Luke Dyson
Photographer: www.lukedyson.com
It's no news to us that SW London and Surrey have some of the best events in the capital. But with so many options and an endless list of things to do, we've decided to make it a little bit easier for you to experience the best. For the ultimate bucket list of things to do before you're 30 then scroll below...
1. Go underground
Reigate Caves
Tunnel Road, Reigate RH2 9AY
Reigate is well-know for their caves, which lurk beneath the town centre. The caves are in fact old sand mines, which has been mined for centuries. The caves are closed for the winter and reopen again from May 19 (private tours are also available).
2. Ride the river
River Wey
Riverside, Bellfields or Wey Kayak Club
Canoeing provides a new way to see The scenery alone is reason enough to take the trip, there are gorgeous landscapes, historic locks and plenty pretty cottages along the way. Before venturing out, make sure you have all the relevant information, the right equipment and skills - and don't forget to check the weather. You can find out more information here.
3. Attend a house party
Yellow Door
68 Notting Hill Gate
We all love the intimate setting of drinks at home and house parties and the Yellow Door is exactly that. This isn't your typical boozer, it's literally located inside a block of fictional flats. It's like going to a house party, where you don't bring the booze but buy them. However, at the moment 68, Notting Hill Gate is looking for a bigger flat in the neighbourhood and will be reopening in 2018.
4. Experience The Proms
The Proms, Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, Kensington, London SW7 2AP
The Proms is really a special experience and it's something you have to do! They happen annually in the summer season mostly in the Royal Albert Hall, it's an evening of exceptional music that allows you to hear music differently. Programmes for 2019 will open in April 2019 and tickets will go on sale in May.
5. Hit an ice bar
Belowzero
31-33 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BN
Belowzero is the only permanent ice bar in the UK. Each year they redecorate the place and follow a theme, 2018's theme was all things dedicated to London, so expect to see a colder side to the city. The ice bar is fun and quirky, you can enjoy one outrageous cocktail while basically chilling in a freezer!
6. Do yoga at the Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD
In a collaboration with East of Eden, the Natural History Museum is hosting unique yoga classes before the museum opens its doors to let in all the visitors and tourists. Get up bright and early and gain access to the museum before anyone else to practice yoga under the huge, blue whale skeleton.
Dates & Times:
- 9 December 2018, 08.15-09.30
- 13 January 2019, 08.00-09.15
- 3 February 2019, 08.00-09.15
- 10 March 2019, 08.00-09.15
Tickets: Adult: £35, Member: £31.50
7. Go to an open-air cinema
This is an activity that you shouldn't only experience the once in your lifetime! It's actually one of my favourite things to do every time the summer season rolls around. But if you haven't attended one yet, make sure it's on your list. For the best open-air cinemas in Surrey & SW London check out our list here.
8. Join a club
There are plenty of clubs for you to join in Surrey, depending on your tastes of course. Why not try Kingston's book club? Poets Anonymous? Kick Back Comedy Club in Guildford? You name it! They're out there! And they're a great thing to do, you meet people you necessarily wouldn't meet otherwise and you build lifelong friends and memories.
9. Overcome a fear
Go Ape
Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE
Price: From £33
Take the adventure to the next level by zipping through the forests on a zip wire. While we may be short of places to bungee jump in Surrey, you can still satisfy your adventure side with a trip flying through the forest trees. It really is a fun thing to do, so fight your fears and take the plunge.
10. Jump Around
Airhop Guildford
AirHop House, 12 Midleton Industrial Estate Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 8XW
Price: From £10 pp
Entering your thirties means you can't exactly do many childish activities appropriately anymore, I mean if you're with your kids, there's an excuse. So, if you haven't been to a trampoline park yet then I recommend that you do. I'm not exactly a teenager and when I went it was great fun, go with friends and make an evening of it. You won't regret it!
11. Walk the hill
Dan Hannington
Guildford Ln, Albury, Guildford GU5 9BQ
St Martha's Hill is home to St Martha's Church, and the view from there is really spectacular and it's well worth the uphill climb. Completing this six-mile walk is refreshing and gives you plenty of opportunities to experience some self-reflection. By the time you reach the top of the hill, there will be nothing but peace and you the long walk will be worth it. Find the route here.
12. Take a swim in the Serpentine
The Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Price: From £1.80
At the height of summer, we're all craving a dip and what better place than the legendary Serpentine? It will be open once again when the hot weekends of Mat begin, including the Bank Holiday. It will then commence its opening hours seven days a week from 1st of June to the beginning of September.
13. Try the best burgers in Surrey
The Grey Horse
46 Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5EE
The Grey Horse is a pub unlike any other. Not only does it boast a gorgeous restaurant in the back that serves amazing food (the burgers are to die for), but a theatre that's hidden in the back and a whiskey collection that will excite any whiskey lover.
As you enter, you're greeted with a cosy bar that leads on to an impressive dining area, which depicts a mural of the famous Hendrix and an open kitchen that makes your mouth water. However, unlike popping into your local for one or two walking into The Grey Horse is a different experience each night you visit.
14. Run in Kingston half marathon
If you wish to run in a marathon one day then Kingston half marathon is a really good place to start. Plus, running is a brilliant de-stressor. It's not only amazing for your health and keeps you fit and fighting, but running has strong effects on the mind too. To register your interest for the 2019 half marathon, which takes place Sunday 6th October click here.
15. Try Surrey's best curry
Thali Ho
Thali Ho – Indian Kitchen, 31-33 Brighton Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5LR
You need to try the best curry in Surrey Thali Ho – Indian Kitchen has been recognized as the Best Indian Restaurant in the London Suburbs at the prestigious Asian Curry Awards 2018, which was held on Sunday 18th November 2018. Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed!
