Moving to Surrey - what's it like?!

[lou33]

I am moving to Witley in Surrey in the summer and wondering if anyone knows the area, and can give me some insider knowledge of schools, places for kids etc? Would be really grateful, as I have never lived in the county, so I only have fleeting experiences of it while passing through. Thanks in advance!

[emmagee]

I went to school in Witley many years ago, so I know where all the good places are to smoke illicitly etc!! More seriously, it is in a beautiful part of the country, I still have friends who live that way so I go down alot. You're close to Godalming and Guildford for shopping etc. Guildford has a great Leisure centre, the Downs are wonderful for walking and Haslemere is another lovely county town.

[IDismyname]

I'm surrey too, but it would make sense to know where you're going to be living. Let us know, and I'm sure we can help!

[IDismyname]

Oh, just see what a G and T does to me. So sorry. Lost ability to read.
We're the other side of the A3 from Witley, and I know that area quite well, but not well enough to give you serious low down on very local schools, esp state ones.
How old are your children?
Ican advise on swimming and leisure - The Herons in Haslemere, soft play - Little Angels on the Aldershot road out of Guildford, good walks in Winkworth Arbouretum just outside Godalming, fab Waitrose and V large Sainsburys in Godalming itself, with Woolies, WHSmith, Boots etc. All v push chair friendly.
Guilford v good shopping. nice clothes -from cheap to designer.
I coould go on, and will do... but G & T proving a struggle with typing.
Another installment soon. Let me know, meanwhile, if you want to know something more specific..

[lou33]

Thanks for all the info ladies, it's nice to hear an independent opinion!

My children are 10,5,3 and 1 (2 x dd then 2 x ds), so child friendly is definitely important!

It would be nice to find a pub that welcomes children, so if you have any ideas it would be much appreciated. Don't really go out where we live at the moment because the area is not too nice, but it seems so lovely in Witley it would be a shame not to eat out sometimes ,or have a drink with the kids in tow!

[Cairistiona]

You are so lucky.

I moved from Surrey in October and am still in mourning for Guildford shopping, cricket on the village green and walking on the downs.

There are LOADS of pubs around Witley - I remember one called the Woolsack near Milford, I think but there are really loads so buy a good pub guide.

[lou33]

Where did you move too? Maybe I know somewhere I can pass onto you!

[IDismyname]

The Barley Mow in Tilford is great on a fine day when you can sit outside the front and watch the cricket on the green. Garden out the back, too.
If you want to eat out "a deux", then Bel and the Dragon in Godalming is very good. Also the Lickfold Inn in Lickfold is worth the journey. Also garden out the back, but no swings/slide.

Another one is the Noahs Ark in Lurgashall, just along from Chiddingfold.

Secretts farm Shop and Nursery both v good. Pick your own asparagus, strawbs etc etc, but pretty pricey.

[lou33]

Thanks Fms, very helpful. I have passed by Secretts on the way to my sister (she lives in Hambledon) and have heard it is very nice, but the others I shall definitely check out!