Bookham Baptist Church & Children's Centre

You'll find Bookham Baptist Church tucked away in the leafy Surrey commuter belt, just a short drive from Dorking. It's a working church and children's centre rolled into one - so the building is very much alive, not some museum piece you're being herded through on a guided tour. The architecture itself is modest rather than grand, but that's rather the point. If you're passing through the area on a family break and want to get a sense of local community life, it's worth popping in to see how a modern English parish actually functions. The children's centre attached means families with young kids will find this useful for activities and groups during weekdays, though the church itself is the main draw for visitors. What you get depends entirely on when you visit - a Sunday service gives proper context, while a weekday visit might be quieter. The surrounding villages are pleasant for walking, and if you're staying at Surrey Hills Yurts just four miles away, this makes an easy afternoon detour. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a wander round Bookham village. Best visited during opening hours for the centre, though the church exterior can be appreciated any time. It won't blow your mind, but it's a genuine local landmark that tells you something about Surrey life.