20 Reasons to Live in Woking – A Guide

Woking Leisure Centre

For more specific fitness and training, Woking Leisure Centre aims to provide affordable, inclusive and sustainable facilities for all. They offer a fully kitted-out gym with personal training services and group exercise classes if you’re looking to make friends and socialise.

 

They also have court and pitch sports for if you’re interested in tennis or badminton. You’ll get the opportunity to join their events or hire out the courts for private competitions, as well as access to their on-site cafeteria to refuel.

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

On the hunt for knowledge, culture, and creativity? Well the Marches would love to introduce you to the The Lightbox Gallery and Museum.

 

Built by the same architects who designed the London Eye, The Lightbox is a cultural and entertainment hotspot that offers a huge range of rotating exhibitions.

 

This popular tourist destination offers creative and educational resources for schools and younger people. There are three art collections to view:

 

• The Joan Hurst Collection: 17 sculptures that represent some of the most significant and influential artists in modern sculpting.
• The Ingram Collection: 600 artworks that span one hundred years of British art. The works include some of the most important British artists of the twentieth century.
• The Heritage Collection: made up of thousands of historical objects, many of which are significant to the town of Woking.

 

The Lightbox also offers a convenient on-site shop and cafe if you fancy a spot of shopping or are in need of refreshments. If you take the leap to join us and live in Woking, it’s a must-see for lovers of history and the arts packed with offerings to entertain the whole family.

 

New Victoria Theatre

Another honourable mention is the New Victoria Theatre. Now one of the most respected theatres in South East England, it opened in 1992 and quickly rose to fame whilst premiering some of the most popular shows in the country.

 

Productions on its roster have included:

 

• West Side Story
• Chicago
• Cats
• Northern Ballet
• Plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company

 

The venue places a big emphasis on the audience’s comfort, as well as their entertainment, making use of the latest advances in sound and technology. It was also designed to be ultra-spacious so patrons don’t feel cramped and fidgety during longer shows.

 

Wheelchair accessibility is available too should you need it.

 

RHS Garden Wisley

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, RHS Garden Wisley offers a captivating and educational experience. The flagship garden of the UK’s leading gardening charity, The Royal Horticultural Society, the Wisley Garden is an opportunity to enjoy and learn about well-renowned plant collections. You can also learn to grow your own incredible and diverse garden straight from the experts.

 

RHS Garden Wisley offers amenities such as a plant centre, gift shop, restaurant, and café. The garden hosts a range of events, including flower shows, plant fairs, workshops, and educational programs for both adults and children.

 

There is also a late-summer floral celebration from the 5th to the 10th of September. This celebration can be counted on for vibrant floral displays and floral art exhibits – you also have the opportunity to purchase some beautiful flowers of your own from its selection of flower vendors.

 

Hatchlands Park

At the Georgian house at Hatchlands Park, you can explore six beautifully restored rooms and see some of Robert Adam’s earliest work. Also on display, there’s a wonderful collection of paintings and musical instruments that have been brought together by Alec Cobbe, the house’s current resident.

 

Horsell Heritage Trail and Horsell Common

Horsell Common is a nature reserve located in the north of Woking. The Common is a popular destination for nature lovers, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts, as it’s packed with a diverse range of wildlife habitats.

 

Horsell Common is perhaps best known for its association with H.G. Wells’ science fiction novel, The War of the Worlds. In the book, Horsell Common is the site of the first Martian landing and the beginning of their invasion of Earth. HG Wells has roots here as he used to live in Woking for a time and used the local area as inspiration for the novel.

 

In addition to Horsell Common’s literary significance, it also served as a military training ground during World War I and II.

 

Another place in Woking that’s rich in history, it’s conveniently close to the centre too, so on your trips into town, there’s no reason not to step out and have a wander through the ages now and again.

 

Jubilee Square

Jubilee Square is the first part of a wider redevelopment of two retail centres in Woking Town. It’s located at the crossing of Church Street East, Mercia Walk, and Market Walk.

 

Thanks to a £7m overhaul, the once outdated town centre of Woking has been transformed into a high-quality plaza packed with high street, as well as high end, retailers. The revival of the town’s shopping centre has been supported by the arrival of many leading UK brands.

 

If you’re coming in by bus, there are bus stops located on Cawsey Way, The Broadway, Locke Way, and Brewery Road. If you’re arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Woking. Taxi ranks are also located on Station Approach and Church Path, near Woking station. So if you decide to live in Woking, find yourself in the town centre and feel a void in your chest that only retail therapy can fill, feel free for a spree.

Ancient Woking Palace

Discover the ruins of Woking Palace, along the picturesque River Wey. A Royal Palace during the Tudor era, it now stands as a collection of remnants that include brick walls, a small stone building, and buried foundations.

 

Despite its diminished state, the site’s allure is heightened by its idyllic surroundings, with the River Wey and moat creating a captivating backdrop. Woking Palace is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest – a must-see for history buffs.

 

Pool in the Park

At the Marches, we’re passionate about calm and quiet as well as socialising and adventure, but fitness is another value we love to nurture in our inhabitants. If an active lifestyle is more your thing, then why not dive into the Pool in the Park? The public swimming pool offers family swimming and solo lane swimming options. It also includes swimming lessons with a qualified instructor, aqua fitness classes, and a pool party hire for events like birthdays.

 

Pyrford

On the outskirts of Woking sits Pyrford: a charming village offering a tranquil setting and rural beauty. With a scenic landscape that includes rolling hills, lush green fields, and the winding River Wey, it’s an ideal escape for those who appreciate a peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.

 

One notable feature of Pyrford is the historic St. Nicholas’ Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The churchyard too is a tranquil spot for reflection and a sense of connection to the village’s history. Another notable attraction here is the River Wey Navigation, which runs through Pyrford and offers pleasant scenes for walking or cycling. For those living in Woking, the town of Pyrford is sure to be a pleasant outing suitable for the whole family.

Shah Jahan Mosque

The Shah Jahan Mosque holds the distinction of being the first purpose-built mosque in the UK. Its construction was a significant milestone for the growing Muslim community in Britain at that time. The mosque’s elegant design features minarets, intricate geometric patterns, and a stunning dome, reminiscent of Mughal and Indo-Islamic architectural styles.

 

Throughout its history, the Shah Jahan Mosque has served as a spiritual and cultural centre for the Muslim community in Woking and the wider region. Today, the mosque serves as a hub for worship, community activities, educational programmes, and outreach initiatives, promoting religious harmony and cultural exchange.