Little Surrey: family friendly things to do in Surrey

Surrey Life's Emma Ward searches out the best things to do in the county with the kids 

Abridged versions of Surrey Life's monthly Little Surrey column below. 

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As well as the best of the month aheads events, Little Surrey also regularly includes:

Café Culture
Cool places to eat in Surrey with the kids

APRIL 2012
What: Eddie Catz Café
Where: Locations in Wimbledon, Putney and (just across the county border) in Newbury.
Tel: 0845 201 1268
We love it because: The Eddie Catz soft play centres in Wimbledon, Putney and Newbury are already well known to many parents across Surrey, but have you tried out their cafés yet? You’ll find a good selection of children’s meals, together with hot and cold drinks that are reasonably priced. Plus, the handy location, right next to the soft play areas, means that your children will be kept well-entertained while you can enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee. Open seven days a week, check online for prices and opening times.

MARCH 2012
What: Grayshott Pottery Café Bistro
Where: School Road, Grayshott, Hindhead GU26 6LR
Tel: 01428 604404
We love it because: Not many cafés offer food and drink on their own handmade plates and cups, but the café at Grayshott Pottery is an exception, serving hot and cold meals on attractive crockery made in the pottery. It opens all week and, while it gets busy at weekends, there is usually no need to pre-book. Particularly recommended are the generously filled ciabattas, while the children’s food is, according to my youngest son, yummy.

FEBRUARY 2012
What: La Piccola
Where: 129 High Street, Epsom KT19 8EF
Tel: 01372 730307
We love it because: Located near Marks and Spencer on Epsom High Street, La Piccola looks rather small when first encountered, and it might be difficult for parties with more than one pram to fit in when it’s busy. But once inside, it opens up into a very pleasant area with a decent number of tables. La Piccola sells very good hot drinks, snacks and (largely Italian) patisseries. Staff are welcoming and you can also buy delicious continental cakes to enjoy at home.

JANUARY 2012
What: Crafty Café
Where: Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 6HA
Tel: 0208 390 1999
We love it because: Cure the post-Christmas blues with a trip to this fun and spacious café in Surbiton, where you can enjoy hot drinks, cakes and pastries while creating something unique and very personal. From printing T-shirts to capturing your baby’s footprints on a ceramic tile, the range of projects and colours is huge. The Crafty Café is open every day except Mondays. Finished pottery projects are left behind to be glazed, then you can collect them a few days later. Pre-booking not essential, but advisable on weekends and holidays.

DECEMBER 2011
What: Priory Farm Cafe
Where: Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill RH1 4EJ
Tel: 01737 823304 ext 240 / www.prioryfarm.co.uk.
We love it because: Arrive early in the morning for a delicious breakfast – the eggs come from resident chickens, while the sausages are made by the farm shop butcher. Ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible and dishes include jacket potatoes, sandwiches, scones and quiches. Children are made to feel welcome, with snacks, high chairs and clean changing facilities. Afterwards, there is the popular Discovery Walk and brand new Labyrinth play area to enjoy, as well as the farm and gift shops. 

NOVEMBER 2011
What: Maison Blanc
Where: Holly Parade, High Street, Cobham KT11 3EE
We love it because: This lovely café exudes French charm and sophistication, with its mouth-watering selection of cakes and pastries and delicious light lunches. Part of the highly successful boulangerie-patisserie empire of French chef extraordinaire, Raymond Blanc, the Cobham café is well set out, with plenty of amenities for children. Food lovers can even extend the gastronomic pleasure by taking home a loaf of warm, freshly-baked bread from the bakery – that is, if it lasts the journey without little fingers making in-roads into it on the way. Visit www.maisonblanc.co.uk

OCTOBER 2011
What: Applegarth Fruit Farm Café
Where: Headley Road, Grayshott
We love it because: Afternoon tea served in this delightful restaurant is an experience not to be missed, with a good selection of mouth-watering homemade cakes and pastries that will make the liveliest child sit still and eat in awed silence. There is also a farm shop and deli selling equally delicious products for families to replicate the experience back home.
The farm is worth a wander round to see the autumn crops.

