or arboretums, or follow a riverside or canal towpath.

Walking and hiking in Surrey

Surrey is an excellent destination for walkers, with routes ranging from easy countryside strolls to longer hikes through hills and woodland.

Walk through the Surrey Hills, explore heathland and woodland, or follow the waterways around the county - take a look at our trails.

The North Downs Way provides long-distance walking through some of Surrey's most dramatic countryside, while shorter routes around villages, estates and beauty spots are suitable for visitors looking for a half-day or leisurely walk.

For a scenic walk followed by lunch, combine a countryside route with one of Surrey's villages, country pubs, cafés or farm shops.

Cycling in Surrey

Surrey's hills, country lanes and off-road trails make the county popular with cyclists.

The Surrey Hills offer challenging climbs and spectacular views, while quieter lanes and countryside routes provide opportunities for more relaxed rides.

Cyclists can also explore Surrey's towns and villages by bike, stop at country cafés and pubs, or combine a cycling route with a visit to a historic attraction or vineyard.

Surrey's gardens and parks

Surrey is famous for its gardens, parks and designed landscapes.

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Garden Wisley is one of the Royal Horticultural Society's flagship gardens and a major attraction for garden lovers. Visitors can explore extensive plant collections, landscaped gardens and seasonal displays.

Painshill

Near Cobham, Painshill is an internationally recognised 18th-century landscape garden featuring lakes, woodland, bridges, follies and the famous Crystal Grotto.

Winkworth Arboretum

Near Godalming, Winkworth Arboretum is particularly popular for its seasonal displays and woodland landscapes. Autumn is a particularly attractive time to visit.

More Surrey gardens

Other gardens and green spaces to explore include National Trust properties, historic estates, arboretums and privately managed gardens that open for seasonal events.

Surrey's gardens provide something different throughout the year, from spring flowers and summer borders to autumn colour and winter landscapes.

Looking for indoor things to do in Surrey? Whether the weather is wet, you are looking for a family activity, or you simply prefer indoor entertainment, Surrey has plenty of options.

From museums and art galleries to trampoline parks, swimming pools, bowling, cinemas, theatres and hands-on experiences, there are indoor activities in Surrey for children, adults, couples and groups.

You don't have to wait for a rainy day either. Indoor attractions are a great option for family days out, weekend breaks, birthdays, group activities and days when you want to explore Surrey at your own pace.

Indoor activities for families in Surrey

Families have plenty of indoor options when the weather isn't suitable for outdoor activities.

Guildford Spectrum is one of Surrey's major leisure destinations, with swimming, ice skating, bowling and other activities under one roof. It provides an easy option for families looking for several activities in one location.

For children who want to burn off some energy, AirHop Trampoline Park Guildford has interconnected trampolines and a range of activities designed for active play.

There are also indoor adventure and trampoline parks at Jump In Adventure Park Camberley and Jump In by AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Esher.

Younger children can enjoy indoor play areas at attractions including Bocketts Farm Park and Godstone Farm, both of which provide undercover facilities alongside their outdoor farm experiences.

Museums and indoor heritage attractions

Surrey has plenty of museums and galleries, providing plenty of opportunities to discover the county's history, people, art, science and culture.

Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is an excellent choice for families and motoring enthusiasts, telling the story of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and aviation history. Visitors can also see the iconic Concorde.

For local history, Guildford Museum, Museum of Farnham, Godalming Museum, Haslemere Museum and other museums across the county offer opportunities to discover Surrey's past.

History lovers can also visit indoor historic attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, where visitors can explore magnificent Tudor and Baroque interiors.

Art galleries and creative experiences

Surrey has a strong arts and culture scene, with galleries offering exhibitions, collections, workshops and events.

The Lightbox in Woking  and The Horton Arts Centre  in Epsom combines galleries and museum spaces with a programme of exhibitions and activities. 

Watts Gallery near Guildford is another excellent destination for art lovers, while Guildford House Gallery provides another opportunity to discover art and exhibitions in a historic setting.

Indoor sports and active days out

If you would rather be active than sit indoors, Surrey has plenty of options.

Enjoy swimming, ice skating, bowling, climbing, fitness activities and other sports at the county's leisure centres.

Guildford Spectrum is one of the best-known options, while Pool in the Park in Woking provides another leisure pool experience. Surrey's leisure centres offer activities for everyone from beginners to more experienced participants.

For something more adventurous, trampoline and activity centres provide indoor opportunities to jump, climb and challenge yourself.

Indoor entertainment in Surrey

Surrey's indoor entertainment scene includes theatres, live music venues, cinemas and comedy.

Major venues include Woking Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Dorking Halls and Farnham Maltings.

The Horton Arts Centre in Epsom provides another venue for performances and cultural events, while Cranleigh Arts hosts live music, theatre, comedy, films and family events.

For a classic cinema experience, Surrey has cinemas in many of its major towns. Nova Cinema Woking offers multiple screens, while Dorking Halls combines cinema and theatre. 

Indoor activities for adults

Indoor activities in Surrey aren't just for families.

