Surrey in the south east of England sums up the Home Counties idyll. It’s close to London yet has a wealth of natural beauty, historical sites, world-class horticultural gardens, and attractions for all the family. In short, you’ll find the county of Surrey well worth a visit.

Explore the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills

The Surrey Hills are the green lungs of a beautiful landscape. They cover a large area – more than a quarter of the whole county – stretching across a wide swathe of the North Downs from Farnham near the Hampshire border in the west to Oxted, near the border with Kent, in the east.

An extensive network of footpaths and bridleways crisscross what has been designated the Surrey Hills National Landscape – one of 46 such protected landscapes in the UK that have similar status to the national parks.

At the highest point of the North Downs is Box Hill – an especially popular destination with walkers and cyclists who come to admire the stunning view from the crest of the hill.

The River Wey winds its way through much of the county and you can take boat rides along a number of its stretches – notably the market town of Guildford.

Top historic attractions in Surrey

On the outskirts of London and close to the county border sits the former home of King Henry VIII – Hampton Court Palace.

There you can be assured of a great day out for the whole family. History buffs can marvel at Henry’s Great Hall and snoop through the Tudor kitchens. More than 60 acres of magnificent gardens will keep the green-fingered amongst you more than satisfied. And the children’s boundless energies can be exercised in the Magic Garden’s adventure playground – provided you didn’t lose them in the world-famous maze!

As you venture further into the county itself, Guildford lies at its heart – and Guildford Castle’s medieval tower affords stunning views across the whole of the town.

Visit Surrey’s world-renowned gardens

The home of the world-famous Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is RHS Garden Wisley.

The flagship site of the RHS, Wisley attracts around a million visitors a year. They come from all over the world to admire the plants and the conservation – and to take the gardening advice freely offered by the 75 full-time staff or more than 100 volunteers.

The gardens are spread over more than 240 acres – so you’ll probably need to make a return visit to see anything like the place in its fully blossoming glory.

Only a little further along the road from Wisley on the way to London is Painshill Park. In the park’s own words, it intends to be a “living painting” – the visual arts of gardening where you can soak up the stunning views of this 18^th-century landscape, with its calm waters and enigmatic follies.

Family fun and adrenaline thrills at Thorpe Park

The kids – and others young at heart – are unlikely to have been quite so impressed by Surrey’s natural landscapes, its historic monuments, charming villages, and tranquil gardens. Don’t let them despair, there is also plenty in the way of wilder family entertainment.

One of the UK’s foremost pleasure parks is situated in Surrey – Thorpe Park. It is readily accessible as the park sits within the junction of the M3 and the M25.

To say it’s probably Britain’s most popular and thrilling theme park is probably an understatement. But it’s easy to see why, with names for rides such as the Walking Dead: the Ride, Ghost Train, and Tidal Wave. Not to mention the “fantastic 5” roller coasters – whether the 10-looped Colossus, SAW, Stealth, Nemesis Inferno, or the Swarm. You’ll probably be persuaded to visit more than once because new rides are being added all the time.

FAQs about visiting Surrey

Is Surrey close to London?

Yes, Surrey borders Greater London and is easily accessible by train, car, or bus, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway.

What is Surrey best known for?

Surrey is known for its beautiful countryside (especially the Surrey Hills), historic sites like Hampton Court Palace, RHS Garden Wisley, and its charming market towns.

Is there anything for kids to do in Surrey?

Absolutely! From exploring the Magic Garden at Hampton Court to thrill rides at Thorpe Park, Surrey offers a variety of family attractions.

When is the best time to visit Surrey?

Surrey is a year-round destination, but spring and summer are ideal for exploring gardens like RHS Wisley and outdoor activities in the Surrey Hills. Autumn is also popular for its colourful landscapes.

Are there free things to do in Surrey?

Yes, there are plenty of free attractions in Surrey, including walking trails in the Surrey Hills, riverside walks along the River Wey, and visiting Guildford Castle grounds. Many parks and nature reserves also offer free entry.

How do I get to the Surrey Hills?

The Surrey Hills are easily accessible by car and public transport. Popular entry points such as Box Hill have direct rail links from London, and several bus routes serve the area.

Is Surrey good for cycling and hiking?
Yes, Surrey is one of the best places in the UK for outdoor pursuits. The Surrey Hills offer dedicated cycling routes and hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.

What towns should I visit in Surrey?
Guildford is a must-see, with its historic high street and castle. Other recommended towns include Farnham, Dorking (for wine lovers), and Reigate, which boasts a vibrant food scene and access to the North Downs.

