Horsell, a picturesque town in Woking, is a delightful blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The village also boasts a thriving local community, with a range of independent shops, quaint cafes, and traditional pubs offering a warm welcome to both locals and visitors. Throughout the year, various festivals and fairs showcase the village's vibrant spirit and cultural heritage.
For nature enthusiasts, Horsell offers the stunning Horsell Common, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The vast expanse of heathland, woods, and ponds, making it a perfect escape for leisurely walks, jogging, or birdwatching.
Despite its rural charm, Horsell benefits from excellent transport links, allowing for easy access to the amenities of Woking town centre and beyond. Its proximity to Woking's mainline railway station ensures convenient travel to London and other major cities.
Local Shops
There are plenty of local shops in Horsell Village, supplying everything you may need. As supermarkets go, the only one in the area is a CO-OP. However, there are plenty of other places you can visit to gather the ingredients you need, such as, Boz’s Fruit & Veg. Boz’s Fruit & Veg was established in 2014, and they buy their stock fresh every morning. Their stock is hand picked to ensure the finest quality and their operation supplies many local businesses around Woking.
You also have Prince & Son’s Family Butchers. Prince & Son's we have over 40 years of experience in the meat industry and have been trading on Horsell High Street since 2011. They sell a wide variety of meats, including poultry, beef, lamb, pork, game and festive meats to cover all the needs of Horsell Village and surrounding towns.
If you’re not in the mood to make food or it is time for your Friday night takeaway, there are a few options to choose from whether you are in the mood for an Indian, Chinese or an Italian. For the Chinese and Indian restaurants, there are a couple for each type of cuisine. For the Indian takeaways, there is Masala Spice and The Balaka. Masala Spice specialises in tradition Indian curries. Whereas The Balaka is a mixture of Bangladesh and Indian food where you can also sit in. If you are craving a Chinese, you have the choice of either China Chef or the Beijing. China Chef are takeaways only and you can dine in at the Beijing.
Horsell Common
Horsell Common, north of Woking, covers 916 acres and of these 375 are a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The heathland is part of the Thames Basic Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) because it supports several rare protected species of birds including the Dartford Warbler, the migratory Nightjar and the Woodlark.
Horsell Common is criss-crossed with paths which are great fun to explore and has a range of terrains that can provide something for all people. Everyone is welcome from dog walkers to horse riders and fun runners to relax and take in the beautiful nature surroundings that make Horsell Common.
There are multiple places of interest within Horsell Common, such as The Sand Pit and Heather Farm. This is a favourite destination for families as children love to play in the sand and dog owners never tire of throwing sticks for their dogs to retrieve in the seasonal pond. Historically, the Bagshot sand was excavated for many years for use as a building material. From a literary point of view, this is the site where the Martians landed in the classic novel ‘The War of the Worlds’, written by H.G. Wells.
Heather Farm has been very popular since it was opened in 2015. The facilities are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Heather Farm Café is an independently managed serving delicious light meals, pastries and beverages. Perfect to sit down and savour the gorgeous Horsell Common.
Local Pubs
There are five pubs scattered around Horsell. If you are looking for a traditional pub to enjoy local ales, then The Crown is the pub for you. Having a Brewery for a neighbour allows for a great partnership for producing and selling local ales. They also have their own gin, the ‘Horsell Uncommon’, for those who prefer something a little stronger. The Crown is blessed to have an extensive beer garden for the people who would like to sit out in the sun to enjoy their drinks. In the summer, they host a beer festival with a wide selection of ales and ciders from around the UK to choose from. For those who like their trivia, The Crown also hosts a pub quiz night every Wednesday evening. So be sure to head over to The Crown for you next drink.
For sitting down and enjoying some food, The Red Lion offers a great atmosphere and culinary expertise. Serving locally sourced and freshly prepared food all-day, it is perfect for a snack, lunch, business or a special dinner. Guaranteed top-tier service from the moment you enter to the second you leave, you will always remember the amazing experience from your time at The Red Lion.