Adults can enjoy art galleries, museums, theatres, cinemas, cooking experiences, brewery and distillery tours, shopping and food and drink experiences.

The Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking offers cooking experiences for people who want to develop their culinary skills, while Surrey's breweries and distilleries provide opportunities to discover local drinks and the craft behind their production.

For groups and friends, indoor activities can include bowling, escape rooms, mini golf, immersive experiences and other competitive activities.

Surrey has centuries of history to discover, including royal palaces, castles, historic houses, ancient landscapes and important archaeological sites.

Hampton Court Palace

Just outside the modern Surrey county boundary but closely connected with the wider Surrey visitor experience, Hampton Court Palace is famous for its Tudor history and connections with Henry VIII. Visitors can explore the palace, gardens, kitchens and maze.

Guildford Castle

In the centre of Guildford, Guildford Castle provides an opportunity to discover the town's medieval history and enjoy views across the surrounding area.

Runnymede and Magna Carta

At Runnymede, visitors can explore the landscape associated with the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215, one of the most significant events in British constitutional history.

Historic houses and National Trust properties

Surrey's historic estates include Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park and other properties surrounded by gardens, woodland and countryside.

Many are ideal for combining history with walking, gardens, family activities and seasonal events.

One of the best ways to experience Surrey is to explore its towns and villages. 

You can use Surrey's towns and villages as destinations in their own right or combine them with the county's wider attractions, including countryside walks, gardens, historic houses, vineyards, restaurants, independent shops and cultural venues.

Discover Surrey's towns and villages and find a destination to suit your next day out or short break.

Guildford
Guildford combines historic streets and a medieval castle with independent shops, restaurants, galleries, theatre, riverside walks and cultural attractions.

It is also a useful base for exploring the Surrey Hills.

Epsom
Epsom is a lively Surrey town with a strong connection to horse racing, green open spaces, shopping, restaurants and events.

The town is best known for Epsom Downs Racecourse, home of The Derby and one of Britain's most famous racing venues. Epsom Downs also provides extensive open countryside and panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

Dorking
Surrounded by the Surrey Hills, Dorking is known for independent shops, antiques, arts and culture, restaurants and its proximity to vineyards and countryside.

Dorking is an excellent base for exploring the Surrey Hills Wine Route.

Farnham
Farnham combines a historic town centre with independent shops, galleries, cafés, craft traditions and nearby countryside.

The town is also a gateway to the Surrey and Hampshire countryside.

Godalming
Godalming is a historic riverside town with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and access to walks along the River Wey and surrounding countryside.

Cranleigh
Known as one of Surrey's largest villages, Cranleigh offers independent shops, cafés, pubs and a traditional village atmosphere.

Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant riverside market town with more than 800 years of market tradition and a fascinating royal history.

Kingston is particularly useful for visitors looking for a combination of shopping, history, riverside dining, events and outdoor experiences, and its location makes it an accessible destination for visitors travelling from London and elsewhere in Surrey.

Oxted
Oxted sits close to the Surrey Hills and North Downs and provides a convenient base for exploring the eastern part of the county.

Beyond the larger towns, Surrey's villages offer another way to experience the county, with village greens, historic cottages, country pubs, independent shops and walking routes.

Surrey vineyards 

Surrey has become one of England's leading wine-producing areas, particularly known for English sparkling wine.

The Surrey Hills Wine Route brings together vineyards offering tours, tastings and wine experiences.

Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking is one of England's largest single-estate vineyards and offers visitors opportunities to explore the estate and discover English wine.

Other Surrey vineyards include:

• Albury Vineyard
• Chilworth Manor Vineyard
• Greyfriars Vineyard
• High Clandon Estate Vineyard
• Tanhurst Estate

Vineyard experiences vary throughout the year, so check individual producers for current tours, tastings, restaurant availability and events.

Breweries, distilleries and local food

Surrey's food and drink scene extends well beyond vineyards.

Beer lovers can visit breweries such as Hogs Back Brewery and Dorking Brewery, while Silent Pool Distillers offers experiences centred around craft spirits.

Visitors can also discover Surrey's farm shops, delis, cafés, restaurants, pubs and food producers.

For a special occasion, Surrey also has luxury hotels, country houses, afternoon tea experiences and restaurants offering fine dining.

Afternoon tea in Surrey

Afternoon tea is a popular Surrey experience, particularly at the county's historic hotels and country estates.

Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in an elegant setting, or look for seasonal and themed afternoon teas throughout the year.

Afternoon tea can easily be combined with a garden visit, countryside walk, shopping trip or spa day.

Free and budget-friendly things to do in Surrey

You do not need to spend a lot to enjoy Surrey.

Many countryside walks, viewpoints, villages and public spaces can be explored for free or at low cost.

Ideas include:

• Walking in the Surrey Hills
• Visiting public parks
• Exploring rivers and canals
• Discovering historic town centres
• Enjoying scenic viewpoints
• Exploring Guildford Castle grounds
• Visiting local markets
• Taking a picnic into the countryside

Check Visit Surrey's budget guides and individual attraction pages for current admission prices and offers.