Camberley sits on the south-west edge of Surrey, close to the borders of Berkshire and Hampshire. It’s the main town in the borough of Surrey Heath and only 31 miles from central London. As such, the local amenities rival those of a small city, and transportation links promise a speedy commute to the capital. It’s an attractive place to call home, now characterised by a growing population of both families and young professionals.
This isn’t surprising given the wealth of attractions where residents enjoy a vibrant mix of shopping and leisure facilities. Much of this can be found at The Mall Shopping Centre and The Atrium. These large retail complexes are home to all the major retailers and designers, not to mention a cinema, bowling alley and tempting choice of eateries.
Other parts of the town centre offer similar appeal, with local businesses sat alongside cafes and boutiques. Camberley Theatre is another local favourite, hosting an exciting calendar of stage and dance productions.
Fans of the outdoors are never too far from the scenic countryside of Surrey. Lightwater Country Park is situated nearby, perfect for a summer picnic or relaxed walk. The golf courses of Pine Ridge and Camberley Heath are another major attraction, and more indulgent pursuits can be enjoyed at the five-star Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa.
Transportation in Camberley
Camberley boasts excellent transport links thanks to its proximity to the M3 motorway. Also within easy reach of the M4 and M25, the town offers speedy road access to London and other major cities across the UK. Heathrow is the closest international airport, only a short 24-minute drive via the M3.
Commuting by train is just as convenient. Camberley station sits on the Ascot to Guildford line, with two trains per hour in each direction. Currently, there is no direct service to London, but this is available at the nearby stations in Farnborough and Brookwood. Here, trains depart half-hourly and take approximately 41 minutes to London Waterloo.
Things to do in Camberley
From the two major shopping complexes to the sports clubs and family-friendly attractions, there is something to suit all tastes in Camberley. Here are some of the major highlights in and around the area:
- The Mall
- The Atrium
- Bowlplex
- Surrey Heath Museum
- Spa and Vital Health Club
- Camberley Heath Golf Club
- Camberley Lawn Tennis Club
- Arena Leisure Centre Swimming & Fitness
- Camberley Theatre
- Magic Castle
- Gravity Force Trampoline Park
- Vue Cinema
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.
Transport Links
Sitting just 31 miles from central London, you’ll find yourself within easy reach of both the city and plenty of other destinations.
Sitting alongside the M3, Camberley residents can reach the outer edges of London in as little as half an hour, as well as enjoying a short 24-minute drive to Heathrow Airport. The M25 also puts the entirety of London within easy reach. The roads also put Reading just 45 minutes away.
Camberley rail station connects you to Ascot and Aldershot at either end of the line, both reached in less than 20 minutes, with stops such as Frimley and Ash Vale along the way. If you’re looking to travel to London by train, take the service from nearby Farnborough station, which gets into London Waterloo just 41 minutes later.
Camberley is also well served by its bus network, with almost a dozen services run by Stagecoach across the local area.
Schools in the Area
Camberley is home to some truly excellent schools, making it a highly desirable place to raise a family.
Camberley has a number of excellent primary schools, including Hawley Primary School, which enjoys a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted in part due to new facilities and technology along with a large outdoor learning area that incorporates a vegetable garden and pond. Parents will also be impressed by South Camberley Primary and Nursery School that combines two infant sites and one junior site that Ofsted recognised as ‘good’ in its latest inspection.
For parents of older children, there are a number of excellent choices. Collingwood College offers a specialism on technology and applied learning for children 11+ and enjoys a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted. Kings International College impressed Ofsted when it gave the school a ‘good’ rating, which inspectors noting the “strong subject knowledge” possessed by teachers and how there is “an inclusive and ambitious curriculum designed to give all pupils the knowledge and skills to succeed”.
Students looking to continue their studies, Farnborough College of Technology offers work-focused qualifications, boasting dynamic training facilities and teachers with real industry experience. Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the college features two modern campuses that support courses as varied as Criminology, Graphic Design, Counselling, Sport Science and more, as well as a dedicated Aerospace and Automotive Academy.
Attractions in Camberley
There’s plenty to do in Camberley whatever you’re in the mood for.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst offers regular tours of the historic buildings. You can also watch the Commandant’s Parade, which sees cadets practice a full dress rehearsal of the Sovereign’s Parade, where they’ll receive their commission to become a British Army Commissioned Officer. An annual Heritage Day sees the academy open its gates to the public, where they can enjoy air and motorcycle displays, showjumping, music, as well as shop the stalls and sample delicious food and cakes.
When you’re in the mood for some local history, take a trip to Surrey Heath Museum. Resting in the heart of Camberley, the Museum features both permanent and rotating exhibitions featuring history, local artists, and heritage collections. Exhibitions include 200 years of military heritage, celebrations of the different countries and cultures that have helped build the area, and the Museum also puts on children’s activities including collage and dino-digging.
There are green spaces galore in Camberley. Barossa nature reserve is a stunning lowland heath managed by the Ministry of Defence, filled with towering pines and a huge variety of wildlife, including birds such as the nightjar, woodlark, and the Dartford warbler. Crabtree Park offers a space with outdoor gym equipment, a skate park, and paths for walkers and joggers. And Watchmoor Nature Reserve is a 13-acre space filled with blankets of bluebells, butterflies and bugs, and trees filled with wrens, jays, and more.
And for days when you don’t want to delve into military history or wander green spaces, The Atrium offers enough that you can enjoy a day of retail therapy, good food, and even leisure. You’ll find well-known retail brands from Pandora to H&M, plenty of places for a coffee, and a wide range of restaurants including Bill’s, wagamama, Pizza Express and more. You can also enjoy some ten pin bowling at tenpin, soft play with your kids at Pirates Landing, or enjoy the latest release at Vue Cinema.
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 19th 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.