SEPTEMBER 2011
What: TazZa Coffee
Where: 188 High Street, Sutton
We love it because: Opened at the end of 2010, TazZa Coffee not only produces delicious drinks, cakes and light lunches, but also aims to help the wider community through charitable giving, responsible ingredient sourcing and courses for local residents. A popular snack for children is the ‘decorate your own’ cake, which comes with its own pot of sprinkles! There are also free weekly storytelling sessions in term time.

AUGUST 2011
What: Beanies Children’s Café
Where: Middle Street, Croydon
We love it because: Newly-opened in June, Beanies is the place to be for toddlers in Croydon. This child-friendly café comes with activities galore, from crafts, dressing up and dance classes to football, computers and action figures. The café serves seasonal, nutritious meals and snacks, and parents will also enjoy browsing the baby goods for sale.

JULY 2011
What: Priory Park Café
Where: Priory Park, Bell Street, Reigate
We love it because: This bright and welcoming café, run by the independent Urban Kitchen, is right in the middle of Priory Park: a wonderful facility for locals and visitors to Reigate, especially families. The café sells a good selection of snacks and drinks, although prices are sometimes a little higher than average. Close to a large playground, with equipment ranging from zip wires to toddler sandpits and slides, there is also parking in nearby Bell Street car park or Morrissons. A great summer’s afternoon option: www.urbankitchen.co.uk.

JUNE 2011
What: Village Ceramics
Where: Station Way, Cheam. Tel: 0208 661 7837
Why: Bringing a whole new meaning to the words ‘café culture’, customers can make their own ceramics at the same time as enjoying a bite to eat. Children are well looked after, with drinks and biscuits included in the price, and staff are more than happy to demonstrate different ceramics techniques and to help with the tricky bits! See www.villageceramics.co.uk

MAY 2011
What: The Devil’s Punch Bowl Café (National Trust)
Where: Devil’s Punch Bowl, near Hindhead (off the A3): 01428 608771
We love it because: This family-friendly café with plenty of parking offers hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks that are perfect to fuel the troops before a late spring walk around the glorious Devil’s Punch Bowl. As well as discovering wonderful countryside and wildlife, the more engineering-minded will appreciate the chance to view the £371 million project to re-route the A3 under the landscape at Hindhead. For café opening times, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast

APRIL 2011
What: Abinger Hammer Tea Rooms
Where: Abinger Hammer, on the A25 between Dorking and Guildford. Tel: 01306 730701.
We love it because: If you like your scones laden with jam and your surroundings quintessentially English, then you will settle right in to this cosy café. Not for families in a hurry, the service can be a little slow at times, but it is always warm and welcoming. On sunny spring days, children can run off steam outside on the village green outside the café once they have eaten their sandwiches and cake.

MARCH 2011
What: Fanny’s Farm Shop tea room
Where: Markedge Lane, Merstham
We love it because: Ever taken tea in a tree house? Well, here’s your chance to book a special lunch or high tea in the purpose-built tree house at the wonderful Fanny’s Farm Shop (booking essential on 01737 554444). There is also a separate tea room serving morning coffee, ploughman’s lunches and afternoon tea, plus a play area for the children to burn off excess energy.

FEBRUARY 2011
What: Centre View Restaurant
Where: Third Floor, Bentalls Department Store, The Bentall Centre, Kingston-upon-Thames
We love it because: A perfect place for a break from the crowds, this family-focused pit stop offered us a wide choice of cuisine at reasonable prices, with child menus, high chairs and clean baby-changing facilities. A great place to take the weight off for a while before plunging back into an afternoon of hard-core shopping.

JANUARY 2011
What: Garsons Farm
Where: Winterdown Road, Esher KT10 8LS
We love it because: Even in wintertime, when the pick-your-own crops have been picked bare, an excellent restaurant serves hot and cold meals for all ages. The gift shop is laden with toys and books, while the farm shop offers the perfect introduction for children to learn more about the food on their plates.

