Oxted: Where Surrey History Meets Modern Community Living
Introduction: A Town Steeped in Heritage and Natural Beauty
Oxted is a town and civil parish in the Tandridge district of Surrey, England, situated at the foot of the North Downs, 9 miles south-east of Croydon and 9 miles west of Sevenoaks. Listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, Oxted has a long history, but its first major expansion came with the arrival of the railway in 1884. This charming Surrey town has evolved into a thriving community that successfully balances its rich historical heritage with modern amenities, making it an increasingly important location for both residents and visitors seeking a blend of rural tranquillity and urban accessibility.
Community Spirit and Development
Located in Tandridge and surrounded by Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty, Oxted is best known for its natural splendour, and in addition to its stunning surroundings, the town is characterised by a strong sense of community spirit, proven by their volunteer-run park, theatre and local festival. Master Park was given to the village of Oxted by Charles Hoskin Master in 1923 for the ‘healthy recreation and amusement of the inhabitants of the Parish of Oxted and their friends’, and one hundred years later, the 11-acre park is still used for the same purpose.
It’s great to see the fantastic progress at Master Park Pavilion, thanks to a £1.86 million grant from Your Fund Surrey’s Large Community Projects Fund, which has been put towards creating a new fit-for-purpose two-storey community and sports hub offering enhanced facilities and a welcoming space for all. The town continues to host numerous community events throughout the year, fostering a vibrant local culture.
Business and Economic Vitality
The town grew and prospered into the thriving community that we have today, now bursting with cafes, restaurants and bars, fashion and homewares boutiques, gift shops, hair and beauty salons and amenities including a leisure centre, theatre and cinema. Hearology, the UK’s leading ear health and hearing care specialist has opened its newest clinic in Oxted, in the former HSBC building on Station Road East. This demonstrates the town’s ongoing development and ability to attract new businesses.
A new initiative designed to keep spending local has officially launched in Oxted, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting local commerce and maintaining the town’s distinctive character.
Significance for Residents and Visitors
Oxted is a vibrant and friendly town at the foot of the North Downs in East Surrey, surrounded by the Surrey Hills AONB, with an abundance of amenities plus footpaths, bridleways, cycle paths and historic golf courses, and its residents and visitors can enjoy all the advantages of the rural location, whilst benefiting from an excellent rail and road network, being only 5 minutes drive from J6 of the M25 and an excellent rail link from East Grinstead / Uckfield to London Bridge / Victoria, both within 30-40 minutes. This unique position makes Oxted an attractive location for commuters seeking countryside living with easy access to the capital.
Looking ahead, Oxted’s combination of historical significance, strong community values, ongoing development projects, and strategic location positions it as an increasingly important town in Surrey’s landscape. The continued investment in facilities and the active local business community suggest a positive outlook for this historic yet forward-thinking town.