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Hidden Surrey - Oxted

Discover the natural beauty at the foot of the North Downs

Surrey is full of rare finds, interesting sites, and local curiosities. Our new feature, Hidden Surrey, aims to celebrate these hidden treasures and give you some inspiration for your next day out!

Our first area of interest is the thriving town of Oxted. Located in Tandridge and surrounded by Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty, Oxted is best known for its natural splendor. In addition to its stunning surroundings, the town is characterized by a strong sense of community spirit. This is proven by their volunteer-run park, theatre and local festival.

Let's explore some of the best things to see and do in Oxted.

Staffhurst Wood

Staffhurst Wood is a beautiful ancient woodland with a small area of grassland and a pond. This nationally important site is home to an incredible range of plant and wildlife species, including great-crested newts, common spotted orchids, wood anemones and a small number of veteran trees. In the spring, the woodland is covered in an impressive blanket of bluebells.

Staffhurst Wood, Grants Lane, TN8 6GF

The Woodhouse Centre

Oxted's very own Repair Shop! The Woodhouse Craft Centre is open Monday to Thursday mornings all year round. The centre welcomes anyone looking to try traditional crafts, improve their skills, or chat over a cup of tea and biscuit.

You can also bring along an item in need of some love, and the craft volunteers will see if they can fix your problem. Their collective skills include woodwork, caning, sewing, upholstery, sewing, crochet, knitting and more!

For more information, visit the Woodhouse Craft Centre website.

The Woodhouse Centre, Hoskins Road, Oxted, RH8 9HT

Master Park

Master Park was given to the village of Oxted by Charles Hoskin Master in 1923 for the 'healthy recreation and amusement of the inhabitants of the Parish of Oxted and their friends'. One hundred years later, the 11-acre park is still used for the same purpose! The park is a great place to exercise, play or relax. It also hosts community events and fairs throughout the year.

Please note that a new community Park Hub is currently under construction.

Master Park, Church Lane, Oxted RH8 9NB

The Stranger Players and the Barn Theatre

Run by a team of volunteers, the Barn Theatre is Surrey's oldest community theatre. Purpose built in 1924 using timbers from a local 13th century sawmill, the theatre is significant to Surrey's LGBTQ+ heritage. It hosted Mary Morris's company, The Stranger Players, every week between September 1936 and March 1939. Morris was an actress and proud lesbian who starred on film, radio, television and stage.

Visit the theatre's website to see what's on or take a virtual tour of this historic building.

The Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted RH8 0AA

Oxted Festival

The Oxted Festival is run by a team of volunteers and dedicates 100% of the proceeds to chosen charities, community causes and local sports clubs. Since its humble beginnings in 2012, the festival has grown significantly. It now offers a fun weekend filled with music, dance and celebration. This year's event will take place from 5-7 July and features international artists Ella Henderson, Example and Sigala.

Master Park, Church Lane, Oxted RH8 9LD

Paintings at Oxted Library

Did you know that Oxted Library houses fantastic artworks of local sites? Visit their permanent Local History display to see the eight watercolours by R.H. Yates and two oil paintings by Ernest C. Christie of well-known scenes from Oxted and the surrounding area. For opening times, please see the Oxted Library webpage.

Oxted Library, 12 Gresham Road, Oxted, RH8 0BQ

Arts and Culture Map

Have you checked out the Arts and Culture map? You can find lots more arts and culture activities and organisations in your local area. Maybe there are a few you didn't know about?

Do you live in Oxted?

Marta is the Community Link Officer (CLO) for Tandridge. She is out and about in the local area meeting people, listening to local issues, and making connections to make changes happen. She is part of our Team Around the Community approach.

Recently, Marta has been working in parts of Hurst Green and Whyteleafe to 'Make It Happen'. Follow Marta on Facebook to find out what's going on in Tandridge. Take a look at the Make It Happen Local Area webpages for Tandridge to find local community groups and ways in which you can get involved.

We want to hear from you

Please let us know what you would like to see featured in Hidden Surrey by emailing surreymatters@surreycc.gov.uk.

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