Does Surrey have vineyards or local produce?
Yes, Surrey is part of England’s growing wine region. Vineyards such as Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking offer tours and tastings. You’ll also find farmers’ markets and local produce throughout the county.

Is Surrey suitable for a weekend break?
Definitely. With its mix of countryside, historic sites, gardens, and family attractions, Surrey makes a perfect weekend break destination

Let’s face it – your caravan is more than just a vehicle. It’s your ticket to freedom, weekend escapes, and peaceful holidays. But whether it’s parked on your driveway or pitched up at your favourite site, you’ll want to keep it safe and secure. While having good caravan insurance is essential, the last thing you want is the hassle of making a claim.

So, how can you protect your pride and joy, and avoid making an insurance claim? Here are some simple but effective tips to keep your caravan safe and help you potentially sidestep a claim.

Also, just a sidenote, under the terms of any caravan insurance policy, you will typically be required to keep your caravan well-maintained, use certain types of security and so on. This is just a general overview of what to remember.

Get serious about security

Caravans can sadly be a target for thieves, but a few well-chosen security devices can make a big difference. In fact, having some of the security devices listed below may be a condition of your caravan insurance, so make sure you know what your obligations are under your cover …

• Wheel clamps: A solid wheel clamp is one of the easiest ways to stop anyone from towing your caravan away.
• Hitch locks: These add another layer of protection and are often recommended (or even required) by insurers.
• Alarms and trackers: A caravan alarm will scare off most opportunists, and a GPS tracker can help recover your caravan quickly if the worst happens.

Insurers love to see these in place – and so will you, when it comes to peace of mind.

Pick a smart storage spot

Where you keep your caravan when you’re not adventuring matters more than you might think. If you’ve got space at home, try to park it somewhere out of sight, behind locked gates if possible, and always secure it with your locks and clamps.

If home storage isn’t an option, look for a CaSSOA-accredited storage site. These sites are specifically designed to keep caravans safe, with features like CCTV, perimeter fencing, and secure access. At Cover4Caravans, we offer discounts on your caravan insurance premiums if you store your ‘van at a CaSSOA-approved site.

Keep it in tip-top shape

Regular maintenance is key – not just to avoid breakdowns, but to prevent costly damage that could lead to an insurance claim. Plus, a well-looked-after caravan is safer and more enjoyable to use!

• Tyres: Check for signs of wear, cracks or bulges, and replace them if needed.
• Brakes and chassis: Get them serviced annually – especially before a big trip.
• Seals and windows: Keep an eye out for leaks and damp patches.
• Gas and electrics: Get a qualified engineer to service these regularly to reduce the risk of fire or accidents.

A little TLC goes a long way.

Watch out for the weather

British weather – need we say more? Storms and floods are some of the most common reasons caravan owners make insurance claims.

Here’s how to stay one step ahead:

• Secure or pack away your awning and any loose outdoor kit. (You can read more about awnings and your insurance here).
• If your pitch is in a flood-prone area, try to elevate your caravan if possible.
• Use storm straps or caravan covers to protect against wind and rain damage.

Staying weather-wise could save you a lot of money and hassle.

Don’t forget about liability

It’s not just your caravan you need to protect – it’s the people around it too! Public liability cover usually comes with your caravan insurance, but a few common-sense measures will help you avoid accidents and claims altogether:

• Keep your pitch free of trip hazards (like rogue tent pegs or uneven awning straps).
• Make sure your gas and electrics are safe to use.
• Follow safety guidelines when cooking or heating your caravan.

Give your policy a quick once-over

Even when you’ve done everything right, accidents can still happen. So, make sure your touring caravan insurance is fully up to date and reflects your caravan’s true value. Double-check that you’re covered for everything you need.

If you are unsure of any aspect of your cover with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch – we will be more than happy to clarify.

Final word

With the right mix of security, maintenance and awareness, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your caravan safe – and avoiding those unwanted insurance claims. Plus, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy every trip, knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your home on wheels.

Have you taken to the road with your caravan yet this season? There have been some beautifully mild days already this year, so you’ll no doubt soon be rearing to go.

Here are just a few of the latest UK caravanning news headlines and trends to get you in the right frame of mind for this season’s outings and holidays.

2025 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC enjoys huge success 

This year’s recent Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show – which ran from the 18^th to the 23^rd of February – was a resounding success, according to a report from the National Caravan Council (NCC) last month.

