Just 12 miles from London, Ewell is a suburban area with a village vibe. Head east out of Ewell West station and you'll find leafy residential streets and a pleasant town centre, with a good number of independent restaurants and traditional pubs. On the way you'll pass Bourne Hall, a striking circular building surrounded by ponds and a park - it may look like a UFO, but it actually houses a public library, theatre, gym, cafe, and museum. Alternatively, head north from the station to reach the Hogsmill Riverside Open Space, an extensive park with a special secret for art fans: the painter John Everett Millais used the Hogsmill River to create the backdrop for his famous Ophelia.
First opened in 1859, Ewell West is one of two stations that serve the town, and offers services to London Waterloo as well as Dorking and Guildford. The journey to the capital takes just over half an hour.