A Guide to Woking

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Woking and surrounding areas date back to Roman times, notably east of Old Woking where the Romans built a small settlement. Old Woking church of today sits on the same site as one built some 1300 years ago, which the Vikings then destroyed. The church was rebuilt around 1066 and the small village started to flourish.
  • 2.
    Kings and high society gravitated to the area and built manor houses as the open land and forests were ideal for hunting. Henry VIII erected a small palace in Woking to entertain his court and foreign visitors. James I sold this palace and it was demolished to build Hoe Place, now Hoebridge Preparatory School.
  • 3.
    The Weston family built canals and locks alongside the River Wey enabling boats from the Thames to reach as far south as Guildford. These canals are still working and provide wonderful walks today.

Woking Area

Woking and its surrounding areas have something for everyone from bustling towns to tranquil and picturesque countryside, busy commuter hubs to outdoor family life. Easy access to London, the south coast, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports adds to the attractiveness of the Woking area.

Surrounding Villages

  • Pyrford
    Situated on the left bank of the River Wey, some two miles east of Woking, Pyrford was originally called Pyrianford, meaning Pear Tree Ford. Known locally for its central village independent shops, golf course and substantial family homes, the village attracts commuters as both Woking Station and West Byfleet Station provide excellent commuter links.
  • West Byfleet
    Neighbouring Pyrford, West Byfleet grew rapidly following the opening of the railway station in 1887. The centre offers a large Waitrose, Boots, Post Office, as well as bespoke Coffee Shops and Restaurants. West Byfleet Golf Club is situated in the centre and RHS Wisley Gardens are nearby.
  • Sutton Green
    Situated in the Green Belt, this delightful village surrounds the Grade 1 Listed Sutton Place built for Sir Richard Weston in the 16th Century. Sutton Park extends from Sutton Place and has been designated as a Conservation Area and includes several more Listed buildings. The locality is scenic and peaceful with Sutton Green Golf Course close by. A local Farm Shop and popular country pub and restaurant are central to the village.
  • Horsell
    Horsell adjoins Woking town centre to the north east and extends to Horsell Common. The Bedser Trail is a 1.2 mile circular walk in memory of The Bedser twins, famous British cricketers. Heathland and woods extend from Horsell village providing numerous outdoor activities and the village has a fine selection of shops.
  • Hook Heath and St. John’s
    Hook Heath and St. John’s sit to the west of Woking and are popular with families and those commuting to London. Many properties are W.G. Tarrant built and enjoy large plots. Woking Tennis Club lies within Hook Heath, along with Woking Golf Club. St. John’s village centre provides an array of shops, restaurants and coffee shops. The Basingstoke Canal provides idyllic access for pedestrians and cyclists to Woking town centre.
  • Ripley and Send
    Situated to the south east of Woking equidistant between Woking and Guildford, these villages offer close proximity to both towns and the A3 for commutes to London and the south coast. Situated in the green belt close to the River Wey, both villages offer countryside living yet benefit from the amenities of the neighbouring towns. Ripley is famed for its numerous country pubs and restaurants, typically with nautical names and the Michelin Star Clock House Restaurant.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Woking has a wealth of shopping opportunities

    With a range of independent shops alongside diverse high street shops. The town centre is a pedestrianised delight with restaurants surrounding the centre quadrant and the market walk with numerous market stalls leading from here to the Peacocks Shopping Centre.

  • Eating

    The Clock House in Ripley

    Situated in the heart of the village within an exquisite period property. This Michelin Star restaurant is a real treat.

    Latino Ristorante Italiano

    Centrally located, this friendly Italian restaurant in Woking offers modern Italian cooking and an excellent selection of wines.

    Elia

    Cosy family run restaurant with a fantastic menu boasting a variety of authentic Greek cuisine, tasty desserts and great wines,

    Daarna

    Specialising in food from Morocco and the Middle-East, Daarna offers an excellent selection of dishes including mezze, patries and larger main courses,

  • Drinking

    The Anchor

    Located beside the Wey Navigation Canal, The Anchor is a traditional English pub with a beautiful waterside terrace.

    The Jovial Sailor

    This classic country pub offers an excellent menu as well as a large pub garden with childrens play area.

    The Cricketers

    Overlooking the common, The Cricketers is perfect for summer evenings or cosy winter meals and is renowned for its Sunday lunches.

    The Maybury

    Traditional, relaxing pub with a courtyard and delicious menu.

    The Drumming Snipe

    Local Woking pub with a warm and relaxing atmosphere, excellent food, cask ales, wines and cocktails.

Travel

  • Trains

    Woking to London Waterloo in 28 minutes.

    West Byfleet to London Waterloo in 45 minutes.

  • Other Transport

    Other transport in the area includes many buses to the surrounding villages and towns, as well as good access to the A3, M25, Gatwick and Heathrow airports.