Organisers and exhibitors expressed their delight at the sheer number of visitors – some 89,207 strong – and the high volume of sales that came in their wake. According to one caravan manufacturer, the company’s sales were up 20% compared with last year and the show had proven once again how invaluable it was for showcasing its various models. Other exhibitors noted the challenges of the current economic climate but insisted that, nevertheless, sales remained “solid”.

Those buying ranged from first-time buyers and novices to seasoned old hands – all committed to the enthusiasm of touring and living the outdoor life.

Top 100 Sites Guide 2025 revealed

Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome recently unveiled this year’s top 100 sites for caravans and motorhomes.

The overall winner

• if you’re looking for the very best of the top 100, you’ll be hitching up your caravan and heading off to the Old Oaks site in Somerset – only 10 minutes or so from the charming market town of Glastonbury;

• not only is Old Oaks blessed with beautiful surroundings but respondents to the survey praised its customer service and exceptional facilities;

• the latter includes a combined games room and tourist information centre, two laundry areas, and modern wash blocks;

• Old Oaks also claimed the top prize as the Regional Winner for Somerset, Avon & Wiltshire;

Other regional winners

• Silver Sands Holiday Park, Cornwall;

• Parkers Farm Holiday Park, Devon;

• South Lytchett Manor, Dorset;

• Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park, Wales;

• Whitefield Forest Touring Park, South east England;

• Ludlow Touring Park, Heart of England;

• Greenacres Caravan Park, North west England;

• Hillside Caravan Park, North east England;

• Pinecones Caravan & Camping, Eastern England;

• Ballyness Caravan Park, Northern Ireland.

Prizes were also awarded for the best adults-only sites, caravanning in winter facilities, best sites for cyclists, and best family sites.

180 job losses at caravan firm

The Hull-based manufacturer of static caravans and holiday lodges, Atlas Leisure Homes, has gone bust and is now in the hands of administrators, with 180 jobs lost, according to a story by the BBC on the 11^th of March.

Atlas has been in business since 1973 but has suffered from a downturn in the market and an exodus of investors since the pandemic in 2020.

Despite several attempts to restructure the business and despite a recent annual turnover of £68.8 million, Atlas returned pre-tax profits of just £69,000

Preston le Skerne campsite has static caravan plans rejected

Owners of the Hammer and Pincers Caravan and Camp Site, at Preston le Skerne, in County Durham, have had their plans rejected to set up static caravans for use all year round, according to a story in the Northern Echo recently.

The Preston le Skerne campsite already has planning permission for 20 pitches for touring caravans and 10 for tents. The owners had argued that the substitution of static caravans remained within the terms of the original permission, but Durham County Council ruled otherwise.

CAMC Members only 5-pitch site

Date of Visit:    March 2025

This is an adults only, 5-pitch site for Caravan Club and Motorhome members only.  Access is straightforward, if a little bumpy for the last mile or so – typical of fen countryside.  Please see arrival video HERE.  The site is situated to the rear of a business – not an issue regarding noise or traffic.  During opening hours there is one key-coded security gate – out of hours, there are two.  Security felt really good here.

The site has hedging all round which offers a good amount of privacy but does not detract from the flatlands of the fens and views are very far.

At night, there is a virtual blackout and it is possible to participate in some star gazing.  You will need to bring a torch as a result.

Facilities

The site has 5 hard standing pitches, each has shared use of a water tap, plus your own EHU – 16A, included in pitch fee.

There is a small information hut by which there is the CDP, grey water disposal point and waste and recycling bins by the entrance to field.

There is free on-site WiFi which is very strong and allows for streaming without issue, although we were the only ones on site for the duration of our stay.

Mobile phone coverage with EE is 5G and a very good signal.

Review of Site Pitch

The whole site is level and each pitch is similarly level, no ramps were required.  The width of the pitch will accommodate a caravan and awning, cars will need to be parked at the front of the van.  The pitches are very clean and well looked after, grass is kept very well too.

The site is dog friendly and the grass area to the front of the pitches is ideal for exercising your best friend.  Care may be required with smaller dogs as regards the fence size.

As is the case with many sites in and around this area, you are close to a number of RAF airfields and as a result, they are all subjected to some aircraft training noise.  This is mainly in the day but can be quite loud at times.

Around and about

The nearest petrol station, Shell is at Guyhirn about a 5 minute drive from the site on the A47 There is a small service station store attached for the very basics.  There are all the main large supermarkets in and around the town of Wisbech including a Lidl and Aldi.  Fuel wise, prices are cheaper at the supermarkets and away from the A47, the main road in the area. The Tesco on the outskirts of March was one of the most competitive.

