Good Morning Surrey,

A Saturday trip can begin with a pair of shoes by the front door and a quick check of the train times. Then you notice the replacement bus. Suddenly, the route matters as much as the destination.

This weekend, there are two separate rail disruptions to keep straight, alongside half-term outings, local markets and places to eat. We’ve kept the practical details together so you can make a plan, or change one, without another hour of searching.

Let’s take a look.

— Prince Khurram

Southern has confirmed a railway closure from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November while urgent repairs are carried out to an embankment at Godstone. Anyone using the affected route during the second half of half-term should check their journey arrangements before travelling.

A little extra time in the journey plan may be wise, particularly if you're travelling with children and the usual collection of bags.

Click here: To check affected rail services and replacement transport arrangements

Businesses in Staines have voted in favour of renewing the Visit Staines Business Improvement District for another five-year period. The result, announced on 16 October, means the arrangement is due to continue from 2027 until 2032.

Click here: To read the business vote result and renewal details

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New government figures published on 21 October show that average commercial clinical trial set-up times fell from 153 to 100 days in the three months to March 2026. All 24 trials in that period were established within 150 days. This concerns research preparation, not a 53-day reduction in NHS patient waiting times.

Click here: To read the clinical research figures and government update

From 21 October, qualifying cross-pavement EV charging installations in England no longer require the same planning permission process. The government estimates potential savings of up to £300, although highway permissions, landlord consent and other requirements may still apply.

Click here: To check the new charging rules and eligibility conditions

A new Private Parking Code of Practice was laid before Parliament on 20 October, proposing stronger protection for drivers making genuine mistakes. The planned arrangements include clearer grace periods and appeals protections, but the code is not yet in force on 23 October.

Click here: To read the proposed protections and implementation details

Residents are being consulted on proposed council tax reduction schemes in East Surrey ahead of changes to local government arrangements. The consultation opened on 7 October and remains open until 3 December 2026, giving residents time to examine how future support could operate.

For households relying on council tax assistance, it is worth understanding the proposals before the deadline.

Click here: To read the proposed reduction schemes and respond to the consultation

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's Community Asset Transfer and Support Programme includes a grant scheme aimed at improving local community assets. Organisations considering a project need to act soon, with expressions of interest due by 2 November.

Community organisations with a suitable project should check eligibility and the application requirements before putting the paperwork together.

Click here: To check the funding criteria and expression of interest process

Surrey County Council's published school calendar places the autumn half-term holiday between 19 and 30 October 2026. That covers two weeks for schools following the council calendar, although academies and individual schools may have different arrangements.

Parents planning childcare, trips or holiday clubs should check their own school's published dates, including any inset days. School-specific dates and inset days may differ.

Click here: To check official school term dates and holiday arrangements

Halloween Witches and Wizards | 25 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Gatton Park, Reigate: A Halloween family afternoon, noon–4pm. Online tickets cost £8 per adult and £3 per child; adult admission on the day is £10, subject to capacity. A seasonal outing in the park.

Wizards and Witches Week | 24 October–1 November (Info/Tickets) Location: Bocketts Farm Park, Leatherhead: Halloween activities alongside the usual farm attractions. Admission varies; pony rides (£3), tractor rides (£2) and face painting (£7.50) cost extra. Check the full cost before booking.

Wonderland Pumpkin Festival | 24–31 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone: Ticketed pumpkin festival sessions throughout half-term. Weekend admission costs £14 plus booking fee; weekdays £12 plus booking fee. Advance booking is required.

Halloween Maze and Town Centre Hunt | 17 October–1 November (Info/Tickets) Location: St Martin's Walk, Dorking: A free Halloween maze and town centre hunt throughout half-term. Combine the seasonal activities with an afternoon exploring Dorking, without an admission charge.

Spooky Vineyard Train | 19–30 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking: A Halloween train experience with creepy-crawly spotting and a passport activity. Selected departures run during half-term; check the organiser's calendar for times, prices and availability.

Halloween Trail | 17 October–1 November (Info/Tickets) Location: Discovery Land, Priory Farm, South Nutfield: An outdoor Halloween trail running daily through half-term. Online peak admission costs £12 plus a 50p booking fee; under-twos enter free. Wear sensible footwear.

Halloween Crafts | 24 October (Info/Tickets) Location: The Lightbox, Woking: Creative Halloween crafts for families, with tickets listed at £8. Check individual session times through the organiser before visiting. A useful indoor half-term option.

Pumpkin Spotter Trail | 18 October–1 November (Info/Tickets) Location: Hatchlands Park, East Clandon: A pumpkin-spotting trail through the grounds, 10am–4pm. The trail is free, but normal property admission applies. A simple mission to add to an autumn walk.

ParkPlay | 24 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Carrington School, Redhill: Free community games and activities on Saturday, 11am–noon. An hour of movement, play and socialising for families. Check registration details through the council listing.

Ice Age Adventure Live | 25 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Camberley Theatre, Camberley: A family stage adventure on Sunday at 2pm. Standard tickets cost £19.50; early bird tickets are listed at £17.50, subject to availability. An indoor weekend option.

Three Little Pigs | 23 October (Info/Tickets) Location: The Horton, Epsom: Family storytelling on Friday. The 11.30am show was listed as sold out, with limited availability at 1.30pm. Tickets cost £17 per adult-and-child pair; extras £10.50. Check availability.

