Woking

Two worlds collide here in Surrey's unlikely sci-fi capital. H.G. Wells lived in Woking for three decades, and his War of the Worlds legacy looms large - The Woking Martian and The Martian Cylinder celebrate the town's fictional invasion with proper dramatic flair. But beyond the Martian mythology, this commuter hub has carved out a surprising cultural identity.

The New Victoria Theatre anchors the town's arts scene, while the smaller Rhoda McGaw Theatre offers more intimate productions. Moore's Arch provides an unexpected gallery space that locals actually use. It's not the most obvious tourist destination, but Woking works harder than most Surrey towns to entertain visitors.

Surrounding countryside offers proper breathing space. White Rose Lane Local Nature Reserve gives you woodland walks without the weekend crowds you'll find at Box Hill. The viewpoints at Fruit Hill and Battleston Hill aren't dramatic, but they're peaceful enough for an afternoon ramble. Fox Hill and Beech Hill offer similar gentle elevation if you fancy working off a pub lunch.

Getting here couldn't be easier - West Byfleet station connects directly to London Waterloo in under 45 minutes. The town sits perfectly between the M25 and the Surrey Hills, making it a sensible base for exploring both the capital and the countryside.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes sense if you want Surrey exploration without London prices. Warren Farm Home Park sits closest to town, while sites near Chertsey give you Thames access. The area's well-connected transport links mean you can day-trip to Windsor, Hampton Court, or central London from most local campsites.