There is no public bus stop within walking distance of the site. 

Nearest train station is in March with onward connections to the Midlands and London via Cambridge.

There are a good number of places to visit, being close to the borders of Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.  The main towns in the near area are, Peterborough

March, Wisbech.  www.visitlincolnshire.co.uk ; www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org.uk ;

www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

Slightly further afield are Chatteris and Whittlesey.

A good trip out is to Castle Rising – there is an entrance fee, it is dog friendly, and there is a small souvenir shop at the entrance.  Free car parking with toilets is to one side of the Castle. www.castlerising.org.uk  

Afterwards, it is highly recommended that you visit the Castle Rising Tea Rooms down in the village – delicious meals, cakes, teas and coffees – if it is a lovely warm day, (as it was when we visited), you can sit outside in the front garden.  It is dog friendly too.  There are toilets and you can sit inside – the door entrance is quite small so it may be a tight fit to get a wheelchair in, we did not try to do so.

The nearest and highly recommended fish and chip shop is in Wisbech, a 15 minute drive along the back roads – SAT NAV is very helpful for navigating around here.  Jolly Fryer Fish & Chips.  A traditional fish and chip shop  with a small sit in restaurant to the side.  Parking is available on the road outside or in the adjacent Asda car park – also handy for stocking up.

We also visited the nearest local pub – very much for the local community, dogs and children are allowed.  A small offering of snacks is available and a couple of local beers – Elgoods.  The Bell, Murrow – a five minute car ride from the site.  Football is shown and is obviously a big draw.  Very friendly and welcoming to people from away, reasonably priced too but check opening hours.

www.elgoods-brewery.co.uk

Summary

A lovely site in the middle of the Cambridgeshire fens, excellent quality facilities and a well maintained good value site.  Security is very good but you do need a car or bikes, the latter is very good as it is level for miles in any direction.  Well worth a visit.

(CAMC Members 5 pitch site only)

Terrington St John, Wisbech, Norfolk

Date of Visit:    February 2025

Overall View

This is a members only site in the parish of Terrington St John, midway between Wisbech and Kings Lynn.  Access is good, please see ARRIVAL VIDEO here.  The site is predominantly level, although we were on a hard standing pitch (no. 7) and a ramp was required on one side of the van.  This did not cause any major issues.

The site is divided into roughly two halves.  It has 3 pitches which are hard standing and are used during winter months.  Drainage is good.  The whole site is surrounded by mature hedging which affords you privacy whilst not taking away the views of the local Grade I listed St John’s Church.  During the summer months, there are 5 grass pitches available in the other half of the field.  

The site is fairly close to the A47; however we found the road noise was not invasive and certainly not outside of rush hour or overnight.

Facilities

Each pitch has its own EHU 16amps unmetered; fresh water tap and grey water drainage under the hedge.  Essentially a fully serviced pitch which we found very useful indeed, particularly in the colder months.

Each pitch will take a car, caravan and an awning.

The site is gated although no padlock is used.

By the entrance to the site, there is the service area which has recycling bin, black waste bin, dog poop bin.  In addition, there is the CDP emptying point, and a small information cubicle.

A particularly good draw, for the CL site, is that they have an enclosed, secure dog exercise field.  This is at the end of the grassed area of the CL pitches, a dog poop bin is also provided along with a wooden picnic table with benches to use in warmer months!  My two dogs really appreciated the freedom that this offered and made good use of it.  If you are a dog owner, this is certainly worth taking a look at.

There is also an exclusive use shower and WC to the rear of the farmhouse.  It is not disabled accessible but is spotlessly clean, tidy and there is an electric wall heater to take the chill off.

All in all, the facilities are the same as sites much bigger.  There is a local village shop and pub a five minute car drive away in Terrington St Johns.

On site we found EE 5G mobile signal very good, both in and out of doors.  Lycamobile, which uses the EE system, was good as well, particularly in streaming on the TV.  TV signal on terrestrial was also good.

Review of Site Pitch

The hard standing pitch was free draining and using awning pegs was not problematical.  The tap and waste pipe are not too far away from the van, so no extension pipes were required.

We opted to put the caravan face in, so as to make the most of the views and also to watch the site owners’ horse, sheep etc.

Around and about

The site is ideally placed to access north Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and slightly further afield South Lincolnshire. In particular the North Norfolk coasts and beaches are within half an hour’s drive from the site.

