Discover Woking: Culture, Nature and Special Excursions

Woking combines an impressive cultural history with heathland, woodland, waterways and family-friendly discoveries. Anyone planning a trip with a variety of experiences will find opportunities here for museum visits, historical walks, peaceful moments in nature and active pursuits. When choosing a holiday apartment in Woking, it is therefore worth first deciding on the type of trip you want: should the area's cultural history be the main focus, or would you like to combine different landscapes with excursions?

Cultural history in several layers

A striking example is the Shah Jahan Mosque. It was built in 1888–1889 in the Mughal style, based on designs by William Isaac Chambers. The building also represents Woking's religious history: the mosque is said to have become a centre of Islam in Britain in the early to mid-20th century.

The historical picture also includes the Muslim Burial Ground. By 1917, 19 soldiers who had died between 16 July 1915 and 3 February 1916 had been buried there. The Grade II listed structure from 1915–1917 stands out for its red-brick walls, domed pavilions and a chattri entrance. The fortified site of Woking Palace complements these historical impressions with the earthworks of the moat, preserved buildings and ruins within the moat, as well as a group of fishponds.

For further insights into regional history, the Surrey History Centre offers free public access to Surrey's archival and local history collections; an appointment is not required. In the centre of Woking, The Lightbox Gallery & Museum combines a contemporary art gallery, a museum and a creative events venue. “Woking's Story” is set up there as an interactive museum and conveys the town's past through family-friendly exhibitions and stories from people in the region.

Heathland, woodland and waterways

Horsell Common shows Woking from its scenic side: the recreation area includes heathland, woodland and meadows. The Hoe Valley Path follows the Hoe Stream, a small tributary of the River Wey. Those who enjoy combining different types of landscape can also include the Bedser Trail in their plans. It first passes through woodland with tall Scots pines and then enters an open area with heathland.

The Basingstoke Canal also offers several possibilities. In a natural setting, it is suitable for walking, cycling, stand-up paddleboarding and boating. For a quiet canal experience, tickets can be booked from Woking or Odiham. In the wetlands area near Heather Farm, boardwalks and a path by the lake lead through another water-focused environment. Those interested in history can include the Bronze Age burial mounds near Monument Bridge; they date from around 1500 BC.

Woking as a base for varied days out

Your choice of holiday apartment should suit your planned daily rhythm. If you prefer culture and urban history, The Lightbox, “Woking's Story”, the Surrey History Centre and the historic sites offer different focal points. For days outdoors, there is a choice of heathland, woodland, canal and wetlands. The family-friendly route from Mytchett to Woking also offers picturesque places to stop for picnics.

Woking's pedestrian centre is largely accessible and easy to explore; Shopmobility is also available for visitors who need support. Fast and frequent train services connect Woking with London Waterloo in around 30 minutes. This allows you to add a trip to the capital to your plans without losing sight of the cultural and nature experiences described in Woking.

Compare other destinations

If you would also like to compare other destinations, you can take a look at Ockley, Egham, Farleigh, Chilworth, Bletchingley, Frimley, Chipstead and Sunbury-On-Thames.

For the higher-level travel overview: Surrey.