Ashburton Library

The library in Ashburton sits on the high street in Warlingham, serving the local community with a solid collection of books, computers and a quiet reading space. It's the kind of place you pop into if you're staying nearby and fancy a rainy afternoon activity or need to pick up a couple of novels for the week. The staff are helpful without being intrusive, and there's usually a small selection of local interest books if you want to learn about the area's history.

This isn't a destination attraction - don't make a special trip from further afield. But if you're based at Milberry Green Meadows or other nearby parks, and the weather turns, it's worth knowing it exists. Children might enjoy picking their own books from the children's section, though they won't be entertained for hours. It's genuinely useful if you're self-catering and run through your reading materials, or if someone in the family needs to check emails on a proper computer.

Visit during weekday mornings if you prefer it quieter. Parking on the high street can be tight during peak times. Admission is free, naturally - it's a public library. Allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on whether you're just grabbing books or settling in for a browse.