58 places in Surrey everyone should visit when life is back to normal

Those few miles around your home you're able to cycle, run or walk while keeping to the current lockdown rules are perhaps getting a little tiresome.

While everyone still needs to do their bit to help protect the NHS by only going out for exercise or other essential reasons, you've got plenty of time in lockdown to plan some day trips for when life starts to return to normal.

With stunning beauty spots, amazing places to eat and drink, and some world class attractions in Surrey, there are probably a few you never got round to visiting, or perhaps some hidden gems you didn't know about.

SurreyLive has made a list of some of the must-see spots to check out in the future and only when it's safe to do so.

1. Frensham Ponds, Frensham

A visit here is a must on a sunny day, providing a rare sandy beach in a county that's landlocked.

There are two ponds, Frensham Great Pond and Little Pond, and picnic areas as well as the beach at the edge of the Great Pond.

Address: Priory Lane, GU10 3BT

2. Silent Pool, Albury

This spring-fed lake at the foot of the North Downs looks magical and is great for photography fans.

You can often glimpse the blue flash of a kingfisher as it darts across the water, plus it is located next to Silent Pool Gin Distillery if you fancy going on a gin tour.

Address: Shere Road, Albury, GU5 9BW

3. Guildford Castle, Guildford

Located in Guildford town centre, the castle is thought to have been built shortly after the 1066 invasion of England by William the Conqueror.

In spring there is a wonderful display of tulips in the grounds.

Address: Castle Street, GU1 3SX

4. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking

Explore the beautiful gardens at the Royal Horticultural Society garden.

There is plenty of space for running around and tucking into picnics, plus a café on site for hot drinks and homemade cake.

Address: Wisley Lane, Wisley, GU23 6QB

5. Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham

Wander around the country house belonging to the National Trust and once home to famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Greville.

The gardens offer something for every season, including climbing roses which are at their best in June, a beautiful herbaceous border and a winter garden bursting with yellow aconites.

Address: Great Bookham, RH5 6BD.

6. Tillingbourne Waterfall, Wotton

Deep in the Surrey Hills nestled on the Wotton Estate and south east of the tiny hamlet of Friday Street is a stunning cascading waterfall.

It is on the private land of the Wotton Estate, so you mustn't climb over the fence to approach it, but you can clearly admire it and take photos from the public footpath.

To find it, take the footpath which follows a track north from Whiteberry Road opposite the livery.

You will come across the waterfall about 200 yards after crossing the Tillingbourne River.

Address: Whiteberry Road, Dorking, RH5 6JY

7. Painshill Park, Cobham

Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, Crystal Grotto and some of Surrey's amazing wildlife at the beautiful 18th-century landscaped garden.

Address: Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1JE.

8. Platform 3, Claygate

This micro brewery has become quite the tourist attraction, offering real ale fans speciality beers straight from the cask.

Located next door to Claygate railway station, Platform 3 is the smallest pub in Surrey and considered to be the smallest pub in the UK.

Address: The Parade, Esher, KT10 0PD

9. Heather Farm Wetland, Horsell

Wander around a wetland area and enjoy spotting wildfowl from the hide.

A path from the car park leads visitors to a 2.8km walk along the River Bourne views across open fields.

The on-site café is normally open from 8.30am.

Address: Horsell Common, GU21 4XY

10. Merry Harriers, Hambledon

Llama trekking is a truly unique, once in a lifetime experience and you can do it at a charming 16th century pub called Merry Harriers.

Guests can enjoy an English picnic trek, a winter morning trek (which includes lunch back at the Merry Harriers), a luxury champagne picnic trek, corporate team-building events or even a children’s party trek.

Address: The Merry Harriers, Hambledon Road, Godalming, GU8 4DR

11. Nut Hill Fruit Farm car boot sale, West Clandon

The popular car boot sale is held every Sunday from the start of April until the end of October (weather permitting).

Address: A3, GU23 7LW.

12. Elm Nursery, Sutton Green

This place is a real gem among the hundreds of cafés across Surrey. To start with, it is independent and the owners make you feel at home.

Faced with a counter of delectable cakes, biscuits and tarts, you are going to have a tough choice making your mind up when you order.

If you have a bit more time on your hands, sit down, enjoy the modern country meets vintage decor and tuck into a sandwich, or soup.

There’s an outdoor seating area, so grab a pew and let the sun beam down on you as you dine. The children's farm is a must too.

