City to Countryside: London to Surrey by Train
#myfavoriteroute
Just an hour (or less!) from London, Surrey feels like a different world — ancient woodlands, country pubs, winding rivers, and walking trails through lush green hills. Whether you’re heading to Guildford, Dorking, or Box Hill, the ride south is a breath of fresh air — literally. 💨🌲
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🎯 Highlights Along the Way
• Departure from London Waterloo 🚉
Start at Waterloo Station and choose your Surrey-bound train — South Western Railway runs frequently to spots like Guildford, Dorking, Woking, and Haslemere. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from The Gentlemen Baristas before boarding!
• Views on the Move 🪟
• Pass through Clapham Junction, then quickly swap cityscapes for leafy suburbs
• Watch as the scenery opens into fields, cows grazing, and wooded hillsides — especially stunning if you’re heading toward the Surrey Hills AONB
• Catch glimpses of quaint villages like Shalford and Gomshall, with cottages and cricket greens that look like movie sets
• Arriving in Surrey 🌳
Depending on your stop:
• Guildford offers a riverside town with historic charm and shopping
• Dorking is nestled beneath Box Hill, with vineyards and antique shops
• Woking brings modern art and sci-fi vibes (yes, War of the Worlds was set here!)
• Godalming and Haslemere feel like secret getaways — ideal for a nature walk and lunch in a timber-framed pub
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🗺️ Getting There
• Train Operator: South Western Railway
• Route: London Waterloo → Surrey towns (Guildford, Dorking, Woking, etc.)
• Journey Time: ~35 to 60 minutes depending on destination
• Frequency: Very frequent — typically 4+ trains per hour
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🌟 Tips from a Leafy-Lane Commuter
• 🪟 Best Seat: Sit on the left when heading to Guildford or Dorking — more open views across the fields and hills
• 🚶♂️ Walk It Off: From Box Hill & Westhumble Station, you can walk straight into National Trust trails within minutes
• 🍷 Local Secret: Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking has a vineyard right by the station — yes, English wine country!
• 📚 Book Match: Try The Wind in the Willows or Emma by Jane Austen — both inspired by southern English countryside
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💬 Final Thought
The London to Surrey train ride is the city dweller’s shortcut to tranquility — a countryside commute that feels like a mini holiday. Whether you’re escaping for the day or slipping away for a long weekend, this journey proves that green space and fresh air are just a train ride away. 🚞🌼🫖