Leafy Surrey is England’s green heart, a beautiful county that offers the best of both worlds: peaceful countryside and yet proximity to the bustling hub of London.
Its natural beauty, rich history, and thriving communities make it a great place to retire to. Spend your days wandering historic market towns, venturing into the vast outdoors, finding the perfect reading nook at a cosy pub… we could go on! And, although Surrey itself is landlocked it’s even within an hours’ drive of the south coast!
And with three wonderful retirement communities to choose from across Surrey, making the move has never been easier.
Our Surrey area guide tells you everything you need to know about living in Surrey in retirement.
Why choose Surrey for retirement?
Surrey is a wonderful place to retire to, with a strong sense of community and high quality of life. Here are just a few reasons why you may want to spend your retirement in Surrey:
● The fifth lowest crime rate of any county in the UK
● The South East has the second highest life expectancy in the UK
● Surrey is England’s most densely-wooded county - over 20% is covered by trees!
● The South East has the highest amount of green space per person in the UK - the Surrey Hills (designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), AONB, alone, offers 163 square miles of untouched nature
● Surrey has a strong sense of community, with events and activities across the county
● Direct access to London, Portsmouth and more by train
Hobbies and activities for retirees in Surrey
Surrey offers a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle in retirement that balances the best of both worlds: peaceful countryside living and easy access to nearby cities. The county’s strong sense of community makes it an ideal place to build connections and engage in a range of social activities, from local clubs and groups to informal gatherings at the town’s cafés and pubs.
Building community connections
The residents in our Surrey communities love the close-knit community element that this county provides. There’s an abundance of group activities taking place across Surrey - from the University of the Third Age (U3A) - perfect for those that love to learn - to outdoor adventures organised by the Surrey Hills Society, and everything in between.
When you come to Surrey, you find a real sense of belonging, with so many opportunities to connect with others, learn new skills, and stay mentally and physically active. This is a key part of our ethos - spaces where people can come together to live, belong and thrive.
Thriving local culture
Surrey is also home to a welcoming culture of inclusivity, where people can enjoy a variety of local events, from seasonal festivals to art exhibitions, often held in vibrant town centres like Guildford and Dorking. And the county’s natural beauty and endless green spaces make it easy to get close to nature, providing quiet spaces to relax, socialise, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
And Surrey’s towns and villages are home to a range of shops, cafés, and restaurants that make socialising simple. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee with a friend at a local café or exploring one of the many farmer’s markets, you’ll find plenty of chances to stay active in your local community and enjoy a rewarding lifestyle in retirement.
We love that about our retirement communities too - with so many shared spaces and a busy social calendar, you’ll find there’s always a buzz, as well as ample space to enjoy some time alone if you choose.
Bobby, a resident says:
Everybody is friendly and there is always someone to have coffee with and have a chat to. We have a social evening once a week.
Exploring Surrey's Outdoors
Surrey invites you to embrace a fulfilling, outdoor lifestyle. With its rolling hills, peaceful woodlands, and expansive green spaces, the county invites you to reconnect with nature and enjoy a slower rhythm of life.
The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a perfect place to begin, offering quiet trails ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, or even horseback riding. Here, you’ll find plenty of space to recharge, take in the scenery, and embrace a lifestyle that values both tranquilitytranquillity and vitality.
One of the most rewarding outdoor experiences in Surrey is The North Downs Way, a renowned long-distance walking trail that weaves through the heart of the county. On your endless adventures, you’ll pass through charming villages, ancient woodlands, and peaceful meadows. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a more invigorating hike, the North Downs Way offers an opportunity to enjoy nature at your own pace.
