Things to do in Surrey: Our top picks

Whether you are new to the area and fancy exploring or live locally and want to play tourist for the day, there are hundreds of things to do in Surrey – many of which you might not be aware of. From rolling hills and stunning views to vibrant town markets and buildings steeped in history, the county is the ideal spot for adventure. 

Why not try something new this weekend? Explore our hand-picked selection of the top activities and spots in the area. Select one or two, or even a handful to fill your day. Particularly if you live locally or are hoping to move to the county, new inspiration can be the perfect way to reignite your love for the area. 

As locals themselves, our Seymours estate agent team enjoy nothing more than a weekend in the county – we’ve operated in the area for over 30 years so we know there are certainly many attractions! We hope we can share even just a little of our passion and knowledge for stunning Surrey in this blog. 

Find the perfect picnic spot

A popular spot, but for good reason, Virginia Water offers the perfect picnic backdrop. Often considered one of the top, if not the very top, things to do in Surrey, a stroll around this famous park is not one to be missed. 

Take a leisurely stroll past Roman ruins, a decorative waterfall and a 100 ft totem pole. Find a secluded spot amongst the trees for a little romance or take a seat in the open meadows for the ideal people-watching spot, perfect for the kids to run around. 

You can spend hours lost in nature in Virginia Water – why not wander into Saville Gardens too and explore some of the beautiful fauna on display? Of course, this isn’t the only beauty spot in Surrey; the Surrey Hills have hundreds of popular areas that are ideal for a picnic in the sunshine.

Wander through history at Guildford Castle

Guildford Castle is of extreme historical importance having been thought to have been built just after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Climb up the spiralling stairs into the past and gaze over the town centre – though it’s changed a little since it was first built!

The grounds also offer a fantastic display of flowers with many locals and visitors alike spending long afternoons picnicking on the grass by the castle. You’ll be in royal company! And, why not set a challenge for the kids and see if they can discover the famous Alice in Wonderland sculpture hidden on the grounds. 

From May to September, you can also join a free historic walk that takes you through the charming town and cobbled streets. Meeting opposite the Guildhall Clock at 2:30 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday

Irresistible afternoon tea

A delicious afternoon tea on a Sunday afternoon is difficult to beat! Surrey has some of the best on offer; beat the tourist rush of London and unwind properly on your weekend with the finest cakes and sandwiches.  

One of our team’s favourite ‘hidden gems’ is the Gorse Hill Hotel. A traditional afternoon tea is served in the hotel’s stylish lounge and bar and area with bright, contemporary interiors, looking out onto lush surrounding gardens.

Or why not try something different and combine this treat with a day out at Brookland Museum. Whilst it’s a little further outside of Surrey and Guildford located in Weybridge, it can make for an exciting and educational day out for motoring enthusiasts. Enjoy cream tea for two and entry as you take a voyage of discovery in the birthplace of British motorsport, aviation and the home of Concorde. 

Treat yourself to a tipple

Did you know Surrey is home to England’s largest single estate vineyard and offers year-round tours of their indoor winery and vineyard? But, it doesn’t just stop at wine! Located on the outskirts of Dorking also on Denbies Wine Estate, you’ll also find the Surrey Hills Brewery. 

With knowledgeable guides, you can try either an ale or wine tour to learn more about the product’s produced on site. We recommend booking tours in advance as they are highly popular! And this is for good reason, the Surrey Hills Brewery’s Shere Drop was named the Champion Beer of Britain in 2019. 

Whether you fancy a romantic trip or a fun day out with friends, this stunning spot is a great way to spend your weekend. We’ll be impressed if you manage to walk away without purchasing a bottle for home too!

If you don’t fancy the drive over to Dorking, there are a range of other wineries in the area that offer tasting too. In fact, here at Surrey, we’re spoilt for choice – from Greyfriars to the Silent Pool Distillery, there is something to suit everyone’s preferences. 

Dive into art at the Lightbox

Look, imagine, explore. With ever-changing award-winning exhibitions, The Lightbox is a great choice – especially for a rainy day! Warm-up inside the gallery and explore some of the interactive displays, sure to brighten up any cloudy day. 

Be sure to keep a keen eye out for their event calendar for pop-ups such as poetry open-mics and comedy nights. Believing that art has the power to make you feel good, reset at the Lightbox – one of the most exciting cultural things to do in Surrey. 

Explore the canal network as captain of your own ship

Take a trip on the river systems around Surrey and experience the picturesque, leafy surroundings from a different perspective. There are plenty of spots along the river that will allow you to rent your own boat, we recommend packing a little picnic for an onboard feast!

Rather sit back and let someone else man the sails? Dapdune Wharf in Guildford offers 40 minutes boat trips along the River Wey, where the skippers will tell you a tale all about the history of the areas as you sail along the water. 

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Our estate agency team have you covered! Explore at your own pace alongside the Surrey canals, taking in the tranquillity. Combine a trip to Box Hill and stroll along the River Mole, or choose a point of the River Wey as your launchpad and explore from there. 

Things to do in Surrey

There is an endless list of things to do in the Surrey county, whatever your preference. From adventure days out with the kids to romantic trips to the stunning countryside, it’s a treat for both locals and visitors alike. 

Living in the area, it’s easy to forget about the variety of activities right on your doorstep. But, we hope this extensive guide will ignite your imagination and get you out exploring something new this weekend. 

Seymours Estate Agency: The local experts

Our team are all locals in the Surrey area and have a real passion for the area which is only showcased when we come to selling your property. Marketing not only the feature of your home but the area itself is hugely important. Potential buyers need to fall in love with the community as well as the property. 

With over 30 years of experience in the county, we can uniquely cater to potential buyers, highlighting certain things to do in Surrey that will spike their interest further in the area and thereby your home. Bring deep-rooted and established in the community, we’re an estate agency you can trust to secure you the best possible price for your property.  

Sell your property with the experts today: choose Seymours Estate Agents.

If you’d like free-market advice or need an instant property valuation you can trust, get in touch with the Seymours team using this contact form, or call us one of our 20 dedicated branches here.