A Pint & a Bib!
Child-friendly pubs in Surrey

MARCH 2012: Situated opposite the racecourse, this famous pub is in a lovely position right at the heart of Epsom’s history and heritage. It is not geared at very young children as the pub has a policy of not allowing pushchairs and buggies indoors unless they are folded. But they are allowed outside in the beer garden and older children can join in family meals inside. The menu is very comprehensive, with dishes ranging from traditional English fare to Mediterranean favourites. The decor is unashamedly equine – sure to be a hit with horse-mad youngsters – and from the outside you can see wonderful views all across Surrey.
Derby Arms, Epsom Downs, Epsom KT18 5LE. Tel: 01372 722330

FEBRUARY 2012: This is a beautiful pub, with an excellent menu that changes every month. Families will especially enjoy their Sunday roast (served between 12noon and 2.30pm) and there is also a large garden – if the weather isn’t too cold – for children to run off steam. An added attraction is the pub’s close proximity to the Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park, which contains dozens of fascinating modern sculptures. Admission does cost extra, but children under five can enter for free.
The Pride of the Valley, Tilford Road, Churt, Farnham GU10 2LH. Tel: 0844 6831209

JANUARY 2012: At first glance, this attractive country pub doesn’t seem to cater for children, having neither a special menu nor high chairs. But staff are willing to halve portions on the main menu, which specialises in seafood, and there are also plenty of popular child-friendly options, such as scampi or ham and chips. Or you could visit on a Sunday for a delicious roast that appeals to all ages. In addition, the atmosphere is friendly, the surroundings beautiful and the parking good.
The Running Mare, Tilt Road, Cobham KT11 3EZ. Tel: 01932 862007

DECEMBER 2011: Located near junction 9 of the M25, close to Oxshott and Malden Rushett, this is an ideal meeting place for families getting together over Christmas. It is large and friendly, with excellent parking and baby-changing facilities, plus an impressive children’s menu. The real log fire is a draw on colder days. You can also purchase gift vouchers to spend in the pub: a lovely Christmas or New Year gift.
The Star, Kingston Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0DP: Tel: 01372 842416

NOVEMBER 2011: This riverside pub boasts a large menu, which changes seasonally, plus a breakfast menu that is perfect for families wanting o fuel up before a spot of pre-Christmas hopping in Kingston. It has a heated outdoor area, weather permitting, with views over the river and its passing swans and other wildlife. Highchairs, baby food warming and children’s portions are available on request and families are made to feel welcome.
The Boaters Inn, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, Surrey KT2 5AU: 0208 541 4672

OCTOBER 2011: There is plenty of choice for children on the British and Mediterranean menu of this attractive country pub. Prices aren’t as low as some family eateries, but this is an excellent option for Sunday lunch with the family or for a celebration. There are good baby-changing facilities, with staff happy to accommodate children’s needs where possible. The Arkle Manor is located in the beautiful Mole Valley, with plenty of rolling countryside nearby for a post-lunch walk.
The Arkle Manor, Reigate Road, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7HB: 01737 842110

SEPTEMBER 2011: If you like your pubs set in spectacular countryside and off the beaten track, then this is the place for you. Located in a 15th century farmhouse on the Titsey estate, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Botley Hill Farmhouse offers a pleasingly large children’s menu with prices starting from £3.95 for two courses. Not to mention a very nice beer garden.
Botley Hill Farmhouse Pub, Limpsfield Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9QH: 01959 577154

AUGUST 2011: At this nicely decorated, welcoming pub, children are allowed inside until early evening, plus there’s a pleasant beer garden and Thai restaurant for families wanting to stay a little later. A large menu of Thai food and some English dishes will cater for most children’s needs, while the baby-changing facilities are small but clean. Busy families could also take advantage of their takeaway service for a Thai meal at home.
The Organ and Dragon, London Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2BL: 0208 393 2242

JULY 2011: This lovely country pub has a large beer garden and excellent children’s play area. There’s a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and a regular programme of family events too. The children’s menu offers popular, tasty dishes, and the changing facilities are clean and presentable.
The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill, Horley, Surrey RH6 0ET: 01293 862312