Say hello to the micro pigs and ponies and a host of other farmyard friends.

Address: Sutton Green Road, Guildford, GU4 7QD.

13. Stephan Langton Inn, Abinger Common

Tucked away in beautiful countryside, the Stephan Langton Inn is a hidden gem in the Surrey Hills between Dorking and Guildford.

It is surrounded by ancient woodland, just a short walk from beautiful Leith Hill and a stone’s throw from the tranquil Hammer Pond.

Address: Friday Street, RH5 6JR

14. Redhill Common, Redhill

Redhill and Earlswood Common have miles of good footpaths taking visitors to ponds, lakes, woodland and grassland with lots of wildlife to look out for on the way.

There is a circular walk that starts at the car park at the southern end of Earlswood Common, off Woodhatch Road.

Address: High Trees Road, RH2 7EN

15. Box Hill, Dorking

From the bottom to the top, there is plenty of exploring to be done at Box Hill.

At its foot you can play on the stepping stones across the river.

Make the walk to the top – or cycle if you want to follow in the tracks of Olympic cyclists – and you can enjoy stunning views towards the South Downs and watch planes land and take off at Gatwick on the horizon

Address: Tadworth, KT20 7LB

16. The Botanist, Farnham

With skilled bartenders on deck, you can choose from long, short or pitcher cocktails, wine, craft beer and plenty of gins at this quirky high street bar and restaurant.

Live music is played on selected nights plus there are food menus catering to all including children, vegans and those who avoid gluten.

Address: Town Hall Buildings, The Borough, GU9 7ND

17. The Tea Terrace and Restaurant, Cobham

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week, the highlight of the magical venue is a golden life-size Cinderella carriage available for afternoon tea.

Perfect for birthday's, hen parties, anniversaries and Valentine's Day, the enchanting café is an off shoot to London's famous The Tea Terrace Restaurant and Tea Room and similar to The Tea Terrace Guildford.

Address: Oakdene Parade, KT11 2LR.

18. Bay Pond and Church Town, Godstone

The beautiful Bay Pond is a seven-acre nature reserve run by Surrey Wildlife Trust comprising four ponds.

You'll see lots of birds, damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies and while most of the reserve is only open to the public on open days, the main large pond can be enjoyed all year round.

There are benches along the public footpath that runs parallel to the main pond, and the path is surrounded by woodland. Parking at the pond on Godstone Green, you can walk the length of Bay Pond then come out in Church Town, a picture postcard area of Godstone where you'll find St Nicholas Church.

Address: Godstone Green car park, RH9 8DU

19. Newlands Corner, Albury

The popular beauty spot commands some of the best views over the Surrey Hills and is popular with cyclists.

Address: Drove Road, Albury, GU4 8SE

20. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey

Enter a living Tudor world and get lost in the maze at the stunning palace once home to Henry VIII and his six wives.

The palace is located right next to the River Thames offering visitors a picturesque spot for additional walking or picnics.

Address: East Molesey. KT8 9AU.

21. Guildford Cathedral, Guildford

As well as an inspiring and peaceful building the cathedral offers a whole range of attractions from guided tours to enjoying a cup of tea and a cake with friends.

Address: Stag Hill, GU2 7UP

22. Leith Hill, Dorking

Leith Hill is the highest point in south-east England and is set within the beautiful Surrey Hills. Visit the Gothic tower tower and peer through the telescope.

Address: Leith Hill Lane, near Coldharbour village, RH5 6LU

23. Brooklands Museum, Weybridge

Brooklands was the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, home of Concorde and the site of many engineering and technological achievements.

Address: Brooklands Drive, KT13 0QN

24. Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge

Located on the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit, at Mercedes-Benz World there are state-of-the-art facilities and specially designed tracks for a day of high-energy driving.

Experiences include the Wet Skid Circle, Handling Circuits, the Wet Straight and the 10-acre Off-Road Terrain.

25. Thorpe Park, Chertsey

Sit on the front row of one of the rollercoasters at the famous theme park for a white knuckle ride.

There are more than 30 thrilling rides, attractions and live events.

Address: Staines Road, KT16 8PN

26. Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham

Book a tour to learn how Hogs Back Brewery brew its beer, sample a generous range of beers and collect a free souvenir half pint glass at the local brewey.

Address: Manor Farm, The Street, GU10 1DE

27. Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking

Denbies Wine Estate holds a number of indoor and outdoor tours at its breathtaking Surrey Hills site.

