Living in Chertsey

The sense of community in Chertsey is longstanding and strong, underpinned by an active array of local groups and traditions. The town hosts regular seasonal events, such as the Chertsey Agricultural Show and Christmas lights festivities, which serve as key gathering points for residents and help newcomers feel at home.

Markets and open-air fairs are held occasionally, enhancing the town’s sociable atmosphere. Community centres and sporting clubs provide opportunities for all ages to join in local activities or pursue hobbies. Chertsey’s riverside walks and Chertsey Meads offer extensive outdoor recreation, with well-used footpaths, cycling routes, and play areas. The town’s green spaces and access to the Thames contribute to a healthy, outdoors-driven lifestyle that appeals to families, dog walkers, and joggers alike.

Neighbouring towns, such as Addlestone and Weybridge, are close by and share community events and social links, further broadening the scope of local life in and around Chertsey.

Chertsey is generally viewed as a safe area, with crime rates lower than the national average for urban localities, particularly in comparison to nearby London boroughs. Residential zones are typically quiet and well maintained, supporting a sense of security among residents.

Like many Surrey towns, Chertsey does experience sporadic incidents of petty theft and anti-social behaviour, but these are not widespread. Community policing teams are active in the area and work closely with local neighbourhood groups, which contributes to the perception of safety.

There are a number of community safety initiatives in place, including Neighbourhood Watch schemes and regular police engagement events. Regeneration projects and CCTV coverage in the town centre also help maintain a feeling of security, particularly around key community amenities and transport hubs. Areas close to Chertsey Meads and the riverside are popular for families and seen as especially safe and family-oriented.

Parking in Chertsey presents a generally positive picture, with a mix of on-street parking, local authority car parks, and resident permit schemes. The town centre car parks offer pay-and-display and longer-stay options suitable for commuters and visitors. Residential streets around the centre have a mix of restrictions, and newer developments often provide private parking.

Certain peak periods can see congestion, especially around school drop-off times and local events, but traffic is typically less severe than more urbanised areas. The road network provides superb access to the main arteries of the South East. The M25 motorway is only a couple of miles away, making journeys further afield very convenient. The A320 links Chertsey with Woking and Guildford, while the A317 heads towards Weybridge and Addlestone.

Nearby towns and cities:
Woking – approx. 9 miles via A320 (20 minutes)
Guildford – approx. 15 miles via A3/A320 (30 minutes)
Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 4 miles via B388/A320 (10 minutes)
London – approx. 21 miles via M25 (1 hour)

Chertsey’s food and drink scene centres on traditional pubs, riverside eateries, and independent restaurants. Well-known pubs such as The Crown Hotel and The Kingfisher draw locals and visitors alike for their historic settings and hearty menus. The picturesque Bridge Hotel offers riverside dining with wide views across the Thames.

There is a variety of international cuisine on offer, with Italian, Indian, and Thai restaurants among the local highlights. Cafés and bakeries are dotted throughout the town centre, ideal for a relaxed coffee or lunch. For casual dining and a quick bite, several takeaways and casual eateries cater to family and student markets.

Nightlife in Chertsey tends to be more relaxed, with a focus on pubs and small bars over large clubs. Themed nights, quiz evenings, and live music events provide entertainment, but for a more vibrant scene, residents often travel to nearby Staines or Woking. Community theatre and seasonal festivals also bring some evening activity to the town.

School Quality: Chertsey is home to several well-regarded primary and secondary schools, most of which have been rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, appealing to families prioritising education.

Parks and Green Space: The abundance of open spaces, such as Chertsey Meads and riverside walks, ensures that families have excellent opportunities for outdoor play, picnics, and recreation.

Childcare: A number of nurseries and after-school clubs operate in the area, providing flexible childcare options for working parents and support for early years development.

Safety: The town’s established neighbourhood watch schemes, strong community links, and low crime rates all contribute to its reputation as a safe environment for children.

Family Activities: From playgrounds and youth sporting clubs to local festivals and riverside events, Chertsey offers a diverse mix of activities for families to enjoy together year-round.

Parks, meadows, and riverside trails make Chertsey a highly pet-friendly town, with easy access to open spaces such as Chertsey Meads, which is particularly popular for dog walking. The riverside areas and nearby countryside paths are suitable for longer walks and active pets, while most public spaces are well looked after and accessible year-round.

Local veterinary practices and pet stores provide essential services, and many cafés and some pubs in Chertsey welcome dogs, reflecting the generally positive attitude towards pets in the area. Several housing complexes and landlords advertise as pet friendly, adding to the options available for animal owners.

The town’s commitment to outdoor living, together with its friendly community, means pets are a visible and well-accepted part of daily Chertsey life.

Chertsey enjoys excellent transport links that make it an attractive location for commuters and regular travellers. The town’s railway station offers direct services to central London and other regional hubs, making public transport a straightforward option for residents.

Regular South Western Railway services connect Chertsey to London Waterloo in just under an hour, passing through Weybridge for onward connections. There are bus services linking Chertsey with neighbouring towns such as Staines-upon-Thames, Addlestone, and Woking, providing flexible options for local travel and shopping trips.

Chertsey also benefits from proximity to major motorways, notably the M25, which is a short drive away and provides easy access to Heathrow Airport and the wider motorway network. For air travel, London Heathrow Airport is only around 10 miles from Chertsey, making international flights highly accessible.

Typical commute times:
London Waterloo – Approx. 50 minutes by train
Woking – Approx. 20 minutes by train / 25 minutes by car
Guildford – Approx. 30 minutes by train / car
Heathrow Airport – Approx. 20 minutes by car

Chertsey offers a range of educational options catering for families at all stages. Local schools are well-regarded across both primary and secondary levels, with several institutions recognised for their standards by Ofsted.

Primary Schools:
Stepgates Community School is a popular choice, rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2018) and known for its inclusive ethos. St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, also 'Good' (2019), offers a faith-based education. Pyrcroft Grange Primary School holds a 'Good' (2018) rating and is praised for high academic standards, while Meadowcroft Community Infant School, rated 'Good' (2022), supports children in their formative years.

Secondary Schools:
Chertsey High School is the town’s main secondary, rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2022), and provides a broad curriculum with strong community links. Salesian School in nearby Chertsey (additionally covers part of Weybridge), is consistently 'Outstanding' (2013), drawing students from a wide catchment thanks to impressive results and facilities.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:
Salesian School provides a sixth form on-site, highly regarded for its academic performance and breadth of courses. Brooklands College, situated close by in Weybridge, is a popular further education provider for vocational and A Level study.

Universities:
Whilst Chertsey does not have a university of its own, the University of Surrey in Guildford and Royal Holloway, University of London in Egham, are both within easy commuting distance, offering access to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.