Living in Surrey
Surrey is a county in the south east of England, lying immediately to the south of London and known for its green spaces, historic towns and well established communities. Despite its close proximity to the capital, much of the county retains a distinctly rural feel, with woodland, farmland and rolling hills shaping the landscape. Its location has long influenced patterns of settlement, with a balance between countryside living and strong transport connections.
The county includes towns such as Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Reigate and Farnham, each serving its surrounding area in different ways. Guildford acts as the county town and a centre for commerce and education, while other towns developed through industry, market activity or later suburban growth. Many parts of Surrey are closely linked to commuting, alongside long standing local businesses and residential communities.
Surrey is particularly associated with its natural environment, including extensive woodland, river valleys and areas of protected countryside such as the North Downs. Walking, cycling and outdoor leisure are widely enjoyed, often within easy reach of towns and villages. Overall, Surrey offers a calm and balanced mix of accessible countryside, historic settlement and modern everyday living, giving it a settled and enduring character within southern England.
Largest Towns in Surrey 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Surrey stretches from 30 ft at Chertsey Meads up to 928 ft at Coldharbour, a span of 898 ft across 479 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 69 postcode areas in Surrey. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Places in Surrey 479
Postcode Areas in Surrey 8
Surrey is served by 8 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.