Hidden Surrey - Woking

Literary locations, unique walking trails and local history

Hidden Surrey is back spotlighting the towns and villages that make Surrey a great place to live.

This February, we are kicking things off with Woking. Originally a small village with connections to the Tudor monarchy, Woking developed into a thriving town thanks to its waterways and the arrival of the railways in the 1830s. Today, Woking is known for its vibrant community, cultural diversity, and modern amenities. Here are some suggestions on things to see and do.

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

Located in the heart of Woking, this award-winning gallery offers spaces for reflection, relaxation and cultural engagement. Not just a space for art, the Lightbox is a community hub that is visited by groups of all ages. The building itself is also iconic, built by the firm behind the London Eye.

You can visit the Lightbox today for free. Free general admission includes access to the ground floor gallery, courtyard cafe, and shop. The second floor is home to the Woking heritage collection, which is free to under 18s.

Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm, the gallery also offers 'Pay What You Wish' admission that is available to all. During these hours, visitors can pay what they wish for entry to all the gallery spaces, with no minimum donation amount. For more information, visit the their website.

The Lightbox, Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 4AA

Woking Library

We are delighted that the improvement works at Woking Library, which began in July 2024, are complete. The library now features a fully flexible layout for events and performances, improved furniture, increased study space, public toilets, and flexible-use meeting rooms.

Looking for an excuse to come along and check out the new facilities? Find out about events and activities taking place at Woking Library. Keep an eye out for new Super Access technology coming to Woking Library soon, which will enable out of hours use.

Woking Library, Gloucester Walk, Woking GU21 6EP

Horsell Common

On the outskirts of Woking town lies Horsell Common. The common hosts a mix of heathland, woodland and meadows which are home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.

It also has a rich cultural history and lots of places of interest, including Maclaren Park and three Bronze Age bell and disc barrows (burial sites). Start at Monument Car park and follow the Bedser trail (named after famous Cricketing twins) to visit this important ancient site. Alternatively, try one of the other recommended walks.

Some say the most interesting feature of Horsell Common is the Sandpit, where the Martians 'landed' in H.G. Wells novel "The War of the Worlds". In his autobiography, H.G. Wells shared how he enjoyed riding a bicycle around Woking and envisioning the Martians' heat-rays causing destruction to specific cottages and houses! The Sandpit can easily be reached easily from the Shores Road free car park.

Horsell Common, Woking, GU21 4XY

Woking Art Trail

Woking is very proud of its public art and there are a wide range of pieces on display as you walk around the borough. Follow the Woking Art Trail to see how many you can find.

Living Planet Centre

Photo credit: Richard Stonehouse / WWF-UK.

Did you know that Woking is home to one of the greenest buildings in the UK? Opened in 2013 by Sir David Attenborough, the Living Planet Centre is home to the UK branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). For more information on what they do, and how you can get involved, visit the WWF website.

Rufford House, Brewery Road, Woking GU21 4LL

Surrey History Centre

Interested in local history? Researching a specific project? Want to trace your families' past? These are all great reasons to visit the Surrey History Centre.

Surrey History Centre in Woking collects and preserves the records of Surrey's past and present, documenting the story of the county and its people from the 12th century to the 21st century. Visiting the centre to use our collections is free and staff are always happy to offer advice. We also have a busy programme of exhibitions, talks and events.

Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6ND

Shah Jahan Mosque and Muslim Heritage Trail

Did you know that the first purpose-built mosque was constructed in Woking in 1889? The Shah Jahn Mosque, now a Grade 1 listed building, is evidence of the town's long and significant links to the Muslim community in Britain. Why not explore the Muslim Heritage Trail to find out more? Launched in 2019 and the first of its kind in Britain, this trail will guide you to three of the most important Muslim heritage sites in the country.

Information for Woking residents

Miriam is the Community Link Officer (CLO) for Woking. She is out and about in the local area meeting people, listening to local issues, and making connections to make changes happen. She is part of our Team Around the Community approach.

Follow Miriam on Facebook to find out what's going on in Woking. Take a look at the Make It Happen Local Area webpages for Woking to find local community groups and ways in which you can get involved.