Surrey County covers 1500 square kilometres between London to the North and the protected countryside of the Surrey Hills to the south. It is a home to over a million residents as well as a centre for business and commerce.
Despite being conveniently located to the central London especially for commuters, Surrey is known as the most wooded UK County and it has some very picturesque areas.
Kingston upon Thames, apart from being the administrative HQ of the County, is known for its shopping facilities, restaurants, pubs and bars as well as nightclubs and leisure centres. While being popular by shoppers, it is a very picturesque market town on the outskirts of Greater/South West London, often called "Leafy Kingston" due to the amount of trees and green parks in the area.
There are number of Rowing and Yachting Clubs on the River Thames stretching across Kingston and also Boat Trips Companies providing trips to the Hampton Court and beyond.
Other main towns include Guildford, Woking, Dorking and Farnham. Guildford is famous for its modern Cathedral founded in 1961, the Norman Castle Ruins and splendid views over the Surrey countryside. The Castle was frequently visited by the King John, who signed the Magna Charta in Runnymede in 1215. The Castle at Farnham is still intact; it dates from 1160 and was occupied till 1927.
10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Surrey, England
1. Hampton Court
Home of Henry VIII, known also for The Hampton Court Flower Show. It has stunning grounds which are free of charge to wander around, (parking £3.00 a day) and gardens (these you have to pay for to get in as well as to get into the court itself.) The Court features exhibits such as paintings and antique furniture. There are many concerts and medieval music festivals held in Hampton Court throughout the year. The setting is fantastic - fronting the river ThamesFor a special treat we recommend taking a horse drawn carriage ride in the hunting grounds.
2. Chessington, World Of Adventures
One of the most popular theme park in the South East of England, where you can enjoy water rides, laser and other special effects and rollercoasters. A day in the Park is guaranteed to provide fun for all ages!
3. Thorpe Park
The Park is set in over 500 acres of parkland near Chertsey and it is the fastest-growing family theme park in the UK. It has many attractions, wild rides and displays of special effects that promise sensational thrills, a real fun day out for the whole family.
4. Horse Racing
If you are keen on horse racing or any events connected to it, why not visit Kempton Park Racecourse, Sandown Park Racecourse or Epsom Downs Racecourse.
5. Kew Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew or simply Kew Gardens, as the majority of Londoners call them, a home to the world famous "smelly plant", open all year round.
6. Wisley
Covering over 240 acres, this Garden is a flagship of RHS, (The Royal Horticultural Society) demonstrating the best in gardening practices. Visitors can relax and admire a huge variety of plants, trees, and shrubs, many of which are quite unusual for the UK.
7. Outwood Windmill
Close to Redhill, this superb, award-winning Mill dates back to 1665 and is the oldest working mill in England.
8. BirdWorld
Birdworld and Underwater world in Farnham, has the largest collections of birds in the country, among others pelicans, toucans, ostriches and many others. Under water world has an impressive collection of freshwater fish.
9. Box Hill
A famous view point where, on a clear day, one can supposedly see the ocean(?!!!) and also the famous stepping stones will take you down to the river for a relaxing walk. Worth visiting!
10. Richmond Park
The Park is known for its many attractions such as the White Lodge and The Isabela Plantation as well as its deer freely running around this wooded area. It is a very popular place by cyclists, roller-skaters and walkers, especially in the summer months. There are a few lakes, which are ideal for a family picnic or simply relaxing while plane spotting.