Elmbridge
Discover the vibrant towns and pretty villages of Elmbridge – where town and country meet. The borough of Elmbridge is located on the southwest border of Greater London and with train links to the capital as quick as 30 minutes, it makes an ideal place to stay during the London 2012 Games.
Passing through the streets of Elmbridge on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July 2012 are the free-to-view Men’s and Women’s Olympic Games Cycling Road Races. Why not take the cyclists’ journey with us now?
The competitors will pass through Molesey, which is situated just across the River Thames from the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, the scene of 500 years of royal history from Henry VIII to George II. Visitors can take pleasant riverside walks along the Thames Path and explore the vintage and antique shops.
Riders will cycle through the vibrant town of Walton-on-Thames which sits beside the River Thames. Shopping in its top high street fashion stores and dining in its many al fresco restaurants is a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon. With strong cultural and arts associations, Cecil Hepworth, a pioneer of the British film industry, made silent films in Walton from 1899 until 1924. ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ starring Richard Greene, was filmed at Ashley Park.
Racing across the roads of Weybridge, cyclists will pass the famous Brooklands racing track which was the world’s first purpose built racing circuit where visitors can still ride in classic cars along portions of its banked track. Next door, Mercedes Benz World gives visitors the opportunity to drive state of the art modern cars.
Cyclists will then leave Elmbridge, ascending into the Surrey Hills, before returning into the borough at Oxshott where visitors can enjoy walks in the beautiful woodland of Oxshott Heath. With a wealth of heritage and nature, Stoke D’Abernon the neighbouring village was recorded in the Doomsday Book and St Mary’s Church is the oldest church in Surrey. It has a rich collection of brasses, with two famous knights dating from 1326 and c.1350.
Before making their way back to London, the cyclists will pass through the historic town of Esher which is surrounded by 1,300 acres of the breathtaking Elmbridge Commons, awash with colour and large parts designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Claremont Landscape Garden is one of the first and finest English landscape gardens. Sandown Park racecourse is an exciting experience for all the family and also regularly plays host to international music artists.
On Wednesday 1 August 2012, the Olympic Games Cycling Time Trial will circuit a large part of Elmbridge, starting and finishing at Hampton Court Palace,
and can also promise to be an exciting, free-to-view event.
Competitors will pass the borders of Cobham, where the beautifully restored 16th century Cobham Mill lies on a scenic stretch of the River Mole. Painshill’s wonderful 18th century parkland, lake and follies are a ‘Living Work of Art’ where visitors can enjoy exceptional views across Surrey.
View the cyclists pass by at Thames Ditton, which is home to the Thames Ditton Miniature Railway operated by Malden and District Society of Model Engineers Ltd. A fun day out – take a ride on the miniature steam trains.
With just a flavour of what’s on offer to visitors, come and discover all there is to do in Elmbridge.
www.elmbridge.gov.uk/ discoverelmbridge
16 Visit Surrey 2012
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