Good morning, Surrey. Simon here! This is Inspired Surrey, the email that’s always a treat to open… just like your kid’s Halloween haul after bedtime. 🍫 👿 🍬

In today’s Inspired Surrey:

• Haunts of haunted Surrey 👻

• Tubular Bells coming to town 🎶

• Autumnal walks galore this weekend 🍂

• What’s on this week 📅

Let’s get to it.

Haunts of Haunted Surrey 👻😱

Gather round, spooky souls of Surrey! While our county is often known for its gorgeous greenery, it’s also hiding a spine-tingling, ghost-filled past. Seeing as it was Halloween yesterday, here’s your guide to five of the most haunted spots!

Brooklands Racetrack 🏎️

Our first stop zooms us back to the roaring days of Brooklands Racetrack. On February 15, 1913, daredevil Percy Lambert set the land speed record here at a blistering 103.84 mph. He promised his fiancée he’d quit while he was ahead, but Percy couldn’t resist the call of the track. His next attempt ended in tragedy, leaving his spirit to linger, still dressed in his leather coat, cap, and goggles. Visitors claim they’ve spotted him pacing the track or strolling into “The Vatican,” a hangar where his car was once stored. Some have even reported seeing his ghostly car whizz by, engine roaring as though Percy is forever trying to beat his record.

Haroldslea Drive, Horley 🪖

The quiet suburban Haroldslea Drive in Horley hides an eerie secret. At sundown, a ghostly bell starts to toll, growing louder until midnight when a troop of spectral soldiers is said to march down the drive. They’re heading to Thunderfield Castle, once a rest spot for King Harold’s troops on their way to Hastings. Imagine catching a glimpse of that ghostly procession on your evening stroll—it’s history marching right by your doorstep!

The Punchbowl Inn, Oakwood 🍺

Tucked in the sleepy village of Oakwood, The Punchbowl Inn might look like your friendly neighbourhood pub, but it’s crawling with ghostly residents. There’s the bearded former landlord who’s been known to spook the barmaids with a mysterious touch and regularly “calls time” at the end of the night. His isn’t the only spirit here, though. A spectral dog guards the fireplace on chilly nights, even growling at guests before vanishing! And if you see a grey-clad lady gliding through the dining area, that’s just the inn’s resident 17th-century ghost, adding a bit of historic ambience to your pub night.

Betchworth Castle 🏰

Settle in for some sorrowful spectres at Betchworth Castle. The tale goes that Lord Hope accidentally killed his own son, mistaking him for an escaped prisoner. Now, his spirit roams the grounds, wringing his hands in regret. It’s a heartbreaking haunting that’s said to fill the air with a chill of despair. If you spot a figure lurking in the shadows, perhaps it’s Lord Hope, forever searching for redemption.

Hampton Court Palace 👑

This grand Tudor marvel has been home to some of the most famous—and spookiest—figures in English history. Two of Henry VIII’s wives, Jane Seymour and Kathryn Howard, are said to haunt Hampton Court. Jane, dressed all in white, is often seen gliding up the stairs with a taper in hand. But Kathryn’s ghost is far more dramatic—she’s seen racing towards the chapel, reliving her frantic plea for mercy on the night she was arrested. And don’t forget Sybil Penn, the Grey Lady of Hampton Court, who’s been spotted since 1829, after her tomb was disturbed. She’s often seen spinning her wheel in the Clock Court or haunting the state apartments.

Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells Live in Surrey! 🎶🔔

Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells is coming to Surrey for its 50th Anniversary Tour! This isn’t just any concert; it’s a musical journey.

Think: horror movie chills, Olympic-sized grandeur, and a fusion of every genre under the sun – from jazz to folk to progressive rock! 🎸🎶

📅 Date: Monday, 11th November 2024
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: G Live Main Auditorium

Whether you’re a die-hard Tubular Bells fan or just looking to be transported by music that literally made history, this is the show for you.

The haunting tune that put The Exorcist on the map, filling G Live’s auditorium, performed by a powerhouse ensemble led by Oldfield’s own collaborator, Robin Smith. (Yes, the same Smith who helped bring this epic to life at the 2012 Olympics!)

🎟️ Tickets: £30.50 - £61 (+ up to £3.95 transaction fee)

There are not many tickets left, so get in quickly!

🎤 What’s in Store?

Moonlight Shadow to Family Man – you’ll get to hear Oldfield’s other gems, too. And Robin Smith himself promises a mix of fresh vibes and nostalgia that’ll pull on your heartstrings. He says, “The wonderful thing about Tubular Bells is that it never seems to age.” 😌 

Where Were We Wednesday! 📸

Easy one right?

That’s The Martian in Woking! Installed by artist Michael Condron to commemorate the 100th anniversary of H.G. Wells’ classic The War of the Worlds.

In the book, one of the famous tripods lands and wreaks havoc in Horsell Common, which is not far from Woking.

Tag @InspiredSurrey to get your photos included!

Weekend Walks in Surrey! 🌳👟

Looking to stretch your legs and soak up some stunning Surrey scenery this weekend?

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a breezy stroll through picturesque villages, we’ve got three fab walks for you:

🏞️ Guildford to Compton – Historic Hike with Pete Lambert

📍 Start: The White House, Guildford
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM
Distance: 8 miles
Cost: £12.50

Join North Downs Way Ambassador Pete Lambert on an 8-mile journey from Guildford to Compton and back. You’ll kick things off from Guildford’s old town bridge, wander along the River Wey, and explore hidden gems like the Watts Gallery and Chapel. Expect a mix of riverside views, historic landmarks, and a stop at the Loseley Estate. Bring snacks, water, and a little cash for post-hike refreshments. And yes, well-behaved pups on leads are welcome! 🐾

More info.

