48 hours in... Surrey, UK

Broadway Barn/Flickr

Roman Fox/Unsplash BRASSICA ROOM, BROADWAY BARN

Friday evening

48 HOURS IN Surrey

With its classy food scene, pictureperfect villages, pretty countryside and sunny vineyards, Surrey offers much more than a weekend break but it’s a good place to start, says Sara Hardy

The journey to Ripley (birthplace of guitar legend Eric Clapton, and your home for the next two nights) will take ten minutes. Once you’ve settled in to your beautiful accommodation at Broadway Barn (broadwaybarn.com), take a stroll down the tree-lined high street for a drink at the intimate Ripley Anchor which dates back to the 16th century and is owned by two protégées of Michelinstarred chef Steve Drake. Its cool but cosy atmosphere and prestigious accolades, including Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, make it a glorious spot for dinner. Alternatively, a few steps down the high street will take you to The Clock House where you can enjoy the full Michelin star experience.

Friday lunchtime

Start your weekend in style with lunch at the characterful Onslow Arms in West Clandon– easily accessed from the M25. The food here is consistently excellent with a wine list to match. You can snuggle up on one of the chesterfields that sit beside the imposing inglenook fireplace or, if the weather calls for rosé or Pimm’s, the walled garden is the perfect spot.

Saturday morning

If it’s the second Saturday of the month, call in to the farmers market on the village green before setting off because it’s a foodie’s paradise. Otherwise, drive ten minutes into the Surrey Hills to the chocolate box village of Shere. You might find this place strangely familiar and that’s because it has

DENBIES VINEYARD This feature was written by blogger and Girl About Travel Club member Sara Hardy. This free all-female members’ club and travel concierge service helps women to find holidays that can’t be googled. Run by travel experts, it’s a network of women sharing unbiased advice, travel guides, offers and discounts. Charitable Travel has partnered with Girl About so members can book holidays via the club – and of course donate to their chosen charity. charitable.travel/girl-about

Friday afternoon

Don’t get too comfortable because it’s a two-minute drive to the top of Newlands Corner for some of the best views in Surrey. Blow away the cobwebs with a choice of circular walks (varying in length and incline) which take you past the turquoise spring-fed lakes of the Silent Pool gin and vodka distillery. You will also pass the organic vineyard of Albury which provides exquisite wines to many prestigious restaurants.

VILLAGE PUB

Solveig Smordal/Unsplash Paul Judd/Sorrel

DINNER AT SORREL

starred in numerous films, including Bridget Jones’ Diary. Park behind the village hall and meander down to the Dabbling Duck to enjoy a delicious breakfast beside the stream. Afterwards, take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere among pretty houses, boutique shops and tea rooms.

Saturday lunch

The twenty-minute drive to Denbies Wine Estate will take you through the stunning village of Abinger Hammer and across the Surrey Hills. Offering spectacular views over the 265-acre vineyard, Box Hill and the North Downs, the vineyard’s contemporary Gallery Restaurant is a memorable setting for lunch. The seasonal set menu is almost entirely sourced from local suppliers and the wine list needs little introduction.

This feature was written by blogger and Girl About Travel Club member Sara Hardy. This free all-female members’ club and travel concierge service helps women to find holidays that can’t be googled. Run by travel experts, it’s a network of women sharing unbiased advice, travel guides, offers and discounts. Charitable Travel has partnered with Girl About so members can book holidays via the club – and of course donate to their chosen charity. charitable.travel/girl-about

Saturday afternoon

Take one of the hourly outdoor vineyard tours (suitable for children as the tour is provided by a covered tractor train) or an indoor winery tour. If time allows, afterwards you could take the short drive up to Box Hill which is famous for its challenging cycle paths, not to mention more great views.

Sandro Cenni/Unsplash TAKING IN THE VIEW AT BOX HILL

Saturday evening

There are two stand out places within an easy twenty-minute drive from Ripley. Michelin-starred Sorrel in Dorking offers mouth-tingling, intriguing flavours and its dishes are noted for their ingenuity and excellence. It was recently voted one of the UK’s sexiest restaurants, putting Surrey fine dining firmly on the map.

A bit closer to Ripley, the Swan Inn in Esher is one of star Spanish chef José Pizarro’s four restaurants, but his very first pub. Don’t be fooled by the gastro pub décor and village green setting; the tapas here rivals any I’ve had in Madrid.

Sunday morning

A few steps down Ripley high street is Nest Home and Café which has a range of tasty breakfast options in warm and relaxed surroundings. A five minute drive away is RHS Wisley where you can spend the day exploring the many parts of this wonderful garden which includes fruit fields, a rockery, rose garden and glasshouse, plus a restaurant and café.

National Trust Images/James Dobson Annie Spratt/Unsplash