Top Stopovers & Campsites in Surrey

Surrey's stopover network suits motorhomers well. Traditional campsites cluster around Hindhead, Farnham and the Guildford area, most offering 15-20 pitches with electric hookup, water and waste facilities. The North Downs foothills host several small holiday parks with reasonable touring provision; spring booking is advisable as they fill quickly. Certified Locations are scattered throughout the county, particularly near Dorking, Haslemere and along the Mole valley. Several country pubs offer informal overnight stops if you purchase an evening meal; the key is phoning ahead to confirm motorhome height clearance and parking suitability. Farm-based stopover schemes are growing, with working farms near Cobham and Weybridge occasionally hosting motorhomers as part of agritourism initiatives. Hard-standing pitches with water and elsan disposal are available but not abundant, so June to August booking is essential for peak season touring.

Suggested Touring Routes in Surrey

Route 1: North Downs Explorer (2-3 days, 120 miles)

Start at Farnham (A325 from Hampshire) and position overnight at a stopover east of town. Day two travels the North Downs via the B2033 and minor roads through Puttenham and Send, passing beneath beech hangers with views northward across the Weald. Stop at Dorking (renowned market town, good for provisions), then continue to Mickleham and Box Hill on the A24. The final leg returns via Reigate (B2033), negotiating gentle inclines suitable for most motorhomes under 7.5 tonnes. Note: Some North Downs lanes are narrow with limited passing; avoid peak summer weekends on A24. Overnight points: Farnham area CL, Dorking holiday park, Reigate stopover. Distance per day: 35-45 miles. Driving time: 2-3 hours per day.

Route 2: Thames Valley & Historic Towns (2-3 days, 95 miles)

Depart Guildford (accessible via A3 from north or south) and explore the Wey valley. First day heads north via Woking to Chobham (A319), visiting Chobham Common and the open heathland. Day two loops through Egham, following the Thames Path minor roads to Runnymede, then inland. Return via Sunningdale, Windlesham and Camberley on the A30. This route suits larger rigs as roads are more generous. Distance per day: 30-40 miles. Driving time: 2.5-3 hours per day.

Route 3: South Downs Foothills (3 days, 140 miles)

Combine Surrey with West Sussex loops. Start Haslemere (A3 southbound) and overnight at Fernhurst area. Day two explores the High Weald via minor roads (B2131, B2133) to Graffham, incorporating downland walks around Goodwood. Return via Petworth and Chiddingfold. Day three heads north through Abinger, Westcott and Leith Hill, the highest point in southeast England, with accessible viewpoint car parks. Conclude at a Dorking-area CL. Road suitability: Mixture of A-roads and narrow green lanes; 7.5 tonne limit advised. Distance per day: 40-50 miles.

Things to Do in Surrey

Surrey's attractions suit independent motorhome touring. Historic market towns including Guildford, Farnham, Dorking and Reigate offer farmers markets (typically Thursday-Saturday), antique centres and independent shops; most have large supermarket car parks accommodating motorhomes. Walking opportunities abound: the North Downs Way passes directly through the county with accessible car parks at Reigate, Dorking and Guildford. Leith Hill offers a 1-mile accessible walk to the tower with panoramic views across three counties. Hindhead Common provides flat heathland rambles perfect for afternoon excursions. Historic house visits include Wisley (RHS garden, spacious car park) and Loseley Park near Guildford. Thames riverside villages from Sunningdale to Walton provide towpath walks and pub stops. Chobham Common and Frensham Commons deliver open-air experiences without bookings; spring wildflowers are exceptional.

Practical Information for Motorhomers in Surrey

Service points are adequate but not extensive. Major supermarkets (Sainsbury's, Tesco) operate at Guildford, Dorking, Woking and Haslemere with motorhome-accessible petrol stations. Diesel fuel is available at forecourts on the A3, A25 and A331. Water supplies and elsan disposal exist at most established campsites and several CLs. Height barriers are rare in town centres but common on retail park approaches; the A3 south of Guildford has overhead clearance of 14 feet 3 inches, adequate for most tourers. The A325 and B2033 are motorhome-friendly; avoid narrow lanes south of Godalming if hauling over 7 metres. Overnight parking bylaws vary by district: Guildford allows parking on residential streets but not town centre car parks, Dorking enforces 15-hour limits, Haslemere and Farnham are more relaxed.

FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Surrey