Good morning, Surrey. Simon here! This is Inspired Surrey - the local newsletter that’s like unexpectedly bumping into an old friend 👋

In today’s Inspired Surrey:

• Windsor Illuminated is in full swing, and well worth a visit 🎄

• Oxshott repair cafe this weekend 🛠️

• Be careful this weekend, the weather is shocking 🌧️

• What’s on this weekend 📅

Let’s get to it.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is Back! 🎄

Flashback moment—bear with me here: A few years ago, I convinced my friends to join me at Windsor Great Park Illuminated. We were all in our “too cool for Christmas lights” phase (you know the one). I’d like to tell you I maintained my skepticism, but that would be a lie.

The moment we stepped onto the trail, I was floored. Twinkling lights above, the reflection of the displays on the water, and the warmth of hot chocolate in my hands? Consider me a Christmas convert. By the time we hit the carousel and fire pits, I was humming carols like a kid in a holiday rom-com montage.

This year’s new trail design and dazzling installations promise to be even more enchanting. If you’re looking for a little festive magic, this is it.

The Windsor Great Park Illuminated has returned for its fourth year, and it’s bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever.

Running from 15th November to 4th January, this festive wonderland is transforming Windsor Great Park into a glittering spectacle of light, music, and merriment. ✨

This year, expect brand-new trail designs and some reimagined favourites that will take your breath away.

Think twinkling woodland creatures, jaw-dropping projections, and that warm, fuzzy festive feeling all wrapped up in one unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love It

• New Light Trail: Wander through a sparkling forest filled with music, enchanting illuminations, and magical vibes.

• Festive Food Stops: Mulled wine, hot chocolate, and marshmallows toasted around a fire pit? Yes, please!

• Funfair Rides: The Festive Village has a carousel, helter-skelter, and a big wheel—perfect for kids (and big kids). 🎡

Dog-Friendly

• Dogs welcome: Bring your pooch for the paw-fect festive outing!

• Dog treats available: Because they deserve a holiday treat too.

• Photo opps: Snap some Instagram-worthy pics with your furry pal.

🎟️ Ticket Info

Prices vary depending on dates, so check out these options:

• Adults: From £19.80

• Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 kids): From £56.10

• Children (3-15): From £12.10
  Infants under 2? They get in for free! 🙌

🚗 Travel Tips

• Parking is limited, so pre-book your spot or check out alternative options like Waspe Farm Car Park or Egham Train Station.

• Plug TW20 0UJ into your satnav, and follow the yellow event signs for a smooth journey.

🎟️ Don’t wait—grab your tickets now and make some magical memories this festive season! Book Your Tickets Here

Where Were We Wednesday! 📸

How did you get on?

We were at Winkworth Arboretum! It is a beautiful spot, if you're chasing vibrant autumn foliage, spring blooms like azaleas and bluebells, or frosty winter views, this 11.9km circular trail delivers breathtaking scenery. It's also dog-friendly (leads required), which is great for my lab!

Well worth a visit.

Tag @InspiredSurrey to get your photos included!

Fix It, Don’t Bin It! Oxshott’s Repair Café Returns 🛠️

🛠️ Next Date: Thursday, 23rd November, 2:00–4:30 PM
📍 Where: Danes Hill School

Starting January 2025, the Repair Café will settle into a new rhythm at the Oxshott Community Hub, running every third Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Excitingly, they'll also debut a refill stall for household items and toiletries—so bring your empties and stock up sustainably!

What's a Repair Café?

Think of it as a community-powered haven for broken toasters, snagged sweaters, or wobbly chairs.

Their goal? Keep these items out of the landfill while teaching handy repair skills. It’s a joint effort between Oxshott Net Zero and Danes Hill School, and they are all about giving your well-loved belongings a second chance.

• 💡 Learn & Connect: Chat with local groups like Plastic Free Oxshott and Take the JUMP for sustainability inspiration.

• ☕ Café Vibes: Coffee, pastries, and good conversation. Even if you don’t have something to fix, come soak up the atmosphere!

✅ Bring Your Broken Items: Get there at least 30 minutes before closing so they have time to work their magic!
✅ Volunteer: They’re looking for repair heroes and friendly faces to welcome visitors.
✅ Refill & Refresh: Starting in January, grab eco-friendly refills for household products—details on available items coming soon!

