So, you’re beginning to find your feet on campus and feel ready to explore further afield? Great! We’ve spoken to locals for their recommendations on must-try spots in the area and surrounding communities, and more!
So, you’re beginning to find your feet on campus and feel ready to explore further afield? Great! We’ve spoken to locals for their recommendations on must-try spots in the area and surrounding communities, as well as highlighting essential services that we think you should know about while living locally.
Healthcare
Prepare for the worst but hope for the best – let’s talk about your local healthcare options!
General Practice (GP)
Your first port of call for non-urgent medical concerns.
(Don’t meet the location criteria? You can use the Find a GP - NHS (www.nhs.uk) page to discover your nearest GP)
NHS Walk-in Centres
Nurse-led medical treatment for when your condition is urgent but not an emergency.
Hospitals and A&E
Hospitals offer a range of medical care and most have A&E facilities that are specifically for emergencies that need immediate attention.
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Accident and emergency services - St Peter's Hospital - NHS (www.nhs.uk) – 14-minute drive from campus
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Accident and emergency services - Wexham Park Hospital - NHS (www.nhs.uk) – 26-minute drive from campus
Sexual Health Clinics
Your go-to for all things sexual health such as STI testing, contraception, and pregnancy testing.
(If you’re closer to London, there are several clinics to choose from and the London Sexual health clinics directory will locate which one is most local to you)
You can also visit Jays Pharmacy for free Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test kits, antibiotic treatment (if you’re aged 13-25), the Morning After Pill for free up to age 25, and confidential sexual health advice on a drop-in basis.
Dentists
Care for your teeth and gums – these Egham-based dentists should keep you smiling!
Opticians
Helping you to maintain eye-health, assessing your vision and providing prescriptions for glasses/contact lenses. (Find your nearest NHS sight test HERE.)
Englefield Green Opticians
The Food Shop
Find the right shop for your price point without compromising on all the food you love!
Local food shops in the area include:
- Tesco Superstore, Egham – A mid-range supermarket with affordable quality items. Tesco offer a Clubcard membership for discounts on select items and the opportunity to accrue points which can be exchanged for monetary vouchers.
- Waitrose, Egham – A premium supermarket, more expensive but with a focus on high-quality and ethically sourced products. They offer a MyWaitrose card that gives benefits like free coffee and discounts.
- Iceland, Egham – Specialises in frozen foods and budget-friendly pricing, with regular offers. Their Bonus Card gives discounts and allows you to save money on future shops.
- Smaller convenience stores such as Budgens, Londis, M&S Simply Food, Premier stores and Smith’s Supermarket – quick access to essentials at slightly higher prices due to generally convenient locations and extended opening hours.
You may also like to visit the Egham High Street Monthly Market on the 1st Saturday of every month!
Leisure
Enjoy free and affordable days out in the local area, from shopping and cinema trips to local attractions with student discounts on tickets!
Ideas for free local days out include:
Royal Holloway University is very well situated with excellent transport links! If shopping at department stores and popular fashion chains is your idea of a great day out you have a range of options such as Staines, Windsor, Richmond, Kingston, Reading and Bracknell. You also have easy access to shopping in Central London which is just 40 minutes away by train, including Oxford Street and Westfield Shopping Centres.
Locals also recommend:
- Everyman Cinema, Egham – a cozy, luxury movie experience with comfy seating, food service, and a carefully chosen selection of films that students will love.
- A trip to Thorpe Park – enjoy discounted student rates at one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, only 20 minutes from campus, known for its thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and adrenaline-filled attractions.
- Otium Spa at Egham Orbit Leisure Centre – for a relaxing spa day with a range of different treatments available.
- Theatre Trips - with performance venues at Richmond, Windsor, Woking and London’s West End on your doorstep, you’re spoilt for choice!
- A relaxing day out either boating on the River Thames , taking in history at Hampton Court, or exploring Kew Gardens.
Dining Out
The local area has a range of fantastic food options from cozy cafes and international restaurants to budget-friendly takeaways and student-friendly pubs! We’ve spoken to locals for their top picks- here’s what they have to say:
For breakfast and brunch options:
Eggham On Toast - ‘Delicious food, fantastic portions- a great spot for brunch when the ‘rents come to visit! Exceeded my expectations!’
Golden Café (Egham)- ‘Affordable, great quality food- the perfect cure after an SU night out!’
Liberto Lounge (Egham)- ‘Great atmosphere and value for money – like a posh Spoons! Recommend the Watermelon Spritz mocktail!’
Lunch and Dinner:
Caspari Italian (Englefield Green)- ‘Family friendly venue with authentic Italian food – an absolute staple for a Royal Holloway student! Recommend the seafood Linguini’
Zaza’s Lebanese Cuisine (Englefield Green)- ‘Lovely authentic, affordable Lebanese food- would definitely recommend the Fattoush- it’s banging!’
The Armstrong Gun (Englefield Green) – ‘Affordable, authentic Italian pizza piled with fresh ingredients and if pizza is not your thing, the chicken bites are incredible!’
Spielburger (Everyman, Egham) – ‘A hidden gem for a chilled date night- the burgers are to die for & the cocktails are exceptional twists on popular classics. Immaculate vibes!’
The Beehive, (Egham) – ‘Their Sunday Roast is out of this world – make sure you book in advance! The outdoor seating area is stunning! A bit pricier but definitely worth the money for a well-deserved treat!’
Takeaway and Grab ‘n’ Go:
STS Italian Deli (Egham)- ‘It slaps- haven’t stopped thinking about it since last week! Recommend the Panini *chefs kiss*’
The Cups (Egham)- ‘If you like Kimiko, you’ll love the Cups! Really flavourful Korean food, good value for money portions and something a bit different!’
The Village Pizza (Egham)- ‘Village pizza got me through my degree – the best pizza takeaway in Egham for its convenience and location. Great meal deals and collection rates too!’
Armed with all of the inside scoop, it’s time to get out there and explore! Have fun!