How to spend 48 hours in Surrey

By Rebecca Younger

Day one

Get up as early as you can and start the day with a bracing walk to the top of Newlands Corner on the Albury Downs. This popular picnic spot offers some of the best views across the Surrey Hills (particularly at dawn) and is renowned as the place where crime writer Agatha Christie’s car was found following her disappearance in 1926.

Reward yourself after the climb with a full English breakfast at The Plucky Pheasant opposite. Head into Guildford and stop for lunch on the town’s pretty High Street. Note the pavement is made of stone setts not cobbles – the locals are very particular about this! Olivo, an independent Italian set in an Elizabethan timber-framed house, is well worth a visit.

Winkworth Arboretum in autumn is a must-visit attraction all year round

Enjoy delicious pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes. If pubs are more your thing, The Grantley Arms, is a wonderful gastropub serving fresh food as well as a range of beers. Rent a rowing boat from Farncombe Boat House and paddle down the River Wey. Moor at Godalming and wander this pretty town, where scenes for romantic comedy, The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, were filmed.

After your stroll, head to Winkworth Arboretum and its collection of more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, The Three Horseshoes was almost sold off to a developer before the local villagers in Thursley got together and bought it to keep it from closure. It also serves its own beer, Soul – a collaborative effort with Frensham Brewery. The building itself dates back partly to the 16th century and the food is effortless, fabulous food, all made on location with fresh local ingredients, including favourites such as pork and leek sausages, beef short ribs braised in red wine and wild boar.

After your stroll, head to Winkworth Arboretum and its collection of more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees

Day two

After a sumptuous breakfast, why not start your day at Grayshott Pottery with a tour to discover this amazing pottery, which has been producing large commissioned works as well as individual one off creations since 1956? Pop up the road after for a quick peak of the views at Devil’s Punch Bowl – a large natural amphitheatre.

Head back east and drive up the long stately approach to Loseley Park, an Elizabethan country house which has been owned by the More-Molyneux family since the 16th century. Explore the estate and stop for a light lunch in their tea room.

Visit the stunning Mayfield Lavender Fields in Banstead and marvel at the 25 acres of blue fields.The farm’s owners allow visitors to walk freely through the plants and benefit from its calming effects, while the onsite shop provides a huge selection of products made from the lavender oil produced there so you can take some away with you.

Pop into the market town of Dorking, where you’ll find a host of popular and independent restaurants, as well as cosy bars for a pre- or post-dinner drink – many even serve wine from the local vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate. The estate even has its own restaurant – The Gallery – which is situated on the third floor affording panoramic views across the 265-acre vineyard.

Read more about Surrey