It’s a regular question, “Where are the best places to live in Surrey?”
Surrey, located in southeast England, is a county renowned for its exceptional quality of life and diverse range of locales. Surrey offers a unique blend of rural tranquillity and urban sophistication, from picturesque countryside to charming towns and villages.
But what truly defines the nicest part of Surrey, and where can you find the best places to live in this enchanting county? Focusing on the larger towns and villages, let’s embark on a journey to explore some of these delightful areas, often regarded as the best places to live in Surrey.
The Charm of Guildford: A Top Pick Among the Best Places to Live in Surrey
Guildford, often considered one of the best places to live in Surrey, is a vibrant town that effortlessly combines historic charm and modern amenities. The cobbled streets are lined with an array of shops ranging from high-end boutiques to independent retailers.
The market town is also home to an impressive selection of restaurants and cafes, making it one of the best places to live in Surrey for those seeking urban sophistication amidst picturesque surroundings.
Guildford Castle, with its beautiful gardens and panoramic views over Guildford, provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling town centre. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling along the River Wey and the surrounding countryside.
Guildford’s excellent transport links with London Waterloo, just 40 minutes away by train, make it an ideal location for commuters looking for a balance between city work life and country living in one of the best places to live in Surrey.
The Serenity of Farnham: Another of the Best Places to Live in Surrey
Farnham is another contender for the title of the nicest part of Surrey and one of the best places to live in Surrey. This historic market town is known for its Georgian streetscapes filled with quaint shops and traditional pubs.
Farnham Castle overlooks the town from its hilltop location, providing stunning views across Farnham Park, making Farnham one of the best places to live in Surrey for those who appreciate the historical charm and green spaces.
Farnham’s cultural scene is vibrant, with regular farmers’ markets, art festivals, and craft fairs occurring throughout the year. The New Ashgate Gallery showcases works by local artists, while Farnham Maltings hosts a variety of performances, including theatre productions, concerts, and film screenings.
The convenience factor also plays into Farnham’s favour as it offers direct train services to London Waterloo, making it another excellent choice for those commuting into London, and therefore, one of the best places to live in Surrey for city workers seeking a quieter lifestyle.
The Elegance of Esher: Among the Best Places to Live in Surrey
Esher is one of Surrey’s most desirable locations and is often ranked among the best places to live in Surrey. This affluent town offers an array of stylish boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and cosy pubs along its high street.
Esher Commons provide ample green space for outdoor pursuits, while Sandown Park Racecourse hosts thrilling horse racing events throughout the year, adding to its appeal as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
Esher’s property market features an assortment of homes ranging from luxurious mansions to charming period cottages, making it one of the best places to live in Surrey for those seeking an upscale lifestyle within easy reach of London.
From here, London can be reached within half an hour by train, further solidifying its status as one of the best places to live in Surrey for commuters.
The Rural Beauty Of Haslemere: A Unique Place to Live in Surrey
Haslemere sits on Surrey’s border with Hampshire and West Sussex but still retains all the characteristics that make this county one of the best places to live in Surrey – beautiful countryside views, quaint architecture, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Its location at the southernmost tip makes it one of the most rural parts of Surrey, but this only adds charm and appeal; you’re never far away from stunning walks or bike rides here, making it one of the best places to live in Surrey for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Haslemere Educational Museum and local galleries provide cultural interest while the high street filled with independent shops and cafes offers plenty of shopping and dining options for residents and visitors alike.
Haslemere is truly one of the best places to live in Surrey for those seeking a serene and nature-rich lifestyle within a welcoming community.
Cobham: A Suburban Haven in Surrey
Cobham is a picturesque suburban village that boasts a blend of tranquillity and convenience, solidifying its status as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
Nestled along the River Mole, Cobham offers a range of upscale amenities, including boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and cosy cafes. It’s an excellent place for families, with top-rated schools and a safe, family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the best places to live in Surrey for those with or without children.
One of the standout features of Cobham is Painshill Park, a historic landscape garden that transports you to another era with its enchanting lakes, grottoes, and follies.
Cobham is well-connected to London and other major cities, making it a desirable spot for commuters, further enhancing its reputation as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
Cranleigh: A Village Gem in Surrey
Cranleigh is a quintessential English village known for its friendly community and charming character, earning its place among the best places to live in Surrey. Located in the heart of Surrey, this village is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery and a plethora of stunning nearby villages.
Cranleigh offers an array of independent shops, traditional pubs, and local markets where you can immerse yourself in the village’s delightful atmosphere.
The area around Cranleigh is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with countless walking and cycling trails that meander through the stunning Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the peacefulness of village living, making it one of the best places to live in Surrey for those seeking a serene, rural lifestyle.
Dorking: A Market Town with History in Surrey
Dorking is a historic market town that exudes character and charm, firmly placing it among the best places to live in Surrey. Its bustling High Street is lined with antique shops, artisanal bakeries, and cosy tearooms.
At the heart of Dorking lies the picturesque St. Martin’s Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, adding to the town’s allure as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
For those who appreciate wine, Dorking is situated at the gateway to the Surrey Hills wine country. You can explore local vineyards and wineries, savouring the taste of fine English wines.
Dorking is well-connected by rail to London, making it a popular choice for commuters, solidifying its reputation as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
Godalming: A Riverside Gem in Surrey
Godalming, situated along the banks of the River Wey, offers a blend of history and natural beauty, securing its place among the best places to live in Surrey. Its charming streets are lined with historic buildings, including the Tudor-style Godalming Museum.
The town also features a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, enhancing its appeal as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
The River Wey Navigation provides opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics, and even boating. If you appreciate the arts, the Borough Hall regularly hosts live performances and cultural events.
Godalming is well-connected to Guildford and London, making it an ideal location for those who work in the city but seek a quieter home, underscoring its status and that of its many stunning surrounding villages as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
Epsom: A Town of Tradition and Sport in Surrey
Epsom is famous for its historic market town traditions and world-renowned Epsom Downs Racecourse, earning its place among the best places to live in Surrey. The bustling town centre offers a mix of shops, eateries, and entertainment options, making it a vibrant place to live in Surrey.
Epsom’s proximity to Epsom Common and the North Downs allows outdoor enthusiasts to explore nature. It also has excellent rail links to London, making it a practical choice for commuters strengthening its reputation as one of the best places to live in Surrey.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Spot in Surrey – The Best Places to Live in Surrey
So, what is the nicest part of Surrey? The answer largely depends on your personal preferences. Whether you’re drawn towards bustling towns like Guildford, prefer quieter rural retreats such as Haslemere, lean towards the elegant lifestyle in Esher, or find the charm of historic towns like Farnham, Dorking, and Godalming appealing.
Each area has its unique charm, offering different lifestyles but all share common traits that make them some of the best places to live in Surrey – beautiful surroundings, excellent amenities, and good transport links to London.
We haven’t even touched upon the many stunning villages such as Chiddingfold, Albury, Shere, Shamley Green, Ewhurst, Holmbury St Mary, Brockham, Betchworth, Reigate, Beare Green, Frencham, Dockenfield, Elstead, Ripley, Chobham, Brook, Hambledon, Dunsfold and so on, there are simply too many to fit into a single blog.
Ultimately, the decision of where to settle and in what you decide are the best places to live in Surrey, will be guided by your lifestyle needs and desires, but rest assured, wherever you choose to call home within this enchanting county, you won’t be disappointed.