🌸 Gomshall to Shere – Hidden Paths & Surrey Hills Views

📍 Start: Alberts Coffee Shop by Vintage Frog, Gomshall
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM
Distance: 7.5 miles / 13 km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

If rolling fields, charming villages, and a peek at the famous Silent Pool sounds like your vibe, this walk is for you! Led by Simone Dill of Back on Track, this 4-hour circular route guides you from Gomshall to Shere village, where you’ll find adorable cafes, ice cream shops, and more. After winding through footpaths and climbing Netley Heath, end your hike back in Gomshall. Bring your camera for those jaw-dropping views, and don’t forget snacks (or a picnic!) for the journey. 🍃

More info.

🍂 Guildford to Chantry Woods – Autumn Adventure with Guildford Hikers

📍 Start: Guildford Station
🕒 Time: 9:30 AM
Distance: 8-9 miles
Cost: Free

Fancy a laid-back, free ramble through colorful autumn woods? Meet up with Guildford Hikers for a relaxed jaunt through Chantry Woods, with a final village stop for a cozy bite to eat. The exact route will depend on the weather, but it’s sure to be a stunning journey! Grab a snack, bring your friends (or furry pals!), and enjoy a fun, social hike with some lovely locals. 🌲

More info.

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 🗞️😀

After months of community input, Guildford Borough Council has announced the winner of their “name the bridge” competition in Ash – say hello to The Chester Bridge: The name nods to the historic Chester Arms pub and the Chester family of Poyle Park fame. A panel of judges, including local school stars and a historian, sifted through all the creative entries to land on this gem. The new bridge aims to ease traffic woes by replacing the pesky level crossing that used to stop cars up to 25 minutes every hour (talk about a wait!). Construction on the next phase kicks off on 23rd November, so keep an eye out, Ash! 👀🚲

Guildford’s £6m plan to create a greener, safer London Road for cyclists and pedestrians has been officially scrapped, putting a bit of a roadblock on Surrey’s net-zero goals: Despite support from big names like Guildford MP Zoe Franklin and several local councillors, safety concerns ultimately led to its rejection. The plan aimed to introduce segregated pathways, but critics argued the narrow sections would’ve created a “pedestrians vs. cyclists” scenario, especially along the busiest stretches. Yasmin Broome, speaking for Surrey's disabled community, strongly voiced fears over speedy cyclists, saying, “Please keep our disabled community safe.” Looks like we’ll be sticking with the current layout for now – here’s hoping for a smoother solution down the road! 🌍💨

The full weekend closure of the M25 near Junction 10 has been cancelled: National Highways announced that, thanks to progress on the Wisley interchange, the marathon weekend shutdown isn’t needed. Instead, we’ll see just an overnight closure this Saturday (November 2) from 9 PM until 10 AM on Sunday, November 3, as bridge work wraps up. This weekend reprieve follows two previous closures in October that allowed for the installation of “jet lanes” designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly. So, while Saturday night’s closure still stands, Sunday drivers can hit the road without a detour! 🚙✨

What’s On This Week 📅

🎶 Poppy Appeal Concert
Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green, Friday 1st, 7:30pm | More info

🏉 Chobham Rugby Fireworks
Chobham Rugby Club, Chobham, Friday 1st, 6:00pm | More info

🎶 The Greatest Showman Tribute Night
Reigate Manor, Reigate, Friday 1st, 7:00pm | More info

🔮 The Big Purple Psychic & Holistic Fair
Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Sunday 3rd, 11:00am | More info

🎨 Surrey Craft Market
Shere Village, Guildford, Sunday 3rd, 10:00am | More info

🎆 Guildford Lions Firework Fiesta
Stoke Park, Guildford, Saturday 2nd, 5:00pm | More info

✨ Crondall Bonfire & Fireworks
Farm Lane, Farnham, Saturday 2nd, 5:30pm | More info

🧶 Arts & Crafts Fair
Horsell Village Hall, Horsell, Sunday 3rd, 11:00am | More info

🎆 Holmbury Bonfire and Fireworks
Hombury St Mary Village Hall, Saturday 2nd, 5:30pm | More info

Weather

Friday

14° 🌡️ 10° | ⛅ | Very foggy, and likely to be overcast for most of the day, not the most exciting week for the weather. There is sunshine on the horizon though, this weekend is likely to be a sunny one!

Saturday

15° 🌡️ 5° | ☁️ | Saturday is going to be cloudy, a light breeze throughout the day, but not much sun to speak of.

Sunday

14° 🌡️ 4° | ☀️ | Sunnier on Sunday, we should have bright spells for most of the morning with some actual sun in the afternoon, before these early nights draw in even more - it’s so dark so early now!

Sport

⚽ Football

Saturday 2nd November @ 3:00pm | Kingfield Stadium | Tickets
Woking FC vs Cambridge United

🏒 Ice Hockey

Saturday 2nd November @ 6:00pm | Guildford Spectrum | Tickets
Guildford Flames vs Glasgow Clan

Thank you! 👍

Thanks for reading Inspired Surrey today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who will start listening to holiday music tomorrow and not a minute earlier.

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