At the county’s centre, Guildford anchors Surrey with its cobbled High Street, Georgian façades and strong cultural life, framed by the walking country of the North Downs. Close by, Godalming sits alongside the River Wey, with handsome period houses and the peaceful hamlets of Hambledon, Busbridge and Milford offering classic country living with easy connections. Further south, Farnham stands out for its elegant Georgian streetscape, excellent schools and proximity to the Surrey Hills, while villages such as Frensham, Bentley and Tilford provide generous gardens, rural quiet and green horizons.

To the east, Dorking rests between Box Hill and Leith Hill, offering immediate access to some of Surrey’s best walking and riding. Its Victorian villas, thriving market, independent cafés and wine estate lend the town a distinct identity. Meanwhile, the northern arc of Cobham, Epsom and Cranleigh each expresses a different facet of Surrey living: Cobham with its cosmopolitan feel, international schools and riverside paths; Epsom with its leafy avenues, fast London links and the open sweep of the Epsom Downs; and Cranleigh, England’s largest village, blending strong community with thriving local shops and direct access to the Surrey Hills.

For those seeking greater privacy and exclusivity, Virginia Water and the Wentworth Estate continue to set the standard. Grand homes, mature trees and quiet private roads surround the world-renowned Wentworth Club, with Windsor Great Park, Ascot and major international travel routes close by. In contrast, the deeply traditional villages of Chobham and Chiddingfold offer a softer, more pastoral Surrey — greenside pubs, ancient churches, and a landscape of bridleways, commons and woodland that feels far removed from the capital.

Surrey’s appeal is underpinned by the richness of its landscape and heritage. The Surrey Hills provides exceptional walking and cycling across Box Hill, Leith Hill and Newlands Corner, while the landscaped beauty of Painshill Park, the historic interiors of Loseley Park, and the seasonal colour at Winkworth Arboretum offer moments of calm and grandeur. The ruins of Waverley Abbey add medieval atmosphere, and leisure is anchored by the prestigious Wentworth Club, Wisley Golf Club, and the racecourses at Epsom and Sandown Park. Meanwhile, destinations such as Denbies Wine Estate, Hampton Court Palace, and the refined shops and restaurants in Guildford, Cobham and Farnham ensure Surrey’s blend of rural charm and quiet sophistication is matched by an exceptional day-to-day lifestyle.