JUNE 2011: Okay, so not what you might expect from a standard pub, this hotel is right next to Chessington World of Adventures. Overnight packages include theme park entry and novelties like breakfast with cuddly meerkat characters. ‘Non-guests’ can enjoy a meal at the African-themed bar and grill, along with stunning views over the African reserve and village.
Holiday Inn, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE: 01372 734600

MAY 2011: Literally round the corner from Kew, this watering hole is perfect to round off a day spent admiring the plants at the world-famous botanical gardens. It boasts child-friendly menus and facilities, including high chairs and clean changing areas. It is light and airy and has a wide selection of food.
The Botanist, 3-5 Kew Green, Kew, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey TW9 3AA: 0208 948 4838

APRIL 2011: The Bear serves afternoon tea every weekday from 3pm, complete with fresh cream cakes, which makes a superb after-school treat for the kids. A wider dining menu is also available, which includes plenty of child-friendly options. For warmer visits, there is a small barbecue garden where families can enjoy an alfresco meal.
The Bear, Leatherhead Rd, Oxshott, Surrey KT22 0JE: 01372 842747

MARCH 2011: At the Kingswood Arms, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere, clean changing facilities, easy parking and a safe children’s play area. An ideal place to hold an inter-generational family reunion, there’s plenty of space indoors and in the beer garden, a wide choice of food and a pleasingly high tolerance amongst staff of young children.
Kingswood Arms, Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6EB: 01737 354 053

FEBRUARY 2011: Searching for a child-friendly hostelry on our way to Legoland in Windsor, we came across the delightful Swan Hotel in Staines. Overlooking the Thames, with a lovely view, staff were attentive to the children’s needs and tolerant of their noise. Tempting menus, adequate baby-changing facilities and easy parking added to our satisfaction.
The Swan Hotel, Staines, Surrey TW18 3JB: 01784 452494

JANUARY 2011: This month, we’re loving the Cricketers on Stamford Green in Epsom, an attractive family pub with plenty of good menu choices for all the family, clean loos and easy parking. Plus, there’s a large pond on the doorstep that’s home to dozens of ducks and geese, so don’t forget to bring some bread to feed them on your way home.
The Cricketers, 1 Stamford Green Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 7SR: 01372 729 384

Retail therapy...
Each month, Emma Ward and her two young sons will visit a different town to find out how family friendly it is

APRIL 2012: REDHILL

The low-down: Well-connected to London and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Redhill itself offers a decent enough shopping centre, The Belfry, with easy parking and a good collection of shops, eating places and changing facilities. The centre also hosts regular kids’ workshops, events and competitions, and there’s a children’s club too (find out more at www.redhillbelfry.co.uk/kidzone). For younger kids looking to spend their pocket money, a particular favourite is The Works, a great shop for affordable books and a whole range of other bits and pieces. Nearby, you’ll also find Donyngs Recreation Centre, which recently underwent a £4.1 million refurbishment and includes a dedicated children’s soft play facility, a 25m swimming pool with viewing gallery and teaching pool, a crèche, a café, and even a Junior Gym for 11 to 15-year-olds, among other facilities.

Top thing to do before leaving Redhill: The town’s theatre, The Harlequin, often puts on family shows during school holidays and weekends. There’s also a cinema with a Saturday morning film club for kids (children’s tickets are £3.50 and with every child ticket purchased an adult goes free). See www.harlequintheatre.co.uk.

MARCH 2012: COBHAM

A charming town filled with interesting shops, plentiful parking and a family-friendly atmosphere, Cobham is also a great place for rubbing shoulders with the Chelsea football team who train in nearby Stoke d’Abernon! Some of the specialist shops and cafés are slightly pricier than in other Surrey towns, but it’s still a good place to find kids’ presents (try the toyshop Funtasia or clothing chain JoJo Maman Bebe on Oakdene Parade), plus gifts for the whole family (check out The Lemon Tree on the High Street or Inside Out in Holly Parade).

