Car Hire West End

West End is a modest, well-placed village not far from Camberley, ideal for those exploring Surrey by car. It’s set just off the A322 and minutes from the M3, making it a smooth stop whether you’re heading between London and the south coast or touring the wider county. On our drive in from Lightwater, the road curved through pine-lined stretches before giving way to quiet residential lanes—easy to navigate and well signposted.

The area which houses around 5,000 residents is particularly rewarding in spring and early summer, when the roads are dry and the commons are at their greenest. Expect mixed conditions year-round—a quick shower or sudden sun isn’t unusual—so we’d suggest keeping walking shoes and a waterproof in the boot. With Chobham Common close by and an easy detour for drivers heading from Bagshot, the area works well as a gateway to Surrey’s lesser-known open spaces.

Attractions In West End

West End is one of those places where having a car really opens things up. Many of the local attractions are tucked down smaller lanes or sit just beyond walking distance—not far but made easier with wheels.

Chobham Common

Easily accessed by car via Staple Hill, Chobham Common is one of the largest areas of lowland heath in the southeast. We parked near the Longcross Road entrance and followed a signed trail across heather-covered ground, where kestrels circled and cyclists passed now and then. The paths vary—some wide and sandy, others narrow and overgrown—but all are well-maintained.

With multiple access points, it’s ideal for a spontaneous ramble or a longer loop. Open 24 hours.

Viewpoint (Chobham Ridges)

Signposted only by postcode (KT16 0ED), this spot takes a little navigation to find. We pulled over at a gravel lay-by and followed a short track through the trees—within minutes, the canopy opened to a clear ridge line.

No fences, no formal signage—just a quiet, elevated space where you can sit and take in the landscape. Great for a quick photo stop or picnic. Open 24 hours.

Lightwater Country Park

Located off The Avenue and clearly signposted from the A322, Lightwater Country Park is one of the easiest places to stop mid-journey. There’s a decent car park, a café serving sandwiches and hot drinks and a large children’s play area that’s always busy on weekends.

We visited after a short hop from Frimley and found the circular walking routes around the lake to be quiet even in late morning. Open daily from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.

High Curley Hill Summit

This viewpoint sits within Lightwater Country Park but deserves mention on its own. We drove to High View Road, parked near the residential turnoff and followed a modest but slightly hidden path to the top.

The view stretches across Surrey Heath—rooftops one way, woodland the other. No signboards or fences, just space to sit and watch the weather change. Open 24 hours.

Redway Lock

Redway Lock is part of the Basingstoke Canal system, tucked into the St John’s area near Woking. We stopped in during a longer loop from Ash and were surprised by the calm—narrowboats gliding through, ducks bobbing quietly, no traffic noise at all.

Parking nearby was easy. A quick canal-side walk turned into an unplanned hour of sitting by the lock and watching the mechanisms in action.

Tekels Park

Reached via Tekels Avenue, this low-key green space isn’t signposted like the bigger commons—but that’s part of its charm. It’s a patchwork of meadow and woodland paths, best for those looking to avoid the crowds.

We parked along the verge and barely saw another soul. Great if you want space to think or just stretch your legs before continuing the drive. Open 24 hours.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

This is a more structured family attraction near Bracknell, best known for its interactive science displays and outdoor adventure play area. We arrived early and found plenty of parking—worth noting that it can get crowded later in the day.

While popular with families from the surrounding towns, we enjoyed how hands-on the exhibits were. A good option if you’re road-tripping with kids and need a reliable half-day stop. Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Queen Elizabeth Park

We found Queen Elizabeth Park via Pierrefondes Avenue in Farnborough—signage is good and there’s ample parking near the entrance. It’s a clean, open green space with enough room for jogging, dog walking or simply resting on a bench with a takeaway coffee.

A popular option with families from West Byfleet, especially on Sunday mornings. Open 24 hours.

The Sandpit

The Sandpit is a bit of a local secret, located off a quiet residential stretch near GU21 5NL. We reached it from Woking in less than ten minutes and parked just along the roadside.

It’s exactly what the name suggests—a sandy clearing in the woods, with room for kids to play or adults to relax. Peaceful and low-key. Open 24 hours.

Horsell Common

We planned a loop through Ripley and ended the day at Horsell Common, just outside Woking. You’ll find free parking near the A245, from where several walking routes branch out.

The mix of pine forest and open grassland makes it easy to find your own space. We followed a trail that led to a quiet pond where the water mirrored the sky. A gentle, satisfying end to the drive.

Pause, Refuel, Stay The Night

West End may be small but it has a few dependable stops for food and rest. Just along Guildford Road, The Inn at West End serves as both a stylish gastropub and a boutique place to stay, with onsite parking and well-reviewed dining options. It’s a practical choice whether you’re wrapping up a day of driving or looking for a relaxed overnight stay.

If you’re after a café-style stop, nearby Lightwater offers a few easy options. Randalls Coffee and Wine Bar is a short drive away and popular for light lunches and takeaway coffee, with convenient roadside parking.