Living in Esher

Esher has a strong sense of community, reflected in its friendly neighbourhoods, communal events, and supportive local groups. The town is home to a variety of sports clubs and societies, including Esher Rugby Club and Esher Cricket Club, which host regular fixtures and community sessions. Local events like the Esher May Fair and farmers’ markets in adjacent Cobham provide residents with opportunities to connect and celebrate the area’s produce.

Green spaces such as West End Common and Esher Commons, as well as historic attractions like Claremont Landscape Garden, promote an active outdoor lifestyle. The town centre is also home to the Elmbridge Civic Centre, which facilitates local services and community engagement. These features collectively establish Esher as a welcoming place for residents to become involved and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

Crime rates in Esher are generally lower than many nearby urban areas, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live. The area benefits from proactive community policing and strong local engagement, which contribute to its sense of security. Esher’s proximity to police stations in both Cobham and Walton-on-Thames ensures responsive service coverage.

Most incidents in Esher are low-level, often relating to non-violent offences such as minor antisocial behaviour or vehicle crime. The presence of active Neighbourhood Watch schemes and frequent street patrols supports ongoing safety efforts. Areas near public attractions, such as the racecourse and town centre, are monitored due to increased visitor numbers during events, but the overall environment remains peaceful.

Parking in Esher is generally manageable, with a combination of on-street spaces, residential parking permits, and several public car parks serving the town centre and railway station. The introduction of controlled parking zones in some areas helps maintain space availability for residents, especially during busy periods such as race days at Sandown Park. The flow of traffic is typically steady, though occasional congestion can occur at key junctions during peak commuter hours.

Esher boasts excellent road access, linking residents efficiently to nearby towns and wider routes via the A3 and A307. The M25 motorway is only a short drive away, allowing for convenient travel further afield. Key road travel times from Esher include:

• London – approx. 40 minutes via A3 (14 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 30 minutes via A3 (18 miles)
• Epsom – approx. 20 minutes via B280 (9 miles)
• Woking – approx. 25 minutes via A245 and A320 (12 miles)

Esher offers a diverse range of dining and social venues, from traditional pubs like The Bear and The Wheatsheaf, to stylish eateries such as The Good Earth, known for Chinese cuisine. Popular cafés and coffee shops, including the independent G!RO Café, contribute to the town’s lively daytime atmosphere. For fine dining, La Orient and Thai Terrace are highly rated among locals for their menus and service.

The town’s nightlife is relaxed and refined, often centring around gastro pubs and wine bars rather than late-night clubs. The Esher Theatre regularly hosts live music, performances, and community events, while Sandown Park Racecourse brings a calendar of evening entertainment including racing and social gatherings. While Esher tends toward a sophisticated social scene, neighbouring towns such as Kingston upon Thames offer more vibrant nightlife options within easy reach.

School Quality: Esher stands out for its excellent primary and secondary schools, both in the state and independent sectors, giving families a wealth of educational choice.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from large open spaces such as Esher Commons and Claremont Landscape Garden, which offer safe play areas and scenic walks.

Childcare: A range of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs support working parents with flexible childcare solutions across the town and nearby villages.

Safety: The low crime rates in Esher, alongside active community policing, reassure families who prioritise secure, tranquil surroundings for their children.

Family Activities: From horse racing at Sandown Park to cultural experiences at the Esher Theatre, the town provides a full calendar of child-friendly attractions and activities year-round.

Esher is highly accommodating for pet owners, offering immediate access to large commons, woodlands, and picturesque riverside walking paths where dogs can exercise freely. Local vet practices and pet shops, including The Vet Station and Pets Places, provide all the essentials for animal care within the community.

Many cafés and pubs in Esher, such as G!RO Café, are dog-friendly, welcoming pets in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Housing options often allow for pets, and local landlords are typically open to negotiations for responsible pet owners. The area’s outdoor focus ensures pets and their owners are well catered for, making Esher a comfortable place to live with animals.

Transport in Esher is a distinct advantage for residents, with excellent road and rail connections linking the town to London and the wider South East. Esher railway station, on the South Western Railway line, provides regular direct services to London Waterloo in just over 25 minutes, making it a prime location for commuters. Bus routes connect Esher to Kingston upon Thames, Guildford, and surrounding villages, providing reliable options for local travel.

Major roads including the A3 and M25 are easily accessible from Esher, facilitating road journeys both locally and nationally. For international travel, London Heathrow Airport is approximately 25 minutes by car, while Gatwick Airport can be reached in under 45 minutes. Key journey times include:

• London Waterloo – 25-30 minutes by train
• Guildford – approximately 30 minutes by car via A3
• Kingston upon Thames – 15 minutes by car or bus
• Woking – under 25 minutes via B365 and A320

This comprehensive travel network ensures Esher remains closely connected to business, leisure, and educational destinations across the region.

Primary Schools in Esher
Esher is home to several highly regarded primary schools, including Esher Church School (last Ofsted rating: Good, 2021) and Hinchley Wood Primary School (Outstanding, 2018), both praised for their community ethos and high academic standards. Cranmere Primary School and Claygate Primary School are also popular choices, each known for nurturing learning environments and strong links with local families.

Secondary Schools in Esher
Esher Church of England High School (Ofsted: Good, 2019) serves as a central educational hub for the town, with wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities. Hinchley Wood School, situated just over the Esher border, is often sought after for its Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2017. Further afield, Three Rivers Academy in nearby Hersham is also attended by many Esher pupils.

Independent Schools and Colleges
The distinguished Claremont Fan Court School is a well-known independent option in Esher, set within picturesque grounds and offering co-educational provision from early years through to sixth form. Milbourne Lodge School, a preparatory institution, is also notable for its academic reputation. Esher Sixth Form College draws students from across Surrey, renowned for its broad curriculum and ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted status (2010).

Universities
While Esher itself does not have a university, its exceptional rail and road links provide swift access to institutions in London, including University College London and King’s College London, both reachable within an hour’s journey by public transport.