Leatherhead Library

Books, computers and that familiar library hush greet you at this proper community hub right in Leatherhead's town centre. The building itself won't win any architectural prizes, but it does exactly what you'd expect from a modern Surrey library - free internet access, children's storytimes, and enough local history resources to keep genealogy enthusiasts busy for hours.

Families camping at nearby spots like Norbury Park will find it handy on rainy days, though honestly, most kids would rather be at Chessington World of Adventures just down the road. The local studies section proves more interesting than you'd think, with plenty of material on Surrey's coaching inn heritage and the Mole Valley's industrial past.

Opening hours tend to follow typical library patterns - reduced weekend service and closed Sundays, so ring ahead if you're planning a specific visit. The staff know their patch well and can point you toward walking maps for the Surrey Hills National Landscape, which starts practically on the library's doorstep.

It's free, obviously, and you'll need about thirty minutes unless you're settling in with a proper research session. Not exactly a holiday highlight, but useful enough if you need WiFi, local information, or just want to escape a summer downpour while exploring this corner of Surrey.