Things to do this January in Surrey

Welcome to 2023, a new year for new adventures in beautiful Surrey.

Here, the Visit Surrey team recommends some of the best activities for you to enjoy in Surrey this January...

1. Enjoy a grand tour
   At Visit Surrey, we are constantly surprised by how many people tell us they haven’t made the trip to Painshill in Cobham yet. While it’s a hugely popular destination in Surrey, it still seems to have an element of the undiscovered for people who have reacted in awe to pictures on the internet but never visited. Make this your year to explore the 18th century landscape garden, which was created between 1738 and 1773, by the Hon Charles Hamilton. Hamilton was inspired by his two Grand Tours across Europe, and luckily for all of us his ideas came together with dramatic effect in Cobham.

2. Taste Surrey
   Many of Surrey’s vineyards, breweries and distilleries offer fascinating tours and tastings year round. What better way to learn about your favourite tipple than hearing its story while at the location where the products are grown or created? Stay at Denbies’ Vineyard Hotel in Dorking, enjoy cheese and wine among the vines at Albury Organic Vineyard at Silent Pool, look out for a Greyfriars Vineyard open day near Guildford, try gin at Wessex Distillery near Godalming and more

3. Art inspiration 
   Visit one of Surrey's award-winning art galleries - indoor or outdoor! There are new exhibitions launching in 2023 at Watts Gallery - Artists' Village in Compton and The Lightbox in Woking, or you can enjoy the fresh air at The Sculpture Garden near Farnham. 

4. Explore National Trust heritage 
   Surrey is blessed with spectacular National Trust houses, countryside and gardens - all packed full of beautiful views, rich history and fascinating stories. There are natural Surrey Hills wonders such as Box Hill, Leith Hill and the Devil's Punch Bowl for sure, but how about a visit to Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham, Runnymede near Egham or Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming this January? 

5. Take the long path
   If you fancy a challenge that will get you outdoors, keep you fit and give you an opportunity to explore the breadth of Surrey, how about walking the North Downs Way? Don’t worry, you can easily split it into more manageable chunks – rather than tackling a Forest Gump-style marathon adventure. Along the way, you’ll find attractions such as Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, St Martha’s Hill, Silent Pool (where you'll find Mandira's Kitchen and Albury Organic Vineyard among others), Denbies Wine Estate and Gatton Park. Do make sure to check ahead whether booking is required at any of your preferred stops.

6. Explore hidden history
   Only a 15 minutes’ walk outside of Dorking town centre past its antiques shops and hostelries, you’ll discover the Deepdene Trail – the “lost” estate of Regency designer Thomas Hope. Highlights of the free trail include the 19th century Hope Mausoleum, the magnificent grotto and romantic tower, and you can follow it all the way to Betchworth Castle and Brockham village.

7. Follow the footsteps of fame
   An intriguing way to explore Surrey is via its famous people, film locations and folklore. Sometimes, the most innocuous of markings on a country pub wall or an unusual architectural quirk can open a door through time, and on to many fascinating stories. It’s a great way to see our county from a different perspective.

8. Waterside wanders
   This probably sounds ridiculous to anyone lucky enough to live near the Thames, the Mole or the Wey, but there’s another world to be found by the riverbanks if you’ve never taken the time. Networks of waterways, towpaths and meandering walks criss-cross our county and quickly whisk you off into a more secret Surrey with boundless nature, historic mills and boating. You’ll also find a number of proactive water sports companies sharing some of Surrey’s most idyllic lakes, reservoirs and beauty spots. We may be a landlocked county, but that Wind in the Willows lifestyle is fortunately never too far away.   

Start planning your next holiday in Surrey. Our friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts and country inns are waiting to welcome you.

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