Things To Do
in Ashtead
Ashtead is a peaceful Surrey village on the edge of the North Downs, about 15–20 miles southwest of central London and close to Leatherhead and Epsom. It blends a compact high street of shops and cafés with extensive green spaces including Ashtead Common and Ashtead Park. The area is popular with commuters who value its good rail links, village feel, and access to countryside walking and cycling.
Expect a mix of historic buildings, mature trees, and suburban residential streets with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in Ashtead Common, a beautiful nature reserve boasting ancient woodlands and wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility as you wander through the expansive trails, breathing in the fresh morning air. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and maybe even spot some deer along the way.
After a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, immerse yourself in the rich history of the area with a visit to the Ashtead Village Museum. This small yet informative museum showcases local artifacts and stories, giving you a deeper understanding of the village's past. Spend your afternoon relaxing at one of the local parks, where you can unwind and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
As the sun sets, head to one of Ashtead's charming restaurants to indulge in a delightful dinner featuring local cuisine. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere while savoring your meal and reflecting on the day's adventures. Wind down with a stroll through the village, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the evening.
Begin your day at Ashtead Park, a serene expanse filled with lush greenery and well-maintained gardens. Take a leisurely stroll around the park, enjoy the beautiful flowers, and perhaps even enjoy a morning coffee from a nearby café. It’s the perfect spot to relax and prepare for a day of exploration.
For lunch, visit one of Ashtead's local eateries and then make your way to the nearby Surrey Hills for an afternoon of light hiking. The trails offer spectacular views and are suitable for walkers of all levels, making it an ideal way to experience the quintessential English countryside. Enjoy the fresh air while you take in the sights and sounds of nature.
As evening approaches, return to Ashtead and explore the local shops and boutiques for unique treats and souvenirs. Afterward, grab dinner at a pub, where you can experience traditional British food. Finish your evening with a cozy drink, perhaps at a local brewery, to toast to your delightful day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (~3–5 miles) | $8-18 |
| 🎟️Cinema ticket | $12-18 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / B&B (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to London with excellent rail links for day trips or commuting
- Abundant green spaces and access to the Surrey Hills for outdoor activities
- Friendly village atmosphere with independent shops and cafés
- Good for families and quiet getaways
- Limited late-night entertainment and nightlife within the village
- Can be pricey for accommodation and dining relative to other rural areas
- Public transport is good but less frequent late at night and on Sundays
- Weather can be changeable, affecting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Ashtead
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient woodland with atmospheric paths, veteran oaks, ponds and seasonal colour — great for wildlife, macro and landscape shots.
Panoramic views over the Surrey Hills and the Mole Valley; dramatic golden-hour photography and varied walking routes.
Quintessential village scenes: period houses, independent shops, and a village green — ideal for lifestyle and street photography.
Riverside paths and bridges provide tranquil water reflections and seasonal scenes a short walk from Ashtead.
Historic church architecture and well-kept churchyard offer classic rural English compositions.
Food in Ashtead
Ashtead Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A British institution — roast meat with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy; widely served at local pubs on Sundays.
Must-Try!
Crisp battered fish with chunky chips — a staple you can find at pubs or takeaways in nearby towns.
Scones served with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a pot of tea — common at village cafés and tearooms.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held regularly in nearby Leatherhead, this market features local produce, breads, cheeses, and often artisan food stalls worth sampling.
A larger town market with street food options on certain days, plus fresh fruit, vegetables and baked goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness and queuing are important — wait your turn at shops, and say please and thank you. A friendly nod or brief chat with shopkeepers and pub staff is normal.
Keep to footpaths, close gates behind you, and follow the Country Code (take litter home, keep dogs under control especially near livestock).
Punctuality for appointments, bookings and meet-ups is expected; if delayed, let hosts know where possible.
Safety
Tipping in Ashtead
Ensure a smooth experience
In pubs you typically don’t tip for drinks but may round up or leave small change; in restaurants a 10–12% tip is common if service isn’t included. Taxi drivers are usually given small rounding-up tips; excellent service merits more.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are widely accepted; chip-and-PIN is standard for cards. Cash is accepted but less common; always have a small amount for market stalls or smaller businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wildflowers and bluebells appear on Ashtead Common and nearby woods; mild temperatures and many birds return — bring waterproofs for occasional showers.
Warm, pleasant days good for picnics, walking and vineyard visits; places can be busier on weekends, and some paths can get dusty or muddy after rain.
Great for colourful foliage on the North Downs and quieter trails — cooler temperatures and crisp air; layers recommended.
Cold and occasionally frosty with shorter daylight hours; quieter village and off-season rates for accommodation, but some attractions may have reduced hours.
Ashtead at Night
Hiking in Ashtead
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate loops through ancient woodland and ponds, family-friendly and good for wildlife spotting.
A variety of routes from short scenic walks to longer ascents with panoramic views — accessible from nearby and part of the Surrey Hills AONB.
Walk stretches of the long-distance path for rolling chalk downland views and connected routes to other Surrey villages.
Open chalk downland popular for wide, open walking and great views — also home to the racecourse and seasonal events.
Less crowded woodland and hillside trails with vineyard and valley views, suitable for day hikes and picnics.
Airports
How to reach Ashtead by plane.
The closest major international airport (approx. 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic). Accessible by road and public transport via tubes/trains from central London; taxis or airport transfers are common.
About 45–75 minutes by car; direct trains from nearby stations provide easy access for some journeys.
Further away by road/public transport (around 1–1.5 hours), convenient for European business flights and easy connections into central London.
Budget carrier hubs around 1–1.5+ hours away by car or train; options depend on flight routes and travel times to central London.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are families attracted by good schools, green spaces and a suburban lifestyle.
Significant number of professionals who commute to London or nearby business hubs by rail or road.
A portion of the population is older residents who value quiet, accessible healthcare and local amenities.
Some younger residents and students commute for study and work, though fewer than in larger towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local grassroots football is popular with amateur teams and youth leagues; nearby towns host semi-pro clubs and facilities.
Cricket clubs and village matches are a feature of summer weekends across Surrey, with community grounds and local fixtures.
Rugby is common in the county, with local clubs offering youth and adult teams and weekend matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ashtead.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and pubs offer vegetarian options (salads, vegetable mains, and vegetarian versions of classic dishes). Check menus online and tell staff — many places are accommodating.
Vegan options are increasingly available at cafés and gastropubs; independent venues and markets often have vegan stalls. Always ask as substitution is usually possible.
Gluten-free menus or alternatives (gluten-free bread, GF beer) are offered at many restaurants; smaller cafés may have limited options so plan ahead if you need strict GF meals.