Sample Surrey style

Just 20 miles from Central London, experience a real yet vibrant Surrey Market Town, surrounded by the Surrey Hills, Dorking is a place to visit for the day or a short-break. Explore the UK's largest vineyard, taste the wine, eat the food, stay the night. Go antiques hunting in Dorking's famous West Street, find out about the town's seedier past with a guided walk or descend down into its mysterious network of caves. Enjoy a show at the Dorking Halls or intimate Green Room Theatre, have a meal out or a pint at its many hostelries. Explore the Surrey Hills by mountain bike, or float-away your stress at the floatation centre. To find out more visit www.visitdorking.com or call the visitor information centre on 01306 879327.

Farnham

Farnham is a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. A refreshingly traditional market town, it has strong historical and cultural roots that provide an excellent grounding for all who visit.

There is plenty to see and do when in Farnham. Head to The Lion and Lamb Yard if you are fond of shopping, an enhancing cobbled courtyard with a warm and inviting atmosphere, it's the perfect place for unusual gifts, stylish shops and peaceful lunches.

For a slice of history be sure to visit Farnham Castle, built in 1138 by Henri de Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror and home to the Bishop of Winchester for 800 years . The castle's keep is now owned by English Heritage and is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. Or you could head to the site of Waverly Abbey the first Cistercian Abbey to be founded in Britain.

Be sure not to miss Farnham Maltings a collection of buildings set in the heart of the town where people can imagine, create and discover. There is a thriving music scene and the monthly stand up club attracts the best on the comedy circuit

When night falls head to one of Farnham's hotels. The Bishops Table takes pride in giving exemplary customer service. The Exchange Hotel - has been newly refurbished and offers 9 ensuite rooms. Or for a more personal touch seek out one of its enchanting B&Bs.

Guildford

The historic market town of Guildford is a gateway to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

As a town it has first class shopping in and around its cobbled High Street with independent retailers, boutiques and the upmarket Tunsgate Square Shopping Centre. Its cultural highlights include Watts Gallery (currently on BBC's Restoration Village), Guildford House Gallery and the Elizabethan mansion, Loseley Park, used as a filiming location for Jonathan Creek and Blackadder.

If you are in need of some pampering then you have come to the right place. There is a good selection of beauty salons that offer spa treatments, put your feet up at Esterel Spa or head to The Relaxation Rooms in North Street

When evening draws in, choose between fine dining or a night at the theatre followed by a night in one of the luxury hotels, such as, the Angel Posting House & Livery on the High Street or the boutique Asperion Hotel.

Haslemere

Inspiration to many great artists, authors and musicians, Waverley's heritage and culture entwine its market towns and countryside. The rich diversity of things to do in these pretty and vibrant towns is sure to leave you enchanted.

There is much to offer with the high streets of Haslemere and Godalming playing host to an eclectic mix of quirky cafes, olde worlde country pubs, fine independent boutiques and 16th century timbered and tile-hung buildings.

Hike, bike or ride from any of these towns to explore over 400 miles of bridleways and footpaths. In particular, the Greensands Way, which passes directly through Cranleigh to link the North and South Downs.

Experience a wealth of foods, grown, raised and produced locally at one of many fine eateries here. Time your visit to coincide with Haslemere's food festival or the many farmers markets held at Milford and Cranleigh.

Summer Breeze

Get out and about these long summer days and discover the cosmopolitan events on offer in Surrey... Some ideas to whet the taste buds;

Summer Breeze Festival, Farnham Maltings, Farnham 29th July www.farnhammaltings.com
An array of bands and other entertainment.

Polesden Lacey Festival, Polesden Lacey, nr Dorking 6th-14th July, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
English Classics music 6th July, Queen on Fire and Scizzor Sisterz tribute bands 7th July, Robin Hood 12pm 8th July, Keep it Cash and Pete Donegan pm 8th July, Merry Wives of Windsor 12th- 14th July

Guildford Summer Festival, Guildford, 23rd June- 4th August, www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordweb/leisure/festivals
The Festival will incorporate over 100 events, packed with events to suit all tastes and all ages, from the highly visible craft market and farmers market in the High Street, to a wide range of theatrical and musical events at venues across the borough. The Castle Grounds will play host to three different drama groups performing Shakespeare over the course of the Festival and many other drama events and shows will be taking place at the Yvonne Arnaud and Electric Theatres. Shakespeare will also be featured in an exhibition at Guildford House Gallery.

Music too, features strongly in the Festival and this year will be no exception. Watch out for rock, pop and classical gigs, particularly 'The Last Night of the Proms' Concert at Shalford Park on 7 July and of course, GuilFest in Stoke Park on 13, 14 and 15 July.

Music in the Park, Godalming, 20th May-9th September, www.godalming-tc.gov.uk/news.htm?n=67

Free concerts, every Sunday afternoon, 3-5pm. 20 May-9 September 2007 - Godalming Bandstand (by Bowling Green)
All concerts are free, so why not bring your own garden chairs and a picnic!

In the event of wet weather, concerts will be held in the nearby Godalming Parish Church, except the Midsummer Ceilidh (24 June), which would be held at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre.

If you'd like to discover more events and festivals in Surrey's towns and villages visit the town websites shown above.