The main territorial-administrative units of Great Britain are counties, which can be compared with regions in Russia. Each of them is of particular interest to travelers who want to get to know the country of age-old traditions.
Cosy place not far from London
Surrey is a small county located in the south-east of the state, which includes 11 administrative regions, consisting of dozens of cities. It is no coincidence that its name is translated as "southern ridge", because the picturesque hills of the North Downs mountain range divide the territory into two parts. Surrey is only half an hour from London, and tourists often head for new experiences in a quiet corner, famous for its pastoral scenery.
Prosperous County
Rural suburb to this day retains huge arraysvirgin nature. More than 70 percent of its territory is located in the so-called green belt of England, and this circumstance imposes certain restrictions on construction in Surrey. Pretty thatched cottages, historic cottages, Georgian buildings, and spacious modern residences with tennis courts and swimming pools evoke a gamut of feelings for vacationers enjoying the romance of the English countryside.
The cozy corner has been ranked among the best places to live in the country for several decades. It is no coincidence that we althy British people buy real estate here, because the inhabitants of the green oasis, whose number of inhabitants has exceeded one million, are guaranteed a high quality of life and its safety.
The county with the highest concentration of millionaires is one of the most prosperous. World famous brands such as Canon, Toshiba, Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Colgate, Palmolive are located here.
Capital and cities of Surrey
Now the capital of the county is the borough of Kingston upon Thames (a district-level administrative unit located in London), and earlier it was considered Guildford (Guildford) - an ancient settlement in the south of the country.
Let's list all the cities of Surrey, which are part of 11 districts:
- Sunbury-on-Thames.
- Shepperton.
- Ashford.
- Stains upon Thames.
- Adleston.
- Egham.
- Virginia Water.
- Damn.
- Frimley.
- Cumberly.
- Woking.
- Weybridge.
- Pray.
- Escher.
- Cobham.
- W alton-on-Thames.
- Guildford.
- Farnham.
- Godalming.
- Hazelmere.
- Spelthorn.
- Runnymead.
- Surrey Heath.
- Woking.
- Elmbridge.
- Guildford.
- Male Valley.
- Rygit and Bunstead.
- Tundridge.
- Waverley.
- Epsom & Ewell.
- Leatherhead.
- Dorking.
- Epsom.
- Banstead.
- Horley.
- Raygit.
- Redhill.
- Oxted.
- Caterham.
A fairy tale house that actually exists
Harry Potter lovers, unfortunately, will not find Little Winging on this list, whose photo excited the imagination of young romantics. Readers remember that it was in this town that a handsome boy with glasses spent his childhood, who lost his parents at an early age. Fans of the epic are familiar with the address: st. Tisovaya, house number 4. In reality, the street is actually located in the town of the same name, only it itself is located in Berkshire, and not Surrey, in the village of Bracknell.
Now the picturesque house is up for sale, but buyers are stopped by its price - about 620 thousand dollars. Real estate agents deliberately did not hide the fact that the object is associated with the novel by D. Rowling, who invented the whole universe. And interest in it has skyrocketed, which is likely to affect its value.
In the house, which, according to the book, is located in the city of LittleWinging Surrey, everyone can feel like a real wizard, and adults can easily plunge into a fairy-tale world where good always triumphs over evil.
Picturesque park complex
What else to see for tourists visiting a corner with a special atmosphere for the first time? In the village of Big Bukham, located in the county, is one of its most beautiful sights - Polesden Lacey Manor, built at the beginning of the last century. The manor and park complex of the same name, made in the style of classicism, is distinguished by the severity of its architectural form. The elegant-looking building and the vast garden of more than 5 square kilometers make a lasting impression on visitors who imagine how the Duke and Duchess of York, as well as other members of the royal family, lived and walked here.
Music festivals and theatrical performances are held in the bosom of nature in summer.
Wonderful Park
Another beautiful garden can be found in Surrey, UK. Loosely Park is a series of emerald "rooms" that are fenced off from each other by yew hedges. The most picturesque attraction that appeared around a luxurious mansion built in the 16th century, unfortunately, until recently could not please the eyes of tourists. The dilapidated park, divided into several parts, was restored only in the 90s of the XX century.
Visitors who look into the Rose Garden are delighted at the sight of wonderful flowers brought from different parts of the world. BUTthe greatest admiration is the metal gazebo with a huge flowerpot, entwined with dozens of species of the queen of flowers. Plants blooming in various shades of snow-white palette are planted in the White Garden, and rare plant species can be admired in the ornamental garden.
Old Landmark
Worth mentioning is the village of West Clandon (Surrey, England), because it is here that there is a giant park with trimmed shrubs and trees. Surrounding a modest Palladian-style mansion, it is famous for its picturesque grotto, located in the shade of plants. The project of a beautiful garden with hedges, a round pool and statues was developed in 1781.
And the main highlight of Clandon Park is recognized as a unique prayer house that belonged to the Maori tribe and brought from New Zealand. Decorated with intricate designs, it is the only structure of its kind in England.
Abbey ruins
Farnham, a small town in Surrey, was home to the Cistercian Abbey of Waverley several centuries ago, which existed until the middle of the 16th century. Founded in 1128, it was surrounded by the canals of the local river. After several floods, Henry VIII ordered the dismantling of the monastery, which received serious damage.
Now you can admire the mysterious ruins lying in the thick grass. The ruins, declared a conservation area, are protected by the state. You should definitely look at them, because they not only look likescenery for historical films, but also really served as a filming location for numerous films.
Thorpe Park
In one of the towns of the county, in Chertsey, there is a park where both adults and young visitors will find entertainment to their liking. A variety of attractions, water slides, an artificial beach are of great interest to tourists who have fun in full. Even fans of extreme sports will not be disappointed: here you can ride in a trailer that reaches speeds of 130 kilometers per hour in a few seconds and emerge unscathed from the pavilion, created based on the horror films "Saw".
Interesting facts
Surrey county is considered one of the richest. When reserves of black gold were discovered on its territory, local residents opposed oil production, wanting to preserve the pristine beauty of their favorite corner. In addition, they were supported by well-known geologists who were concerned about a series of small earthquakes. They are afraid of anomalous seismic activity, which was the result of human activity.
From year to year, curious competitions are held in the county - men carry their beloved wives in their arms. Even several types of techniques have been invented that allow you to run ahead of your competitors. It is curious that the smile never leaves the face of English gentlemen overcoming obstacles in any weather.
A disgraced politician who fled to England is buried at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey. B who committed suicideBerezovsky lies in a grave that has no monument, no tombstone, no flowers.
