Often regarded as the ultimate commuter county, Surrey has a great deal more going for it than excellent rail links to London. When you return from work, Surrey also offers a wonderful quality of life.
1. Outstanding outdoor life
Surrey has its own Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Surrey Hills, which covers a quarter of the total area. One of the most famous spots is Box Hill, combining ancient trees, amazing views and a rich profusion of wildlife. Leith Hill, with its lookout tower, is the second-highest point in south-east England. The Devil’s Punchbowl, near Hindhead, provides another spectacular viewpoint.
2. Walks and trails
The county’s rolling chalk downs, grassland, heaths and commons are perfect for keen walkers. The North Downs Way is one way to explore some of it, a 152-mile National Trail from Farnham all the way to the Kent coast. The 12.9 km Basingstoke Canal towpath, with access from Woking town centre, is another lovely route to stroll and the Old Woking Heritage Trail is a gentle meander through the historic parts of the town.
3. It’s pretty
Surrey is full of market towns and villages and there are many ‘league tables’ of the most attractive ones. Names that often appear on these lists include Mickleham, Ripley, Oxshott, Shere, Brockham, Abinger Hammer, Bramley, Betchworth, Chiddingfold, Godstone, Peaslake, Leigh, Buckland – there are so many. All combine charming period buildings, good pubs, cafés and nice local shops, ideal for a relaxing day out.
4. Golf and more golf
Surrey has more golf courses in the UK’s top 100 than any other county. They include famous championship venues such as Wentworth and Sunningdale, exclusive members’ clubs in St George’s Hill and Woking, beautiful parkland courses such as Foxhills in Ottershaw, and pay and play amenities everywhere.
5. Shopping
Amongst all the rural beauty are towns with excellent shopping. One is Woking, whose town centre has over 170 shops, many of the national brands. Guildford and Farnham are also leading retail therapy destinations.
6. Glorious houses and gardens
Step back into the past at Polesden Lacy, Claremont Landscape Garden, Clandon Park, Painshill Park, Loseley Park, Hatchlands Park, and the grandest of all, Hampton Court Palace and Park.
7. Arts and culture
You don’t need to travel to London when you hunger for culture. Surrey has some highly-respected theatres such as the Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford, the Rose in Kingston and the New Victoria in Woking. The same applies to art. You can browse stunning collections at The Lightbox in Woking, Watts Gallery Artists’ Village in Compton, or marvel at inspiring outdoor installations at The Sculpture Park in Farnham.
8. Connections
The south-east rail network is interlaced over Surrey and accounts for the popularity of many of its towns. Many offer a journey to work of around half an hour. One of these is Woking, where the fastest service to Waterloo is under 30 minutes.
9. Quality of life
The Halifax 2020 Quality of Life survey has no fewer than four Surrey locations in its list of the top 50 places to live in the UK. They are Runnymede, Woking, Elmbridge and Guildford.
10. Britannia Wharf
Our stunning collection of apartments in Woking brings together many of the other 9 reasons: connections, proximity to the countryside, the shops, arts and cultural attractions of the town centre, and a position on the banks of the tranquil Basingstoke Canal. Boasting a premium specification and balconies to most, Phase 1 of this development is now 100% sold. Show Home launching March 2021, visit our Britannia Wharf development page to find out more.
