18 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Surrey: Insider Guide from a Local Resident
Surrey, often viewed as an affluent commuter county, is home to some of Southeast England's most breathtaking sights. After relocating from North London to a peaceful cottage in Surrey over a decade ago, I've explored nearly every corner of this picturesque region. Look beyond the stereotypes to discover impeccably maintained public gardens, grand country houses, postcard-perfect villages, and landscapes that inspired literary icons like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott, and Jane Austen. Here are my top 18 favorite beautiful places to visit in Surrey, England.
1. The North Downs – One of Surrey's Most Stunning Areas for Exploration and Walking
This ranks among my top places to visit in Surrey, with incredible scenery, views, and atmosphere. The North Downs form a magnificent chalk ridge winding through hills, ancient woodlands, and grasslands from Farnham in Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. A renowned beauty spot and haven for nature lovers and walkers, the North Downs Way passes through protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare species like orchids and butterflies found nowhere else in the UK.
The area also holds intrigue as a favorite haunt of crime novelist Agatha Christie, who mysteriously disappeared here in 1926.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in The North Downs
2. Polesden Lacey – An Edwardian House and Estate in One of Surrey's Most Scenic Spots
Another of my favorite Surrey beauty spots, Polesden Lacey boasts an enviable position amid the county's finest landscapes. Owned by the National Trust, this stunning Edwardian house and estate sits on the North Downs near Great Bookham, close to Dorking.
The Regency house, expanded and remodeled in 1906 by socialite Margaret Greville, hosted lavish parties for royalty, politicians, and celebrities.
A top National Trust property, it captivates with art and history inside—Dutch Old Master paintings, fine silverware, and preserved decor. Yet the gardens, grounds, views, and estate truly shine; bring your camera and walking shoes. Dogs are welcome on leads.
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3. Virginia Water – A Popular Surrey Beauty Spot
In affluent northern Surrey, Virginia Water is ideal for dog walks and scenic views—one of my favorites. It draws crowds on weekends and holidays, so visit early. Enjoy a well-kept park, woodlands, and a vast sparkling lake.
Families and walkers love the 4.5–5-mile loop, featuring the Cascade waterfall and 100-foot Totem Pole. Venture into woodlands for deer, squirrels, and rabbits. Amenities include parking, paths, a cafe, picnic areas, playground, and toilets.
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4. Shere – One of Surrey's Prettiest Villages, Backdrop for The Holiday
Fans of The Holiday starring Jude Law and Cameron Diaz will adore Shere, where the film was shot. This compact, idyllic village near Guildford features clustered cottages, shops (blacksmith, trekking, gifts), a duck-filled stream, tea house, art gallery, museum, pubs, and Norman church.
Nestled in the wooded Vale of Holmesdale between North Downs and Greensand Ridge, it's a quintessential English village with stunning countryside—and Hollywood cred from Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Shere
5. Guildford – Surrey's Historic and Vibrant County Town
Guildford, Surrey's thriving central hub, offers shopping, dining, and history. Boutique brands, independents, and three shopping centers abound, alongside eateries in historic buildings. Highlights: medieval Guildford Castle with gardens and tower views; 17th-century Guildford House gallery; nearby Watts Gallery–Artists' Village in Compton, dedicated to G.F. Watts.
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6. Loseley Park – Magnificent Tudor Manor and Grounds
This captivating Surrey gem near Guildford in the Surrey Hills is a Grade I Tudor manor built for Queen Elizabeth I, with walled gardens and 1,400 acres of rolling countryside.
Privately owned, it hosts events but opens for tours: period furnishings, chapel, gift shop, tea room.
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7. Godalming – One of Surrey's Prettiest Towns
In Waverley Borough, 15 minutes from Guildford, Godalming sits idyllically on the River Wey amid historic buildings, independent shops, museum, canal, pubs, and restaurants—plus superb countryside.
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8. Leith Hill – Breathtaking Views and Surrey Landscapes
Southeast England's highest point, National Trust-owned Leith Hill Tower demands a 74-step climb for panoramic views—London Eye on clear days. Woodland, parkland, heath, and trails suit all. Nearby Leith Hill Place, ex-home of Ralph Vaughan Williams (guest: Charles Darwin).
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Leith Hill
9. Hatchlands Park – Red-Brick Country House with Stunning Gardens
This Grade I National Trust property in East Clandon (1757–59) features neo-classical interiors by Robert Adam, plus Repton-designed gardens with terrace, fountain, temple.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Hatchlands Park
10. Shepperton – Suburban Village with Thames Walks
Photo © steve (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Image: Ben Brooksbank
Historic Shepperton (959 AD, Domesday Book), voted UK's happiest places, charms with Thames walks like the Tow Path to Thames Court pub. Also: marina, Nauticalia, Old Shepperton pubs. Nearby: Esher, East Molesey, Weybridge, etc., for more riverside paths.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Shepperton
11. Wisley Gardens – Among the World's Most Beautiful Gardens
Near Woking, this RHS gem (gifted 1903) spans 200 acres, drawing a million visitors yearly: glasshouses, rock garden, orchard.
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12. Claremont Landscape Gardens – Royal-Favored 18th-Century Gardens Near Esher
Grade I listed, this tranquil escape features original 18th-century design: lake, amphitheatre, Camellia Terrace, Belvedere Tower, Thatched Cottage.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Claremont Landscape Gardens
13. Hampton Court Palace – Henry VIII's Favorite Royal Retreat
On the Surrey/London border, this sprawling palace offers Tudor/Baroque grandeur, maze, fountains, gardens. Events: skating, festivals. Nearby East Molesey for shops/pubs.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Hampton Court Palace
14. Box Hill and the Surrey Hills – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Iconic views and walks; steep climb rewarded. Stepping Stones picnic spot, historic Fort.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Box Hill and the rest of the Surrey Hills
15. Denbies Wine Estate – England's Largest Vineyard
Near Dorking, family-friendly vineyards evoke France. Shops, gallery, restaurants with views. Explore Dorking town.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Denbies Wine Estate
16. Painshill Park – Award-Winning 18th-Century Landscape Garden
In Cobham, paths wind through lake, follies, grottoes, waterwheel, vineyard (dogs on lead).
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Painshill Park
17. Bushy Park – Former Royal Hunting Ground and Atmospheric Beauty Spot
445 hectares opposite Hampton Court; deer herds, ponds, river. Cycle, walk, playground. Nearby: Teddington, Hampton.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Bushy Park
18. Runnymede – Historic Site of the Magna Carta Signing
National Trust meadow near Windsor; 1215 Magna Carta site. Monuments, tea house, parking for picnics.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Runnymede
