Living in Woking

Woking’s community and local life are marked by an inclusive and welcoming spirit. The area hosts a range of annual events, including the Party in the Park and Woking Food & Drink Festival, each drawing large crowds. The Lightbox Gallery and Museum is a cultural focal point, hosting exhibitions, talks, and workshops open to all ages.

Residents enjoy access to numerous parks and green spaces such as Woking Park, Horsell Common, and the extensive Basingstoke Canal towpath, all catering to walkers, cyclists, and families. Local sports clubs and community centres offer opportunities for involvement in activities from amateur dramatics to five-a-side football or yoga classes. Regular farmers' markets and seasonal fairs bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared tradition in Woking.

Many neighbourhoods have their own community associations, while faith groups and non-profits actively support integration and wellbeing across the town’s diverse population.

Woking, like much of Surrey, is considered a relatively safe place to live, with crime rates generally lower than the national average for towns of its size. The town centre and railway station are busier areas but benefit from regular police patrols and CCTV coverage. Suburban neighbourhoods such as Horsell and Pyrford are seen as particularly peaceful, with low incidences of antisocial behaviour.

Community partnerships and active Neighbourhood Watch schemes contribute to strong local engagement in safety. Woking Borough Council and Surrey Police work closely to address concerns and implement initiatives such as street lighting improvements and community open days focused on crime prevention and awareness. Recent years have seen areas of regeneration and community investment further enhancing feelings of safety, particularly around central Woking.

Parking in Woking is generally well managed, with a combination of multi-storey car parks in the town centre and on-street parking throughout the residential areas. Controlled parking zones are in operation, and resident permits are required in many streets close to the centre. Woking Borough Council ensures pay-and-display bays and longer-stay facilities are available, accommodating both daily visitors and commuters.

Congestion does occur at peak times, especially around station approaches and during major town centre events. However, the road network is efficient and provides quick access to the M25, A3 and M3 motorways, making onward travel straightforward for residents and visitors alike.

Key travel distances and routes:

• Guildford – approx. 7 miles, 20 mins via A320
• London – approx. 23 miles, 45 mins via A3 or M25
• Farnborough – approx. 12 miles, 25 mins via A331/A323
• Chertsey – approx. 8 miles, 20 mins via A320

Parking enforcement is active in central areas to ensure turnover and efficient use of spaces, and park-and-ride options are periodically available during large local events.

Woking offers a dynamic food scene, with everything from family-run cafés and bakeries to stylish restaurants representing global cuisines. The town centre features popular eateries such as the Olive Tree for Mediterranean dishes and Luciano's for Italian classics, while local institutions include Bacaro for tapas and the renowned Thai Table. Pubs such as The Wheatsheaf in Horsell and The Sovereigns on Guildford Road provide welcoming environments for social gatherings and traditional fare.

For night-time entertainment, Woking is home to bars like Slug & Lettuce and the popular Komo, as well as cocktail lounges offering live music on weekends. The town is famous for the New Victoria Theatre, which draws audiences from across Surrey. Although Woking doesn't boast a large club scene, late-night venues and regular live events cater to residents and visitors seeking a vibrant evening out. Numerous takeaways and fast food outlets ensure a wide range of quick options.

The social atmosphere in Woking is typically relaxed but with pockets of liveliness, particularly around the town centre and festival weekends.

School Quality: Woking is highly regarded for its range of good and outstanding schools, covering both the primary and secondary levels. The presence of a strong college adds to the area’s educational appeal for families with older children.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from numerous play parks, large open areas, and well-maintained spaces such as Woking Park and Horsell Common. These are popular for picnics, sports, and child-friendly activities.

Childcare: Several highly-rated nurseries and preschools operate in Woking, providing flexible options for working parents. The town also has after-school and holiday clubs in both private and council-run settings.

Safety: Woking is generally perceived as safe, with low crime rates in residential neighbourhoods and proactive community safety schemes. Family living is supported by well-lit streets and regular police presence, especially in busy areas.

Family Activities: Options such as leisure centres, swimming pools, theatres, and frequent family-oriented events contribute to an active community life suitable for children and parents alike.

Woking is an excellent area for pet owners, offering abundant access to outdoor spaces suitable for dogs and other pets. Highlights include Horsell Common, Goldsworth Park, and the Basingstoke Canal towpath, all popular with walkers and runners accompanied by their dogs.

The town has a number of reputable veterinary practices, pet grooming parlours, and dedicated pet shops providing for a variety of animal needs. Many of Woking’s pubs and cafés are known to be dog-friendly, with water bowls and treats often available for four-legged patrons.

Housing in the area is generally accommodating to pets, particularly in detached homes and those with gardens, although standard checks and permissions are typically required by landlords for rented properties. Responsible pet ownership is encouraged, and the presence of community groups supports animal welfare and regular gatherings for pet owners.

Woking is renowned for its exceptional transport links, making it a key commuting hub in Surrey. The Woking railway station is a major stop on the South West Main Line, offering frequent and fast services to London Waterloo (journey time as short as 25 minutes during peak hours). Regular trains connect Woking to Guildford, Basingstoke, and the south coast, with direct services to destinations such as Portsmouth and Bournemouth.

The town’s central bus interchange provides local and regional services, improving accessibility to surrounding villages and towns including Chobham, West Byfleet, and Send. The M25 and A3 major roads are both within easy reach, making car journeys efficient for many residents.

Travel times to key destinations:

• London Waterloo – approx. 25 minutes by train
• Guildford – approx. 10 minutes by train, 20 minutes by car
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 25 minutes by car via M25
• Southampton – approx. 1 hour by train

For cyclists, Woking benefits from a network of shared cycleways linking the town centre to local parks and neighbouring villages, supporting a healthy and sustainable mode of transport.

Primary Schools:

Woking is served by an array of well-regarded primary schools. Goldsworth Primary School is notable for its 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating (2013). Horsell Village School and St Dunstan's Primary School both enjoy positive reputations for academic and pastoral support, with regularly 'Good' Ofsted outcomes. Halstead Preparatory School is an independent option known for a strong curriculum and nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools:

The town includes several top-performing secondary schools such as Woking High School, which is popular locally and has a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2019). The Winston Churchill School and Bishop David Brown School also serve the area, providing extensive academic and extracurricular opportunities. Hoe Valley School, a newer institution, is often praised for its innovative approach and community ethos.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

Woking College is the primary sixth form college in town, renowned for its outstanding results and broad subject offerings at A-level. The college has a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2017) and offers a vibrant atmosphere that supports students’ transition to higher education or employment. Nearby Farnborough College of Technology is also accessible for vocational studies and apprenticeships.

Universities:

While there are no universities directly within Woking, the University of Surrey in Guildford is a short drive or train ride away, respected nationally for its excellence in science, engineering, and business. Royal Holloway, University of London, is also within easy reach by train from Woking.