Is Surrey Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2026 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

User Sentiment:

* Rated 84 / 100 based on 5 user reviews.

United Kingdom : Safety by City

Surrey is one of those places that many travelers pass through without realizing how much it has to offer.

Sitting just south and southwest of London, this English county blends market towns, upscale villages, green countryside, royal history, and easy access to both the capital and major airports.

You can spend a morning wandering the streets of Guildford, an afternoon walking the Surrey Hills, and an evening in a cozy pub that looks like it has been there forever.

It feels polished in many areas, but it is not a fantasy version of England where nothing ever goes wrong.

Surrey is generally considered one of the safer parts of the country for visitors, especially compared with larger urban destinations, though it still has the usual mix of theft, occasional nightlife trouble, transport issues, and neighborhood differences.

In other words, it is very manageable for travelers, but common sense still matters.

Warnings & Dangers in Surrey

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Surrey is generally a low-risk destination for travelers. Many of its towns are affluent, well-connected, and comfortable to explore, especially during the day. Crime does exist, of course, but for tourists the most likely issues are petty theft, car break-ins, and late-night trouble around busy transport hubs or nightlife areas rather than serious violence aimed at visitors.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Getting around Surrey is usually straightforward. Trains, buses, taxis, and rideshare services connect the county well, especially in larger towns like Guildford, Woking, and Redhill. The main risks are practical ones, such as train delays, overpriced or unofficial taxis near stations, or feeling isolated late at night in quieter areas. Book licensed transport and keep an eye on your belongings.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is not the defining risk in Surrey, but it can happen in busy shopping areas, train stations, and tourist-heavy spots. Places with commuter crowds, events, or weekend foot traffic create the best opportunity for thieves. The risk is still lower than in central London, but distracted travelers with phones, wallets, and bags in easy reach can still make tempting targets.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Surrey does not face major natural disaster threats in the way some destinations do. Travelers are more likely to deal with heavy rain, minor flooding in certain low-lying areas, storm-related transport disruptions, or occasional winter ice than anything dramatic. Heatwaves can also be uncomfortable in summer. It is not a county that usually frightens visitors with nature, but weather can still affect plans.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Mugging risk in Surrey is fairly low for tourists, especially in daytime and in the county’s more residential or upscale areas. Still, no place is completely risk-free. A few busier town centers and station areas can feel less comfortable late at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Avoid isolated routes after dark and do not make yourself an easy target by flashing valuables.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The terrorism risk for travelers in Surrey is low. As part of the wider London and southeast England region, it falls under the general security environment of the UK, but Surrey itself is not usually singled out as a high-risk tourist location for this threat. Most visitors will never notice anything beyond the ordinary security measures common across Britain.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scam risk in Surrey is relatively low compared with many major tourist destinations. Travelers are much more likely to encounter digital scams, fake booking offers, phishing messages, or overpriced services than elaborate street scams. Accommodation fraud and ticket resale tricks are worth watching for. As usual, book through reputable platforms and be cautious with urgent payment requests.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Surrey is generally comfortable for women traveling alone, particularly in its better-known towns and daytime attractions. Many areas feel orderly, well-kept, and easy to navigate. Still, the usual solo travel precautions apply. Avoid poorly lit paths at night, use licensed taxis if you are out late, and be extra alert around train stations or nightlife spots after dark.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Tap water in Surrey is considered safe to drink. Travelers staying in hotels, guesthouses, or rental properties can usually drink water straight from the tap without concern. If there is ever a local issue, accommodation providers will normally inform guests. For most visitors, there is no need to rely on bottled water unless that is simply your personal preference.

Safest Places to Visit in Surrey

Guildford

Guildford is one of the easiest places in Surrey for visitors to enjoy.

It has a lively but polished town center, a historic high street, riverside walks, and a castle that gives the area character without making it feel overly touristy.

It is a strong choice for travelers who want charm, shops, restaurants, and a place that feels active rather than isolated.

Surrey Hills

If your ideal trip involves countryside rather than commuter stations, the Surrey Hills are a wonderful pick.

This area is known for scenic walks, villages, viewpoints, and green landscapes that make Surrey feel distinctly English.

It is safer and calmer than busier urban pockets, especially for daytime exploring.

Just wear proper footwear and avoid setting out unprepared if the weather is bad.

Farnham

Farnham has an appealing market-town feel, with historic buildings, independent businesses, and a relaxed atmosphere.

It tends to feel comfortable for couples, solo travelers, and families alike.

This is the kind of place where you can stroll without feeling like you need your guard up every second, though basic caution still applies in parking areas and after dark.

RHS Garden Wisley and Nearby Villages

Wisley and the surrounding villages offer a gentler side of Surrey that many travelers love.