The Brothers in Arms pub, with an interesting history, offers a very good Sunday lunch with attentive service in very pleasant surroundings.  It is very family friendly, accessible and welcomes dogs very happily.  It has the added advantage of a Farm Shop to one side and we can certainly recommend their homemade Pork and Apple sausages.  www.samuelsfarmshop.co.uk  These are both located in Walpole St Andrew.

Palmers Ale House & Kitchen at Long Sutton is less than twenty minutes’ drive away, up to and west along the A17. Dog friendly, good food, ales and atmosphere. It was very cosy on a chilly night.

A trip to Downham Market, again about 20 minutes’ drive finds you in a pleasant market town.  There are plenty of little shops, cafes as well as a Morrisons Supermarket.  The clock tower, near the centre of the town is particularly noteworthy.  Free parking is available but quite limited, to the side of Morrisons Supermarket which is a short stroll uphill to the centre of town and the clock tower.  www.visitwestnorfolk.com 

There are National Rail Services at Kings Lyn and Downham Market which connect with mainline services in Cambridge and on towards London.  www.nationalrail.co.uk 

Bus services are available on the main road in Terrington St John, a 25 minute walk from the site.  www.lynxbus.co.uk 

The nearest caravan dealer/workshop/accessories shop is John Wicks Caravan Sales – about a 20 minute drive from the site and a slight detour from the main Kings Lynn to Hunstanton road.  They stock all the main consumables.  www.johnwickscaravans.com 

Fuel is readily available in either Wisbech or Kings Lynn where all the main supermarkets have fuel stations.  On travelling around the area, we noted that there were several pence per litre differences between the various suppliers and it may well be worth your while spending a couple of minutes price checking on line before setting out.  The site being pretty equidistant between the two towns, it pays to shop around.

In Wisbech there is Elgood Brewery situated alongside the River Ouse.  There is a small shop where souvenirs and bottled beer can be obtained  It may well be possible to organise a brewery tour and there are gardens which are open in summer months.  

About ¾ hour drive from the site up the North Norfolk coast are the towns of Hunstanton, Wells Next the Sea. On the way to Hunstanton you will pass Norfolk Lavendar Centre on the right hand side.  It is home to the National Lavendar collection.  It has a farm shop, café, gift shop, toilets and plenty of gardens to walk round.  Tours are available.  Please see www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk for further details.  Everywhere is fully accessible and dogs are allowed in the café and gift shop.

Both are well worth a day’s visit.  Hunstanton is a traditional seaside town, split into two halves old and new with beautiful gardens along the promenade at the front.  Parking is limited and everyone has to pay.  However, there is on road parking further out of the main centre.  The new section has many caravan sites overlooking the coast.  www.visitwestnorfolk.com 

A further 35 minute drive past some beautiful and sympathetically built houses in small villages – a pleasant drive, brings you to Wells Next the Sea – a picturesque seaside resort and also a small working port.  At the time of our visit there was a tall ship moored on the main quay.  A very quaint high street, Staithes Street offers some cafes, charity shops, butchers and deli.  There are also a couple of hardware shops selling all manner of homeware good with stalls outside selling very reasonable priced goods to tempt you.  There are a number of cafes which openly welcome dogs which was most appreciated on a cold February day.  At the top of the street is a local Co-Op.  www.wellsguide.com 

A very historic market town, Swaffham is again about 15-20 minutes from the site.  It is centred around the market place where free parking is available for everyone.  There are a number of antiques shops and some very old buildings with plenty of history.  The town’s bandstand, to one side of the market place, has a roman statue on top – Cedres, god of the harvest.  Very apt given the agricultural land surrounding it.  Lord Nelson lived here at one time and it is said that his wife lodged in one of the big houses on the square when Lord Nelson was at sea.  It was also a centre for medieval blood sports, hare coursing, badger baiting – long since disappeared but Swaffham hosted the landed gentry of the era afterwards and there are a good number of pubs and inn as a result.  Finally, there is an Assembly Rooms – built in the 1800s and of very fine architecture.  Its claim to fame was the fine ballroom where regular events were held during the various seasons.

The main purpose of our stay was to visit Kings Lynn Mart, which marks the traditional opening of the travelling fun fair season. Rides and stalls occupy the historic Tuesday Market Place for approximately two weeks, coinciding with the half-term holiday. 

Summary

A very pleasant CL, competitively priced, in a very convenient location.  The owners were very pleasant and welcoming.  It is a site we would definitely consider returning to.  The dog exercise field and toilet/shower being particularly noteworthy for a CL site.