Sutton Town Centre (High Street)

Sutton's High Street is what most high streets ought to be but rarely are anymore - properly maintained, with independent shops tucked between the chain names, and enough cafes to justify a proper stop rather than just passing through. The town centre sprawls across a genuine working commercial area rather than a single picture-postcard street, which means it's got real weight to it. You'll find decent boutiques, bookshops worth browsing, and the sort of bakeries where someone's actually made the cakes that morning. The Clock Tower anchors the whole thing and gives you something to orientate around when you're picking a meeting spot.

It's not a destination in its own right, but it absolutely fits into a park holiday based at Alderstead Heath Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, which sits just 6.2 miles away. If you're camped up for a few days, an afternoon here beats another lap of the park. Families find it manageable - kids won't get bored for an hour or so wandering in and out of shops, and there are benches if adults need a breather. The high street itself is traffic-free in parts, which helps when you've got small ones in tow.

There's no entrance fee, obviously. Opening hours depend on individual traders - most places run standard weekday hours, though some independents close Mondays, so check ahead. Summer weekends get busy with local shoppers, which actually makes the place feel alive. Winter is quieter but darker. Go midweek morning if you want to move around without crowds.