Elmbridge is a borough in north Surrey, on the outer edge of London, with the River Thames forming much of its northern boundary and the wooded commons and downland to the south. It contains a string of riverside and suburban towns including Esher, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, Cobham, Hersham, Claygate and Oxshott, and is crossed by the River Mole and several nature reserves and historic gardens.
The borough is largely affluent and commuter‑oriented, with strong rail links into London Waterloo and road access via the M25 and A3. It has a notable industrial and cultural heritage - the former motor‑racing and aviation centre at Brooklands (now the Brooklands Museum), the landscaped Painshill Park and race meetings at Sandown Park - and a local economy of professional services, light industry and riverside leisure. Elmbridge was created in 1974 under local government reorganisation and takes its name from the old Elm Bridge near Esher; socially it is known for good schools, strong community activity and an active boating and sporting scene on the Thames.