Top thing to do before leaving Cobham: If the kids like seafood, head over to Loch Fyne on the Portsmouth Road, slightly out of town, where you’ll receive a fantastic welcome. Children’s menus are available, along with activity packs and excellent changing facilities.

FEBRUARY 2012: ASHTEAD

The low-down: Ashtead is not especially large, but it has a charming example of an old-fashioned high street with surprisingly few major brands and chains and a genuinely friendly, family atmosphere. Local retailers are championed here, with several independent shops, such as fancy dress shop Abracadabra and jewellery shop Temptations (gentlemen, take note: Valentine’s Day is upon us…), both on The Street. In fact, such is Ashtead’s emphasis on supporting local traders that it even has its own loyalty card for shoppers. Children can spend pocket money in the charity shops – such as Age UK and the Princess Alice Hospice – and, in this Leap Year, ladies might enjoy a browse in the bridal shop, Brides Visited, situated at the top end of The Street.

Top thing to do before leaving Ashtead: Grab a drink in Watsons’ Coffee Shop before going for a walk on nearby Ashtead Common. Or book a Valentine’s Day meal at Italian restaurant, Zia Vitalia.

JANUARY 2012: WIMBLEDON

The low-down: Wimbledon has much more going for it than simply hosting an annual tennis tournament; not least the advantage of being close to the capital without its character being swallowed up in the vast London metropolis. General shopping is easy in Centre Court Shopping Centre with three floors of shops and cafés. But wander into the heart of Wimbledon for more independent shops, such as traditional wooden toyshop Little Rascals on Merton Road and Wimbledon Party Shop on The Broadway. While on The Broadway, drop into the YMCA for some great soft play for under fives on Monday to Thursday mornings (£4.25 per session).

Top thing to do before leaving Wimbledon: Book a show at the Polka children’s theatre – and while there take a ride on their gorgeous vintage rocking horses in the foyer.

DECEMBER 2011: RICHMOND

The low-down: The historic town of Richmond came under the international spotlight this summer when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie visited. During their trip, Angelina treated some of her children to a browse in the local toyshop, Toy Station, on Eton Street (toy-station.co.uk). This is a well-stocked shop that will delight parents with its old-fashioned charm and well known brands – my two sons were in Lego heaven there! As well as high street brands such as Mothercare – celebrating 50 years since opening its first shop in Kingston upon Thames – Richmond also has plenty of unusual, independent shops that add character and make Christmas gift shopping highly enjoyable.

Top thing to do before leaving Richmond: Brave a winter walk along the river or, alternatively, in nearby Kew Gardens. Open all year (except Christmas Eve and Day), it offers gorgeous surroundings, top quality, if slightly pricey refreshments, excellent play areas and unbeatable views.

NOVEMBER 2011: WOKING

The low-down: Woking is exceptionally well off for shops and is an ideal place for families to while away a Saturday. Children will be delighted with the toy shops on offer, chief of which is the large Toys R Us store in the centre of town on Church Street. There is also a branch of crafting giant, Hobbycraft, a little way out of town in the Lion Retail Park.

Up-to-the-minute young fashion and clothing is well catered for as well, with branches of Next, H&M, BHS and New Look.

More general shopping can be done in Woking’s impressive shopping centre, Peacocks, where large retail chains abound, including family favourites such as Claire’s Accessories, Hawkins Bazaar, Tk Maxx and Debenhams. There are also dozens of lovely cafés, fast food outlets and other options for quick and easy bites to eat, plus several ATM facilities and a large car park. All in all, shopping made extremely easy.

Top thing to do before leaving Woking: Pick up an events leaflet from The Lightbox on Chobham Road to find out what’s on for families over the coming weeks at the town’s museum and gallery. Opened in 2007, as well as major exhibitions, they hold regular events for children. Find out more at thelightbox.org.uk

OCTOBER 2011: GODALMING

The low-down: An attractive, welcoming town, Godalming also has plenty of child-friendly shops. The Toy Box on Wharf Street offers lovely, if slightly pricey, old-fashioned toys that will last for generations. They also run a good loyalty card scheme, giving repeat customers money-off vouchers, plus discounts for a nearby coffee shop. Another good place for toys is the very large, well-stocked Barnardo’s charity shop on Bridge Street.

