Holiday rentals and lettings in Surrey

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Surrey?
• Holiday rentals in Surrey: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Surrey: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Surrey?

• Diverse property types: Charming cottages, converted barns, family homes and luxury retreats are available across the region, catering to every taste and budget for your stay.
• Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: This magnificent area is perfect for walkers and cyclists, with easy access to Box Hill and Leith Hill walking trails.
• Proximity to London: Located 30–50 minutes southeast of London, Surrey offers a mixture of countryside escape and convenient transport links to the capital.
• Essential amenities: Most properties feature fully equipped kitchens, private gardens, free Wi-Fi, parking and pet-friendly options for comfortable self-catering holidays.
• Charming towns: Guildford, Farnham, Dorking and Reigate offer rich history, independent shops, restaurants and cultural attractions for exploring beyond your rental.

Surrey is home to a wonderful selection of holiday rentals, from charming cottages in the Surrey Hills to elegant apartments near Guildford and riverside retreats along the Thames. Some travellers visit for the proximity to London, while others use Surrey as a base for world-class golf holidays. Look out for amenities such as:

• Fully equipped kitchens
• Private gardens and outdoor seating areas
• Pet-friendly options
• Wood-burning stoves and cosy fireplaces

For a more rural getaway, look for secluded cabins or glamping pods that will really let you get away from it all.

What are the best areas to stay in Surrey?

The table below details areas for specific interests:

Guests consistently praise Surrey holiday rentals for their beautifully appointed cottages, spacious family properties, and welcoming hosts. Here are some of our top-rated Surrey holiday rentals from the past year:

The Stables, Surrey Hills- 10.0: This four-person property near Guildford is a unique converted stable, and offers an unrivalled opportunity to bask in rural calm. Guests love the pet-friendly policies and rolling countryside surroundings.
1. Sturt Lodge with veranda - 9.5+: This quaint wooden chalet in Tilford sleeps four. Guests praise the nearby duck pond, which makes it particularly magical for young children.
2. Woodhill Cottage with fireplace and garden - 9.5+: With room for nine, this spacious property is ideal for large gatherings. Guests rave about the sweeping woodland views and secluded location.

Nestled in the southeast of England, Surrey is celebrated for its stunning Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rolling hills, and charming countryside villages that sit just 30–50 minutes from London.

✈️What is the best way to get to Surrey?

Surrey is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The M25 encircles much of the county, with the A3 and A24 providing direct routes to Guildford and Dorking respectively.
• By train: Frequent services run from London Waterloo and Victoria to Guildford, Dorking, and Reigate, with journeys typically taking 30 to 50 minutes.
• By air: Gatwick Airport sits right on Surrey's southern border, making the county one of the most accessible in England for international travel.

🍴Where to eat in Surrey?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Ivy is the best rated restaurant in Surrey. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller James recommends The Gallery Restaurant at Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey: set on the top floor of England's largest vineyard with 360-degree panoramic views over the vines and Box Hill beyond, it pairs a locally-sourced seasonal menu with the estate's own English wines.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Surrey is summer, when the countryside and walking trails are at their most inviting.

Summer

• Best for: Walking Box Hill and Leith Hill, and riverside strolls along the Thames.
• Weather: Mild to warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the countryside and market towns at their most popular.

Winter

• Best for: Cosy stays by wood-burning stoves and quiet countryside walks.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and low-key, with a peaceful feel across the county.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

• Best for: Walking the Surrey Hills without the summer crowds.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our local Surrey hosts recommend paying a visit to Headley Heath, a quiet wooded spot near the better-known Box Hill, where you'll find a herd of photogenic Belted Galloway cattle calmly chewing the cud.

1. Explore the woodlands by Segway
2. Enjoy a day at the races
3. Wander around Farnham
4. Picnic at Guildford Castle
5. Enjoy Surrey's riverside life

1. Explore the woodlands by Segway

   Segway Unleashed near Godstone offers a fabulous off-road Segway experience along three trails through beautiful Surrey woodland - great fun for the whole family.

2. Enjoy a day at the races

   The Epsom Derby has taken place since 1780, and is still a major highlight of the Surrey calendar. It's particularly worth visiting the racecourse on Ladies' Day to see the extravagant hats on display.

3. Wander around Farnham

   This historic market town in the rolling Surrey Hills is crowned by a wonderful 12th-century castle overlooking the town centre, and is widely considered one of Surrey's prettiest spots.

4. Picnic at Guildford Castle

   Climb the tower for a 360-degree panoramic view over Guildford and the surrounding countryside, then relax in the vibrant castle grounds - a favourite spot for a picnic.

5. Enjoy Surrey's riverside life

   Take a relaxed stroll or a lazy boat trip along the Basingstoke Canal, a green oasis linking Surrey's towns and countryside. Head to the Canal Centre at Mytchett for a memorable narrowboat trip.