The whole area is linear, includes diverse green spaces to north and south, and covers 92 hectares (230 acres).

Since the Norman Conquest it was a high sandy heath with a notable pond:[3][4] Sherewater Pond, on the borders of Pyrford and Chertsey parishes, was an extensive mere on the high Bagshot Sand, drained and planted at the time of its enclosure, 29 September 1815.

On enclosure it was allocated into private hands from public common land; a farm was created.

[5] Sheerwater's farm became divided from Woodham by the Basingstoke Canal in about 1790 and from Pyrford by the South West Main Line in about 1838.

Elevations range between 35m above sea level in the central area and 30m at Sheerwater Bridge on the eastern boundary.

In April 2017 Woking Borough Council approved the first phase of the redevelopment of the central part of Sheerwater.

Dartmouth Avenue is the main parade of shops which include two convenience stores, several fast food outlets, a cafe, a post office, a pharmacy and a glass/glazing business.

[11] Sheerwater Recreation Ground was created as part of the development of the area by London County Council in the 1950s.

Part of the area is now an international size oval running track, home to Woking Athletics Club.

[15] The towpath of the Basingstoke canal is on the Sheerwater side, which provides a traffic-free pedestrian and cycle route to Woking town centre in one direction and to West Byfleet in the other.

The proportion of households in the two divisions of Sheerwater who owned their home outright was 10% above and 23% below the national average respectively.