Surrey is a truly historic place with fascinating heritage. From castles to cathedral, settlements to stately homes, evidence of Surrey's rich heritage and history can be found in abundance throughout the county.  

Visit the monument where the great charter, the Magna Carta was signed at Runnymede in 1215. A Surrey meadow was the setting for one of the defining events in English history, when King John gave his grudging assent to a Charter of Liberties curbing royal power. The Charter is now known throughout the world as Magna Carta.  Climb up to the ancient Iron Age fort situated on Holmbury Hill, the 4th highest point in the county, or discover parts of one of England's most important Roman roads, still visible at Mickleham Downs. 

Heritage Events

Every September during Heritage Open Days (8th - 17thth September 2023) events are organised to celebrate Surrey's fantastic history and culture.   It's a great chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all of which are FREE to explore.

Discover what's on in Surrey's museums, stately homes and galleries or enjoy a free guided tour - there's so much for all to enjoy.  Search for upcoming heritage events in Surrey.

Stately homes and gardens

Surrey's glorious architecture and beautiful parks and gardens are often featured in films and TV Dramas which makes them so interesting to visit. Scenes from the historical drama Bridgerton were shot in Painshill, the stunning Elizabethan Loseley House is a film location for The Crown and the BBC comedy series Ghosts was filmed entirely at West Horsley Place.   Our historic treasures provide for great days out in Surrey.

Fascinating Museums

Discover the Rural Life Centre, a museum of village life, trades and crafts or sit in Concorde at Brooklands Museum. If you are after something a little more unusual, The Spike, a Poor Law Union Vagrants and Casuals ward and be amazed at how the poor were once treated.
Find out more about Surrey’s unique history and heritage visit one of our museums.  

National Trust Properties

Surrey is home to many jaw-dropping National Trust locations.  Take a look

Famous Historical People 

Here are just a few of historical people who lived in Surrey

HG Wells (1866-1946) wrote War of the Worlds whilst he was living in Woking.  HG Well and his wife used to take trips on cycles exploring the country lanes.  The Wheels of Chance, The War of the Worlds (1898), The Invisible Man (1897) and the opening chapters of Love and Mr Lewisham (1900), were all written during his 18 months stay at Woking. 
Alan Turing, who broke the Enigma Code during World War 2, lived at 22 Ennismore Avenue, Guildford. There is a statue of him in the main square at the University of Surrey. There is a blue plaque on his parents house at 22, Ennismore Avenue, Guildford.
Jack Phillips - Jack Phillips was the telegraph operator who stayed at his post sending distress signals on board the Titanic.
Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) was born in Godalming, his father taught at nearby Charterhouse School. The family lived in Compton. Huxley loved to cycle in the Surrey Hills, especially around Hindhead and the Devil's Punchbowl. His best-known novel is Brave New World (1932). Huxley spent his later years in California, where he died in 1963. In 1971, the ashes of Aldous Huxley were returned to England and interred in the family grave at the Watts Cemetery, Compton, near Guildford
Lewis Carroll - The Author Lewis Carroll, under his real name of Charles Dodgson, spent much time in Guildford in the company of his sisters.   Upon his death, he was buried in the cemetery on The Mount, in Guildford.

Find your family history

Do you have ancestors you are looking to trace?  Find ways to explore your family history in Surrey.
 

For a more in-depth look at Surrey's history take a look at our History of Surrey page.