Custard Clothing is a nice little children’s clothing shop on the High Street, specialising in organic products. Also worth a browse is the nearby Tots N Teenys, near the Pepperpot Clock.

As for somewhere to eat, Secretts – the garden centre down the road in nearby Milford – boasts a wonderful café, excellent changing facilities, regular events and even more toys, games and little curios to browse (find out more at secretts.co.uk).

Top thing to do before leaving Godalming: Visit on a Friday to enjoy a browse round the town’s popular weekly market, next to Crown Court Car Park, where you’ll find lovely, fresh produce for sale.

SEPTEMBER 2011: REIGATE

The low-down: A charming place to while away a day, whilst Reigate may be relatively small, specialist children’s shops abound.

One of our favourites is the Lillifoot shoe shop on Church Street, with helpful staff and cool designs (as I am reliably informed by Son Number 1). Toys and games can be found in the straightforwardly-named The Toy Shop on the High Street. The several charity shops dotted around sell excellent pocket money toys, books and clothes. School uniforms can be sorted out for older children in Swots, on Church Street.

Finally, lunch is well taken care of, with plenty of family-friendly places to eat, such as Strada and Café Rouge, though it’s worth checking out the independent places, with Urban Kitchen (in Church Street and Priory Park) a favourite locally.

Top thing to do before leaving Reigate: Visit the excellent playground in Priory Park, complete with its own pirate ship, or there’s also a skate park for older kids.

AUGUST 2011: SUTTON

The low-down: Sutton has the advantage of a wide range of shops with slightly less inflated prices than some other Surrey towns.

Central to the experience are the two covered shopping centres, the St Nicholas Centre and Times Square. Both have plenty of parking, nice places to eat, decent baby-changing facilities, fun ride-on toys and, above all, interesting shops.

There are perhaps fewer independent specialist shops to be found overall in Sutton, but two that caught our eye in the St Nicholas Centre were Chocobox, selling a nostalgic collection of penny sweets from times past, and the Little Angels Emporium – a bright and brash toy shop with pleasingly large quantities of Lego, Sylvanian Families and other perennial kids’ favourites.

Sutton is well-equipped with high street names selling clothes, toys and treats for the little ones. These include Asda (for some great pocket money toys), Marks and Spencer (for the dreaded school uniform), Early Learning Centre (need I say more?) and many others.

Finally, a quick trip down the road towards Cheam is well worth doing, as this neighbouring village also has some nice shops and places to eat. In fact, Cheam has one of the best-stocked charity shops we have ever come across in the shape of St Raphael’s Hospice shop on London Road in the North Cheam section of the village. Books and toys galore, with larger scooters, ride-ons and bikes available if you are lucky enough to spot them.

Top thing to do before leaving Sutton:
Check out Cheam Park. Backing onto the popular Nonsuch Park, it offers children excellent sporting and leisure facilities, including tennis courts, football pitches and a great playground. There are also some lovely formal gardens to admire and plenty of grass to enjoy an impromptu chasing game. There’s fairly easy parking, plus a café serving drinks and snacks during the summer months and at weekends.

JULY 2011: DORKING

The low-down: Famous for its antique shops, mainly grouped together around the attractive West Street, Dorking is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon. While hunting for old furniture might not sound terribly appealing to younger families, overall the town’s shops offer a pleasing number of pocket money finds, and are generally very friendly to (well-behaved) children keen to start training their eye for a bargain or two.

The town is also well represented by high street names, yet independent shops thrive here too, including Dorking Models – present in the town for more than 35 years – catering for model enthusiasts of all ages. Fun and Games in St Martin’s Walk is also a treasure trove for children, selling as it does traditional toys and declaring itself a ‘battery-free zone’.

Hungry shoppers can find plenty of little cafés that will fit the bill, including Café Crème on the High Street and Café Rialto on South Street, both of which serve decent children’s meals. Families can also eat at the Dorking Halls too, which offers concerts, films and exhibitions – not to mention plentiful car parking.