The area feels orderly, scenic, and well suited to visitors who enjoy gardens, country roads, and a slower pace.

It may not have the excitement of a major city, but in safety terms that is part of the appeal.

It is one of Surrey’s easiest places to visit with peace of mind.

Places to Avoid in Surrey

Station Areas Late at Night

The places I would be most cautious about in Surrey are not entire towns but certain station-adjacent areas after dark.

Parts of Woking, Redhill, Staines-upon-Thames, and some busier transport zones can feel less inviting late at night, especially when pubs close and crowds thin out.

These are not automatic no-go areas, but they are not ideal for aimless wandering after midnight.

Isolated Parks and Footpaths After Dark

Surrey has beautiful green spaces, but they are best enjoyed in daylight.

Parks, wooded footpaths, and rural walking routes can become very quiet in the evening, and poor lighting can make even a safe area feel uncomfortable.

Travelers who underestimate this can end up feeling stranded or vulnerable.

In a county like Surrey, the countryside is lovely, but not always smart for nighttime exploring.

Busy Nightlife Pockets in Larger Towns

Guildford and Woking are enjoyable overall, but nightlife areas can bring the usual risks tied to drinking, arguments, and opportunistic theft.

Visitors are unlikely to face major danger, but these are the spots where tempers, bad decisions, and late-night disorder are more likely.

If you are out for drinks, stay near trusted companions and plan your ride back in advance.

Unwatched Parking Areas

This is one of Surrey’s more practical weak spots for travelers.

Theft from vehicles remains a concern in parts of the county, particularly in poorly watched parking lots, trailhead car parks, and shopping areas.

A lot of visitors think a quiet suburban or rural area automatically means their car is safe.

Thieves often like exactly that kind of relaxed assumption.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Surrey

Stay somewhere with good transport and solid reviews. Surrey covers a wide area, and where you base yourself matters. A well-rated hotel or guesthouse in Guildford, Farnham, or another established town will usually make your trip easier and safer than booking the cheapest place in an awkward or poorly connected location.
Do not treat the countryside like a theme park. Surrey’s green spaces are beautiful, but they are still real outdoor environments. Trails can get muddy, weather can change quickly, and some areas become very quiet. Carry water, charge your phone, and let someone know your plans if you are heading out for a long walk.
Be alert around train stations. Stations are convenient, but they are also where travelers are most distracted. Keep your bag zipped, do not leave your suitcase unattended, and avoid fumbling openly with cash, cards, or your phone when you first arrive.
Use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare options. Late at night, do not jump into a random car because it is waiting nearby. Pre-book when possible, especially if you are leaving a pub, station, or event. This is a simple rule, but it removes a lot of unnecessary risk.
Do not leave valuables in your car. Even in a nice-looking area, visible bags, shopping, or electronics can tempt thieves. This applies in town centers and in rural car parks near walking routes. If you are driving, keep the interior completely clear.
Pack for English weather, not your best hopes. Surrey can look sunny and turn damp in a hurry. A light waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and a few layers will make your trip more comfortable. Being cold, wet, or miserable tends to make travelers distracted, and distracted travelers make easier targets.
Take extra care after pub hours. Surrey is not wild by big-city standards, but late-night drinking still changes the mood in some areas. Arguments, rowdy behavior, and poor decision-making are more common after closing time. Head back before things get sloppy if you want the simplest night.
Keep your plans realistic if you are using public transport. Surrey is well placed for day trips, but train and bus timing matters. Missing a last connection can leave you stranded in a place that suddenly feels a lot less charming. Always check return options before heading out, especially on Sundays or late evenings.
Watch for booking scams and fake deals. This is especially important if you are reserving accommodation, event tickets, or short-notice transport. If a deal seems strangely cheap or someone wants payment through an unusual method, stop and rethink it. Surrey itself may be low scam drama on the street, but online fraud is everywhere.
Carry travel insurance. It is easy to skip this for a trip to southern England because the destination feels so orderly. That is exactly why people get caught out. Delays, cancellations, lost items, and medical expenses can still happen, and insurance is a much better backup than optimism.

So... How Safe Is Surrey Really?

Surrey is, in practical terms, one of the safer places many travelers could choose in England.

It benefits from a generally affluent profile, attractive towns, strong transport links, and a reputation that leans more toward comfortable living than tourist chaos.

That said, safe does not mean spotless.

There are still crime issues across the county, especially involving theft, anti-social behavior, vehicle crime, and occasional violence in specific areas or time periods.

The good news for visitors is that most of these risks are manageable and rarely define the trip.

What matters most in Surrey is context.