Five of the best towns in Surrey for retirees
Whether you prefer the charm of a vibrant town centre or the serenity of a quiet village, Surrey has something to suit every taste. If you're considering your retirement destination, here are some of the best towns in Surrey to choose from…
1. West Byfleet
West Byfleet is a charming, well-connected town in the heart of Surrey, offering the perfect blend of convenience and community.The town is well-served by local amenities, including supermarkets, healthcare services, and excellent transport links. Direct trains to London Waterloo in just 30-40 minutes ensure you’re never far from the capital, and the M25 and A3 are easily accessible, offering convenient connections to Guildford, Woking, and beyond.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, West Byfleet is perfectly located with easy access to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a haven for hiking, cycling, and scenic walks. The surrounding countryside provides a peaceful and relaxing setting to explore, while RHS Garden Wisley and Woking Park offer a quiet retreat closer by.
It’s soon to be home to one of our newest developments, Botanical Place. This state-of-the-art retirement community brings residents and locals together in modern shared spaces including cafés, restaurants, boutique shopping and more, all centred around a beautiful public square.
Created to be the vibrant heart of this neighbourhood, Botanical Place will also offer a wellness suite, gym and swimming pool. At the centre of this is our commitment to community - designing integrated spaces where everyone can come together.
2. Dorking
Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Dorking offers stunning views and a wealth of history, making it a perfect place for scenic walks and rich cultural experiences. For avid ramblers and walkers, Box Hill is a must-visit - its trails offer panoramic views over Dorking and the River Mole, providing both a challenging workout and a peaceful escape into nature.
The town is also home to Denbies Wine Estate, one of the largest and most beautiful vineyards in England, where you can enjoy a wine tasting or take a tour of the estate, soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Dorking’s vibrant arts scene adds another layer of charm, with venues like Dorking Halls Theatre, where you can enjoy a diverse range of performances, from local productions to touring shows.
Whether you’re enjoying the local shops, cafés, or restaurants, or taking part in one of the many community events, Dorking’s buzzing atmosphere makes it a perfect place to stay engaged and active in retirement. It’s easy to access from any of our three Surrey retirement communities too - just a 30-minute drive.
3. Cranleigh
Beautiful Cranleigh offers a peaceful, community-driven lifestyle in retirement. The village boasts a range of local clubs and events, making it easy to stay socially active and connected.
You’ll soak in the heritage simply wandering around - half-timbered edifices, gabled roofs, whitewashed fronts - the village centre is a mix of cafés, cosy pubs, boutique shopping and more. It boasts easy access to Guildford and Farnham too.
In keeping with Surrey’s never-ending greenery, Cranleigh boasts Knowle Park. At an impressive 60 acres, this country park and nature reserve is space for local flora and fauna to thrive. From 6 km of walking paths to the 3.5 acre wildlife lake, there’s so much nature to be enjoyed here. But more than that, you’ll also find an event space and amphitheatre where exciting events are hosted, an adventure play area and somewhere to get a coffee or, for summer days, an ice cream.
Just a five-minute drive from the centre, Elmbridge Village is the heart of Cranleigh’s retirement community. This vibrant village offers a lifestyle centred on connection, well-being, and enjoyment. Residents here enjoy an array of modern amenities, including…
Beautifully landscaped gardens and a bustling allotment community, where green-fingered residents grow everything from sunflowers to marrows, with proceeds from an honesty box funding group socials.
A restaurant and bar with a delicious menu prepared by our in-house chefs, as well as a lounge and terrace where there’s always someone to enjoy a drink while you take in the views of the croquet lawn.
A plastic-free refill shop where we’ve partnered with local business, For Earth’s Sake. This initiative is part of Elmbridge Village’s commitment to sustainability and goal to reduce single-use plastics by 20% before 2025.
And that’s barely scratching the surface.
Gavin and Margaret, Elmbridge Village residents say:
Elmbridge is a place where you can join in as much, or as little as you like, there’s always something fun going on and you are bound to meet lots of lovely people if your open to it.
4. Guildford
A historic market town, Guildford combines rich cultural heritage with modern charm.
Our research actually found it to be one of the best places to retire in the UK due to aspects like its close proximity to both London and a wealth of National Trust locations - it’s truly the best of both worlds.
And if it’s the outdoors you’re looking for, Guildford’s Hatchlands Park is just that. This National Trust property is a must-visit. Set within 400 acres of rolling countryside, the park offers extensive walking trails set amongst woodland, gardens and a lake, plus a touch of history.