Finally, those looking for unusual birthday presents or locally-made souvenirs can experience even more retail delight on Sunday July 17 when the Dorking Craft and Gift Fair comes to the Dorking Halls from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Plus, shoppers can get in for free when they pay to visit the Dorking Antiques Fair that’s happening at the same time. Bargain!

Top thing to do before leaving Dorking:
Head for Denbies Wine Estate, the country’s largest vineyard, where you’ll find an established programme of family-friendly activities, from arts and crafts to a fun and bumpy trailer ride through the glorious countryside.

JUNE 2011: ESHER

The low-down: Esher gives off a quietly well-to-do vibe, with its neat high street and pleasing collection of independent retailers. Although the choice isn’t vast, you can find most things you might need in this charming town. The large Waitrose is especially enjoyable to browse and has a good-sized car park, while Esher’s charity shops provide the kids with somewhere to spend their pocket money.

There are plenty of options for lunch too, including popular French eatery Café Rouge (check out their website for regular voucher deals) and the Aphrodite Café on the high street. Eagle-eyed visitors might also catch sight of some famous faces too, as Esher and nearby Weybridge are home to several celebrities, from Max Clifford to Eamonn Holmes and Theo Paphitis.

Top thing to do before leaving Esher:
A short walk or drive from the centre of town is Garsons, a large pick-your-own farm that is right at the start of its new season at this time of year. Home-picked strawberries are an especially tasty June treat; the perfect accompaniment to Wimbledon fortnight. Also on site at Garsons, you’ll find a well-stocked gift shop, with an adjoining farm shop for those who prefer to leave the fruit and veg picking to other hands.

MAY 2011: LEATHERHEAD

The low-down: Leatherhead is a small town, but offers decent shops for the family in need of some retail therapy. However, there is a lack of large department stores or especially chic boutiques. High street names are well represented though, both along the high street itself and in the Swan Shopping Centre, which also houses a large, reasonably priced car park. In fact, Leatherhead has several reasonable car parks, although the signposts towards the main centre can sometimes be confusing on first visiting the town. There are plenty of places to eat, with favourites including locally-owned Italian Vecchia Trattoria on the high street.

Top thing to do before leaving Leatherhead
If the children are tired of shopping and just want to run off some excess energy, there are a couple of places to do just that near the town centre at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre. Crazy Tots is the leisure centre’s own soft play area, where children can enjoy slides, rope ladders, climbing equipment, ball pits, ride-on toys, goal nets etc. Open every day (mornings only at weekends). During the week, the neighbouring Leatherhead and Dorking Gym Club runs ‘Fun in the Foam’ sessions for under-fives – soft play centred on a huge foam pit for children to scramble in for an hour or so (sessions start at 12noon). My boys love it!

APRIL 2011: FARNHAM

The low-down: This month, we went west to visit Farnham, with its quiet market town feel and beautiful Georgian buildings. Ostensibly there for a shopping trip, we enjoyed looking round and found it easy to get to, with plenty of parking. The boys enjoyed exploring Farnham Castle, and, once I dragged them away to see the town, also had fun looking in the windows of the many child-friendly shops along the refreshingly old-fashioned high street.

It was a nice change to see some smaller, independent shops in town. Toyshops included Wooden it be Lovely, a delightful store in Lion and Lamb Yard, and Enchanted Wood in East Street. Another nice place to browse was Elphicks on West Street, the town’s main department store, which again provided a rare chance to experience some good old-fashioned retailing. There was a pretty decent range of kids’ clothing, friendly assistants and a nice café (if perhaps slightly pricey?) with clean baby changing facilities.

Top thing to do before leaving Farnham: If you have enough time after shopping, it is only a short trip to nearby Birdworld and the Rural Life Centre. Both are superb places to take children, with plenty to see, refreshments and good gift shops with pocket money items on sale. See www.birdworld.co.uk and www.rural-life.org.uk.

