Living in Cobham

Community is at the heart of Cobham’s identity. The area has a warm, inclusive feel, supported by numerous clubs, societies, and resident associations. Regular events such as the Cobham Heritage Day and the Cobham Farmers’ Market foster a sense of belonging and local pride. The Cobham Village Hall and community centre offer a venue for a range of activities and social gatherings throughout the year.

Outdoor living is easy to enjoy, with the scenic River Mole, Painshill Park, and numerous woodland walks providing attractive escapes for nature lovers. There are well-maintained cricket pitches, tennis clubs, and playgrounds, ensuring plenty of opportunities for recreation and meeting neighbours. The presence of independent shops alongside larger supermarkets helps support a thriving local economy and community.

Safety is a significant factor contributing to Cobham’s appeal, with the area's crime rates consistently remaining lower than national averages. Cobham is perceived as a secure and peaceful environment, particularly in its residential neighbourhoods and village centre. Local policing initiatives such as the Elmbridge Borough Safer Communities Partnership work closely with residents to address concerns, maintain visible patrols, and provide preventative advice.

The sense of safety in Cobham is further reinforced by active resident associations and neighbourhood watch schemes, helping to ensure strong community vigilance. While all areas experience occasional incidents, Cobham’s approach to security, coupled with community collaboration, helps maintain a reassuring atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Parking in Cobham is relatively convenient compared to larger urban centres, though it can get busy around the village centre during peak shopping and school pick-up times. There are several public car parks serving the high street and local amenities, alongside options for on-street parking in designated bays. Many areas also offer resident permit schemes, particularly in roads close to Cobham's train station and local schools.

Cobham benefits from excellent road access. The A3 provides swift routes north towards London—only about 40 minutes by car—and south to Guildford and Portsmouth. The M25 also sits within a short drive, connecting residents with Heathrow Airport (approx. 16 miles, 30 minutes). Traffic congestion can occasionally occur during peak hours, especially around the A3 and M25 junction.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Guildford – approx. 25 minutes via A3 (14 miles)
• Leatherhead – approx. 15 minutes via A245 (6 miles)
• Kingston-upon-Thames – approx. 25 minutes via A307 (10 miles)
• London – approx. 45 minutes via A3 (17 miles)

Cobham is known for its excellent dining scene, ranging from fine restaurants to friendly cafés and traditional pubs. The Ivy Cobham Brasserie is a popular spot for contemporary British fare, while The Cobham Curve and Coppa Club offer stylish settings for coffee, brunch, or evening meals. The Running Mare and The Cricketers are classic English pubs known for their welcoming atmosphere and hearty food.

For global cuisine, residents can choose from Italian, Thai, and Indian restaurants, as well as takeaway options and bakeries along the High Street. The nightlife in Cobham tends to be relaxed and sophisticated, with wine bars and gastro pubs providing a sociable but laid-back ambience rather than loud late-night venues. Occasionally, live music, quiz nights, and events bring locals together for social evenings, and nearby towns offer further nightlife options for those seeking a livelier experience.

School Quality: The area’s schools, both state and independent, are renowned for strong academic performance and nurturing environments, drawing families from a wide catchment area.

Parks and Green Space: Cobham is surrounded by extensive green spaces, including Painshill Park and Oxshott Heath, providing ample room for children to play and explore safely.

Childcare: A variety of nurseries and preschools operate locally, offering flexible childcare solutions for working parents.

Safety: Low crime rates and active community policing make Cobham a reassuring environment for families with children.

Family Activities: Families benefit from accessible sports clubs, youth groups, and community events, alongside riverside walks and playgrounds.

Cobham is highly accommodating to pets, with numerous green spaces, woodland areas, and riverside paths that are ideal for dog walking. Painshill Park, the Tilt, and Oxshott Heath are popular destinations for pet owners, offering open spaces and dog-friendly walking routes. Many local cafés and pubs welcome well-behaved dogs and even provide water bowls and treats.

The village has several veterinary clinics and pet shops, catering for everything from routine health checks to specialist pet supplies. Local housing typically welcomes pets, particularly in family homes with gardens; however, it is always advisable to check with landlords or letting agents if renting. The general attitude towards pets in Cobham is positive, making it a comfortable choice for animal lovers.

Cobham boasts excellent transport links, making it a popular location for both commuters and families. The town is served by Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon railway station, which offers direct services to London Waterloo in around 40 minutes and to Guildford in under 30 minutes. Regular bus routes connect Cobham with surrounding towns such as Esher, Leatherhead, and Kingston-upon-Thames, offering flexible public transport options for residents.

The A3 dual carriageway runs close to Cobham, providing fast road access to London and Portsmouth. The M25 orbital motorway (junction 10) is only a few minutes’ drive away, making travel to Heathrow Airport (approximately 30 minutes) and Gatwick Airport (approximately 40 minutes) straightforward. The area’s road network also facilitates easy commuting to other nearby towns and business hubs in the home counties.

Commuting Times:

• Central London – approx. 40 minutes by train
• Guildford – approx. 20–25 minutes by train or car
• Woking – approx. 25 minutes by train (with changes)
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 30 minutes by car
• Reading – approx. 45 minutes by car via the M25/M4

Primary Schools in Cobham:

Cobham is well-served for primary education, with several highly regarded schools. St. Andrew’s CofE Primary School (Ofsted "Outstanding," 2018) is known for its nurturing environment and strong community ties. The Royal Kent School, situated in the nearby village of Oxshott, also enjoys a strong reputation (Ofsted "Good," 2022). ACS International School Cobham, although primarily an independent international school, also provides education from age 2, catering to families from around the world.

Secondary Schools in Cobham:

For secondary education, Cobham Free School offers both primary and secondary provision and was rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2022. The nearby Esher Church of England High School, rated "Outstanding" (2017), attracts pupils from a broad catchment area, providing a strong academic and extracurricular programme. Heathside School in Weybridge and Hinchley Wood School are also popular secondary options with good reputations.

Independent Schools & Colleges:

Cobham is home to several prestigious independent schools, most notably Notre Dame School, a highly regarded all-through independent day school for girls and boys (up to age 11 for boys). Danes Hill School in Oxshott is renowned as one of the UK’s top prep schools, drawing families from across Surrey and London. Reed’s School in Cobham is a prominent independent boarding and day school for boys, with an outstanding history stretching back to 1813.

Universities & Higher Education:

While there are no universities in Cobham itself, easy access to the University of Surrey in Guildford and Royal Holloway, University of London, in Egham, allows local students convenient commuting options for higher education.