Living in Ashford

Ashford is a socially active and friendly community, distinguished by its suburban pace, strong neighbourhood spirit, and a calendar of local events. Community centres such as the Ashford Youth Centre and Spelthorne Leisure Centre act as focal points for residents of all ages, hosting everything from exercise classes to art clubs and children’s activities.

Markets and local fetes appear seasonally, and active residents’ associations organise clean-ups, street parties, and charity fundraisers. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Ashford provides ample green spaces—Shortwood Common, Fordbridge Park, and riverside walks along the Thames and nearby reservoirs give residents peaceful spots for relaxation and recreation.

The area’s blend of cosy local shops, independent businesses, and access to urban amenities help Ashford retain a balanced, welcoming feel.

Crime rates in Ashford, Surrey are comparable to similar suburban towns in the South East, with a generally low incidence of serious crime. The area benefits from regular police patrols and a visible community policing presence as part of the Spelthorne district force. Local Neighbourhood Watch groups are active throughout Ashford’s residential streets.

Antisocial behaviour and petty theft are the most common issues, typically concentrated around the main shopping precinct and transport hubs. However, the overall perception of safety is positive, especially in the quieter residential roads and cul-de-sacs.

Ongoing investment in street lighting, CCTV, and public engagement schemes have contributed to a quietly improving safety record, making Ashford an assured choice for those seeking safer surroundings.

Parking in Ashford is generally considered accessible thanks to residential street availability, local car parks, and permit schemes for residents in areas close to the high street and station. On-street parking is available for much of the area, though restrictions and pay-and-display operate in the most central zones during business hours.

Road access to and from Ashford is straightforward, with quick connections to major routes such as the A30, M25, and M3. Peak hours see the expected congestion, particularly near the railway station and school entry/exits, but the road network itself is well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 10 minutes via A308 (3 miles)
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 10–15 minutes via A30 (4 miles)
• Sunbury – approx. 15 minutes via A308 (6 miles)
• Windsor – approx. 25 minutes via M25/A308 (12 miles)
• Central London – approx. 50 minutes via A30/A4 (20 miles)

Ashford’s food, pub and nightlife scene centres on its local high street and neighbouring parades. The town supports a mix of independent cafes, well-known chain restaurants, and family-friendly pubs, with options that reflect both traditional British fare and international cuisines. Cafes like Café Rosso and food spots such as The King’s Fairway Pub provide comfortable community spaces for meals and socialising.

Pubs in Ashford range from historic favourites like The Ash Tree and The Hare & Hounds to contemporary bars serving craft beers and cocktails. Takeaways and casual restaurants cater for a diverse population, with choices spanning pizza, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, and classic fish and chips.

Nightlife in Ashford itself leans towards the relaxed and sociable, with most evening activity focusing on pubs, occasional live music, and sports screenings. For a livelier bar or club scene, residents often head to Staines, Richmond or directly into London.

School quality: Families in Ashford benefit from well-regarded primary and secondary schools, with strong Ofsted ratings and supportive after-school clubs, making the area attractive to those with children.

Parks and green space: Several parks, play areas, and nature reserves, such as Fordbridge Park and Shortwood Common, offer space for play, sport, and relaxation.

Childcare: Nurseries, preschools, and local childminders present diverse options for early-years care, with several providers rated highly by Ofsted.

Safety: The town’s generally low crime rates and active Neighbourhood Watch schemes contribute to its reputation as a secure place to raise children.

Family activities: Sports clubs, swimming at Spelthorne Leisure Centre, and regular events like fun runs, fetes, and community fairs ensure there’s plenty for families to enjoy throughout the year.

Ashford is considered a pet-friendly part of Surrey thanks to its abundance of green spaces, access to countryside walks, and general acceptance of pets in both homes and local public areas. Shortwood Common, local recreation grounds, and riverside trails offer varied, scenic options for dog walking and outdoor exercise, with bins and amenities for owners.

There are several veterinary practices, pet shops, and dedicated dog grooming businesses in and around Ashford, with a number of local pubs and cafes welcoming pets, particularly in their outdoor seating areas.

Most residential streets and local flats are accommodating towards pets, and the wider area’s location near larger parks, such as Staines Moor or Bedfont Lakes, means it’s easy to exercise and socialise animals here.

Transport links in Ashford make it a convenient location for city commuters and those seeking easy travel further afield. The town is served by Ashford (Surrey) railway station, with frequent South Western Railway services direct to London Waterloo, taking around 38 minutes. There are also trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside and Reading, connecting Ashford to many Thames Valley cities and towns.

Bus routes link Ashford to Staines, Shepperton, Sunbury, Hounslow, and Heathrow Airport, making it simple to reach neighbouring towns and major employers. The M25 and M3 motorways are just minutes away, offering road access to all parts of the south east, and Heathrow Airport is less than 15 minutes by car or public transport, ideal for international travel.

Typical journey times:

• London Waterloo: approx. 38 mins by train
• Heathrow Airport: approx. 10–15 mins by car/bus
• Staines-upon-Thames: approx. 10 mins by train/bus
• Windsor: approx. 30 mins by train/car
• Guildford: approx. 40 mins by train/car

Overall, Ashford’s connectivity is one of its key attractions, supporting professionals, students, and families alike.

Schools in Ashford, Surrey are among the leading draws for families moving to the area. With a strong selection of state primaries, reputable secondary schools, as well as further education options, the area provides a solid education pathway for local children and teenagers.

Primary Schools:

Ashford CofE Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2020) offers a caring ethos with a village-school feel and strong academic results. St Michael Catholic Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2019) is a well-respected faith school known for its engaging curriculum. Spelthorne Junior School also achieves consistently positive outcomes and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Secondary Schools:

Ashford Park Primary School transitions pupils to several popular local secondaries, most notably Thomas Knyvett College (Ofsted: Requires Improvement, 2021), which serves the local community and offers a broad curriculum and modern facilities. For nearby options, The Matthew Arnold School (Staines, Ofsted: Good, 2023) is just a short drive away, attracting pupils from Ashford and beyond.

Independent & Further Education:

The area is within easy distance of independent schools such as St James’ School (Ashford) and also benefits from proximity to Sir William Perkins’s School and Halliford School in neighbouring towns. Colleges offering A-levels and vocational training include Brooklands College (Ashford campus), which provides a strong base for post-16 education.

Universities:

There are no universities directly in Ashford, but travel links mean that Royal Holloway University of London (Egham), University of Surrey (Guildford), and many London universities are accessible by train or short drive.