Local Attractions
Guests often ask us at the desk what's worth doing during their stay, and honestly, it's a nice problem to have - within a short drive of the hotel, you've got royal palaces, motorsport history, world-class gardens, a racecourse and a theme park, alongside the quiet riverside walks and green spaces that make Weybridge such a lovely spot to be based. Below is a rundown of our team's favourite local attractions, with distances from the hotel and the official websites for opening times and tickets.
Elmbridge Museum
Distance from hotel: 1 mile (approx. 18-minute walk/ 5-minute drive)
This one is genuinely on our doorstep - it's an easy walk from the hotel into Weybridge. It's a small, free local museum that tells the story of the Elmbridge area, with changing exhibitions on everything from wartime Weybridge to the area's long racing history at Sandown and the old Hurst Park course.
It's a nice option if the weather turns, or if you just fancy an hour or so learning a bit about the area you're staying in before heading out to the bigger attractions. Well worth combining with a stroll along the Thames Path, which is also close by.
Brooklands Museum
Distance from hotel: 2 miles (approx. 6-minute drive)
Brooklands is only a couple of miles from the hotel, and it's usually the first thing I mention if a guest tells me they're into cars, planes or just British history in general. The site was the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, opened back in 1907, and it went on to become the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. The museum now houses an incredible collection of vintage racing cars, motorbikes and aircraft, including a Second World War Wellington Bomber and the only Concorde in the South East that the public can actually walk through.
I'd suggest setting aside at least half a day if you want to do it justice, especially if you're travelling with family - there's a lot to see across the hangars and the old finishing straight. There's a cafe on-site for a break, and the museum hosts regular special events, so it's always worth checking their calendar before you head over.
Mercedes-Benz World
Distance from hotel: 3 miles (approx. 7-minute drive)
Right next door to Brooklands is Mercedes-Benz World, which is a completely free attraction that surprises a lot of our guests - both entry and parking don't cost a thing. It's spread over three floors and displays more than a hundred cars, from classic models through to the latest Mercedes-AMG range, and there's a simulator studio if you fancy a taste of Formula One without leaving the ground.
For anyone who wants to get behind the wheel, they run driving experiences on the handling circuit and a ten-acre off-road course, suitable for complete beginners right up to more confident drivers. It pairs really well with a trip to Brooklands Museum, since they sit on the same historic site, so many of our guests do both in one day.
Painshill Park
Distance from hotel: 3.5 miles (approx. 10-minute drive)
Painshill is a bit of a hidden gem that I always recommend to guests who fancy a slower-paced day out. It's an 18th-century landscape garden created by Charles Hamilton, and walking round it genuinely feels like stepping into a painting - there are follies dotted throughout the grounds, including the Crystal Grotto, a Gothic Temple and a ruined abbey, all set around a beautiful serpentine lake.
It's a lovely spot for a picnic or a cup of tea at Hamilton's Tea Room, and there's an accessible route around the lake if you'd rather keep things easy. Dogs on short leads are welcome too, which a fair few of our guests appreciate. I'd recommend checking online before you go, as it does get busy and some visits need booking in advance.
Sandown Park Racecourse
Distance from hotel: 4.5 miles (approx. 10-12 minute drive)
Sandown Park has been part of the local landscape since 1875 and is one of the best-known racecourses in the country, having hosted some legendary contests over the years, including the Eclipse Stakes. Guests staying with us for a race meeting often ask about travel times, and it's a quick, easy trip from the hotel.
Outside of racedays, Sandown also hosts concerts, trade fairs and other events throughout the year, so it's always worth a look at what's on, even if horse racing isn't your thing. I'd suggest checking the dress code for the enclosures if you're heading to a raceday, as some areas are smart casual only.
Hampton Court Palace
Distance from hotel: 5.8 miles (approx. 15-minute drive)
For guests after a proper day trip, Hampton Court Palace is a firm favourite. It was once the seat of Henry VIII, and you can wander through the Tudor state apartments, the famous kitchens, and the astronomical clock before losing yourselves in the maze, which is always a highlight for kids and adults alike.
The gardens are stunning whatever the season, and there's the option of a riverside walk or even a boat trip along the Thames if you want to make more of a day of it. I'd recommend booking tickets online in advance and allowing a full day if you want to see the palace and gardens properly.
RHS Garden Wisley
Distance from hotel: 6.3 miles (approx. 15-20 minute drive)
Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society and one of the finest gardens anywhere in the country, so it's an easy recommendation for guests who enjoy the outdoors. There's something to see whatever time of year you visit, from spring blossom and rhododendrons through to autumn colour, plus the impressive glasshouse with its tropical and exotic plant displays.
It's a good half-day to full-day visit depending on how much ground you want to cover, and there are trails and a play area if you've got younger children with you. RHS members get free entry, so it's worth checking membership options if you think you'll visit more than once during your stay.
Burhill Golf Club
Distance from hotel: 3 miles (approx. 5-minute drive)
Burhill Golf Club sits in leafy Surrey parkland on the edge of Walton-on-Thames, and it's a popular recommendation for guests joining us for a golfing break or a corporate day out. Established in 1907, the club offers two contrasting 18-hole courses, with the Old Course regularly ranked among the top 100 in England, all set around striking Georgian mansion clubhouse with a genuine sense of history.
Visitors are welcome every day, though I'd always suggest booking your tee time ahead of arrival, particularly at weekends. There's a driving range on site to warm up beforehand, and the clubhouse restaurant and bar make for a lovely spot to unwind after you round, whether you're here for business or pleasure.
Thorpe Park
Distance from hotel: 6 miles (approx. 15-minute drive)
For guests travelling with teenagers, or anyone who just loves a good adrenaline rush, Thorpe Park is one of the UK's top thrill-seeker theme parks. With rollercoasters like Stealth and Colossus alongside water rides and a full calendar of seasonal events, it makes a brilliant full day out for groups and families.
Its a little further out than some of our other recommendations, so I'd build in a bit of extra travel time, especially during school holidays when the roads and car parks get busier. Booking tickets online in advance is generally cheaper than paying on the gate, and it's worth checking if fast-track passes are available if queuing isn't your thing.
PARTNERSHIPS
Want to work with us?
We are always looking for new ways to work with local businesses and wish to establish partnerships with local attractions our guests would like to visit. Reach out to our Marketing & PR Manager at: [email protected]