16. Take your cooking to the next level
By the time your 30s roll around you should have really started to think about upping your cooking game. I don't know about you, but my twenties wasn't full of culinary delights, so in a bid to build my skills I decided to take some cooking courses to help me out. And they did! Cooking has never felt better. For the best culinary classes in Surrey, click here.
17. Learn a new language
Surrey University
388 Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH
Learning a new language, we know is not an easy thing to do. If it was, we would all be multilingual. But, who wouldn't want to go abroad and be able to speak the language with the locals fluently and flawlessly? Because it's definitely something you CAN do! And there are lots of places around the county that will help you do it. Surrey University, in particular, has a range of language courses that you can do in the evening, which will fit perfectly into any busy person's schedule. Find out more here.
18. Catch an eclipse
I bet you didn't think that you would see an eclipse for a few years yet, but I'm here to tell you that you're wrong. On 21st January 2019, Surrey will see a total lunar eclipse. You just have to be up mega early in the morning to witness it! But, who wouldn't stay up/wake up to see the magnificent event take place? For more information and times click here.
19. Picnic at the Isabella Plantation
Isabella Plantation
173 Clarence St, Kingston upon Thames TW10 5HP
The Isabella Plantation is a truly beautiful spot, in spring, when it's full bloom there's no better place to take a picnic and relax. The plantation was planted in the 1830s and has been open to the public since 1953. It's best known for its variety of plant life and trees that drum up interest year after year.
20. See a show
New Victoria Theatre
1-9 Commercial Way, Woking GU21 6GQ
Surely, you've done this a hundred times over in your lifetime, but have you really done the Surrey theatre scene? Because Surrey is home to some of the finest theatres in the area. In my opinion, they put up a big fight in comparison to the glitz and the glam of the West End, especially the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. There's nothing better than catching a pantomime at Christmas or watching one of their dramas throughout the year - there's no better night out.
21. Eat at a Michelin star restaurant
Sorrel
77 South Street, Dorking
Anyone, who knows anything about the culinary world knows that Steve is one to watch and his food to definitely be tasted. Educated in one of the top culinary schools in the world means he has an impressive resume and has even worked with some of the best; Marc Veyrat and the Roux brothers, to mention a few.
Sorrel prides itself on serving simple yet inspiring dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting. And the food? It's out of this world. So, if you're a bit of a foodie, then you need to book a table ASAP!
22. Go sledging
Laura Brouwer
Let's face it, we all wish for snow at some point and sledging is the perfect way to enjoy it while it lasts. Surrey as a county has some amazing landscapes with lots and lots of hills, I mean, Surrey Hills is called Surrey Hills for a reason, right? And this means that we have lots of sledging locations right at our doorstep. So, if snow does happen, check out our article on the best places to sledge here.
23. Try a new sport
Every year I try to look for new exercises to help keep me motivated on my fitness journey. What's exciting is that there are new classes popping up everywhere that are fun and alternative. And would you believe they're right on your doorstep! There's everything from spin classes in the water to hula hooping, check out our article on the 8 alternative exercise classes in Surrey & SW London here.
24. Go glamping
Surrey Hills Yurts
Logmore Ln, Westcott RH4 3JN
Who doesn't want to escape their everyday life or the hustle and bustle of the city and go glamping for the weekend? It's proving to be the popular escape to the outdoors and if I could go every weekend, I would. It's not just luxurious camping, but guided walks and yoga retreats and glowing lanterns and wood burnings stoves in the evening. Does it getter better than this? No, I don't think it does...
25. Improve your wine knowledge
denbieswineestate
Denbies Wine Estate
London Rd, Dorking RH5 6AA
Become a connoisseur if you like and up your wine knowledge with a simple trip to Denbies Wine Estate, which is a popular spot for many. It's the perfect day out, where you can taste wine and enjoy the breathtaking views around you. Not bad for learning more about wine!
26. Volunteer
Sam Mellish
Salim playing cards with Crisis Volunteers
Crisis at Christmas - Christmas Eve at Link Centre
Giving back to the community has always been an important thing to me. Ever since I was young, I've volunteered at least once every year - usually around Christmas time. Surrey and SW London is no stranger to struggle and there's something you can do to help. For volunteering opportunities, all year round click here and for volunteering opportunities during Christmas read our article here.
27. Go to Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens
Richmond TW9 3AB
You'd think everyone had been and visited Kew Gardens, especially if you live close to the area. However, believe it or not, people know of Kew Gardens but haven't visited there before - and that was me included this time last year. It's a beautiful place and I would highly recommend that you visit. Connect with nature and experience something different by seeing plants and trees from around the globe.
28. Dress up in fancy dress and go to Infernos
Infernos Nightclub
146 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UH
Who doesn't love to dress up silly and revisit the 80s? This nightclub will take you back in time with their 1980s theme that involves a funky playlist, disco balls and plenty of neon lights. They even do karaoke for those of you who love to bust out a song! You've got to do it at least the once...
29. Spa weekend away
I don't know about you, but every now and then I need to escape all the stress and go and relax with my friends or partner at a lovely spa break weekend. It's something we all love to do and who can really blame us? Cocktails, massages and a lovely big, white bed to sleep in? Yes, please. For the best spas in Surrey & SW London read our roundup here.
30. Go to SW4
Luke Dyson
Photographer: www.lukedyson.com
SW4 Festival
Clapham Common
Every summer SW4 hits Clapham for the weekend and if you haven't been before, please do go this year. It's an incredible weekend with lots of big DJs with lots of fun to be had. It's one of my favourite festivals to attend in London, mostly because it's in a prime location that's not too far away from home.
