Surrey
Surrey is the richest and one of the most beautiful county’s in the UK – a patchwork of rolling hills and woodland, dotted with market towns, country estates and castle ruins. Situated on London’s southern doorstep, the county boasts an impressive mixture of nature, history and wealth. The towns have become affluent enclaves for Londoners looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, but maintain their rural charm and ancient history. Outside the towns, the countryside has been carefully protected with dozens of wildlife reserves and heritage sites connected by countless foot and cycle paths that crisscross the county.
Places to go in Surrey
Surrey’s biggest draw is the picturesque countryside, and there is no better way to explore it than on foot or by bicycle. Spend a whole day immersing yourself in nature, with a wide variety of paths and sceneries to suit every taste. All this exercise is bound to make you thirsty, so be sure you pencil in a stop at one of Surrey’s famous country pubs. Surrey is also renowned for its more manicured landscapes so as a break from the hiking and biking you will want to spend a relaxing afternoon wandering round one of the many country estates, landscaped gardens or arboretums – some date back to the 18th Century. Nowhere is Surrey’s unique blend of wealth, rural life and history more evident than in its market towns, making them enchanting places to visit. Within the space of a few hundred metres you could be bartering at a farmers’ market, doing a bit of retail therapy at a high-end store, exploring castle ruins, or partying the night away.
Our Top Picks in Surrey
We want you to enjoy the best that Surrey has to offer and so here's a selection of our favourite things to see and do;
Leith Hill
If you want to see Surrey’s picturesque countryside in all its glory there is only one place to go – Leith Hill. The highest point in southeast England offers uninterrupted panoramic views north to London and south to the English Channel. Leith Hill is crowned by an 18th Century Gothic tower where you can enjoy light refreshments and homemade cakes. The tower is open to the public all year round, but opening times vary throughout the year so make sure you check before making the journey up to the summit.
Devil's Punch Bowl
Steeped in local legend, the Devil's Punch Bowl is a beautiful natural basin with a true wilderness feel, filled with heathland, woodland and streams for you to explore on foot or by bicycle. If legend is to be believed, the devil himself created the basin in his spare time, digging out the earth and hurling it at the gods to annoy them. The Devil’s Punch Bowl Café provides the perfect vantage point to take in the scenery while enjoying some delicious locally produced food.
Denbies Wine Estate
No trip to Surrey would be complete without at least one visit to England’s largest single estate vineyard – 265 acres of vines to be precise. The estate offers both indoor and outdoor tours and boasts two restaurants, a diversely stocked wine shop and a gift shop. Spend a day sampling the best wine the estate has to offer and then jump in a taxi back to your chosen cottage - make sure you buy a couple of bottles to carry on the party later.
Read More [+]
This Week's Featured Properties