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Free things to do in Surrey & SW London

Looking for something fun to do in your area that won't break the budget? Check out this list of the best free things to do in Surrey to get some ideas for your next day out...

1. Enjoy a picturesque, historical walk

📍 Egham Station, Egham TW20 9LB

This short, circular and dog-friendly walk starts in the town of Egham and explores the ancient landscape around the Runnymede and Egham area. This circular route takes you through woodlands, wildflower meadows and wetlands and offers an opportunity to pause and have a picnic at the memorial dedicated to the sealing of the Magna Carta, one of the most important legal documents in history.

2. Feel at one with nature at Frensham Little Pond

📍Frensham Little Pond, Farnham GU10 3BT

Originally a 13th Century fishing pond created to provide for the Bishop of Winchester on his visits to Farnham Castle, this National Trust site is now home to a collection of rare species of wildlife. This is the perfect spot to go bird watching, with coots, moorhens, swans and the rare migrating tern on show.

3. Unwind at Priory Park, Reigate

📍Priory Park, Bell St, Reigate RH2 7RL

This beautiful green space features woodlands, gardens, a pond, and a café where you can stop off for a drink and a snack. With a wooden ship climbing frameset in a sand-filled playground, as well as a fun splash area, there is plenty to keep any little ones entertained.

4. Visit the ruins of Waverley Abbey

📍Waverley Abbey, Waverley Ln, Farnham GU9 8EP

The first monastery founded in Britain, this 12th-century site was built by a group of French Cistercian monks who crossed the channel in 1128 to settle on the banks of the River Wey. What now remains of the original site is a collection of atmospheric ruins, which provide a fun, historical day out for both adults and children.

5. Visit The Lightbox

📍The Lightbox, Chobham Rd, Woking GU21 4AA

The Woking Lightbox gallery and museum features two free, permanent exhibitions. Whilst the Art Fund Prize Gallery displays modern artwork, the exhibition of Woking’s Story covers the history of the town, touching on themes such as Woking Palace and the changing treatment of mental health at Brookwood Hospital. 

6. Take a stroll around Bushy Park

📍Bushy Park, Hampton Ct Rd, Hampton TW12 2EJ

This royal park is the home to herds of red and fallow deer, as well as boasting restored baroque-style water gardens and the Woodland Waterhouse Garden. Visitors can stroll along Chestnut Avenue to reach the Diana Fountain, a bronze statue mounted on a marble fountain, which is considered to be one of the most important sculptures in Britain. Enjoy this leafy park with family and friends.

7. Enjoy Guildford Castle Grounds

📍Guildford Castle, Castle St, Guildford GU1 3UW

Visitors can explore the award-winning grounds of Guildford Castle entirely free of charge. The gardens feature charming and vibrant flowerbeds as well as a life-size Alice Through the Looking Glass statue. If you fancy exploring the castle while you are there, there is a small entrance fee of £3.50 for adults and £2 for children.

8. Educate yourself at Chertsey Museum

📍Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor St, Chertsey KT16 8AT

This free museum holds a permanent exhibition that explores the history of the Runnymede borough with objects on display including Bronze Age items and a 10th century Viking sword found near Thorpe Park in the 1980s. A temporary exhibition running until 2 Nov 2019 investigates the history of Chertsey Abbey and features a 3D computer model giving an insight into what the site looked like in 1362. This is the perfect educational day out for families.

9. Wander around Sunbury Park Walled Garden

📍Pantiles Court, 79 St The Walled Garden Thames, Thames St, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 6AB

This two-acre walled garden was created in the early 18th century and is surrounded by timeworn walls, as tall as 3 metres in places, which are covered by shrubs and climbers. The highlight of the gardens is the Lendy Memorial, a replica of the original destroyed in the Second World War that once sat by the riverside in Sunbury. Also, nestled in the gardens is the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery, which displays The Millennium Embroidery. 

10. Support Staines Market

📍The Courtyard, 80 High St, Staines TW18 4DR

Occurring every Wednesday and Saturday, the street market in Staines features a range of stalls including those selling local fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as many other tasty treats. And after you've finished exploring the market, why not walk down to the Thames for a pleasant riverside stroll?

11. Enjoy lovely views on the Box Hill to Juniper Top circular walk

📍Box Hill, Tadworth KT20 7LF

This is a scenic country walk that begins at the top of Box Hill then heads towards Juniper Top along a route that offers gorgeous views of both South and North Downs. Walking boots and a sense of adventure are recommended for this outdoor family activity.

12. Sing along at Music in the Meadow, Farnham

📍Gostrey Meadow, Weyside, Farnham GU9 7RH

Take a picnic along to Gostrey Meadow, where there will be live music performed by local bands every Sunday of this summer 2019 ending on September 1st. A charity tea tend will also be there if you fancy a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake whilst you’re there. To top it all off, a set of garden games will be available to keep little ones entertained. 

13. Go window-shopping in Windsor

📍High St, Windsor

Windsor is a delightful, tourist town that hosts a range of boutiques and gift shops, making it the perfect destination for an afternoon of window-shopping. Then, when you have had enough of walking around the town, mosey past Windsor Castle; the Queen’s weekend getaway. You’ll find The Long Walk, where you can sit under a tree to enjoy a picnic within view of the castle walls.

14. Explore Guildford Farmers’ Market

📍High St, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0HB 

Guildford Farmers’ Market is held on the first Tuesday of every month on Guildford High Street. This National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) accredited market hosts over 50 local producers who sell a range of fresh agricultural produce, and operate within a 50-mile radius of the town. Come along and support your local farmers.

15. Walk through Hatchlands Park

📍Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT

Hatchlands Park provides the perfect family day out for all no matter the weather. When it is raining, put your wellies on and arm yourself with an umbrella before splashing around in the puddles of this 422 acres space. In the summertime, the park is a wonderful spot to enjoy the great outdoors with friends, family and the dog while following one of the site's many walking trails. There are plenty of excellent picnic spots, so throw a rug down on the lawn and just relax!

16. Educate yourself at the Kingston Museum

📍Kingston Museum, Wheatfield Way, Kingston Upon Thames, KT12 PS

Have an educational day out and explore Kingston Museum’s Ancient Origins gallery displays which uncover the archaeological heritage of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames. The exhibition displays items ranging from the Palaeolithic Period to the Pagan Saxon period. The Museum also consists of over 100 topographical paintings, decorative arts, The Town of Kings Gallery, the work of Eadweard Muybridge, and World War 1 commemorations.

17. 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

WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking is one of the greenest buildings in the UK and was opened by David Attenborough in 2013. Once inside, 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 explores a different aspect of nature with the help of engaging films. Admission to the Living Planet Centre is free, but charitable donations are welcome.

18. Have some fun at Alice Holt Forest

📍Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS

Alice Holt Forest is the ideal day out for an outdoorsy family looking for an adventure. The site features wooden animal play structures, and visitors are encouraged to spot the adorable Gruffalo sculptures hidden amongst the trees. The timberline play trail includes balancing beams, slides and climbing frames, which will satisfy even the most energetic child. You can also explore the forest on bike or foot with a variety of trails on offer, before stopping for some refreshment at the café.