Things To Do
in Woking
Woking is a commuter town in Surrey, about 25 miles southwest of central London, known for its convenient rail links and modern town centre. It blends post-war shopping and leisure development with pockets of green space such as Horsell Common and the Basingstoke Canal. The town has a rich cultural footprint — from The Lightbox art gallery and museum to literary connections with H.G. Wells.
Woking is diverse and practical: a transport hub for commuters, families, and visitors looking for short escapes from London into Surrey countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Woking Museum, where you can delve into the local history and culture. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the town center, admiring the beautiful architecture and the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by the local café for a traditional English breakfast to fuel your adventures ahead.
In the afternoon, explore the tranquil gardens of the nearby Victoria Way, enjoying the lush greenery and lovely floral displays. Consider visiting the nearby Shah Jahan Mosque, the first purpose-built mosque in the UK, to appreciate its stunning architecture and rich history. Wrap up your afternoon with some shopping at the Peacocks Centre, where you can find a mix of high street and independent shops.
In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at one of Woking's many international restaurants, where you can sample cuisine from around the world. After dinner, catch a performance at the New Victoria Theatre, which offers a variety of shows ranging from musicals to comedy. End your night with a relaxing walk along the Basingstoke Canal, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the water.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk through the tranquil Woking Park, where you can enjoy the serene lakes and beautiful flower beds. Take a moment to sit on a bench and appreciate the morning sounds of nature, with birds chirping and ducks gliding across the water. After exploring the park, indulge in a light breakfast at the park café, surrounded by the lush greenery.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby Horsell Common, a stunning area of heathland perfect for hiking and exploring. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the well-marked trails, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. After your adventure, find a cozy spot for a picnic, soaking in the natural beauty around you.
As the sun sets, head back to Woking and visit a local pub to experience the quintessential British atmosphere with a pint of ale. Enjoy a hearty meal, perhaps a classic fish and chips, while mingling with the locals. End your evening with a stroll through the town, enjoying the warm glow of the streetlights and the charming evening buzz.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (cafe) | $3-4 |
| 🚇Single public transport (local bus) | $2-4 |
| 🎫Cinema ticket | $10-16 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent rail links to London (fast commute)
- Good mix of green spaces and cultural attractions like The Lightbox
- Diverse food options with strong South Asian and pub scenes
- Town centre is modern and can feel utilitarian rather than historic
- Can be busy during commuter peak times and traffic on surrounding roads
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
Places to Visit in Woking
Visit one of these nice places.
Modern art gallery and museum with striking architecture, good interiors for cultural shots and rotating exhibitions to photograph.
The UK’s first purpose-built mosque (1889) with distinctive architecture; respectful exterior shots and nearby streetscapes make attractive photos.
Calm water, narrowboats and towpaths provide pastoral scenes, reflections and wildlife photography opportunities.
Heathland, pine woods and open skies—great for landscapes, especially at dawn or golden hour and for photos with literary context (H.G. Wells).
Historic riverside remains and mature trees offer atmospheric compositions, particularly in softer light.
Modern pedestrian areas, fountains and lit shopfronts after dark give an urban contrast to Woking’s green spaces.
Food in Woking
Woking Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional roast beef, roasted potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding at local pubs—widely available and a weekend favourite.
Must-Try!
Classic takeaway or sit-down fish and chips—crispy batter and mushy peas—found at several local chippies and pubs.
Woking has several well-regarded Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants where you can try rich curries, biryanis and tandoori dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Occasional farmers' markets and pop-up food stalls appear in the town centre or nearby parks (check local listings); great for baked goods, local preserves and seasonal produce.
Small cafés and takeaways along the canal and by Woking Park serve light lunches, coffee and snacks—ideal for a casual outdoor meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness, saying please and thank you, and queuing are important—wait your turn and avoid pushing in line.
Be mindful of noise levels in residential neighbourhoods, especially at night.
When photographing the mosque or other places of worship, be respectful and look for signage about visiting or photographing; ask permission if unsure.
Safety
Tipping in Woking
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of around 10–15% in restaurants is common if service is not included; leave a couple of pounds for bar staff or round up for taxis and delivery drivers. It's polite but not obligatory.
Cards (chip-and-PIN contactless) are widely accepted and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are common; carry some cash for small market stalls or very small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blooms on Horsell Common and along canal banks make for pleasant walks; temperatures are mild but bring a light jacket as showers are possible.
Warmer and often sunny—ideal for canal-side picnics, outdoor dining and longer hikes; parks and outdoor events are lively but book popular restaurants in advance.
Crisp, cooler days with colourful foliage on commons and canal paths; good season for photography and quieter trails.
Chilly and occasionally frosty; public spaces are quieter and indoor attractions like The Lightbox are good options—bring waterproofs and a warm coat.
Woking at Night
Hiking in Woking
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local network of paths over heathland and pine woodland with varied habitats and relatively flat, easy walking.
A gentle, flat route suitable for long walks or linking into other country walks; good for wildlife spotting and leisurely strolls.
Within a 30–45 minute drive, Box Hill and the wider Surrey Hills offer more challenging climbs, panoramic views and extensive waymarked trails.
Airports
How to reach Woking by plane.
About 25–30 minutes by car depending on traffic, and reachable by public transport via train or bus connections; convenient for international flights.
Around 40–60 minutes by car or train; frequent rail services from Woking to Gatwick with one change depending on service.
Further east and primarily serves business routes; accessible by rail and public transport with a longer journey into central London then east.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to London for work, making Woking a popular suburban base for professionals.
Good schools, parks and community services attract families and contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere.
Woking has a multicultural population with notable South Asian communities and a mix of long-term residents and newer arrivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Woking Football Club ('The Cards') is a focal point for local supporters with matches at Kingfield Stadium and a strong community following.
Club cricket, tennis and grassroots sports are popular, reflecting active community sports participation in parks and clubs.
Cycling along canal towpaths and running on commons and parks are common recreational activities among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Woking.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés, pubs and Indian restaurants; many places offer dedicated veggie mains and salads.
Vegan choices are growing—look for plant-based options in cafés and some gastropubs, and check menus online or ask staff for modifications.
Smaller venues may have limited gluten-free menus, but larger cafés and restaurants often accommodate requests—always notify staff and check cross-contamination policies.