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 🗞️😀

Surrey’s Mercedes-Benz World is turning up the star power this weekend as a 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2, once owned by Madonna, hits the auction block: The Queen of Pop reportedly bought the sleek classic for her son Rocco, used it for glamorous photo shoots, and sold it shortly after. With an estimated price of £16,000–£22,000, experts hint it could fetch much more due to its A-list pedigree. Fancy something a little more cinematic? A 1925 Ford Model T with film credits in Fantastic Beasts and Downton Abbey is also on offer. 🚗✨

In-patients at East Surrey Hospital now have a lifeline if they feel their health concerns aren’t being addressed: A new initiative called Call for Concern, inspired by Martha’s Rule. Patients and their families can request an urgent review from a critical care team via a direct number, ensuring no signs of deterioration are overlooked. The service is designed to empower families, who often notice subtle changes before anyone else, with a “fresh set of eyes” ready to step in. Already live for adults, it will expand to all patients next year, making sure every voice is heard. 🏥📞

It’s all happening at The Ashley Centre in Epsom: Luxury brand Rituals kicked things off earlier this month with goody bags galore, and now Oliver Bonas has joined the party, offering everything from chic homeware to stylish fashion. Shoppers are buzzing about the revamp, and the excitement doesn’t stop there: a 44,000ft Primark is set to open in early 2025, giving the high street a serious glow-up. Plus, the countdown to Christmas is on! The Centre’s Christmas light switch-on this weekend promises live music, prizes, and festive fun, with Oliver Bonas hosting an exclusive celebration to keep the vibes merry and bright. 🛍️🎄

What’s On This Week 📅

East Surrey

🧸 Little Pickles Market
Reigate Park Church, Reigate, Saturday 23rd, 10:00am | More info

🎅 The Little Nutfield Christmas Fair
Nutfield Village Hall, Redhill, Sunday 24th, 10:30am | More info

🎄 Christmas Fair
St Mary’s Church Hill, Caterham, Saturday 23rd, 11:00am | More info

🎅 Ashley Centre Christmas Lights Switch On
The Ashley Centre, Epsom, Saturday 23rd, 11:00am | More info

🎶 Live at The Bull
The Bull, Oxted, Saturday 23rd, 8:00pm | More info

West Surrey

🌟 Cobham Onederland
Cobham High Street, Saturday 23rd, 2:00pm | More info

🌽 Farnham Farmers’ Market
Central Car Park, Farnham, Sunday 24th, 10:00am | More info

💎 London Gem & Mineral Show
Sandown Racecourse, Esher, Saturday 23rd-24th, 10:00am | More info

🎄 Hales Christmas Light Switch On
Hale Community Centre, Farnham, Friday 22nd, 6:00pm | More info

🧶 Surrey Hills Arts & Artisan Christmas Fair
West Horsley Place, Leatherhead, Friday 22nd-24th, 10:00am | More info

☃️ Walking with The Snowman Trail
Two Rivers, Staines, Sunday 24th, 10:00am | More info

🎄 West Byfleet Christmas Light Switch On
West Byfleet Village, Saturday 23rd, 2:00pm | More info

Weather

Friday

5° 🌡️ 0° | ☀️ | Enjoy the last of the sunshine today, the rain is due back in over the weekend, as it usually does in the UK.

Saturday

12° 🌡️ 12° | 🌧️ | It is going to be horrendous this weekend! The temperature rises, but my word so does the wind, winds almost hitting 50mph this weekend as the storm rolls in. Rain all Saturday.

Sunday

15° 🌡️ 10° | 🌧️ | More of the same on Sunday, gusty winds and plenty of rain forecast. Be careful out there if you do venture out this weekend.

Sport

⚽ Football

Saturday 23rd November @ 3:00pm
Barnet vs Woking FC

🏒 Ice Hockey

Sunday 23rd November @ 6:00pm | Guildford Spectrum | Tickets
Guildford Flames vs Glasgow Clan

🏉 Rugby

Saturday 23rd November @ 3:00pm
Esher Rugby Club vs Bishop’s Stortford

Thank you! 👍

Thanks for reading Inspired Surrey today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s already got Christmas decorations up.

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