For an ideal combination of beautiful scenery and thrilling attractions, consider a trip to Surrey. Located in the south east of England, Surrey is ideally positioned just 31 miles from London, giving it excellent public transport links.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or an action-filled day trip, Surrey has plenty to offer. From the rolling hills and valleys in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the award-winning hotels, vineyards and restaurants in the area, visitors old and young will enjoy their time spent in this beautiful county.

With so much to see and do, we’ve taken the planning out of your hands and put together a helpful guide filled to the brim with all the best activities, events, places to eat and things to do in Surrey.

Parks and gardens in Surrey

1. RHS Garden Wisley

Surrey is known as the most wooded county in England, so it’s only right to begin our guide with some of its most beautiful parks and gardens. First up is RHS Garden Wisley, a picture postcard setting with its very own glasshouse.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale as you wander through flowers in an array of pinks, purples and yellows, stroll round the garden’s shimmering blue lake and take in the various colours and smells of the tropical glasshouse.

How to get there: Easily accessible by train, RHS Wisley’s closest train stations are Guildford, West Byfleet and Woking.

2. Painshill

If you are planning a relaxing day out in Surrey, head to Painshill. Created by Charles Hamilton as a living painting, this stunning garden is a real-life work of art, and features charming ruins, a crystal grotto and an ancient footbridge all set on the border of a magnificent lake. The landscaped garden even has its own vineyard, making it the perfect place to visit during the summertime with friends. 

How to get there: Catch the train to Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon station, before catching the C1 bus towards Weybridge, or the 401 towards Cobham, which will take around seven minutes. If you’d prefer, you can also walk the half-hour journey to the gardens.

3. Norbury Park

 

Nothing quite represents Surrey better than beautiful countryside, so for a true taste of Surrey, head to the agricultural land of Norbury Park. As you potter down one of the park’s many trails, keep your eyes peeled for the area’s working farm, where you can get up close and personal with a field of cattle.

How to get there: Leatherhead is the nearest station to Norbury Park. From there, catch the number 478 or 465 bus, ride for five minutes and get off at The Ridgeway. From there, it’s a half-hour walk.

Places to visit in Surrey

1. Surrey Hills

The Surrey Hills are one of the best places to visit in Surrey for a free day out. As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Surrey Hills offer some of south east England’s most breath-taking views. From enchanting woodlands to panoramic countryside, the Surrey Hills scenery is unmatched, and there’s so much to see. As you stroll through the countryside, expect to stumble across gushing waterfalls, historic architecture, fascinating museums and so much more. 

How to get there: Catch the train to Box Hill & Westhumble station, before walking south-east for around half an hour. 

2. Brooklands Museum

As the birthplace of British motorsport, Brooklands Museum should be top of the list for all petrol-heads and car fanatics. Head on the road back in time as you explore the museum’s fascinating collection of cars, aircraft, motorcycles, engines and more, dating back to the early 1900s, before finishing your journey with a bite to eat at the museum’s very own café. 

How to get there: Weybridge station is the nearest station to Brooklands Museum. From there, it’s around a 20-minute walk. 

3. Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village

 

Immerse yourself in an exhibition of love, hope and despair as you explore the emotive work of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts, right from his very own gallery. If you’re feeling peckish, why not treat yourself to an afternoon tea, which features a delightful selection of sandwiches, cakes and, of course, scones with cream and jam.

How to get there: Catch there by catching the train to Guildford station, before catching the number 46 bus towards Farnham. Ride for nine minutes, and get off at Watts Gallery.

4. Guildford Museum

Those looking for affordable days out in Surrey can head to the Guildford Museum, which has no entrance fee and is bursting with fascinating things to see and do. Set in a gorgeous 17th-century house, the museum is full of charm and interest. Begin by browsing the stunning portrait work of Georgian painter John Russell, before checking out some of Surrey’s captivating pieces of local history. 

How to get there: The nearest station is Guildford, and from here, it’s just a 10-minute walk through Guildford town centre.

More things to do in Surrey

1. Thorpe Park

Thrill-seekers big and small should head to Thorpe Park for an action-packed day out in Surrey filled with adrenaline, laughter and plenty of screams. Thorpe Park has rides for all ages and thrill levels, making it the perfect activity for the whole family. If you’re planning to make a weekend out of your trip, the Thorpe Shark Cabins are just steps away from the iconic rides, and are a great place to recharge your batteries before the fun continues.

How to get there: Staines is the nearest station to Thorpe Park and from there you can take the 950 Express Bus to Thorpe Park, which runs every 15-20 minutes.

3. Hoebridge Golf Centre

 

While a golf course may not be the obvious choice, if you’re looking for a fun family day out in Surrey, then take a trip to Hoebridge. Surrey’s lush, green fields make it the ideal location for a round of golf, and with a selection of three courses to choose from, Hoebridge Golf Centre is perfect for golfers of all experiences. 

For the ultimate range experience, head to the Trackman Range, where you can enjoy some quality time with friends and family as you perfect your swing. For a more family-friendly course, head to the Adventure Pirate Golf, which is lots of fun for any young explorer. 

How to get there: Catch the train to Woking station, before walking north-east for around half an hour. 

Places to eat in Surrey

1. Acorn Restaurant

 

Fans of Spanish tapas should head to Acorn Restaurant, which boasts a selection of mouth-watering Spanish delicacies as well as an assortment of Spanish liqueurs and wines. If you’re here at lunch time, make the most of their £16.50 (per main course) lunch menu, which runs from Thursdays to Saturday. 

How to get there: Godalming station is the nearest SWR station to Acorn Restaurant. From there, walk for 19 minutes, or catch the number 46 bus towards Farnham, getting off at The Square.

2. Seasons Kitchen

Combining their very own farm shop with a restaurant and garden, the character-filled Seasons Kitchen is a great place to stop off for a bite to eat. With a menu packed with freshly-grown produce, even the pickiest eater is bound to be satisfied, and Seasons Kitchen’s children’s menu makes the restaurant perfect for the whole family.

How to get there: Catch the train to Sunningdale station, before walking south-east for 25 minutes.

3. 1907 Restaurant, Bar and Grill

Located within the swanky Brookland Hotel the 1907 Restaurant, Bar and Grill is a must-visit if you’re after a dining experience with a touch of luxury. This award-winning contemporary restaurant overlooks the world-famous Brooklands racetrack and offers great food, exceptional service, and a fine selection of wines.

How to get there: Weybridge station is the nearest station to 1907 Restaurant, Bar and Grill. From there, it’s around a 20-minute walk.

Discover days out in Surrey with South Western Railway 

Whether you are planning a scenic walk, a visit to a historic attraction or a relaxed day out in the countryside. From parks and gardens to museums, activities and places to eat, travelling by train takes the stress out of getting there and lets you focus on enjoying your day.  

With a range of ticket types available, including Advance tickets for great value and Semi-Flex Return Tickets if your plans change, it is simple to build a day out that works around you. If you travel often, a Railcard or Season Ticket could help you save even more on trips around Surrey. Don’t forget visit the SWR Rewards hub to see what offers are available. 

Get the latest travel inspiration, competitions and offers by signing up to our newsletter.