Surrey

Surrey is a brilliant county for a relaxing short break, offering a bit of everything without long travel days. You can spend the morning strolling through pretty market towns, head out for an afternoon walk in the countryside, then be back in time for dinner, all with the feeling you’ve actually explored, not just sat in traffic.

Staying locally makes it even easier with one comfortable place to return to and simple routes for day trips across the county. Luckily, just minutes from the M25 at Junction 8, Reigate Manor awaits with free on-site parking and 50 charming rooms to choose from as you explore wider Surrey.

Explore Reigate

Reigate is one of those places that makes exploring feel effortless: a characterful town centre, plenty of green space, and easy routes out into the North Downs when you fancy stretching your legs. If you’re staying locally, you can mix gentle strolls with proper countryside days, without having to plan your whole trip around driving and parking.

Priory Park

For families, fresh air, and an easy “do something, but not too much” afternoon, Priory Park is a local favourite. It’s ideal for picnics, a kickabout, or letting little ones burn off energy while everyone else enjoys the space.

Reigate Caves

Despite the name, Reigate’s “caves” are largely historic sand mines beneath the town, an unusual piece of local history that’s genuinely memorable if you like something a bit different. The tunnels were dug into the soft sandstone over centuries, creating an underground network that sits right beneath the streets above.

Surrey Hills National Landscape

If Surrey’s towns are the easy-going side of the county, the Surrey Hills are the “get outside” side, and they’re a huge part of why people love exploring here. The Surrey Hills National Landscape is a nationally protected area spanning Surrey from east to west, with a mix of chalk grassland, heathland, and woodland, all within easy reach of London for day-trippers and weekenders.

Box Hill

Box Hill is a standout for good reason: panoramic views, brilliant walking, and that classic Surrey Hills mix of chalk downland and woodland. It’s also a big draw for cyclists. The famous “Zig Zag” climb has serious bragging rights, and the National Trust even describes it as one of the world’s most popular hill climbs.

Gardens and Grand Houses

Polesden Lacey (National Trust)

If you fancy a classic Surrey “grand day out”, Polesden Lacey is an excellent premium option for a half-day or full-day trip. This National Trust estate pairs an elegant historic house with beautifully kept gardens, so you can do as much (or as little) as you like, from a relaxed garden wander to a deeper dive into the house and its stories. For opening times, what’s on, and practical visitor details, use the official National Trust page before you go.

RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Garden Wisley is a flagship day out in Surrey with always something new to see across the seasons. It’s a brilliant place to spend a full day, whether hand in hand with your partner or with a few little ones in tow. arrive early, take your time, and plan your route around the areas and displays that interest you most.

Suggested itineraries

24 hours in Surrey (Reigate town + Priory Park + Reigate Manor)

A simple, low-faff mini break that gives you a proper taste of the area.
Late morning / early afternoon: Arrive in Reigate and have an easy wander through the town centre (shops, cafés, a quick browse, no rush).

Mid-afternoon: Head to Priory Park for a relaxed few hours: lakeside stroll, playground time, or a picnic if the weather behaves.

Early evening: Check in at Reigate Manor, freshen up, then settle in for a comfortable evening.

Dinner: Keep it easy with dinner at the hotel, then enjoy a calm night’s sleep.

Next morning: Breakfast, a final walk in town (or a quick countryside loop), then you’re back on the road without needing an early start.

Surrey Hills day (Box Hill + pub/coffee + return)

Ideal if you want big views, fresh air, and a rewarding walk or ride.
Morning: Set off early for Box Hill to beat the busiest period and enjoy the views. Choose a walking route that suits you entirely.

Late morning: Take a well-earned coffee stop or treat yourself to a pub lunch nearby and enjoy the classic Surrey Hills rhythm.

Afternoon: Optional second loop (short woodland wander, viewpoint revisit, or a cycle spin if that’s your style).

Return: Head back to Reigate for a straightforward drive back, then wind down at Reigate Manor with a relaxed evening.

Gardens & heritage day (Polesden Lacey or RHS Wisley + relaxed evening)

A great option if you want something scenic, slower-paced, and a bit special.

Morning: Pick your headline attraction: Polesden Lacey for the “country house and gardens” feel, with plenty to do at an unhurried pace. RHS Garden Wisley for a full, immersive garden day.

Midday: Take your time over lunch and a gentle wander.

Afternoon: Do the last sections you didn’t reach earlier, then head back before peak traffic.

Evening: Back in Reigate, keep plans light: a relaxed dinner, a short post-meal stroll, and an easy overnight at Reigate Manor.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Surrey is refreshingly straightforward to reach, whether you’re coming down from London, across from the south coast, or arriving by air. Reigate is particularly well placed, with Reigate Manor just minutes from the M25 at Junction 8, so you can get settled quickly and spend more time exploring rather than navigating unfamiliar roads. If you’re travelling in via Gatwick Airport, you’re also in a convenient spot. It’s close enough to make arrival and departure days feel easy, while still giving you that “proper break” feeling once you’re checked in.

Once you’re here, getting around is simple. Having a car gives you the most flexibility for countryside walks, gardens and grand houses, and day trips across the county, and with free on-site parking at Reigate Manor, you can come and go without the usual town-centre hassle. For shorter plans, Reigate itself is easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for mixing relaxed town time with bigger Surrey adventures.

Stay at Reigate Manor

When you’re exploring Surrey, it helps to have somewhere comfortable, uncomplicated and delightfully local to come back to each day. At Reigate Manor, you’ll find 50 comfortable rooms awaiting you, and after busy days out, you can properly switch off thanks to Hypnos mattresses designed for a great night’s sleep.

Practical details are covered too. With free on-site parking, you can head out to the Surrey Hills, gardens, and nearby towns without worrying about logistics. Then return to a friendly, welcoming setting at the end of the day, complete with dining options, a bar, and attentive staff eager to assist however needed. Beyond being well placed, Reigate Manor is a place to enjoy in its own right, with excellent amenities that make downtime feel like part of the trip, not just the gap between outings.

To begin planning your next Surrey escape, please book via our website.