It is easy to think of Surrey as simply a rich suburb of London for wealthy commuters to spend their bonuses. But that would be to ignore some of the magnificent landscapes and important historical sites that lie at the heart of Surrey. The Surrey Hills, for example, are quite beautiful and have been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty whose lush valleys have inspired musicians, writers and artists for hundreds of years. Dotted around the hills are numerous charming and historic market towns with bustling markets and shops and a wealth of old English heritage.
From Runnymede Meadow in Egham and the Magna Carta Memorial (where King John met up with the 25 barons and signed possibly the most famous document in history) to the gorgeous county town of Farnham with some of southern England’s finest Georgian architecture and a castle dating back to the 12th century, to Dorking, birthplace of composer Vaughn Williams and hundreds of other villages and towns, there are plenty of picturesque historic spots across Surrey.
Most famous of all is Hampton Court Palace, built for Cardinal Wolsey by Henry VIII in 1514 and one of the most famous buildings in all of England. Similarly, the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens (the world’s leading botanic gardens) are also impossible to avoid and one of the UK’s most recognizable attractions.
Getting out and about there are famous sporting arenas such as the Oval for the cricket or Epsom for the racing. And for walkers and ramblers, bikers and hikers there are the Greensand Hills and the epic chalk hills of the North Downs Way and something approaching 6,500 acres of countryside to explore, including trails that run along the rivers Wey, Thames and Mole.
Lastly, for daytime entertainment of a different kind there is Chessington World of Adventures and for laid back nightlife there are the numerous bars and clubs of Guildford.
The Leatherhead Theatre, Leatherhead…
New Theatre Guildford, GuildfordMulti award winning stand-up, television and movie star, Omid Djalili is back on tour with his brand new comedy show. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include Time Out Award for Best Stand Up, the EMMA Award, South Bank Award nominee and Perrier Award nominee.…
For over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining sold out crowds throughout the world and 2012 marks the year of their biggest ever UK Tour. The Osmonds are unique in their success as a band and as solo performers. They have recorded over 200 albums, selling over 100 million copies with 59 gold and platinum recordings. They have sold out venues worldwide, breaking box office records and received countless awards; most notably in 2003 when they were honoured by the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.…
G Live Guildford, GuildfordThe Stranglers are pleased to announce a full UK tour in March 2012, the band have been busy in the studio writing and recording their seventeenth studio album which is due for release next year. First forming in 1974 the band's straight talking approach gave them the reputation as aggressive and confrontational with their notoriety later embraced by the punk movement of 77. The tour celebrates the 35th anniversary of the initial release and success of debut single 'Grip' and their legendary first album Rattus Norvegicus.…
American stand-up comic Doug Stanhope brings to audiences his hilarious comedy material that ranges from 'true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism'. Vulgar, opinionated and brutally honest, his material shocks but entertains, and is certainly not for everybody. Doug was selected by both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter as one of the Top Ten Comics To Watch.…
G Live, GuildfordFunny man Jimmy Carr has become known and loved for his deadpan delivery and observational comedy. His humour is often dark yet hugely appealing as his success on TV and the live stand-up stage keeps on growing. In 2006 he became the first big name to perform in the virtual reality world 'Second Life'. He hosts TV's '8 Out of Ten Cats' and has guest presented 'Have I Got News for You'. Carr is an established writer also creating material for the likes of Frank Skinner, Bo Selecta and Lily Savage.…
The award-winning comedian, actor/screenwriter (Grandma's House) and presenter (Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Popworld) returns with a brand new stand-up tour for 2012. Intensely vulnerable and painfully honest, Amstell attempts again to heal himself in public, following 2009's critically acclaimed 'Do Nothing'.…
