Surrey

Where to start and end with Surrey? A key question given that this great county once stretched from Sussex and Hampshire in the south right up the southerly banks of the River Thames in London. Indeed Surrey County Cricket Club (https://www.kiaoval.com) still plays most of its home matches at the world famous Oval stadium in Kennington, minutes’ walk from the Houses of Parliament.

Local government reorganisation might have meant that much of the ancient county of Surrey was absorbed into Greater London, but what was left afterwards is no small, inferior county. Surrey is rightly regarded as one of the UK’s most prosperous and populous counties and with its easy access to the capital, popular and charming towns, plenty of development-free land and first class facilities and amenities, it is a fabulous place in which to live.

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Guildford – unofficially the ‘capital’ of the county of Surrey, Guildford benefits both from its leafy location on the edge of greater London and its relative proximity to the city via the excellence of its road and rail links.

Virginia Water - this charming and idyllic community is so handy for the journey into London - and many take advantage of this every day - but with its leafy lanes, green spaces and varied and entertaining restaurants and nightspots, this is certainly a place where you can ‘work, rest and play’.

Camberley – close to the west of the county, as a result Camberley offers easy access to Sussex and Hampshire - and thus their coasts – whilst also being within easy community distance of the capital. Green spaces abound, making this a truly lovely place in which to live.

Reigate – situated at the foot of the charming North Downs, Reigate is a popular and charming commuter town with fabulous facilities and a wide mix of properties to suit every budget.

Cobham - lovely, leafy and luxurious…Cobham offers all the quintessential charms of a commuter town. It has ancient and historical sites matched with modern developments built sympathetically to the surrounds.

Best Hotels in Surrey

Pennyhill Park (https://www.exclusive.co.uk) is a super exclusive country house hotel and spa with amazing dining options and fabulous facilities. And if you’re an England rugby fan you may well bump into your heroes – the squad often uses the hotel as its base when preparing for home games. The Beaverbrook Hotel and Estate (https://beaverbrook.co.uk) is the quintessential county house estate and hotel. The former country seat of press baron Lord Beaverbrook, it has been transformed into a fabulous hotel, dripping in luxury. Grayshott Health Spa (https://www.grayshottspa.com) proudly boasts that it is England’s best wellness retreat and spa…and so one can expect to come away from a stay relaxed and refreshed.

Best Restaurants in Surrey

Sorrel in Dorking (https://sorrelrestaurant.co.uk) is a modern, fine dining restaurant nestling in the Surrey hills offering modern fine dining with élan and expertise. The Tudor Room at Great Fosters, Egham (https://www.greatfosters.co.uk) is a Michelin-starred spot where produce is brought in daily from the kitchen garden to create gastronomic masterpieces. The Clock House in Ripley (http://www.theclockhouserestaurant.co.uk) is just wonderful: offering elite tasting menus in a fabulous atmosphere.

Best Schools in Surrey

Charterhouse (https://www.charterhouse.org.uk) rightly has an exceptional reputation for the education of boys from 13 to 18 (with girls also taught at sixth form). Epsom College (http://www.epsomcollege.org.uk) is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. Reigate Grammar School (https://www.reigategrammar.org) is a mainstream independent school for pupils aged 11 to 18, with a linked prep school.

Buying Agent Fact

Surrey is home to four courses for horse racing ­– the most of any county in the UK. They are Epsom Downs - home to the world famous Derby flat race each year - Sandown Park, Kempton Park and Ascot.