What's On in Surrey

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened its doors in 1965 as a proud memorial to the much loved French actress who had made her home in Effingham Common, and whose warmth, humour and talent gave her an unrivalled position on the English stage for nearly fifty years.  Today Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, under the Directorship of James Barber, is a busy producing and receiving house creating shows in Guildford and touring nationally with many transferring to the West End. On both the Main Stage and in the Mill Studio an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary work is staged by new, lesser-known and established writers. Ballet, opera and children's events are also staged, alongside music, comedy, contemporary dance and more experimental theatre in the Mill Studio. An annual pantomime, art exhibition and film season feature and the Youth and Education facility offers an exciting mix of activities for young people and adults all year round. Extensive catering facilities are available to suit all pockets, providing a complete night out for everyone - not just theatregoers. The Yvonne Arnaud opened the 80 seat Mill Studio in 1993 to provide a venue for work that would not otherwise be seen in Guildford. It also forms the base for the Youth Theatre's activities.  Yvonne Arnaud is located in an attractive setting overlooking the River Wey. The Riverview Restaurant and Riverbank Café Bar are both ideally located overlooking the river, with the restaurant serving classic dishes and the Riverbank Café Bar offering great sandwiches, light snacks, main meals and regularly changing specials.

Forty-five minute River Thames boat cruises beginning and ending at Walton-on-Thames.  Also, evening event cruises and theme cruises. 

One of the largest privately owned vineyards in Europe, with 265 acres of vines planted on the Surrey Hills.  Chateux style visitor centre with a restaurant and gift shop.  Learn about the process of wine making during the cinema tour and tasting, or on the vineyard train touring the vines, or on the indoor wine experience.

Valenine's Weekend Celebrations: Wine & Chocolate Tasting Tours 11th & 12th February, A match made in heaven, sparkling wine & fine chocolate. A Taste of Romance 11th February, 6.45pm A romantic wine tasting in the candlelit vaulted cellar followed by dinner in the Gallery Restaurant with Denbies wine. Valentine's Dinner Dance 11th February, 7.30pm Sparkling wine & canapés on arrival, sumptuous three course meal with Denbies award winning wines & dancing to the 15 piece band 'Perfidia'. Black tie optiona.

Denbies Annual Charity ‘All weather’ Pancake Race Tuesday 21st February 12.30 – 1.30pm Charity donation per team entry, free pancakes for all entrants! 

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Pubs: The Running Horses, Mickleham

For something a little different, trek through the beautiful Surrey hills with a llama.  Choose from a basic walk, or various different packages that include champagne walks, picnics and barbeques, to name but a few.  There are also opportunities to adopt a llama.

Kempton racecourse holds jump and flat races throughout the year, but for something a little different, around twice a month on a  Wednesday night they hold race evenings and afterwards either hold a disco or have a band playing.  The flagship race of the course is the annual King George VI Steeplechase on Boxing Day.  In addition to the Wednesday night meetings, Kempton holds race meetings at least once a month.

8th February Twilight Racing

10th February Jump Racing

15th February Twilight Racing

16th February Twilight Racing

22nd February Twilight Racing

23rd February Twilight Racing

25th February Jump Racing

29th February Twilight Racing

Established 15 years, the Headley Clay Pigeon Shooting Club holds shooting days two to three times a month on a Saturday.  A friendly, family club there is shooting for novices and the experienced alike, with a selection of tuition packages, two practice areas and a 60 English Sporting layout and 25 Down the Line. 

Shooting has taken place at home of the National Shooting Centre since the late 19th century.  The centre offers world class clay shooting facilities and hosts international competitions.  Set in 3,000 acres of Surrey heathland, the centre has various facilities as well as master classes and tuition for all clay disciplines, whether novice or experienced.

Located in the countryside bordering Surrey, Sussex and Kent, Lingfield Park is one of the busiest racecourses in Europe with over 90 race meetings annually on Turf Flat, Turf National Hunt or All-Weather Flat Racing on the £3 million Polytrack.

27th January Winter Afternoon Racing (Flat/AWT)

28th January Blue Square Sprint Series Afternoon Racing (Flat/AWT)

The New Vic believes in the power of theatre to change lives. Our mission is to make theatre-going and theatre making available to everyone. The Victoria Theatre Company was the first professional company in Britain to perform permanently in the round - that is, with the audience on all sides of the acting area. Today, the New Vic is known both for its professional productions and for its award-winning work in the community.  

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Good Country Pubs & Restaurants - The Inn at Maybury 

Mercedes-Benz World offers a complete day out starting with a ten minute cinema showing the history of the luxury car manufacturer, then see over 100 examples of the vehicle, before taking a driving experiences for adults and children.  There are also exhibitions, a simulator and an interactive laboratory for children, before going onto the Brookland's museum.

For something a little different why not treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea in the lounge of a luxury hotel, with possibly even a glass of champagne!  See our Afternoon Tea section under Eating Out, or click here , choose the county of your choice and find a hotel in a county suitable for you.

Loseley Park was built in the 1560s for Elizabeth I to stay in, but has been in the More-Molyneaux family for nearly 500 years.  A place of grace and beauty, set in 1,400 acres of Surrey countryside, the house exhibits many fine works of art including paintings, tapestries and paneling.  There are three gardens, one of which has over 1,000 old fashioned roses.

Near By: 

Pubs: Withies Inn, Compton

Epsom Downs Racecourse is famous for the prestigious Derby, probably the most important flat thoroughbred horse race in the world, which is held annually in June.  The racecourse is like no other because not only are there paying areas, but the Hill is public land and open to pedestrians free of charge.  May thousands of race goers take advantage of the Hill, taking picnics or eating from the many food and bars set up for the day.

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Upper-Thames on a short or longer trip.  During the summer scheduled trips operate from Oxford, Abingdon, Wallingford, Reading, Henley, Marlow, Windsor, Maidenhead and Staines.  In Oxford visitors are also able to hire punts, day-boats and other small craft.

Scheduled boat trips on fully licensed passenger boats from April to mid-September between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court, with waterside views of historic places and areas of interest.

Wisley has something to see all year round within its 240 acres. A new glass house has recently been added, the size of ten tennis courts, and positioned beside a new lake within the grounds, allowing visitors to view rare and difficult to grow species in one of three climate zones. The Plant Centre has over 10,000 different plants on sale, and a separate shop that sells a whole range of gifts.

Opened in January 2008, the Rose Theatre seats 850 in an auditorium that took its inspiration from the Elizabethan Rose Theatre situated on London's Bankside. Since opening it has presented a number of visiting productions as well as one night shows, including a regular residency from the Comedy Store.