Top 10 Best Farming Companies in Woking

Farming Around Woking

While Woking is known for its busy town centre and commuter links, it is surrounded by beautiful Surrey countryside. Farms and estates in villages such as Ripley, Send, Pirbright and the Surrey Hills produce fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and wine. Increasingly, these businesses sell directly to consumers through farm shops, pick-your-own fields and farmers' markets.

This guide explores ten of the best farming companies and farm businesses near Woking.

Why Local Farming Matters

Buying from local farms reduces food miles, supports the rural economy and gives consumers access to fresher, seasonal produce. Many Surrey farms also focus on sustainable land management, biodiversity and education, connecting urban residents with where their food comes from.

The Top 10 Farming Companies Near Woking

1. Garsons

Garsons is a family-run farm in Esher offering one of the largest pick-your-own operations in the country. Its farm shop, garden centre and restaurant make it a popular destination for Woking families seeking seasonal fruit and vegetables.

2. Secretts

Secretts in Milford is a long-established family farm known for its salad crops, vegetables and award-winning farm shop. Its commitment to quality and local produce has earned a loyal following across Surrey.

3. Priory Farm

Priory Farm near Redhill offers pick-your-own fruit, a farm shop and nature reserve. It combines agriculture with conservation, attracting visitors interested in both fresh produce and wildlife.

4. Crocknorth Farm

Crocknorth Farm in the Surrey Hills produces grass-fed beef and lamb with a strong focus on animal welfare and regenerative practices. Its farm shop is a favourite with those seeking high-quality local meat.

5. Bocketts Farm

Bocketts Farm near Leatherhead is a working family farm and visitor attraction. It educates children about farm animals and agriculture, making it a much-loved day out for Woking families.

6. Denbies Wine Estate

Denbies near Dorking is one of England's largest vineyards. Its award-winning sparkling and still wines showcase the growing success of English viticulture, and its tours attract visitors from across the region.

7. Albury Vineyard

Albury Vineyard is an organic and biodynamic vineyard in the Surrey Hills. Its sustainable approach and quality sparkling wines have earned national recognition.

8. Ripley Farmers' Market

Held in the historic village of Ripley just outside Woking, this market brings together local farmers and food producers. It is a key outlet for small farms selling meat, cheese, bread, vegetables and preserves.

9. Surrey Wildlife Trust Conservation Grazing

Surrey Wildlife Trust manages heathland and grassland using conservation grazing with cattle and sheep. This work, including on heaths near Woking, supports rare habitats and demonstrates how farming and nature can coexist.

10. Loseley Park Estate

Loseley Park near Guildford is a historic estate with a long agricultural heritage, including dairy farming that once produced well-known ice cream. Today it combines farming, events and gardens.

How to Support Local Farms

Visit farm shops, attend farmers' markets and choose seasonal produce. Many farms offer veg box schemes, meat boxes and online ordering. Pick-your-own is a fun family activity that also supports farm incomes.

Trends in Surrey Agriculture

Regenerative farming, diversification into tourism and events, and the rapid growth of English wine are shaping Surrey's rural economy. Farms are investing in renewable energy, water management and direct-to-consumer sales.

Seasonal Highlights for Woking Visitors

Each season brings something different to the farms around Woking. Spring sees lambing at visitor farms and the arrival of early asparagus, a Surrey speciality. Summer is the peak time for pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, cherries and sweetcorn, and families from across the borough head out to fill their punnets. Autumn brings apples, squashes and pumpkin picking, which has become one of the busiest events in the farming calendar. Winter is the season for Christmas trees, festive farm shop hampers and locally reared turkeys and beef.

Visiting farms at different times of year gives children a hands-on understanding of how food is grown and where it comes from. Many farms also host school visits, educational trails and seasonal events, making them valuable community resources as well as food producers.

Challenges Facing Surrey Farmers

Farms close to towns like Woking face unique pressures, including high land values, development pressure, rising input costs and the effects of changing weather patterns, from summer droughts to wetter winters. Government support is shifting toward environmental land management, rewarding farmers for improving soils, hedgerows, water quality and wildlife habitats. Many Surrey farms have responded by diversifying into farm shops, cafes, events, glamping and renewable energy, creating resilient businesses that remain rooted in agriculture.

Buying Direct From Surrey Farms

Buying directly from farms near Woking gives shoppers a clearer picture of how food is produced. Farm shop staff are usually happy to explain how animals are reared, which crops are in season and how produce is stored. Veg box schemes deliver seasonal produce to homes across the borough, while meat boxes from grass-fed herds offer excellent value when bought in bulk and frozen. Direct buying also means a larger share of the price reaches the farmer.

Final Thoughts

The farming businesses around Woking offer fresh food, memorable experiences and a vital connection to the countryside. Supporting them helps preserve Surrey's rural heritage for future generations.