Summer in Surrey - ideas for days out

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine August 2010

Whether it’s strolling through the Surrey Hills, a boutique shopping spree or
jam-packed activities to keep the kids entertained, the county is brimming with great places to spend sunny days. ENJOLI LISTON presents some of our top summer destinations, as recommended by the people who know it best

Previous 1 of 2 Next

Splendid strolls 

Chairman of East Surrey Ramblers, John Nathan lives in Oxted and says there’s no better way to explore Surrey than on foot.

“I try to go on at least two or three walks a week with the Ramblers, and one of my favourite routes starts in Westhumble, near Dorking,” says John. “We cross the A24 at Mickleham, then pass along the top of Box Hill, where the views to the south are stunning. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an orchid among the flora. It’s always a great place for a picnic, too.

"In the south-west, the Devil’s Punchbowl is a National Trust area covered in pines trees and heather, and is a lovely place to get some exercise. For those who are keen on wildlife photography, like me, it’s also worth a walk down to the nearby Thursley Common nature reserve. It’s the perfect place to spot dragonflies and carnivorous sundew flowers. 

“For me, a proper walk has to be over ten miles! So for a good, tough hike, draw up a route to encompass Leith Hill (which is the highest point in south-east England), Holmbury Hill and Pitch Hill, all of which have lovely views. I’ve hiked in the Himalayas and the Andes, but there’s still nowhere quite like our green and pleasant land.”

Previous 1 of 2 Next

Winding down by the waterways

As the person in charge of tourism across the county, Visit Surrey’s Catherine Knight, who lives locally in Farnham, certainly has her finger firmly on Surrey’s holidaying pulse.

“One of Surrey’s biggest charms is that it is so quintessentially English,” says Catherine. “Back in my university days, I could always rely on renting a traditional rowboat and punting down the River Wey, near Farncombe Boat House, to impress the friends I brought home during the summer holidays. They liked it so much that I still take them there whenever they visit now, years later.

"These days, I like to spend most of my lunch breaks next to the river in Guildford. It’s so picturesque in summer, and watching boys try to impress their girlfriends with their rowing skills is great fun!

“Basingstoke Canal is also a lovely spot, but I prefer to cycle there. I used to commute between London and Farnham, and my husband would often meet me at Ash Vale station with our bikes so I could do the last bit of my journey out in the evening sun. It’s so tranquil on the towpaths, and much nicer than standing on a hot, crowded train.

“If I want to while away a summer evening, I’ll have a stroll along the river at Thames Ditton and stop for a few drinks at The Albany. There’s a great café culture next to the river, especially around Surbiton, and it’s all too easy for a quiet drink to turn into a late night out.

“Meanwhile, away from the waterways, the county’s market towns are full of surprises – did you know, for example, that there are man-made caves under the historic town of Dorking? And have you ever noticed the beautiful Abbot’s Hospital on the High Street in Guildford? There’s so much in Surrey that is just waiting to be explored.”

Previous 1 of 2 Next

A shopper’s paradise

Owner of the Cristina boutique in Baker Street, Weybridge, Melanie Trevitt is a great believer in buying locally to support independents.

“Luckily for me, I’m spoilt for choice near my home in Cobham and my shop in Weybridge,” says Melanie. “The window displays in Cobham’s Moonflower florist are so divine that I literally can’t walk past without stopping to buy a bunch of something – usually lilies. The owner even gives the flowers an extra special touch, by decorating them with crushed diamantes and wooden butterflies. 

“I’ve just started redecorating our house, so I’m always popping into Vernon Interiors on Oakdene Parade in Cobham. I got the most amazing black crystal mirrors for my boutique there, and they get a lot of compliments.

“Shopping can work up quite an appetite. Blink and you’ll miss my favourite café in Weybridge – Oregano on Queen’s Road. Josef serves the best coffee, his donuts are delicious and my little girl loves to order a baby chino.

“But back to shopping – from barbecue utensils to ice-cream makers, the Kitchen Shop on Weybridge High Street is an Aladdin’s cave of foodie gadgets, and has all the baking equipment a cupcake obsessive like me needs. For gorgeous gifts and fresh summery home wares, the Linen Room on Baker Street is perfect.

“If I venture further afield, it is to the lovely and historic outdoor shopping streets in Guildford, where the fresh scents in the Jo Malone store always tempt me in.”

Previous 1 of 2 Next

Fun for families

Editor of the North Surrey branch of Netmums.com, Michele Munro is mum to seven-year-old Ben and eight-year-old twins Charlotte and Libby.

“Luckily, I never struggle to keep my kids entertained in the summer holidays because there’s so much to do locally,” says Michele.

“Bocketts Farm in Fetcham is always a winner. Last time, Libby was very amused to find her alternative twin – a llama with an impressive fringe just like hers. There are great indoor and outdoor play areas, too, with an impressive collection of climbing frames, slides and trampolines.

“Meanwhile, even parents will be entertained at Birdworld in Farnham. We were all enthralled by the flying display, and the kids relished having mice crawl through their fingers!

“If your children are like mine, though, they’ll be just as happy clambering over fallen trees and collecting branches to make a camp – which is what makes Alice Holt woods such a cheap and very cheerful day out.”

Previous 1 of 2 Next

Staycation destinations

Owner of the  Taylors Farm Retreat Bed and Breakfast in Capel, Ben Turner has a whole wealth of local knowledge to share with guests.

“I have lived in Capel all my life, but it’s only since I opened the B&B a couple of years ago that I’ve started to explore the county,” says Ben. “I can’t believe I never realised there was so much to see.

“Some of my guests stay for just a night and others stay for two weeks, but I always recommend that they explore the beautiful countryside nearby, especially the Stepping Stones over the River Mole at Westhumble, just outside Dorking. Even though it’s a tourist attraction, it’s clean, cared for and never crowded, and it’s a wonderful area for walking, fishing or just watching the world go by.

“Surrey is full of great places to eat and drink too. The Little Penang Thai restaurant in Capel is so good I go three times a week. For summer drinks in the sun, The Parrot Inn at Forest Green and The Running Horses at Mickleham are good quality, friendly country pubs with nice outdoor areas. And for wine lovers, the beautiful vineyards of Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking must be paradise.

“One of my favourite things to do in the county is take a trip to the horse races at Sandown Park in Esher or nearby Lingfield Park. It’s a fun day out, and some courses host pop concerts in the evenings, too. And, if all that isn’t enough, you’re never too far from a train station, where you can hop on and travel straight into London.”

Members Comments

There are no comments for this article.

Add a Comment

Please log in to post a comment.