Weekend in Surrey – Best Itinerary for a Weekend Break in Surrey

Today I want to share my itinerary for a weekend in Surrey with you. Just south of London, this county is one of the best places to visit near the UK capital. With chocolate-box villages, stunning natural beauty, and famous filming locations, there’s a lot to love about it. Spending a couple days exploring will allow you to see the highlights. Read on for my guide. I’ve included a map, too.

Weekend in Surrey

Surrey is the perfect place to escape London and immerse yourself in the English countryside. Given its proximity to the city, it’s the ideal destination for a quick getaway.

Surrey is known for its gentle rolling hills, historical landmarks, award-winning vineyards, and charming market towns. Whether you want to go for a country walk, discover a local village, or get a broad overview of what the county has to offer, there’s something for you.

I’ve been here many times over the years, and I’m excited to be back again now. I hope my itinerary inspires you to visit this part of the UK, too.

Where to Stay

My top pick for a place to call home-away-from-home in Surrey is The Kings Head. This charming pub with rooms is in a great location in the village of Holmbury St Mary. It’s right next door to the cottage from the movie The Holiday, too. If that appeals, you can book a stay here.

If you want more ideas, you can see additional options and book one here. With so much good accommodation throughout the county, you’re bound to find a place that fits your travel style, budget, and preferences.

Saturday

My weekend trip to Surrey starts on a Saturday morning. A friend and I drive down from London and head straight to Guildford. My friend was born and raised in Surrey, and I’m excited to explore the area with a local.

Brunch

After finding parking, we head to brunch. My friend has booked us a table at The Ivy Castle View, which has a view of…you guessed it…the castle.

The historic fortress is said to have been built by William the Conqueror or one of his barons not long after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

We settle in for our meal at one of the outdoor tables on the narrow balcony, enjoying dishes like Moroccan spiced halloumi as we soak up the views of the castle and town. It’s a great way to start our weekend getaway.

Guildford

After brunch we walk around town. The high street is lined with historic buildings, many of which date back centuries. As we go, my friend points out places like The Star Inn, which is not only the longest-running live music venue in town, but also housed in a building that was originally constructed in the 15th century.

From there we walk past the Guildhall Historic Clock. This landmark on the high street dates back to 1683, and it features elaborate gilded ironwork. It was gift from London clockmaker John Aylward, and it’s an enduring symbol of the town.

Farther down the high street, we come across Abbot’s Hospital. It’s a Grade I listed Jacobean almshouse that was built in 1619, and its brick facade is striking.

Abbot’s Hospital isn’t far from the Three Pigeons, an 18th-century pub with an eye-catching black-and-white facade.

Newlands Corner

Leaving Guildford, we drive to a place called Newlands Corner. This nature reserve has some of the best views over the Surrey Hills. We drive past the Discovery Centre, find a parking space, and walk a few steps to an open area to soak up the panoramas.

Newlands Corner is at the heart of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. It lies on the chalk ridge of the North Downs, and it overlooks the Tillingbourne Valley and Greensand Ridge.

People come from all over to take in the views, go for walks, and explore the woodlands. We’re here for the vistas on this trip, but I make a mental note to come back in the future for a big hike.

Shere

After admiring the views of the English countryside, we hop back in the car for the short drive to Shere. This charming village is known for being a filming location for famous romantic comedies.

Shere is beloved locally for its 15th-century Tudor cottages, cute independent shops, country pub, and village charm. It’s also home to the historic St. James’s Church, which starred in the Bridget Jones films and The Holiday.

Additionally, Shere is where The White Horse, the pub that Jude Law and Cameron Diaz’s characters go in The Holiday, can be found.

There are children and dogs playing in the stream when we arrive, and it all feels idyllic. We walk around, pop into the church, check out the shops, and stop for a drink at the pub before moving on.

Holmbury St Mary

In the afternoon we drive to Holmbury St Mary and head straight to The Kings Head. There’s a big garden at the back of the pub, and we enjoy drinks and snacks as we soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the village.

From there we walk past the cottage from The Holiday and down to The Royal Oak, another of the village’s pubs. We sit at one of the picnic tables in front, enjoying dinner and chatting with the locals.

Sunday

The next morning we head out to see more of Surrey. We drive straight to Dorking, a historic market town. My friend shows me around, pointing out the church, shops, and antique treasure troves on and around the high street.

After exploring Dorking, we hop in the car and drive back to London. It’s been a great weekend in Surrey, and I’m glad to have been able to see so many of the highlights of the county with a local.

Weekend in Surrey

I hope you’ve enjoyed my itinerary and that it’s inspired you to visit this part of England yourself. Surrey is one of the best (and closest) places to visit near London, and it’s worth a special trip.

You can read about more great places to travel on my blog posts about the best weekend trips from London and the best country breaks near London. If you found this post helpful, buy me a coffee!

Surrey Weekend Trip Map

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