With a glass of the estate's specially selected Denbies Award winning Sparkling Cuvee in hand, the 50-minute vineyard tour takes visitors at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard.

Address: London Road, Dorking, RH5 6AA

28. Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming

Take a walk through the still glades of Winkworth's woodland in late April and you'll find one of Britain's most beloved natural sights, bluebells growing en masse on the woodland floor.

Address: Hascombe Road, GU8 4AD.

29. Rural Life Centre, Farnham

Step back in time at the open-air museum and visitor attraction which collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local crafts people.

Address: Reeds Road, Tilford, GU10 2DL

30. Alice Holt Forest, Farnham

Test your climbing skills in the Tree Top Adventure at Go Ape located in the forest.

There is also plenty of walking and cycling trails, play areas and wooden animal play structures.

Address: Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, GU10 4LS

31. Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Egham

Have a picnic and if it is chilly, pack flasks of hot chocolate, chunky soup and homemade bread.

Address: Windsor Road, TW20 0AE

32. Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl, Hindhead

Enjoy spectacular views and walks in the Surrey Hills countryside at this National Trust site.

You don’t have to go far to admire the views across the Punch Bowl or venture a bit further and discover the stunning scenery at Highcombe Edge and Gibbet Hill.

Gibbet Hill is the second highest point in Surrey with views across the Weald.

Address: London Road, GU26 6AB.

33. G Live, Guildford

The large entertainment venue in Guildford town centre hosts comedy shows, gigs, musicals and theatre productions throughout the week.

Address: London Road, GU1 2AA

34. New Victoria Theatre, Woking

As one of the largest theatres outside London, top West End shows and musicals make their way to New Victoria Theatre.

It is open daily.

Address: The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, GU21 6GQ

35. Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom

The thunder of hooves, the spectacular colours and the tinkle of Champagne glasses are all part of the thrill and excitement of a great day at the races.

Surrey is home to Sandown Park, Epsom Downs, Kempton Park, Lingfield and Ascot Racecourse is only just over the border.

Epsom Downs is the home of the famous Epsom Derby.

Address: Epsom Downs, KT18 5LQ

36. Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Bagshot

The spa at Pennyhill Park Hotel is like no other - it is the ultimate mental and physical retreat from the outside world.

The award winning leisure complex has top of the range facilities and offers specially designed packages.

Address: London Road, GU19 5EU.

37. Sorrel, Dorking

The modern fine-dining restaurant nestled in the Surrey Hills is the brainchild of award-winning chef Steve Drake.

Included in the Waitrose Good Food Guide for 2019, the restaurant secured a Michelin star less than a year after its opening in October 2017.

Expect unique seasonal British dishes with artful presentation, excellent hospitality and tasting menu experiences.

You will need to book a table in advance if you wish to dine here.

Address: South Street, RH4 2JU

38. Great Fosters, Egham

Awarded a Michelin star and three AA rosettes, The Tudor Room at Great Fosters demonstrates a passion for simple cookery with intense flavours.

Open four days a week and with just 24 covers, it is an intimate, sophisticated restaurant.

Address: Stroude Road, TW20 9UR

39. Spectrum, Guildford

The huge leisure complex has an ice skating rink, swimming pool and bowling alleys, plus access to lots of other sporting activities.

It is also home to the Guildford Flames ice hockey team and has a host of water slides at its leisure pool.

Address: Parkway, Guildford, GU1 1UP

40. The Ivy Castle View, Guildford

The super stylish venue is an all-day British brasserie with an all-encompassing menu open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.

An offshoot to the famous Ivy restaurant, it has a great view of Guildford Castle.

Address: Tunsgate Quarter, High Street, GU1 3QY

41. Guildford High Street, Guildford

The beautiful cobbled streets, historic buildings and famous Guildhall clock make Guildford one of the most attractive high streets in the country.

Address: High Street, GU1 3HJ

42. Clandon Park, Guildford

Follow the progress to rebuild the Palladian mansion.

In April 2015, a huge fire broke out on the historic site and it was slowly reopened to visitors before lockdown commenced, so people could see how the restoration is coming on.

Address: West Clandon, GU4 7RQ

43. Hatchlands Park, East Clandon

In winter, crunch down frosty paths on a woodland walk and in spring take the beautiful bluebell walk.

The National Trust site is open all year round in normal timesd, spanning more than 400 acres.