Walking through a smart market town on a weekday afternoon is very different from lingering outside a busy station after midnight, or leaving luggage visible in a parked car near a popular walking route.

Travelers who use normal precautions are unlikely to run into serious trouble.

In my view, Surrey is a solid destination for families, solo travelers, couples, and day-trippers who want an easygoing English experience without the pressure and intensity of London.

I would call it low risk overall, with the biggest hazards coming from ordinary carelessness rather than from Surrey being an inherently dangerous place.

How Does Surrey Compare?

City	Safety Index
Surrey	77
Liverpool	65
Southampton	65
Bradford	42
Canterbury	79
Peterborough	70
Glasgow	60
Jamestown	82
Biddeford	86
Gresham	70
McCook	78
Veracruz	60
Stockton	38

Useful Information

Visas

Tourists visiting Surrey follow the same entry rules as the rest of the UK. Many travelers can enter for up to six months for tourism, but what you need depends on your nationality. Some visitors now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before travel, while others need a standard visitor visa. Always check the latest rules before booking.

Currency

The currency in Surrey is the British pound sterling. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, from hotels to pubs to train stations, so carrying huge amounts of cash is unnecessary. For the best value, avoid airport exchange counters when possible and use bank machines or card payments that do not charge heavy foreign transaction fees.

Weather

Surrey has a temperate climate, which means mild winters, cool to warm summers, and rain at any time of year. Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a waterproof jacket. Even in summer, evenings can feel cool. In winter, damp cold can feel sharper than the temperature suggests, so warm outerwear is a good idea.

Airports

The most useful airports for Surrey travelers are London Gatwick and London Heathrow, depending on which part of the county you are visiting. Gatwick is especially convenient for places like Redhill and Reigate, while Heathrow works well for northern and western Surrey. Trains, coaches, taxis, and rental cars make onward travel fairly simple.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is still worth having for a trip to Surrey. Lost baggage, rail disruptions, medical issues, and last-minute cancellations can all affect your plans. Because Surrey often feels easy and low-stress, travelers can underestimate the value of insurance, but it is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from unexpected costs.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Surrey Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan

3°C

37°F

Feb

5°C

41°F

Mar

6°C

43°F

Apr

9°C

48°F

May

12°C

54°F

Jun

15°C

59°F

Jul

17°C

63°F

Aug

18°C

64°F

Sep

15°C

59°F

Oct

10°C

50°F

Nov

6°C

43°F

Dec

4°C

39°F

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	6	8	10	13	16	19	22	23	20	14	9	6
Low °C	0	1	2	4	7	10	12	12	9	6	3	1
High °F	43	46	50	55	61	66	72	73	68	57	48	43
Low °F	32	34	36	39	45	50	54	54	48	43	37	34

United Kingdom - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Aberdeen	63
Bath	81
Belfast	65
Birmingham	44
Bradford	42
Brighton	67
Bristol	58
Cambridge	78
Canterbury	79
Cardiff	64
Coventry	41
Dundee	60
Edinburgh	75
Exeter	77
Glasgow	60
Inverness	73
Leeds	56
Leicester	43
Liverpool	65
London	70
Manchester	60
Newcastle upon Tyne	72
Northern Ireland	65
Nottingham	56
Oxford	66
Peterborough	70
Salford	43
Scotland	71
Sheffield	74
Southampton	65
Surrey	77
York	83

5 Reviews on Surrey

A
Anonymous says:

at

Why are you picking on Surrey?

Umm, that was surprising. Surrey’s a county rather than a city, unlike all the other places mentioned, and most of its urban areas are comparatively wealthy commuter towns. I can’t imagine why Surrey is a medium risk for women, but London a low risk?? London feels pretty safe, but it is a vibrant capital city with the full range of humanity represented. A lot of Surrey is golf clubs, gymkhanas and g&ts – it doesn’t really compare. This article makes me wonder what happened to the author in Surrey?

G
Grant says:

at

There’s something nice about spending a day at Bocketts Farm, just soaking up the fresh air and watching the kids laugh while feeding the animals; it’s those simple moments that really make the day feel special.

D
Dorothy says:

at

Is it really as glamorous as it sounds living in a place known for its affluence, or do you think it can sometimes feel a bit too polished and less genuine?

K
Knox says:

at

With so many spots to explore like Brooklands Museum and Denbies Wine Estate, it sounds like a weekend in Surrey could be a fun mix of history, wine, and maybe a bit of pretending to be posh.

M
Melania says:

at

Sure, Surrey’s got lovely gardens and Denbies is nice, but after a half hour stuck on the M25 and an endless Hampton Court queue yesterday it felt more stressful than posh.

Surrey, United Kingdom Rated 4.2 / 5 based on 5 user reviews.

Is Surrey Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report