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Hidden Surrey try something new this January

Embrace a different activity this 2025

New Year's resolutions are often about self-discipline and restriction. But it doesn't have to be this way! Amongst the more serious change, why not embrace the fun this 2025 and try something different? Here are six recommendations on great activity options across Surrey.

Take up stargazing

Photo credit: Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas from Woking by travel_whistlingtrails

Stargazing has been used throughout history to help understand the world. For example, farmers used stargazing to measure the changing seasons and decide when to plant crops.

Now, stargazing is a truly magical experience for all ages that reminds us of our place in the world.

If you want to give stargazing a go, Kenley Observatory, near Caterham, run a free public open evening from 8pm-10pm every Saturday. There is no need to book, but open evenings are weather dependent, so keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for the latest updates. For more public events and great stargazing locations in Surrey, visit the Go Stargazing website.

Learn coding with Kano

Want to start your coding adventure? You can start today with Surrey Libraries and iamthecode!

All you need is your library card number, and you can reserve Kano free of charge to collect from your local library. For more information, check out the video below.

Join a reading group

Do you relish a lively conversation about a good book? Join a library-hosted reading group today and meet like-minded people in a friendly environment. To join a group at your local library, simply complete our online form.

If you want to go one step further and start your own book club or reading group, we are here to help. Check out our helpful advice on how to get things up and running, as well as how to apply for a reading group library card. You can also explore our handy reading group resources.

Go antiquing

Photo credit: Guildford Antiques and Brocante Market

Have you got an eye for a bargain? Can you spot a gem at a distance? Why not try antiquing!

Antiquing includes searching, shopping, identifying, negotiating, or bargaining for antiques. Across Surrey, you will find lots of fantastic emporiums, shops and markets. Visit the Sunbury and Sandown Antiques Market website for information on markets across the county. You could also try The Bourne Mill or The Antiques Warehouse in Farnham, or mark your calendar for one of the four Guildford Antiques and Brocante Markets taking place in 2025 on 26 April, 29 June, 14 September and 15 December. Lingfield Racecourse will also host a number of antique fairs in 2025 starting 25 January.

Join a parkrun

Want to take up running but don't know where to start? Or maybe you are bored of running on your own? Parkrun could be the answer!

Parkrun is a free, 5km community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. They take place every Saturday morning and are organsied by volunteers. You only need to register once and then you can go to any of the 1,300 park run events taking place across the country.

Parkruns happen all over Surrey, in beautiful woods, forests, parks and even a vineyard. To find your nearest event, use their interactive map.

If you are already a runner, why not set yourself the challenge of completing all the parkruns in Surrey? This is a great way to see more of our county's beautiful landscapes.

Running 5km feel a bit intimidating? Try the NHS Couch to 5k programme. Probably the biggest challenge a new runner faces is not knowing how or where to start. Couch to 5k will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in just 9 weeks through guided sessions.

Knit and Natter

Knit and Natter are a friendly group who enjoy knitting or crocheting together while having a chat and a coffee. They meet at local libraries and community hubs to work on their own projects and help each other out with learning new stitches, tricky patterns or sorting out mistakes.

New members are always welcome, whether you are experienced or just getting started. To find a group near you, search Knit and Natter on our website homepage or find your nearest library.

Other options

For more a wider range of courses and workshops, you can visit the Surrey Adult Learning webpages, whether you want to gain a new skill for work, learn a language or pick up an art or craft class.

You could also check out our Skills Bootcamps or Multiply programme for free flexible courses to fast track your future.

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