On the slopes of the North Downs, Sutton is a historic town in South London. It was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as “Sudtone”, which translates from Old English as “South Farm”. It flourished in the mid-19th century after being connected to central London by rail and is now an important commercial and business centre.
Things to do in Sutton
Sutton is home to several beautiful old churches, including the Grade II-listed Trinity Church with its “crown and lantern” spire. Also of note is St. Nicholas Church, which was constructed in the 1860s based on the Gothic designs of Edwin Nash. More modern is the Baptist Church, a red-brick monument influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement.
If you want to stretch your legs, head to Sutton Green, which is bordered by a row of Victorian villas. In Manor Park, you’ll find a historic fountain and a war memorial constructed from Portland stone. Also within the green space is an eco-friendly cafe, which was the first energy-efficient straw-bale building to be constructed in London.
South of Sutton is the Banstead Downs Golf Club, which was originally established in 1890 as a 12-hole course designed by James Braid. It’s considered one of the finest downland courses in the United Kingdom, with the natural topography providing ideal golfing terrain. After your game, you can mingle with the locals in the light-filled lounge of the Conservatory Bar.
Getting around Sutton
Sutton is around 45 minutes' drive from the centre of London and 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Sutton railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Sutton is compact enough to explore on foot.