Living in Warlingham

Community life in Warlingham is characterized by its welcoming atmosphere, with long-established families and newcomers alike taking part in local activities. The social fabric is strengthened through sports clubs, church groups, and village societies, all of which contribute to a close-knit, supportive network.

There are several annual events, including fairs and festive markets on The Green, that foster a traditional village spirit. Warlingham’s local library, community centre, and recreational fields are venues for clubs, workshops, and gatherings throughout the year.

The surrounding countryside, featuring accessible footpaths and open land, lends itself to outdoor pursuits such as walking and cycling. Blanchman’s Farm Nature Reserve and Farleigh Common provide attractive options for those keen to enjoy Warlingham’s natural beauty, making it a pleasant place to live for those who value sociable, yet peaceful, local life.

Safety and crime rates in Warlingham are generally perceived as favourable compared to nearby urban centres. The area is characterized by a relatively low crime rate, contributing to its appeal for families and older residents. Neighbourhood watch schemes and active community policing provide reassurance and foster engagement between residents and local authorities.

Like many semi-rural locations, Warlingham experiences occasional incidents of antisocial behaviour or petty theft, but these are infrequent and tend to prompt swift local response. The village benefits from Surrey Police’s commitment to visible patrols and regular updates on local safety initiatives. Engagement with residents through community meetings further supports the area’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live.

Parking in Warlingham is generally manageable, especially when compared with more densely populated areas closer to London. The centre of the village, around The Green, provides time-limited on-street parking bays and a number of off-street public car parks. Residential roads in Warlingham usually offer unrestricted parking, with permit schemes introduced where necessary near schools or high-traffic areas.

Road access is a major strength, with the B269 and A22 offering straightforward links to the M25 at Junction 6, opening up journeys to both the M23 and M3 motorway networks. Congestion is typically less than in larger Surrey towns, particularly outside the commuter rush hour. This makes Warlingham well suited to those who commute by car or need frequent, reliable access across the region.

Nearby towns and cities include:
Croydon – approx. 20 minutes via A22 (7 miles)
London – approx. 40 minutes to central districts via A22/M23/A23 (20 miles)
Redhill – approx. 25 minutes via A22 (11 miles)
Oxted – approx. 15 minutes via B269 (5 miles)

Warlingham is well-known for its selection of traditional pubs and independent eateries around The Green, giving it a relaxed yet sociable food scene. The Horseshoe and The White Lion are longstanding favourite pubs, both offering a welcoming atmosphere and classic British menus. For dining, options include cafés such as Coffee at the White Lion and Italian restaurants in the village centre, alongside popular takeaways serving a range of cuisines.

Nightlife in Warlingham is quieter than in nearby Croydon, focusing on community pubs and occasional live music rather than clubs or late-night venues. Residents looking for a livelier evening out typically visit neighbouring towns or central London, both conveniently accessible from the village.

The area also holds annual food and drink festivals, and its proximity to Surrey countryside pubs and farm shops ensures plenty of culinary choice. Warlingham’s food and drink scene is best described as friendly and relaxed, centred around traditional English hospitality rather than urban nightlife.

School quality: Warlingham offers access to highly-rated primary and secondary schools, including Warlingham Village Primary and Warlingham School & Sixth Form College, appealing strongly to families relocating to Surrey.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from the wealth of local green spaces and nature reserves, such as Blanchman’s Farm, providing opportunities for outdoor activities, play, and nature exploration.

Childcare: The village features several nurseries and preschools, as well as accessible childcare options for working parents in the surrounding area, supporting busy family life.

Safety: With its low crime rate and active neighbourhood watch, Warlingham is considered a safe and pleasant setting in which to raise children. Local policing is proactive and community-focused.

Family activities: From annual fairs on The Green to clubs and sporting groups, children and young people have access to a wide range of clubs and events. The nearby countryside offers plenty of scope for family outings and adventure close to home.

Pet-friendly living in Warlingham is well supported by the area’s abundance of walking trails, open countryside, and dog-friendly public spaces. Blanchman’s Farm Nature Reserve and Farleigh Common are particularly popular for dog walking, and the local parks are well used by pet owners.

Several veterinary practices are located in Warlingham and neighbouring Caterham, providing easy access to pet healthcare. Independent pet shops cater to a range of animal needs, while many cafés and pubs in the village are welcoming to dogs, particularly those with outdoor seating.

Housing in Warlingham often comes with garden space, adding to the area’s suitability for families and individuals with pets. Overall, a strong community of pet owners and supportive local facilities make Warlingham a comfortable place for those with animals.

Transport in Warlingham is highly rated due to its exceptional connectivity paired with a leafy, semi-rural feel. Several train stations lie within a short drive—Whyteleafe, Upper Warlingham, and Woldingham—which offer regular services to central London. Upper Warlingham station, for example, provides direct trains to London Victoria and London Bridge, typically reaching London in less than 40 minutes during peak times.

Bus services connect Warlingham to Croydon, Caterham, and other nearby towns, catering well to local commuters and students. The village is served by several main roads, including the A22 and B269, which link seamlessly to the M25 motorway, making road travel efficient for both local and regional journeys. Gatwick Airport is within easy reach by car, taking around 25 minutes for international travel, while Heathrow is approximately 45 minutes away.

Commute times from Warlingham are as follows:

• Croydon – approx. 20 minutes by road or train (7 miles)
• London Victoria – 35–40 minutes by train from Upper Warlingham
• Guildford – approx. 45 minutes by road (25 miles)
• Brighton – just over an hour by road (38 miles via M23)

The accessibility benefits are complemented by scenic routes for cyclists and walkers, taking advantage of the rural setting while being moments from major transport options.

Schools in Warlingham are a significant draw for families seeking good educational options in Surrey. The village and its immediate surroundings offer a mix of primary, secondary, and independent schools, while further education is accessible in the nearby towns and cities.

Primary Schools:
Warlingham Village Primary School is highly regarded for its nurturing environment and community involvement. Hamsey Green Primary School, serving the Warlingham area, provides a comprehensive curriculum and supportive ethos. Woodlea Primary in nearby Caterham is another notable option, receiving a 'Good' rating from Ofsted (2018). Additionally, Whyteleafe School, just a short distance away, is known for its inclusive teaching and positive approach, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2022).

Secondary Schools:
Warlingham School & Sixth Form College is the principal secondary in the village, offering a broad curriculum and rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2017). Riddlesdown Collegiate in Purley, another sought-after option within easy reach, is renowned for its academic rigour and was rated 'Outstanding' (2022). De Stafford School in Caterham, and Oxted School, both serve Warlingham families and are recognized for both academic and extracurricular achievements.

Independent Schools & Colleges:
Caterham School, one of Surrey’s leading independent schools, offers education from prep through to sixth form and is known nationally for academic excellence and extracurricular range. Woldingham School, a day and boarding school for girls, is another prestigious choice set within a scenic country estate.

Further & Higher Education:
While Warlingham does not house a university within the village itself, residents have access to a range of further education options. East Surrey College in Redhill provides a wide variety of post-16 courses and apprenticeships, while Croydon College is within easy reach for those seeking both academic and vocational qualifications. Universities in London, including University College London and King’s College London, are accessible by public transport for undergraduates and commuters.