Elmbridge

Elmbridge is a local government district with borough status in the county of Surrey, England. It is named after the River Elm and covers the southwest part of Surrey, including towns such as Weybridge, Esher, Cobham, Walton-on-Thames, Thames Ditton, Claygate, Hersham, and Molesey. The district lies along the northern bank of the River Thames and includes a mix of suburban settlements, green belt land, and wooded areas.

Elmbridge is governed by Elmbridge Borough Council, which provides local services such as housing, planning, waste collection, and environmental health. The council was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, by merging the former Weybridge Urban District and Esher and Walton Rural District.

As of recent estimates, Elmbridge has a population of around 140,000 and is one of Surrey’s more affluent districts. The area is notable for its commuter links to London, high-quality housing, and a relatively low-density urban profile compared with London.

Rail connections are available from several towns on the South Western Main Line to London Waterloo, with nearby road routes including the M25 and A3 providing access to the national motorway network. The local economy is mixed, with services, retail, professional sectors, and light industry present in various towns.

Notable places include Brooklands Museum in Weybridge and extensive parks and open spaces along the River Thames and in the surrounding countryside. Elmbridge also contains a number of well-regarded primary and secondary schools and a range of community facilities.