Towns & Villages

Notes from a small county - a quirky look at Surrey

May 14th 2012

The winner of Surrey Life’s readers' columnist competition, Nick Turrell took the brave decision to swap disposable income for disposable nappies, and now reports on his adventures from around the county each month

Surrey pubs: what does the future hold for the country pub?

May 14th 2012

With rural pubs closing at an alarming rate these days and supermarket alcohol sales currently outperforming those over the bar for the first time, pub landlords and owners are having to get ever more creative with their offerings

Banstead: Surrey village life

May 14th 2012

Recommended as a resort by London doctors for their patients in the 1600s because of its reputation for ‘wholesome air’, Banstead retains a taste of the country surrounded by lavender fields and woods

Royal Surrey - kings and queens with historical author Alison Weir

May 8th 2012

Carshalton-based, best-selling historical author Alison Weir joins us to share just a few of her favourite kingly and queenly tales from Surrey’s history...

Diamond Jubilee beacons in Surrey towns and villages

May 3rd 2012

The lighting of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons takes place around the country on Monday June 4

Life in Haslemere - charter fair, Diamond Jubilee and Conan Doyle Weekend

May 2nd 2012

Life is non-stop in Haslemere over the coming weeks – from the town’s historic charter fair and the Conan Doyle Weekend via the Diamond Jubilee.

Tour of Britain cycling race now coming to Surrey’s roads after the Olympics

April 26th 2012

With the Olympic road races and time trials already expected to be highlights of our Surrey summer, it has now been announced that the final stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race will take place between Reigate and Guildford in September

Threatened closure of New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham – fundraising appeal launched

April 19th 2012

Run as a not for profit charitable trust, the much loved New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham is in danger of having to close if it does not receive a cash injection in the immediate future.

Titanic experts sail in to Godalming for 100th anniversary

April 12th 2012

With the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s maiden voyage, two of the world’s leading experts on the subject will be enlightening visitors at a special event, Titanic Revealed, at the Borough Hall in Godalming on Saturday April 7

Surrey's Blue Plaques - Signs of the times

April 11th 2012

Blue plaques have long been used in London to celebrate some of the more important historical abodes of famous personalities. Now the trend is spreading, and you may be surprised by just who has called Surrey home. Geoffrey West finds out more

Visit Reigate: where to eat, shop and explore

April 11th 2012

Reigate is a traditional Surrey market town, which in recent years has become a haven to fashion boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants

Surrey golf - best players, courses and Tales from the 19th

April 11th 2012

Every month, sports journalist John Whitbread, of the Surrey Golf Partnership, regales Surrey Life magazine readers with tales from the 19th. Below are abridged cuts from our monthly Surrey golf column...

Visit Camberley: where to eat, shop and explore

April 11th 2012

With two huge shopping destinations right at the heart of things, plus picturesque canal-lined countryside and a theatre and a rock club on the doorstep, the town of Camberley offers plenty to do come the weekend

Surrey Infantry – 350 years of military history

April 4th 2012

Celebrating their 350th anniversary, Surrey’s infantry regiments remain the most decorated in the British army – including the youngest living recipient of the Victoria Cross

Albury: Surrey village life

April 4th 2012

One of our most charming villages, Albury is probably best-known for its picturesque chimneys – and the attractive Saxon church that featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Matthew Williams pays a visit there

Max Clifford on the Leveson inquiry - behind the press headlines

April 3rd 2012

We’ve gone from one extreme to the other: for years, virtually all that has mattered to tabloid editors is whether a story is going to sell papers and not cost them heavy legal bills. But now, Leveson may have changed all that

How to celebrate the 2012 Olympics in Surrey - events, tips and ideas

March 27th 2012

Looming on the horizon, the Olympics is generating a huge amount of excitement here in Surrey with both the torch relay and cycle races passing through – meaning we will get to experience the Games a little closer than most outside London

Guildford Cathedral turns blue

March 26th 2012

For the second year, Guildford Cathedral will be floodlit blue, on the nights of Friday March 30 to Sunday April 1, in support of World Autism Awareness Day’s annual Light it up Blue campaign.

Surrey's towns and villages past and present - take our then and now photography challenge

March 22nd 2012

We have a photographical challenge to lay on the table that could perfectly encapsulate the ever-changing face of Surrey.

Visit Dorking: where to eat, shop and explore

March 15th 2012

Famous for its thriving antiques trade, award-winning vineyard and giant cockerel, Dorking is a great place to while away a weekend. Plus, with the Olympic cycling coming to the area, it will be receiving global attention this year