Camberley

What is Camberley Like?

If you’re looking for somewhere that perfectly balances the conveniences of a thriving town with the beauty and serenity of the countryside, Camberley is where you want to be. 

Resting on the south-west border of Surrey, close to the borders of Berkshire and Hampshire, Camberley has been built up around the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Consequently, it’s a town steeped in military history that is constantly evolving while still preserving the abundant and beautiful green spaces. 

So on the one hand, residents and visitors can enjoy the regular tours and Heritage Days arranged by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, or explore the exhibitions in the Surrey Heath Museum that lay out 200 years of military history as well as rotating exhibitions, children’s activities, and more. 

On the other hand, residents can explore the independent shops, the modern shopping mall in the shape of The Atrium, and the green spaces such as Barossa nature reserve. 

With excellent schools and fantastic transport links to London as well as places like Reading and Guildford, you won’t be left wanting for much in Camberley. 

Some of the highlights include: 

• The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst’s Heritage Days offer a fantastic day out for everyone, with stalls, music, and displays that will entertain the entire family. 
• The Atrium is full of well-known retail brands from Pandora to H&M, Sports Direct to Game, as well as restaurants, leisure activities, and even a Vue Cinema. 
• Watchetts Lakes is a hidden gem in Camberley, a series of three secluded lakes that provides peace, solace, and plenty of wildlife. 
• If you’re looking to get active, join Camberley Heath Golf Club and enjoy its beautiful course framed by pine trees, or take a look at Camberley Lawn Tennis Club, which welcomes players of all ages and ability. 
• Camberley Theatre doesn’t just host a huge variety of performances, but it also hosts the Creative Minds Academy, which offers theatre training for children as young as 18 months. 

Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife in Camberley

Camberley has something to offer to everyone, from a casual meal to an exciting night on the town. 

Opened during the pandemic, Mullans has quickly become a firm favourite of Camberley’s residents. Mullans serves a unique menu composed of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients that encompasses breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. For those looking for an evening experience, join the Supper Club, which lays out set menus that encourage cuisine exploration, all served with their unique twist! 

For those craving a plate a little further from home, visit Tandoori Treats. A restaurant with a mission of serving authentic Indian food with a modern twist, the team specialises in cuisine that includes original dishes, twists on traditional recipes, as well as some old favourites. 

Or perhaps you’d favour Pronto Italiano, a small, family-run Italian restaurant? It specialises in fresh salmon and handmade pizza, as well as pastas, risottos, and other Italian classics. It’s all served within the restaurant’s warm, rustic environment with a range of perfectly-matched Italian wines too. 

The Station Tap, which claims to be Camberley’s home for sports, craft beer, cocktails, retro gaming and a great weekend night out. The bar also offers excellent food menus, including a very popular Bottomless Brunch. Live sport can be enjoyed on the bar’s multiple screens, and the DJs will keep you dancing until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. With incredibly friendly staff and a huge variety of drinks available, you’re sure to enjoy your visit to the Station Tap. 

You’ll always find a good atmosphere inside The Royal Standard, a traditional pub in the heart of Camberley. Visit to enjoy a cocktail, a G&T, or a pint of your favourite beer, or make the most of its extensive food menu filled with pub classics and indulgent desserts. The Royal Standard is a great place to enjoy live sporting action, too, with both Sky Sports & BT Sport on the big screen. 

And for a night out, you won’t struggle to find something that takes your fancy at Camberley Theatre. From stand-up comedy to musical acts, children’s shows to film screenings, there’s a huge variety of talent and entertainment within the theatre. The theatre hosts the Creative Minds Academy, offering inclusive theatre training and education programmes for children as young as 18 months, as well as classes for adults, parents, and carers too. The Camberley Theatre also runs Squish, a pop-up children’s theatre in the heart of The Square shopping centre. Squish offers shows, activities, events, workshops and more. 

Leisure Centres and Outdoor Activities  

There’s plenty of ways to get your heart rate up, unwind, or just stretch your muscles in Camberley. 

Places Leisure Camberley offers state-of-the-art facilities, an immersive group cycling studio where you can cycle in incredible locations all over the planet! There’s also a 160-station gym, two pools and a splash pad for littles ones, and courts for 5-a-side football, badminton, basketball and more. Once you’ve finished exercising, why not unwind in the health suite, with its steam room, sauna, and heated loungers? 

There’s also a 220-station PureGym with 24-hour access in The Atrium, as well as The Little Gym, a unique gymnastics programme designed for kids between 4 months and 12 years that promote coordination, balance, flexibility and, most importantly, confidence and self-esteem! 

For a more relaxed outdoor experience, visit Camberley Heath Golf Club, which recently celebrated 100 years of its course, designed by arguably the most gifted golf course architect, Harry Colt. The 18-hole course sits within 135 acres of beautiful heath land surrounded by pine trees to offer perfect seclusion for your games. 

If golf isn’t your game, why not try tennis? Whether you’re a competitor or a complete beginner, Camberley Lawn Tennis Club welcomes players of all ages and ability to its five all-weather floodlit courts. Players who want to compete can join the regular entrants into the Aldershot, Woking, and Surrey leagues, and those who want to improve their game will appreciate the support offered by the club’s accredited coaching team.  

History of Camberley

Camberley owes much of its development to the Royal Military Academy, which was established in the 19^th century. During this time, a small population of service personnel lived in what was previously barren wasteland. This growing settlement was named ‘New Town’, but later changed to Cambridge Town and then Camberley in 1877.

Following the arrival of the railway, this newly formed town was put on the map. It gained a reputation for clean air thanks to the large number of pine trees. Many with pulmonary disorders sought to cure their ailments, relocating from surrounding towns and the capital.

The population increased tenfold as the neighbouring settlement of Yorktown became part of Camberley. Housing estates and improvements to infrastructure were to follow after the Second World War. This has since continued with the recent shopping development known as The Atrium, while a multi-million pound investment from Surrey Heath Borough Council is expected to make the area even more sought-after.