Living in Egham

Egham’s community atmosphere combines a sense of tradition with the dynamism brought by Royal Holloway’s academic presence. The town is home to various local societies, sports clubs, and voluntary groups, which foster connections among residents. Egham’s High Street is a hub for markets, seasonal fairs, and community festivals, such as Egham Royal Show and Magna Carta Day, celebrating the area's historical significance.

Green spaces and riverside walks along the Thames and in Runnymede provide relaxation and outdoor activities. The Egham Orbit leisure centre, local cricket and rugby clubs, and well-maintained public parks all contribute to a vibrant and inclusive lifestyle. The area’s neighbourhoods are generally peaceful, with a mix of families, students, and long-term residents.

Crime rates in Egham are generally moderate when compared to urban centres, with many residents viewing the town as a safe place to live. While there may be occasional incidents of petty crime or anti-social behaviour, particularly in busier parts associated with student nightlife, overall reported crime is lower than neighbouring urban areas.

Surrey Police maintain a visible presence in the area, and local neighbourhood policing teams work proactively with residents and the university community. Egham benefits from community safety partnerships and a strong network of Neighbourhood Watch schemes, particularly in established residential areas. Regeneration around the High Street and town centre has further supported local safety initiatives.

Parking in Egham is generally accessible, though it can become limited in the town centre during peak hours due to demand from students, commuters, and shoppers. On-street parking is available with some resident permit schemes in operation. Several public car parks are situated near the High Street and the railway station, providing options for both short and long stays.

Congestion can occur during morning and evening rush hours, particularly along the A30 and near major junctions with the M25. However, the town's road network offers good connections to the wider region. Egham benefits from direct access to the A30, and the M25 is just minutes away, making journeys to neighbouring towns and cities straightforward.

• Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 2.5 miles via A308
• Windsor – approx. 5 miles via A308
• Chertsey – approx. 3 miles via A320
• Guildford – approx. 18 miles via A3/M25
• Central London – approx. 23 miles via A30/M25/M4

Egham offers an appealing mix of dining and social options, reflecting both its student population and family-oriented community. The town centre boasts independent cafés, traditional English pubs, and a selection of restaurants offering British and international cuisine. Popular spots include The Red Lion and The Foresters Arms for classic pub fare, while eateries such as The Italian Concept and Bar 163 provide lively dining experiences.

The presence of Royal Holloway ensures a vibrant but manageable nightlife, with local bars and relaxed pubs catering to students, academics, and local residents alike. While Egham does not have large clubs or a big-city nightlife, the nearby towns of Staines and Windsor expand options with bars, theatres, cinemas, and late-night venues. The town’s social scene is regarded as friendly and welcoming, with a focus on quality over quantity.

School quality: Egham boasts a selection of good primary and secondary schools, with several options highly rated by Ofsted. Access to Royal Holloway, University of London, offers additional enrichment through public events and cultural links.

Parks and green space: The area has plentiful parks and play areas, including the open spaces of Runnymede Meadow, making it well-suited to families who value outdoor activities.

Childcare: Local nurseries and childcare providers are available, with a range of options for both working and stay-at-home parents.

Safety: Egham is regarded as a safe community, supported by active neighbourhood schemes and a strong local police presence.

Family activities: Family-friendly attractions include leisure centres, rowing on the Thames, and educational events at Royal Holloway and Runnymede. The community calendar features annual shows and local fairs ideal for all ages.

Pet-friendly living in Egham is enhanced by the abundance of local green spaces and the proximity of the River Thames and Windsor Great Park. The Runnymede area provides miles of dog-walking routes and open countryside, while local parks and playing fields are popular with pet owners. Several veterinary clinics and pet supply shops serve the town and surrounding villages.

Many rental properties and local businesses are welcoming to pets, especially in the more residential neighbourhoods. Dog-friendly pubs and cafés are becoming increasingly common. The attitude toward pets in public spaces is generally positive, with well-maintained walking routes and accessible parks.

Egham benefits from excellent transport links, making it a practical base for commuters and travellers. Egham railway station offers frequent direct trains to London Waterloo, with journey times typically around 40 minutes. Services also connect to Reading, Woking, and local Surrey stations. The town is well-served by bus routes to Staines-upon-Thames, Windsor, and Chertsey.

Major roads are easily accessible. The A30 runs through Egham, while the M25 and M3 motorways are both within a few minutes' drive, providing quick access to the wider South East. London Heathrow Airport is approximately 10 minutes away by car, making international travel highly convenient.

• London Waterloo – approx. 40 minutes by train
• Reading – approx. 45 minutes by train
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 10-15 minutes by car
• Staines-upon-Thames – approx. 5 minutes by train, 10 minutes by car
• Windsor – approx. 15 minutes by car

Primary Schools:

Egham offers a choice of well-regarded primary schools. Manorcroft Primary School, last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018, is known for its vibrant learning environment. Englefield Green Infant School and Nursery is another popular option, praised for its nurturing ethos. Thorpe Lea Primary School, also rated 'Good' in 2022, serves the community on the town's south side. Bishopsgate School, an independent preparatory school just outside Egham, is also highly respected.

Secondary Schools:

The Magna Carta School, situated in nearby Staines-upon-Thames, is a secondary academy with a longstanding presence and a 'Good' Ofsted rating from 2019. Strode’s College in Egham provides further education for 16-18-year-olds, offering a wide choice of A-levels and BTEC courses. The Windsor Boys’ School and The Marist School (for girls) in Sunninghill are also considered by some families living in Egham.

Colleges and Further Education:

Strode’s College is the key provider of sixth-form education in Egham, specialising in academic and vocational pathways. Proximity to Windsor College and East Berkshire College expands further educational opportunities for local students.

Universities:

Royal Holloway, University of London is Egham’s academic centrepiece. Its iconic Founder's Building and vibrant student community enrich the town’s cultural scene. The university is acclaimed for its strengths in the arts, social sciences, and business, attracting students from across the UK and abroad.