Discover Woking | A Visitor's Introduction to Woking

Why is Woking Worth a Visit?

Woking is worth visiting for its unique combination of literary history, futuristic redevelopment, and proximity to both London and the Surrey countryside. It’s a town on the rise—literally—with striking new architecture, shopping centres, and theatres transforming its profile. But Woking also preserves links to its heritage, including its connections to science fiction, the arts, and interfaith history.

The town’s location makes it ideal as a base for exploring Surrey’s beauty spots, from the Basingstoke Canal to the heathlands and commons that ring the area. Whether you're here for a cultural night out, an H.G. Wells pilgrimage, or a canal-side walk, Woking offers a vibrant mix of urban energy and green tranquility.

Woking Highlights: Things to See and Do in Woking

The Lightbox

Woking’s standout cultural venue, The Lightbox is an award-winning museum and gallery that blends contemporary art with local history. Exhibitions range from Turner and Hockney retrospectives to interactive displays about Woking’s development and industrial past. The in-house café and gift shop are also well worth a visit.

H.G. Wells Statue and War of the Worlds Martian

Science fiction fans should head straight to Jubilee Square, where a statue of H.G. Wells pays tribute to the town’s most famous literary resident. A short walk away, a dramatic Martian sculpture looms above Crown Square, commemorating The War of the Worlds, which was set in and around Woking. It’s a fun photo stop and a nod to the town’s literary legacy.

Woking Shopping Centre

The heart of Woking’s town centre has undergone extensive redevelopment and now features Victoria Place—a modern shopping complex with high street names, eateries, and entertainment venues. It’s an easy, all-weather place to browse, dine, or catch a movie.

New Victoria Theatre and Rhoda McGaw Theatre

These two adjacent venues form Woking’s cultural hub. The New Victoria Theatre hosts touring West End musicals, big-name comedians, and live concerts, while the smaller Rhoda McGaw is home to local drama groups, community performances, and fringe theatre.

Basingstoke Canal

Running through the northern edge of Woking, the Basingstoke Canal is one of the town’s most peaceful attractions. The towpath is ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling, and you can hire canoes or take a boat trip from the nearby canal centre in Mytchett. Wildlife sightings are common, and the changing seasons bring new beauty year-round.

Horsell Common

A short walk from the town centre, Horsell Common is a 355-hectare area of woodland, heath, and grassland. It was famously the landing site of the Martians in The War of the Worlds. Today it’s a haven for nature lovers, with marked trails and habitats for rare species. Don’t miss the sandpits and pine forests—it’s a great spot for family walks or quiet reflection.

Shah Jahan Mosque

Built in 1889, this was the first purpose-built mosque in the UK and is still a functioning place of worship. Its beautiful green dome and peaceful surroundings make it a significant cultural and historical landmark. Guided tours are available on request, offering insight into Islamic heritage in Britain.

Brookwood Cemetery

One of the largest cemeteries in the UK, Brookwood is both a place of remembrance and a fascinating walk through history. Laid out in the Victorian era as a solution to London’s overcrowded graveyards, it features grand monuments, war graves, and ornate tombs in a tranquil, wooded setting.

Woking Park

Just south of the town centre, Woking Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers sports facilities, landscaped gardens, children’s play areas, and a leisure centre with a pool and gym. The park also hosts seasonal events like fireworks and funfairs.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Woking is one of Surrey’s best-connected towns. Direct trains from London Waterloo run frequently and take around 25 minutes. The town is also served by lines to Portsmouth, Basingstoke, and the South West. By car, Woking is easily accessible via the A3 and M25, and Gatwick and Heathrow airports are each about 30 minutes away.

Parking

There are several large car parks in Woking, including at Victoria Place, Heathside Crescent, and Brewery Road. Charges vary, but all are well located for town centre access. Parking at Woking Park is also available for park users.

Dining

Woking has a growing dining scene with something for every palate. Bacaro offers contemporary Italian dishes with flair, while Jaipur and Thali Thali are popular for Indian cuisine. For casual eats, Bill’s, Pret, and a selection of independent cafés offer brunch and coffee. Cellar Magneval is a chic wine bar and charcuterie spot—perfect for an evening treat.

Shopping

The town centre is dominated by the Victoria Place and Peacock Centres, housing familiar high street brands, boutique shops, and department stores. Weekly markets add local flavour, with stalls selling flowers, produce, and international street food.

When to Visit

Woking is a year-round destination, but spring and summer are ideal for enjoying its green spaces and canal walks. Autumn brings colour to the commons and parks, while winter is brightened by festive lights, the Christmas market, and a popular pantomime at the New Victoria Theatre.

Local Events

Woking’s annual events calendar includes the Party in the Park, Woking Food and Drink Festival, and the Woking Literary Festival. There’s also a strong community scene with regular performances, outdoor cinema nights, and creative workshops at The Lightbox and other venues.

Exploring Beyond Woking

From Woking, you can easily explore the wider Surrey area. Guildford offers medieval charm and riverside walks, while Wisley Gardens—just a short drive away—is a world-renowned botanical garden perfect for horticulture lovers. The Surrey Hills, Painshill Park, and Chobham Common all offer exceptional countryside within a 30-minute radius.

Woking is more than a commuter town—it’s a cultural and historical hotspot with a vibrant heart and access to some of the best landscapes in southern England. Whether you’re following in H.G. Wells’ footsteps, catching a show, or simply enjoying a coffee by the canal, Woking offers a rich and rewarding visit that’s full of surprises.