A Brew to a Kill | 24 October–15 November (Info/Tickets) Location: Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham: A murder mystery production on selected dates into November. An alternative evening out for aspiring sleuths; check the organiser's booking information for performance dates and ticket prices.

Ruby Turner Live | 24 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Farnham Maltings, Farnham: Ruby Turner performs live on Saturday at 8pm. Tickets cost £28.50 including booking fee. A Saturday evening of live music at Farnham Maltings.

Saxon Saga Living History & Fire Festival | 24–25 October (Info/Tickets) Location: West Horsley Place, West Horsley: Saxon living history and fire festival activities, 1.30pm–7.30pm on both days. Admission costs £20 for adults and £10 for children; some workshops cost extra.

Arts Alive Festival | 1–31 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Various venues across Mole Valley: More than 100 arts events across Mole Valley, with performances and activities continuing into October's final week. Browse the programme for remaining dates and individual prices.

Vineyard Open Day | 24 October (Info/Tickets) Location: High Clandon Estate Vineyard, East Clandon: Free vineyard drop-in on Saturday, with separately ticketed guided tours at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Tours cost £30 plus booking fee. Choose a casual visit or structured introduction.

Cobham Farmers' & Artisans Market | 24 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Cobham: A Saturday market featuring farmers' produce and artisan traders. Browse local food and independent stalls; exact opening hours were not confirmed, so check the organiser's information before travelling.

Farnham Farmers' Market | 25 October (Info/Tickets) Location: Central Car Park, Farnham: Local food producers and traders return on Sunday, 10am–1.30pm. Entry is free, and the central location makes it easy to combine browsing with a walk around Farnham.

Elle & Fee | (Menus/Info) Location: Elle & Fee, Surrey: A café and evening dining option, with evening opening advertised Thursday–Saturday. Browse the online menus and check current hours and reservations, particularly for Friday and Saturday visits.

Golden Bull | (Menus/Info) Location: 42 Park Street, Camberley: A steakhouse option for weekend dinner. Menus are available online; check food service times before visiting, as kitchen hours may differ from the venue's general opening hours.

Basil's | (Menus/Info) Location: 73 High Street, Reigate: A wine bar advertising Friday and Saturday opening, 1pm–11pm. An option for afternoon drinks or a relaxed evening; current food and drink information is available online.

The Junction | (Menus/Info) Location: Redhill: Southeast Asian-inspired dishes, with menu prices and dietary labels online. Useful for comparing choices before arranging a meal with friends or family with different dietary preferences.

Charlie & Ginger | (Menus/Info) Location: 1B North Street, Leatherhead: A dog-friendly café advertising Friday opening until 9pm, offering coffee, food and a relaxed evening stop. Card payments only.

El Pic | (Menus/Info) Location: 177 London Road: Tapas and shared plates for Friday and Saturday evening dining. Check the current menu and reservation arrangements before planning a weekend meal.

La'De Kitchen | (Menus/Info) Location: The Atrium, Camberley: A dedicated children's menu makes this an option for family meals during half-term. Current menus and reservation details are available online.

The Third Monkey | (Menus/Info) Location: 46 South Street, Farnham: A venue advertising late opening Thursday–Saturday for evenings out in Farnham. Check current food menus, opening hours and booking arrangements before travelling.

Revive Coffee Shop | (Menus/Info) Location: Surrey: A charity-linked social enterprise café serving daytime refreshments. Published hours are Monday–Saturday, 10am–3pm; closed Sunday. A coffee stop with a community purpose.

The Castle Pub & Dining | (Menus/Info) Location: 5 Castle Street, Farnham: Pub dining throughout the week, with menus and booking information online. A familiar setting for a weekend meal; check current food service times before visiting.

Elite Laser & Beauty | (Services/Info) Location: 64 Church Road, Ashford: Beauty and laser treatments, with service and contact details online. Review treatment information, suitability and practitioner qualifications before arranging an appointment.

Ami's Beauty & Aesthetics | (Services/Bookings) Location: 45 Church Road, Ashford: Beauty and aesthetics treatments available through an online booking platform. Review service descriptions, appointment options and individual prices before booking.

Knights Dry Cleaners | (Services/Info) Location: 208 High Street, Dorking: Clothing care and dry cleaning, with Saturday trading listed. Contact details and opening hours are available through the business listing.

iBroke My Gadget | (Services/Bookings) Location: 22 Princess Way, Camberley: Diagnostic appointments and repairs for damaged phones and other gadgets. Book online to explore repair options before deciding whether a replacement is necessary.

PS Beauty Salon | (Services/Bookings) Location: 1A Station Road, Frimley: A beauty salon with treatment information and appointment details online. Explore available services and check booking arrangements before contacting the salon.

Sophie Vickery Beauty | (Services/Bookings) Location: Epsom: An Epsom beauty service with treatment and booking information online. Check current services, appointment availability and the exact location before arranging a visit.

By Sunday evening, it probably won’t matter whether the best part was a fireworks display, a market stall or a walk that lasted half as long as planned. What matters is having had a little time to enjoy where we live.

If you spot a useful local change, or an event we should know about, reply and tell us. We read your tips.