Moving to Surrey! But where?

[coffeismybestfriend]

We need to move to Surrey in a few months time, me, dh and 3 primary school age dc we are looking at a few interesting areas. Bookham/fetcham, Dorking, and outskirts of Woking ( horsell, west end?) and Guildford ( burpham)
Where we live now is very rural and I need to drive everywhere. This is something I'd like to avoid. I want walkable, friendly safe village. With parcs/ nature near buy. Day to day amenities. These areas seem to tick my boxes but I haven't been to have a look jet. Any other areas ( not further away from London ) I should be looking at? Any i should cross of the list? Any other advice about any of these areas would be very appreciated
Oh and our budget is 7-800000 for a min 4 bed preferably detached house with a decent garden

Had to reply because this is where I live! We're in Bookham (moved out from London just before having children) and it is a great area. Definitely ticks your boxes - High Street has everything you need day-to-day (bakers/butchers/greengrocers/dry cleaners etc) there's a good playground and Bookham Common, Polesden Lacey and Bocketts Farm on the doorstep. Primary schools are good and it's in the catchment area for Howard of Effingham senior school. I prefer it to Fetcham but I may be slightly biased! You should get what you're looking for in your budget in either village.

Dorking is lovely but if you're walking distance of the town centre you're unlikely to get a decent garden. Some of the surrounding villages (Westcott, Westhumble) are pretty.

Burpham and Merrow are convenient with Guildford nearby but you would probably end up driving everywhere.

I have friends in Reigate who love living there (great amenities and Priory Park nearby) so that might be worth a look - however, as with Dorking to be walking distance it might be difficult to get a decent garden.

Bookham/ fetchham is number 1 on the list! We will be applying for in year places for the kids and I noticed that the dawney school is not oversubscribed. Do you buy any chance know it?

If possible you would be better going for either Eastwick or Polesden Lacey - from what I've heard, Dawney is fine but not as good as those two.

Thank you, I will check the other schools for space, glad to hear it's ok at least :) any areas to avoid in bookham/ fetchham? I mean I know it's not rough but mabey a stinky factory or something I might miss on a quick visit?

Look at Godalming, further out, rural & family friendly