With the vast choice of attractions, museums, parks and restaurants, coupled with the fact that it’s a stone’s throw from London, Surrey offers plenty for everyone to do; couples and families alike.

Family Fun

Thorpe Park is a fully featured theme park in Chertsey with dozens of rides, shopping, food and even special events throughout the year. Though Thorpe Park may be most known for its Saw-themed attractions based on the series of horror movies, there are also some rides that are available for use by young children. Discount tickets are available online.

Chessington World of Adventures is another nature-themed park in Chessington which has roller coasters and rides, various animal exhibits and a SEA LIFE Centre. The zoo has more than 1,000 animal inhabitants (ranging from sharks to lions) and also has a children’s zoo that allows children to directly interact with some of the animals. Themed lands – some based on real places like Wild Asia and some fanciful like Toyland gives families lots to explore.

Children and adults will enjoy seeing a living, breathing representation of history at the Rural Life Centre in Tilford. The Centre shows how farm and social life over the 1800s with a large collection of farming tools, a rural post office and a village inn. Children can compare their school compared to the educational lives of children in the 19th century, then visit the arboretum to see more than 100 species of trees.

For children whose interests in history extends back farther, the East Surrey Museum in Caterham has archeological and geological records from the Stone Ages to post war East Surrey. The museum also collects social history records, especially clothing, tools and other domestic items. A children’s room has hands-on educational exhibits. Chertsey Museum in Chertsey has a similar collection and various special activities for children between the ages of 6 and 12 that run periodically throughout the year.

For a trip to the great outdoors, the Sutton Ecological Centre in Carshalton offers various ways to learn about ecology, nature and sustainability in the Nature, Heritage and Sensory areas of the park. Ongoing events throughout the year – including hunts, arts and crafts, gardening, and ecology fairs – are available, some targeted especially towards children.

The 18th century landscaping of Painshill Park may seem stuffy until arrival when it becomes clear that the area is full of children’s activities. From learning about reptiles and amphibians though a hands-on exhibition to hiking Painhill’s trails to solve an 18th century mystery, children and adults will both have something to look forward to.

Surrey Heath Museum in Camberley offers a number of interactive events and exhibitions throughout the year. Some exhibits show objects from the museum’s collection and sometimes even have quizzes and prizes for children. Children can learn to use a quill pen while adults use the museum’s extensive records to help trace their ancestors and build a family tree.

Couples Days Out

One of the most romantic activities a couple can do is enjoy a picnic in a beautiful location. Box Hill overlooks Dorking and is a well-known spot of beauty. In fact, because there is a take-out restaurant available in the area, a lunch doesn’t even have to be pre-packed. Afterwards, a couple can take a stroll together on one of the several nature trails or take bicycles together up Zig Zag Path.

In nearby Dorking, Denbies Vineyard gives couples a chance to sample some of their award-winning wines while exploring the 265 acres of wine vineyards. Two restaurants and farmhouse with guest accommodations gives couples the opportunity to enjoy an extended stay.

The Ramster Gardens is considered one of the most beautiful places to get married in all of Chiddingfold and has 20 acres of flowering shrubs, waterfalls and ponds.

For couples who are interested in history, there are a number of romantic locales in Surrey that are also of historical importance. In West Clandon there’s Clandon Park, a Palladian mansion from the 18th century with well-known gardens which houses a museum dedicated to the Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment.

Hatchlands Park in East Clandon is another 18th century estate that houses the largest collection of historic keyboards, most of them associated with famous composers. Honeywood Heritage Centre in Carshalton has rotating exhibits in its art gallery and also has a Tudor-inspired home with an Edwardian children’s room – complete with period children’s toys.

Finally, for couples who are really looking to enjoy their night alone, Tiger Tiger in Croydon is a bar, club and grill that gives the perfect opportunity to couples looking for dinner, drinking and dancing all in one place.

Author Bio: Click here for more information and for inspiration for family days out and couples days out in Surrey.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: days out, attractions, surrey, castles