Going out and having fun is even better when you can get in for free! And if you didn't know, Surrey has an abundance of free activities that will keep you busy all year round...
1. Walk through Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT
Don’t let the weather hold you back when you have puddles to splash in with the children. Just make sure the kids are welly-proofed and raring to go! Spanning over 422 acres, Hatchlands Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy the great outdoors with friends, family and dogs as it has great walking trails. During the summer, you will find some excellent picnic spots, so throw a rug down on the lawn and relax!
2. Visit The East Surrey Museum
East Surrey Museum, Stafford Road Caterham CR3 6JG
Dates: Wednesday & Thursday, 10am-5pm, Saturday 10.30am-4pm
The East Surrey Museum is a fantastic morning or afternoon out to discover and learn. It has four exhibit rooms showcasing a huge range of fascinating history. The John Bushby Room contains a permanent exhibition focusing on the development of the local area from the earliest times and contains sections such as geology and fossils, the Stone Age, Bronze and Iron Ages. Admission to the museum is free but donations are welcomed.
3. Give back and volunteer
Have you considered volunteering and giving back to your community? If so, there are so many charities that really need extra support in 2019, from caring at an animal shelter, helping the homeless or raising vital funds. There is always something you can do to benefit those who need it, whether it is an hour to several days a week.
4. Educate yourself at Kingston Museum
Kingston Museum, Wheatfield Way, Kingston Upon Thames, KT12 PS
Dates: The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am
Have an educational day out and explore Kingston Museum’s Ancient Origins gallery displays, including many items from the Palaeolithic Period through to the Pagan Saxon period. The Museum also consists of over 100 topographical paintings, decorative arts, The Town of Kings Gallery, Eadweard Muybridge's work and World War 1 commemorations.
5. See great views at Guildford Castle
Guildford Castle, Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3SX
See Guilford in all its glory by heading to the top of the Great Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of the charming town and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Head inside and discover the Tower’s model of the original castle circa 1300, and interpretation panels tracing its history to the present day. The Castle Grounds are free to enter, but there is a small charge if you would like to visit the Castle Keep.
6. Wander through Nonsuch Park
Nonsuch Park, 23 Ewell Road, Sutton SM3 8AB (variety of entrances)
Nonsuch Park should never be underestimated for its beauty and wealth of history. Situated between Cheam and Ewell Village, this stunning open space is perfect for any season, such as a dog walk, cycle, casual stroll, species spotting or a picnic. Also, if you're heading that way, have a nose at one of Surrey’s most treasured venues; Nonsuch Mansion, which is a beautiful Georgian gem set in attractive manicured grounds.
7. Brave the outdoors at North Downs Way
North Downs Way, Snails Lynch, Farnham GU9 8A
Get out into the fresh outdoors with the family and head to the North Downs Way for its National Trail. Throughout the walk, expect to see spectacular scenery, medieval castles and picturesque villages. Of course, you don’t have to walk the whole trail (did we mention its 153 miles!). Nevertheless, it's a great way to explore the area for what it has to offer.
8. Have a splash at Wimbledon Sprinkler Park
Wimbledon Sprinkler Park, Home Park Road SW19 7HU
Wimbledon Sprinkler Park is a perfect way to keep kids entertained during the summer months. Water-based activities always guarantee fun, and at this park, it includes an interactive splash pad and sprinkler park with a whopping six paddling pools and two interactive play areas.
9. Get closer to nature with the WWF UK The Living Planet Centre
WWF UK The Living Planet Centre, Rufford House, Brewery Road, Woking GU21 4LL
In 2013, Sir David Attenborough opened the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking, which is one of the greenest buildings in the UK. Here, you can discover the secrets of the natural world and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild through four interactive zones. Following a wildlife theme, each zone will bring a different aspect of nature to life with fascinating films. Admission to the Living Planet Centre is free, but they welcome donations towards their work.
10. Be a tourist at Box Hill
Box Hill, The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth KT20 7LB
What is not to love about the beautiful National Trust’s Box Hill? It's an outstanding area of woodland, which has long been a famous destination for locals and visitors. You can always rely on this spectacular place for exciting events, breath-taking views and specific pathways to make outdoor activities like cycling and walking more than enjoyable. Also, on the summit, there is an indoor café, small gift shop, and ample car parking amongst a magnificent view.
11. Spot more than deer at Richmond Park
Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HS
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Richmond Park should never be underestimated for its idyllic beauty and stunning wildlife. Every visit offers a completely different wild outdoor experience, as the park covers more than 2,500 acres. You'll find beautiful wide-open spaces, grasslands and a chance to see deer herds in their natural habitat. Richmond Park is also a top site in the UK for ancient trees and supports a range of rare species, including fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses and wildflowers.
12. Have some fun at Alice Holt Forest
Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS
The large woodland offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy free fun as a family, including safe-road family cycling trails, play areas, exploring and the ever-popular Gruffalo sculptures scattered around the forest. Children will love the Timberline play trail with its adventure climbing units, challenging balance beams, wobbly bridges and exhilarating slides. Or the Habitat Trail, an exciting children's route which features an array of forest creatures, a spiral staircase inside a tree trunk, and a network of tunnels.