Richmond Theatre, RichmondAs the acclaimed writer and comedian prepares for his second BAFTA nominated BBC Series (STEWART LEE'S COMEDY VEHICLE), Stewart Lee presents a vegetable stew of new work with insights into his extensive work for charity, his grandfather's war record and his student memories of programming the music for a ball hosted by David Cameron. See it live so you can begin the backlash ahead of transmission.…
Hampton Court Palace, Hampton CourtJames Morrison, a BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter hails from Warwickshire, is a critically acclaimed artist who has produced several chart topping singles and albums that appeal to a large audience. Influenced by the likes of Otis Reading, Al Green and Stevie Wonder, he has built up a loyal army of fans, and his concerts and gigs often sell out quickly, so if you want to see James live in action here at "&venue_name&", you need to get tickets quick!…
Hampton Court Palace, Hampton CourtCaro Emerald is a Jazz singer from Amsterdam. Her debut single ‘Back It Up’ was released in 2009. Her debut album ‘Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor’ spent 30 weeks in the Dutch album charts setting an all-time record beating Michael Jackson’s single ‘Thriller’ by one week. Her album has become Netherlands’ biggest selling album of 2010 selling over 270,000 copies. In October 2010 Caro Emerald won the Dutch Music Prize ‘Edison Award’ for Best female Artist. The Jazz singer is set to play a handful of venues in Europe during December, but is expected to play more UK venues in March 201…
Rockin' On Heaven's DoorThursday, 16 February 2012Now in its 14th fantastic year, ROHD has received acclaim throughout the UK and Europe. This extra special night features Linda Gail Lewis with her roll- a-boogie keyboard style and powerhouse vocals. Younger sister of Jerry Lee, she is the undisp
Other concerts, music and gigs in Surrey are:
Nat Martin Band23 Feb, FarnhamDezfest25 Feb, GuildfordKindred Spirit Concert25 Feb, CranleighThe Producers1 Mar, FarnhamPapa George Band15 Mar, FarnhamSonny Black Band22 Mar, FarnhamMirrorhead31 Mar, CamberleyRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra11 Apr, CroydonThe Waterboys21 May, GuildfordRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra Nigel Kennedy Plays Brahms30 May, Croydon
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Sport in Surrey
Bourne Hall MuseumOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Bourne Hall Museum, located in Ewell. See what shows and performances are on this week at Bourne Hall Museum.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Surrey are:
Dorking Halls TheatreEpsom PlayhouseFairfield Halls
Birdworld and UnderwaterworldFollow the clues around the park to complete the quiz and win an Easter Egg. Bring your own decorated hard-boiled egg for a chance to win more prizes…Location: Farnham
Some other fun family days out in Surrey are:
Chessington World of AdventuresBirdworld and UnderwaterworldBrooklands MuseumGatwick Aviation MuseumGodstone FarmChessington World of AdventuresBourne Hall Museum
Brooklands MuseumThe Birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation. From the very first attempts to fly in Britain through an exceptionally varied cavalcade of aircraft, Brooklands, the famous aviation site at Weybridge in Surrey, has witnessed and realised a greater range of aeronautical technology than anywhere e…Location: Weybridge
Some other notable historic attractions in Surrey are:
Kew PalaceHatchlands ParkGatwick Aviation MuseumLoseley Park
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Top British Music FestivalsWhat better time to plan a trip to one of this summers music festivals? See both new and established bands and solo artists playing live - and perhaps be able to brag that 'I was there' at their first gig or festival, when they make the big time!
London Olympics 2012 - be wowedForget about the London 2012 Olympic logo - get ready to be wowed! We look at what the forthcoming games have in store for both athletes and Londoners, detailing some of the venues that will be used for the games, the events that will be held, and what the city will be lifet with after the London Olympics have finished.
Britain's Open Art and Craft StudiosIn many parts of the UK throughout the year, artists and crafts people collaborate to open their studios to the general public. Open studios give art lovers the chance to buy art and crafts direct from the makers. They also provide fascinating glimpses into how artists and craftsmen work and live.
Top 10 fireworks displaysEvery year from mid-October the supermarket foyers are filled with the colourful display of rockets, sparklers, roman candles and catherine wheels, which means just one thing - fireworks night is almost upon us once again.
