Cobham

Executive estates sprawl beneath ancient oak trees where Surrey's stockbroker belt meets proper countryside. Cobham sits snug in the Mole Valley, all Georgian terraces and modern developments that whisper money rather than shout it. This is where London commuters retreat to leafy quiet, yet it's far from sleepy.

The Mausoleum stands as the town's most intriguing landmark - a proper piece of gothic drama that feels wonderfully out of place among the manicured lawns. Meanwhile, the Ice House offers a glimpse into how the wealthy once kept their champagne chilled. More contemporary culture thrives at Menuhin Hall, where world-class musicians perform in an intimate setting that's a million miles from the Albert Hall's pomp.

Stroll past the Chinese Peninsula Plantings for something completely unexpected - ornamental gardens that transport you briefly to the Far East. The Spiral Water Sculpture adds another artistic flourish to this surprisingly cultured corner of Surrey.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon station connects directly to London Waterloo, while nearby Bookham and Oxshott offer alternative routes into the capital. The A3 thunders past just close enough to be convenient, far enough away not to disturb the peace.

Basing yourself at one of the local parks makes perfect sense for exploring the wider Surrey Hills National Landscape. Chessington World of Adventures sits just down the road for family thrills, while the quieter corners of Norbury Park and Embers Camping near Polesden Lacey offer woodland retreats. You're ideally placed to explore both the sophistication of Surrey's commuter towns and the rolling downs beyond.