Good morning, Surrey! Simon here. This is Inspired Surrey. This isn’t Surrey related, but Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia became the tallest church in the world on Thursday after a part of its central tower was lifted into place. But I’ve always found Sagrada Familia interesting for a different reason – it’s the world’s longest-running construction project. The first brick was laid in 1882 and it’s not expected to be complete until 2034.

In today’s Inspired Surrey:

• Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair & The Snowman 🎅

• Hampton Court Palace Ice Skating is Back! ⛸️

• The World-Famous Monday Wordle 🧠

• What’s on Guide for this week 📅

Let’s get to it.

Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair – Two Days of Pure Festive Bliss! 🎁✨

If you’re the sort of person who gets a little too excited when the Christmas aisles appear in the supermarkets (no judgement here), then the Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair is going to feel like stepping straight into your festive daydream.

On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November, from 10am–4pm, the Cathedral will be buzzing with over 50 beautifully curated stalls, each one packed with the kind of gifts that make you say, “Ooh… that’s lovely, I’ll just get one for myself too.”

Expect handmade decorations, artisan spirits, bespoke jewellery, cosy accessories, festive foodie treats, and loads of one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else.

The Cathedral Shop will also be open with its own range of gorgeous gifts, and when your shopping bags (or arms) need a break, swing by Seasons Café for a warming coffee, slice of cake, or a proper lunch. It’s basically a full Christmas mood from start to finish.

🎟️ Entry is just £3 on the door
📍 Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, GU2 7UP

Go early. Go festive. Go armed with a list you definitely won’t stick to.

❄️ PLUS: The Snowman with Live Orchestra – The Ultimate Christmas Heart-Melter 🎼⛄

If you really want to crank up the festive magic, come back to the Cathedral on Saturday 13th December at 2pm for a truly special treat — The Snowman film accompanied by a live orchestra.

Yep, the iconic animation, the soaring score, the lump-in-your-throat moment when Walking in the Air starts… all performed live, echoing around one of Surrey’s most atmospheric settings. If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, check your pulse.

Perfect for little ones, nostalgic grown-ups, and anyone who loves a proper Christmas moment.

🎟️ Tickets available via Carrot Productions here — book early, this one always sells fast!

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink Is Back! ⛸️❄️

If you’re looking for something festive (but not frantic), the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink opens on 21 November and runs until 4 January, and it's one of the best winter days out around Surrey. You get to skate right next to the actual palace — no theme park decorations, just proper historical surroundings and loads of space.

This year they’ve made a few changes: the rink surface is improved for smoother skating, the skates are more comfortable, and they’re letting fewer people on at once, so it’s not shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. There are dedicated quiet sessions every day at 10am, with lower lighting and calmer music, which is ideal if you’ve got young kids or want a more chilled experience.

Prices start at £13.50 for kids and £18 for adults (family tickets from £46), and if you're a Historic Royal Palaces member, you get 15% off – the discount code’s usually in your monthly email.

You don’t need a ticket for the palace itself to skate, but if you want to make a full day of it, head inside during one of the Festive Fayre weekends (5–7 and 12–14 December) for food stalls, winter treats, and mulled everything.

They’ve also upped the food and drink at the rink: hot chocolate, pastries, sausage rolls, proper coffee – all available to grab post-skate.

🛼 Skate aids are available for kids under 120cm (you’ll need to get there early to grab one).
📅 Sessions are 45 minutes – turn up 30–40 mins before your slot to get sorted.
🐶 No dogs, and no palace access with your rink ticket – it’s a separate thing.

Bonus tip: The evening sessions are lovely with the lights on, but the early morning ones are quieter and easier if you’ve got younger kids or want to avoid a crowd.

👉 Check availability and book your session here

The Monday Wordle: Episode 41 🧠

It’s Monday, so you know what that means, Wordle time!

Click here to play.

Last weeks answer: cocoa

We Are Now On Instagram 📸 

If you are on Instagram, please follow @inspiredsurrey if you can. It would be much appreciated. The account was only started recently, so we still barely have any friends/followers, I’d very much appreciate a follow!

Thank you so much to everyone who followed us! You’re the best! 😊

The Digest 🗞️😀

Audiology services are returning to Dorking Community Hospital from Monday, after being temporarily moved to Kingston earlier this year. The change comes after patient feedback and community pressure over long travel times. MP Chris Coghlan, who led a petition to bring the service back, called it a big win for local healthcare access. The service will now be run by Dorking Healthcare and First Community Health and Care, meaning shorter trips and quicker support for those who need it most. 🏥📢

Godstone Farm is going full Christmas magic this year, with twinkling barns, marshmallow fire pits, and over 500 furry friends getting into the festive spirit. From November 22 to December 24, families can meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto, join cheeky elves Jingle and Jangle for a live show, and even help steer the sleigh in a charming elf training experience. Add in letter-writing to the North Pole, Surrey’s biggest soft play, and the chance to pick your own gift from the Grotto Toy Shop, and you’ve got the ultimate Christmas day out. Book early – it's filling up fast! 🐐✨