There’s Guildford Spectrum and Guildford Lido too which offer fun and easy ways to stay active in retirement. Guildford Spectrum, one of the largest leisure complexes in the area, has everything from swimming pools and ice skating rinks to a gym and bowling alley. Guildford Lido is where you’ll find yourself on warm summer days, swimming in the open air.
Between the excellent shopping, arts and culture, dining, and entertainment options, it’s easy to see why retirees love it here. Take G Live Theatre, for example. This lively spot is a trove of exciting events, from live music to comedy and drama. And that’s just one of the culture hubs Guildford has to offer.
It’s less than a 20-minute drive from our Elmbridge Village community and our residents love taking visits to the beautiful market town.
If you take the car from Botanical Place or Elmbridge Village, you’ll arrive in Guildford within 20 minutes. While for Mayford Grange, it’s less than 15 minutes. You can also take the bus direct from any of our retirement communities to Guildford.
5. Woking
Woking strikes the perfect balance between urban convenience and natural beauty. It’s just 30 minutes from London via direct train, so you can be in the heart of the capital before breakfast. Yet, just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle, Woking provides the green retreats that Surrey is famous for.
Take Woking Park - with a beautiful lake, tennis courts, a bowls pitch, playground, café and over 45 acres to explore, you can enjoy everything from a romantic couples picnic to an adventurous day out with the grandkids.
For those seeking a day by the water, Basingstoke Canal provides the ideal setting for leisurely strolls or gentle cycling along its picturesque towpaths, where you can take in the soothing sounds of the water alongside the local wildlife. It’s a wonderful place to reconnect with nature, whether you’re looking to unwind or keep active.
And if you’re looking for culture, there’s a thriving arts scene, including Lightbox Gallery, and the New Victoria Theatre. And with a wide selection of cafés, shops, and dining options, Woking is a vibrant place to call home.
Mayford Grange is a peaceful yet sociable retreat that offers everything you need for a fulfilling lifestyle. This close-knit retirement community is centred around a bustling clubhouse, where residents meet for coffee, afternoon tea, or themed dinner evenings. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, while the landscaped courtyard and sun terrace provide lovely spots to relax outdoors.
At Mayford Grange, residents are at the heart of the community. From book clubs and fitness groups to street parties and film nights, the calendar of events is shaped by residents’ passions and interests. If you have a hobby or activity you love, the team will help you bring it to life, ensuring there’s always something for everyone.
Access and travel links
Rail
Surrey is well-served by an efficient rail network, with direct services to London from towns like West Byfleet, Guildford and Farnham in just 35-40 minutes. And then from London, you’re connected to the rest of the UK, as well as the Eurostar.
International Access
For international travel, London Heathrow is the nearest major airport at just a 30-minute drive, anddrive and offers global connections. Gatwick Airport is also within easy reach - only a 40-minute drive - providing more options for international and domestic flights.
Roads
Surrey benefits from excellent road links, with major routes like the M3, A3 and M25 connecting the county to London, Winchester, Portsmouth, and other surrounding areas. The well-maintained road network ensures easy access to nearby towns and attractions, while the rural areas offer beautiful country lanes.
Local Transport
Local bus services make it easy to get around Surrey, and there are accessible options for those who need it.
With more time on your hands in retirement, Surrey is the ideal place to make the most of it. And with an emphasis on time outdoors, community-focussed activities, as well as the warmer climate of the South East, Surrey makes it easy to enjoy a retirement focussed on independence, quality of life, wellbeing and longevity.
If you’re considering retiring in Surrey, take the time to explore the area further. Explore some of the places we mention in this guide, or book a space at an open day event at one of our thriving Surrey communities - experience firsthand what life could be like in this beautiful, welcoming county.
Discover a future filled with opportunities for adventure, exploration, and connection.
Still decide where to relocate in retirement? Explore our guide to living in Wiltshire in retirement for more inspiration.
Contact us to find out more