MARCH 2011: KINGSTON UPON THAMES

The low-down: Renowned for its fantastic shopping, the historic town of Kingston also retains an individual character making it an interesting place to stroll around. The Holy Retail Grail that is the Bentall Centre has dozens of shops and cafés, plus cashpoint, washroom, crèche and other easily accessible essentials. Centre highlights include Bentalls department store and the Build-a-Bear Workshop store where kids can create their own cuddly companion. However, smaller independent shops are thinner on the ground than in some shopping centres.

Away from the Bentall Centre, John Lewis on Wood Street has a superb children’s wear floor and haberdashery section, as well as excellent baby changing facilities and car parking. Another highlight is its café – just as well, as there seems to be a slight lack of child-friendly places to eat in the centre of town.

We have enjoyed meals at both Pizza Express and the Gourmet Burger Kitchen, but had to wander further towards the river to find somewhere more independent.

Top thing to do before leaving Kingston: Enjoy the authentic market experience as you browse the varied stalls in Kingston’s historic market square. Regular events turn this space into an even more enticing prospect, with recent examples including the German Christmas market and a chocolate festival.

FEBRUARY 2011: GUILDFORD

The low-down: Guildford is a magnet for retail therapy devotees of all ages, and with its historic, pedestrianised High Street, it’s ideal for families. Parking can be tricky, however, so consider the train or the bus, which will take you right into the centre, or the Park and Ride scheme (around £1.80 for an adult return).

For the kids, you’ll find everything from Mothercare and ELC to JoJo Maman Bébé and The Entertainer toyshop. A real gem for children’s books at low prices is the Oxfam bookshop on Upper High Street, though you do have to be prepared to get down and rummage. For a welcome break from pushing a laden pram across the cobbles, pop into The Friary Shopping Centre, home to a mix of familiar names and independents.

Another of Guildford’s main attractions for families is the huge choice of restaurants that cater for, and actively welcome, children. We have never been disappointed by TGI Friday on North Street, and the Giraffe café on Upper High Street comes up trumps, too. Both offer excellent children’s menus and activity packs before the meal. My sons were captivated by the balloon models our TGI Friday waiter fashioned for us in three minutes flat. Amazing.

On a final point, the best place for baby-changing facilities is in Debenhams on Millbrook. Debenhams, incidentally, also serves up rather delicious cakes. Obviously, these had to be sampled in order to provide Surrey Life readers with the complete picture of the Guildford shopping experience…

Top thing to do before leaving Guildford: Take a stroll down to Dapdune Wharf and the Wey Navigations, just a few minutes walk from the main shopping area. This beautiful National Trust-maintained stretch of river offers tranquil towpath walks and a chance to explore the restored Wey barge, Reliance. See nationaltrust.org.uk.

JANUARY 2011: EPSOM

The low-down: Walking is the easiest way to get around this pushchair-friendly town, but there is also plenty of safe car parking – it costs £1.20 for an hour in The Mall Ashley shopping centre or slightly more in the Ebbisham Centre, which also houses an excellent library.

The Mall Ashley is home to both independent retailers and familiar high street shops, such as Boots, M&S and Next. Hungry shoppers have some pleasant cafés to choose from and baby changing facilities in both the centre itself and upstairs in Dickens and Jones are clean and serviceable. For kids with birthday money burning holes in their pockets, Early Learning Centre and Toy Barnhaus are both great hunting grounds for toys, while The Works stock children’s books at reasonable prices.

Lunch out with two toddlers can be a mission, but in Epsom, there are several places to choose from, including Jimmy Spices and its all-you-can-eat international buffet and Café Rouge with its children’s menu for £5.95. Also, for groups of new mums (or dads) meeting up with pushchairs and paraphernalia in tow, Chapters, on the first floor of the Ebbisham Centre, is spacious, highly tolerant of infant noise and mess, and serves good quality, inexpensive food.

Top thing to do before leaving Epsom: For my sons, you’d have to go a long way to beat a go on the Thomas the Tank Engine ride in The Mall Ashley, near to Waitrose. For just £1, they can sit aboard Thomas and his trucks as the world spins (safely) round before them.

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