After a multi-million pound makeover, Waitrose Weybridge has officially reopened its High Street store — just in time to celebrate its 52nd anniversary. Shoppers can now enjoy a bigger wine range, shiny new coffee machines, more John Lewis products, and an expanded selection across the store. The much-loved green token scheme is also back, with local causes like Philip Southcote School and Runnymede Foodbank up for community votes. From Deliveroo orders to in-store collections, the revamped branch is serving up style, substance, and a proper feel-good shopping experience. 🛍️☕

What’s On This Week 📅

East Surrey

👩‍👦 Caterham Mum2Mum Market
Caterham United Reformed Church, Caterham, Saturday 22nd, 10:00am | More info

👩‍👦 Banstead Mum2Mum Market
Woodmansterne Village Hall, Banstead, Saturday 22nd, 11:00am | More info

🔧 Repair Shed and Cafe (Christmas Theme)
Hurst Green Community Centre, Oxted, Sunday 23rd, 12:00pm | More info

🍺 The Derby Arms Christmas Market
The Derby Arms, Epsom Downs, Thursday 20th, 6:00pm | More info

✨ Luxury Christmas Wreath Making
The Metropolis, Epsom, Tuesday 18th, 7:00pm | More info

🎄 Epsom Square Christmas Light Switch-On
Epsom Square, Epsom, Saturday 22nd, 10:00am | More info

🕰️ Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair
Dorking Halls, Dorking, Sunday 23rd, 9:30am | More info

🛷 The Little Nutfield Christmas Fair
Nutfield Village Hall, Redhill, Sunday 23rd, 11:00am | More info

West Surrey

🎄 A Fairytale For Christmas
G Live, Guildford, Wednesday 19th, 7:30pm | More info

🍂 Scandinavian-style Wreath Making
Watts Gallery, Guildford, Friday 21st-23rd, 1:30pm | More info

🎷 Anna’s Hummingbird Live Jazz Night
Birdies Coffee House & Bar, Farnham, Saturday 22nd, 7:00pm | More info

🥒 Farnham Farmers’ Market
Central Car Park, Farnham, Sunday 23rd, 10:00am | More info

🛍️ Premium Pre-Loved Pop Up Shopping Event
The Lost Boy, Farnham, Saturday 22nd, 10:00am | More info

👚 Vintage Fashion Fair
Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Saturday 22nd, 10:00am | More info

🎄 Woking Christmas Lights Switch-On
Woking Town Centre, Woking, Thursday 20th, 4:30pm | More info

🎅 Christmas Fayre
Millbrook Animal Centre, Chobham, Saturday 22nd, 11:00am | More info

🎁 Staines upon Thames Christmas Parade
High Street, Staines, Sunday 23rd, 10:30am | More info

Weather

Monday
9° 🌡️ 2° | 🌥️ | A crisp-fresh start to the week. Expect mostly cloudy skies with the chance of a few sunny breaks. Daytime high around 9 °C, dropping overnight to about 2 °C. Give yourself a little extra time for the school run, you might want a warm hat or scarf - this is feels like the real start of winter!

Tuesday
8° 🌡️ 1° | 🌧️ | Cloud cover hangs around, and there’s a good chance of light rain or drizzle. Highs around 8 °C, lows about 1 °C. Ideal day for a warm indoor catch-up with a warm drink.

Wednesday
6° 🌡️ –1° | 🌦️ | Wednesday brings the coldest air so far. Highs only around 6 °C and by evening it could dip to –1 °C. Expect cloudy skies and a few scattered showers (even the odd sleet-flake in the higher spots). Something to keep in mind if you’re out later in the day.

Thursday
5° 🌡️ –2° | 🌤️ | Brightest day of the week — though “bright” is relative. High around 5 °C and overnight plunges to –2 °C. A chilly walk will feel crisp and fresh, especially if you catch a clear patch of sky. Layers = very useful.

Friday
6° 🌡️ 0° | 🌧️ | Heading into the weekend with a bit more cloud and the potential for rain or drizzle returning in the afternoon. Daytime high around 6 °C, overnight near 0 °C. Good call to squeeze in any outdoor plans early afternoon and have your umbrella ready just in case.

Thank you! 👍

Thanks for reading Inspired Surrey today. If you found something useful today, please share it with someone who’s organising the Secret Santa this year.

📢 Want to advertise your business to over 4,000 Inspired Surrey readers? Let’s chat, reply to this email or reach us at [email protected].

📧 Did I miss something? Got an event or gig listing? Let me know, reply or email [email protected].

👉 Sometimes things change, so please always check the details for events and activities directly with the organiser to avoid disappointment.