A county full of surprises, Surrey is the perfect destination for your next short break. With rolling hills, delightful woods, and charming quintessentially British villages that leave you yearning for days gone by, it is the perfect escape from busy city life.
To help you make the most of your time in the county, we’ve handpicked five must-visit villages in Surrey that are all within easy reach of the Lakeside International.
If you’re looking for the perfect countryside escape from London, you can’t beat Surrey. Easily accessible from the capital, it’s ideal for weekend retreats as well as longer stays, but there’s so much more to Surrey than just convenience.
Surrey is also home to some of the most charming and quintessential British villages. From Shere and Chiddingfold to Peaslake in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these must-see villages encourage you to slow down and take in the charm of rural Britain.
Below, we share five of our top Surrey villages to visit during your stay:
One of our favourite villages in Surrey is Shere. Nestled between the towns of Guildford and Dorking and sitting in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this delightful village oozes quintessential British charm. As well as two pubs, Shere has a tearoom, a small museum, and a historic 12th-century church. While film buffs will love exploring iconic spots from some of the best British romcoms, including Bridget Jones’ Diary and The Holiday.
It's also a great destination if you’re hoping to enjoy countryside walks, whether taking in the natural beauty of Silent Pool or heading to nearby Newlands Corner for a wander.
The historic coaching village of Ripley, set on the old London to Portsmouth Road, frequently features in lists of the most picturesque villages in Surrey and the wider UK.
A foodie hotspot, there are gastro pubs and cosy cafes galore, so whatever your culinary tastes, you’re sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds. Plus, it’s location makes it the perfect lunch stop on your way to or from The Lakeside International.
Ripley is also a great destination for keen cyclists and walkers, with access to waymarked trails meandering alongside the River Wey.
Chiddingfold is a picture-postcard village not to be missed. Renowned in Tudor times for its quality glassmakers, it is now often featured as one of the best villages in Surrey to live.
With historic timber-framed Wealden houses and quaint cottages surrounding the large village green, complete with a pond, it really is hard to beat if you’re looking for picturesque rural charm.
For the perfect day in Chiddingfold, enjoy a brisk morning walk in the forest before tucking into a hearty meal at The Crown, and then walking it off with a stroll around the village.
Tucked away in the Surrey Hills, the village of Peaslake is a top destination for those keen to get away from it all. With single-track roads and a traditional village shop, you can switch off from the world while still only being a 25-minute drive from Guildford.
But Peaslake is most notable for its surrounding forests and hills, which make it a hit with keen mountain bikers and hikers, who can enjoy getting out before enjoying a pint or slice of cake at The Hurtwood Inn.
Just north of Woking, Chobham is home to Chobham Common, the largest National Nature Reserve in the south east of England and one of the finest examples of lowland heath in the world.
Although not as famous as some of the top villages in Surrey we’ve already mentioned, it has all the essential qualities of a traditional English village. From its 11th-century church to a high street lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, it’s perfect for a spot of retail therapy on your getaway.
Plus, it’s only 20 minutes from The Lakeside International, so it’s the ideal first or last stop on a village-hopping break exploring the Surrey countryside.
At the Lakeside International Hotel, we’re perfectly situated for your break exploring the best Surrey Villages. With easy access to the M3 and wider road network, free parking, and our stunning lakeside location, you get peace and tranquility with easy accessibility to explore more of Surrey.
We recommend picking one or two villages to visit each day before returning for a sumptuous dinner by the water. But you might also want to check out our recommended local attractions and walks if you’re keen to combine your foray into villages in Surrey with some of our county’s best attractions, like Ascot Racecourse.
If you want to explore more Surrey villages, why not book your stay today? At the Lakeside International Hotel, we’ve been welcoming guests for nearly 40 years, so you can trust us to provide everything you need for a memorable getaway. Relax in our comfortable rooms with stunning lakeside views and switch off from the daily grind while discovering the beauty and charm of Surrey villages.