Things To Do
in Little Bookham
Little Bookham is a small, picturesque Surrey village set among rolling fields, commons and ancient hedgerows about 20–25 miles southwest of central London. The village feels quintessentially English, with a parish church, village green, quiet lanes and easy access to the River Mole and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is popular with commuters who value a rural lifestyle and with walkers who use local footpaths and nearby Box Hill for panoramic views.
Amenities within the village are limited, but nearby Leatherhead, Dorking and Guildford provide shops, markets and transport links to London and the rest of the UK.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Bookham Commons, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the ancient woodlands. Discover the historical significance of the area through the informative signage while soaking in the natural beauty. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the vibrant flora and fauna that flourish in this peaceful environment.
After your morning stroll, head to the local Bookham Village Museum to delve deeper into the rich history of the area. Here, you'll find a variety of exhibits that showcase the life and heritage of the village over the years. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling local specialties to truly immerse yourself in the region's culture.
As the sun sets, unwind at the tranquil Bookham village green, where local events and gatherings often take place. This is a perfect spot to mingle with locals while enjoying a drink from a nearby pub or café. Finish the evening with a delightful meal, choosing from one of the charming restaurants offering a taste of British cuisine.
Begin your day with a visit to the picturesque Polesden Lacey, a National Trust property not far from Little Bookham. Explore the gardens and grounds, where you can encounter various species of wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the estate and its previous inhabitants.
Spend the afternoon picnicking in the lush grounds of Polesden Lacey, where you can also participate in outdoor activities such as a nature scavenger hunt. As you enjoy your lunch, take in the beautiful scenery around you, and consider exploring the themed trails suitable for all ages. Don't miss the chance to visit the on-site café for a delicious dessert made with locally sourced ingredients.
Return to Bookham and visit the local theater for an evening show, immersing yourself in the community's vibrant arts scene. You can choose between a musical performance, a comedy show, or a dramatic play, ensuring a delightful cultural experience. Post-performance, gather at a cozy pub for a nightcap and unwind while discussing the highlights of the evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a pub | $6-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $8-20 |
| 🥖Weekly groceries (per person) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Picturesque, peaceful village atmosphere with easy access to the Surrey countryside.
- Great walking, cycling and photography opportunities nearby (Box Hill, Denbies, commons).
- Close enough to London for day trips and commuting while retaining rural character.
- Limited amenities and nightlife within the village itself.
- Public transport is available but less frequent than in urban areas, so a car is useful.
- Some venues and services may be closed on Sundays or have limited hours.
Places to Visit in Little Bookham
Visit one of these nice places.
Charming cottages, the village pond and church provide classic rural scenes, especially at golden hour.
Panoramic views over the Mole Valley and the North Downs; excellent for landscape photography and sunset shots.
Rows of vines, rolling fields and vineyard facilities make for structured landscape compositions and seasonal color (especially in autumn).
Riverside reflections, reedbeds and woodland edges create opportunities for wildlife, macro and tranquil water scenes.
National Trust gardens and viewpoints, with stately house backdrops and landscaped grounds ideal for varied photographic subjects.
Food in Little Bookham
Little Bookham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic British roast (beef, lamb, or chicken) served with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy; widely available at village pubs and gastropubs in the area.
Must-Try!
Scones served with clotted cream and jam accompanied by a pot of tea—an afternoon staple at tea rooms and country cafes.
Menus often feature locally-sourced seasonal vegetables, game when in season, and dishes prepared with Surrey dairy and meats; check farmers’ shops for fresh produce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering local cheeses, bread, meats, seasonal produce and artisan products; good for picnic supplies or sampling local specialties.
Regular markets with local producers, often including baked goods, preserves and takeaway street-food stalls at weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, and respecting queues are expected social norms.
Stick to public footpaths, close gates behind you and follow signs—trespassing on private farmland is frowned upon.
Villages are quieter in the evenings; keep noise down, especially late at night, and be considerate of neighbours.
Safety
Tipping in Little Bookham
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in pubs is not obligatory—rounding up or leaving small change is common; in sit-down restaurants 10–12% is appreciated if service is not included. Tip taxi drivers and hotel staff modestly for good service.
Cards are widely accepted (contactless preferred for small purchases). Carry some cash for very small shops, market stalls or rural venues that may be card-unfriendly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Flowers and newborn lambs appear across fields and commons; mild weather and muddy paths—bring waterproof boots and a light jacket.
Warmest time with long daylight hours, ideal for walking and vineyards; expect busier weekends and bring sun protection and water.
Crisp air and vivid foliage, particularly attractive on Box Hill and woodland walks; some pubs begin seasonal menus with game dishes.
Cold and occasionally frosty with shorter daylight; many footpaths can be muddy or icy—dress warmly and check weather/flooding warnings.
Little Bookham at Night
Hiking in Little Bookham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A range of trails from short circuits to longer routes offering spectacular views of the Mole Valley and varied chalk grassland—well waymarked and popular with walkers.
A long-distance route passing through parts of Surrey and the North Downs with options for day hikes and ridge-top views.
National Trust-managed walks through gardens and woodland with family-friendly paths and estate views.
Heathland and woodland tracks on the escarpment offering quieter routes, good for wildlife and longer hikes.
Airports
How to reach Little Bookham by plane.
Approximately 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic; the closest major international airport with good rail and road links to Surrey and onward connections via taxi or train.
About 40–60 minutes by car; also reachable by train via Dorking or other regional connections—useful for additional international flights.
Further afield (generally 60–90+ minutes by car or train); options if Heathrow/Gatwick schedules do not suit, but expect longer travel times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents work in London or nearby towns and value the village for its rural feel combined with transport links.
Family households attracted by local schools, green spaces and a quieter pace of life.
Older residents who appreciate the community atmosphere and access to countryside amenities.
Smallholders, farmers and local tradespeople who contribute to the village economy and identity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Village and local cricket clubs are part of community life in summer; informal matches on village greens are common.
Local amateur and youth football clubs are popular with families and community members.
Road cycling and trail running are popular given the rolling Surrey hills and well-maintained routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Little Bookham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and restaurants now offer vegetarian mains and can adapt dishes; supermarkets and farm shops also sell plant-based alternatives. Calling ahead to confirm options at smaller venues is recommended.
Vegan options are increasingly available in nearby towns but may be limited in village pubs—look for cafes in Leatherhead or Dorking for more choices.
Many places provide gluten-free choices, though cross-contamination is possible in traditional bakeries and busy pubs—mention needs when ordering.