Address: East Clandon, GU4 7RT

44. Birdworld, Farnham

The 26-acre park is home to hundreds of birds including penguins, plus there is a farm on site.

The park can also be hired out for birthday parties and events.

Address: Holt Pound, GU10 4LD

45. Guildford Lido, Guildford

Hot, sunny days are often hard to come by, so when we are treated to good weather, we want to make the most of it.

As one of the country's few remaining original 1930s pools, Guildford Lido attracts around 50,000 people every season and is home for a variety of community galas, competitions and other community clubs and societies.

Heated to 24C, the Olympic sized pool is a great place to chill out, meet friends, picnic and of course, swim

Address: Lido Road, Stoke Park, GU1 1HB

46. Ripley Farmers' Market, Ripley

Held on the second Saturday of the month from 9am-1pm, the market consists of a wide array of seasonal farmed or produced goods as well as other items such as speciality foods, crafts and locally grown plants.

Around 35 stalls are set up on Ripley's village green.

Address: The Village Green, GU23 6AN

47. Mayfield Lavender Farm, Banstead

If you're looking for a great family day out, make sure you visit Mayfield Lavender Farm, it's one of the county's hidden gems.

From June 1 visitors are usually able to wander around the the beautiful family-run, 25-acre organic site and take in the pungent perfume of the purple flowers.

Located in Banstead, families would be forgiven for thinking you were in Provence when the farm is in full bloom.

Address: Carshalton Road, SM7 3JA.

48. Brooklands Hotel, Weybridge

With an iconic, art deco inspired interior, this modern and luxurious hotel is located Mercedes-Benz World which is free to wander around.

If you fancy a spa day, the hotel has a chic spa with an outdoor hot tub overlooking the race track.

Address: Brooklands Drive, KT13 0SL.

49. Guildford Harbour Hotel, Guildford

There is a luxurious outdoor Champagne pool with a poolside Champagne service at this town centre hotel.

With submerged seating and stress-relieving water jets, guests can sit back and soak up the sunshine at the hotel's open-air heated pool with a glass of champers in hand.

Address: Alexandra Terrace, High Street, GU1 3DA

50. The Runnymede on Thames, Egham

Exclusive to guests of the four star hotel is an indulgent outdoor whirlpool, which is situated on a private jetty right on the banks of the River Thames.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of Champagne in hand and watch the ducks swim by.

Address: Windsor Road, Egham, TW20 0AG.

51. Bushy Park, Hampton

Red and Fallow Deer still roam freely throughout the park, just as they did when Henry VIII used to hunt here. Don't miss the rutting season in the autumn if we're allowed out by then.

Address: Hampton Court Road, TW12 2EJ

52. Shere village, Shere

Shere attracts visitors from all over the world who love the ambiance and "olde worlde" atmosphere of this historic and quintessentially English village, not to mention its starring role in a number of films.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2003) was filmed in Shere in St James's Church, and scenes for the romantic comedy The Wedding Date (2005), starring Debra Messing, were also filmed here. What's more, who could have missed this beautiful village in Christmas movie favourite The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law?

There’s plenty in the romantic village to keep you pottering around, and taking lots of photos.

Address: Gomshall Lane, GU5 9HE

53. Kingston's riverside walk

It is an oasis surrounded by restaurants boasting amazing views of the river and overlooks Kingston Bridge.

Try and get a table outside on the terrace if you stop at one of the water-side eateries.

Address: KT1 1QN

54. The Mount, Guildford

Located one mile west of Guildford town centre, the area includes ash and oak trees in Henley Wood and has the best views of the town and surrounding area.

Address: GU2 4JB

55. The Chantries, Guildford

Views from the south side are stunning overlooking Chilworth, Chinthurst Hill and St Martha's can also be seen on the other hill.

It is worth the long walk.

Address: Chantries car park, Pilgrim Way, GU4 8AW

56. Elstead Moat, Godalming

The picturesque site is a wooded common and contains woodland, areas dominated by bracken, scrub grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland and various aquatic habitats.

Address: The Moat car park, Elstead, GU8 6LW

57. Virginia Water Lake, Virginia Water

The park is steeped in a rich history that spans centuries - from ancient monuments, to cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas.

Address: Virginia Water car park, A30, GU25 4QF

58. Ranmore Common, Dorking

It is an excellent area for walking with miles of good footpaths taking you through woodland and open downland, with great views of the Surrey Hills.

Address: Ranmore West car park, RH5 6SY