Living in Ashtead

Life in Ashtead is shaped by a strong community ethos and active resident involvement in local events and organisations. The village centre regularly hosts farmers’ markets, seasonal fairs, and charity events that bring together residents of all ages. Ashtead Community Hub and the Peace Memorial Hall offer diverse activities and classes, fostering both intergenerational connections and support for local initiatives.

Outdoor living is central to the area’s appeal. Ashtead Common, a treasured National Nature Reserve, offers miles of walking and cycling trails through ancient woodland, and is a hub for nature lovers and families. Many residential streets have leafy verges, gardens, and access to recreational facilities including tennis courts, cricket clubs, and playgrounds, enhancing quality of life and opportunities to socialise year-round.

The overall crime rates in Ashtead are lower than the national average, contributing to its longstanding reputation as a safe and desirable place to live in Surrey. The village is known for its peaceful streets, friendly neighbours, and vigilant community police presence, which further reassures residents.

Like many commuter belt areas, Ashtead experiences occasional minor crime but serious incidents remain rare. The local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and Surrey Police maintain visible patrols and encourage resident involvement in community safety initiatives. Nearby areas benefit from regeneration efforts and partnership working among councils and community groups, further strengthening security and cohesion across the region.

Parking in Ashtead is generally regarded as convenient, with an abundance of on-street options and several public car parks near the village centre and station. Permit zones are in place on some residential roads to ensure local parking for residents. Congestion during school drop-off times and rail commuter hours can occasionally be an issue near key routes, but most areas maintain a relaxed pace.

The proximity of Ashtead to the M25 provides straightforward road access for commuting and leisure. A24 runs through the area, offering direct routes north to Epsom and south towards Dorking and Horsham. For day trips or visits to neighbouring hubs by car, journey times are:

• Epsom – approx. 10 minutes via A24 (3 miles)
• Leatherhead – approx. 7 minutes via A24 (2.5 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 28 minutes via M25 (20 miles)
• Kingston upon Thames – approx. 25 minutes via A243/A24 (11 miles)
• Central London – approx. 50 minutes via A24/A3 (19 miles)

These strong road connections ensure Ashtead is accessible, whether for daily life or exploring the rest of Surrey and beyond.

Ashtead offers an appealing selection of eateries, traditional pubs, cosy cafés, and takeaways that reflect a relaxed social scene. Notable venues include The Woodman, an historic village pub with a generous garden, and The Brewery Inn, a favourite for its Sunday roasts and classic decor. The local Italian, Indian, and Asian restaurants add variety to dining choices, and a number of independent coffee shops provide spots for casual gatherings and brunches.

Evenings in Ashtead tend to be peacefully sociable rather than lively, with the focus on pub culture and relaxed dining. Those seeking more vibrant nightlife can travel to nearby Epsom or Leatherhead, which offer a broader range of bars, pubs, and occasional live music venues. For theatre and cinema, Epsom’s Playhouse and Leatherhead Theatre are both within a fifteen-minute drive, ensuring quality entertainment is never far away.

School quality: Families are drawn to Ashtead by its access to highly rated primary and secondary schools, as well as the presence of respected independent institutions. The area’s catchment covers several “Good” and “Outstanding” Ofsted-rated schools both within the village and in neighbouring towns.

Parks and green space: The abundance of open spaces, including Ashtead Common and local recreation grounds, offers children and families ample room to play, explore, and enjoy sports or picnics together.

Childcare: Multiple nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs serve local families, making the logistics of family life straightforward and convenient.

Safety: Low crime rates and a strong sense of neighbourly vigilance provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers in Ashtead.

Family activities: Local clubs, scouts, sports teams, and family-oriented events are regular fixtures, helping children build friendships and develop new skills in a supportive community environment.

Ashtead is exceptionally welcoming to pets, with numerous green spaces, dog-friendly walking areas, and easy access to both the Common and the wider Surrey countryside. The village centre features several pet shops and amenities, with local veterinary surgeries such as Ashtead Veterinary Centre providing comprehensive care.

Many of Ashtead’s pubs and cafés are happy to accommodate dogs, particularly those with gardens and outdoor seating. Rental properties and housing developments often permit pets, though it is advisable to check individual agreements. The general attitude is positive, making Ashtead an excellent place for animal lovers and their companions.

Ashtead is exceptionally placed for commuters and those travelling further afield, thanks to its strong network of public transport and roads. The local train station provides regular direct rail services to both London Waterloo and London Victoria, with journey times of roughly 40 to 45 minutes. Epsom, Leatherhead, and Dorking are also easily accessible by train.

Frequent bus services run between Ashtead, Epsom, Leatherhead, and Kingston, offering flexible options for local movement. Road links are one of Ashtead’s main strengths: the village is just a few minutes from Junction 9 of the M25, connecting quickly to the wider motorway network and Heathrow or Gatwick airports.

Key commute times from Ashtead:

• London Waterloo – approx. 45 minutes by train
• London Victoria – approx. 43 minutes by train
• Guildford – approx. 27 minutes by train (via Epsom change) or 35 minutes by car
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 35 minutes by car (19 miles)
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 30 minutes by car (18 miles)

These connections make Ashtead particularly appealing to London commuters and frequent travellers.

Schools in Ashtead are highly regarded, attracting families from across Surrey. The area benefits from both state and independent educational offerings, all within easy reach.

Primary Schools: The Greville Primary School is a popular local choice (Ofsted “Good” - 2018), known for its supportive learning environment and community focus. Barnett Wood Infant School has also received a “Good” rating and is celebrated for its nurturing component. St. Peter's Catholic Primary School in the heart of the village is well-established and frequently sought after by families.

Secondary Schools: Ashtead is in the catchment area for Rosebery School in Epsom (Ofsted “Outstanding” - 2017), a well-known girls' secondary academy, and Therfield School in Leatherhead (Ofsted “Good” - 2019) which offers a broad curriculum. Nearby Howard of Effingham School is also noted for strong academic results and a balanced approach to education.

Independent Schools: City of London Freemen’s School in Ashtead Park is a well-known private option serving students from ages 7 to 18. Downsend School in Leatherhead offers both primary and prep education, renowned for its emphasis on well-rounded learning.

Colleges & Universities: For further education, NESCOT College in Epsom provides a range of A Level and vocational courses. While no universities are located directly in Ashtead, the University of Surrey in Guildford, Royal Holloway in Egham, and Kingston University are all accessible for higher education.