10 Most Picturesque Villages in Surrey
Head Out of London on a Road Trip to the Villages of Surrey
Picturesque villages in Surrey are plentiful – the quaint rural region is a paradise for Londoners looking to escape the big smoke. Boasting cute red-brick cottages, lush verdant woodlands, and snug village pubs, Surrey is the ideal antidote for stressed-out city dwellers. Best of all, the county resides a mere 1-hour drive from Waterloo.
The best way to explore is by road, whether it be a sneaky day trip or a weekend foray staying at one of the local B&Bs. But with so many picture-perfect villages to choose from, the hardest part is deciding where to go. Let us help you as we’ve done the legwork by rounding down the most beautiful villages to visit in Surrey.
1. Betchworth
Home of a haunted castle
适合： 历史, 照片, 与众不同
Beautiful Betchworth is characterized by the narrow tree-lined streets that wind around town. The highlight of the area is the crumbled ruins of the medieval Betchworth Castle, which, as legend has it, is haunted by its former owner Lord Henry Hope. That is, of course, unless you happen to visit on Guy Fawkes Night when thousands of revelers converge at Brockham to watch its awe-inspiring bonfire.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss St Michael’s Church, which was featured in the hit film Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). The adjacent pub and blacksmithing forge are also worth a look. For an equally endearing village and lovely village green, visit Buckland, a few minutes east.
Betchworth
2. Ripley
Winding river views and a wonderful monthly farmer’s market
适合： 家庭, 历史, 照片
Ripley is the best place in Surrey to enjoy a relaxing riverside stroll. The tranquil River Wey meanders through the region with its abundance of tributaries and streams. Within the town proper, quaint coffee shops, distilleries, and B&B’s create a cozy and welcoming vibe.
Blues lovers will be interested to hear the legendary Eric Clapton grew up in the village. The Ripley Guitars music shop pays homage to his career. Cricket fans are also in for a treat as the historic Ripley Cricket Club has the biggest greens in the country. If you happen to arrive on the second Saturday of the month, make sure to visit the Ripley Farmer’s Market to shop for seasonal produce and specialty foods.
Ripley
3. Godstone
A village with something for the whole family
适合： 家庭, 历史, 照片
Godstone is a brilliant spot to bring the kids as the village is home to Godstone Farm, packed with outdoor adventures, dinosaur trail, and family-friendly activities. There’s plenty to charm the grownups in Godstone too, with saintly churches, sprawling vineyards, and scores of old lumber dwellings peppered throughout.
Be sure to swing by the village green and duck pond for some nature time, as well as Titsey Place to marvel at the incredible architecture of yesteryear. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill, which now operates as a museum.
Godstone
4. Shamley Green
The quintessential Surrey village
适合： 照片, 餐饮
Tiny Shamley Green is home to one of the oldest continually inhabited cottages in all of Surrey, the grade II-listed Lee Crouch house. While it’s a private property, you can marvel at it from the public roadside. Most visitors, however, are more interested in the village’s picturesque scenery and the impressive ensemble of stone-brick cottages. The Village Fete and Dog Show is a must if you happen to visit in June.
If you’re feeling thirsty, the village has two homey pubs: the Bricklayers Arms and the Red Lion. For a piping hot cup of coffee accompanied by a tasty snack, visit Forge on the Green.
Shamley Green
5. Peaslake
A sparsely populated hamlet with superb natural scenery
适合： 照片, 餐饮, 冒险
Peaslake resides deep in the heart of Surrey, enveloped by woodlands and cut by a labyrinth-like maze of walking trails and roads. The teeny hamlet is home to just under 900 residents, and for much of your visit, there won’t be another soul in sight.
Cycling, hiking, and picnicking are great pastimes when the weather’s nice, especially around the shimmering lakes of Coverwood. Lively concerts and events take place in the Peaslake Memorial Hall. For a sophisticated space to wine and dine, visit the whitewashed Hurtwood Inn Pub.
Peaslake
6. Shere
One of the most popular villages in Surrey to visit
适合： 历史, 照片
Shere is one of the more populated villages in Surrey, with rows of post-and-beam buildings lending a cosmopolitan air at times. Within them, homey pubs serve frothy pints to the local crowd, while gift shops, galleries, and museums cater to the out-of-towners (of whom there are many).
Drop by the 12th-century St James Church to marvel at its stone-brick façade and stunning stained-glass windows. The site was featured in the Domesday Book and once housed a religious hermit by the name of Christine Carpenter. Outside town, visit the tranquil Silent Pool lake and the adjacent distillery, or go for a hike in Newlands Corner.
Shere
7. Chiddingfold
A former glassmakers village
适合： 冒险, 照片
Chiddingfold was once a village of glassmakers, who converged on its greens each morning to hawk their artisanal wares (the windows of St Mary’s Church are a prime example). These days, the town thrives off agriculture and tourism, with a smattering of charming pubs and B&Bs catering to the London crowd.
Wander around town at sunset if you can to catch a glimpse of the foxes, deer, and badgers in the outlying woodlands. Venture just a bit further south of the center to get to the lush Chiddingfold Golf Club and Ramster Gardens.
Chiddingfold
8. Oxshott
Surrey’s exclusive village retreat
适合： 照片, 冒险
Opulent Oxshott is one of England’s most expensive villages, known for its grand homes, private roads, and affluent residents. The village is home to numerous celebrities and footballers, many drawn to the area by Chelsea Football Club’s nearby training ground in Cobham.
Although some of Oxshott’s most exclusive streets are hidden behind gates, the village remains a fascinating place to visit. Outside of town, go hiking through Esher Commons and Prince’s Coverts, better known by the locals as the Oxshott Woodlands.
Oxshott
9. Mickleham
A stone’s throw from Surrey’s top national park
适合： 照片, 餐饮, 冒险
Mickleham is the nearest village to the Surrey Hills National Landscape, making it a hit among outdoor enthusiasts. The vast national park comes packed full of walking and cycling trails of varying lengths to suit all kinds of adventurers. Be sure to hit up Box Hill and Stepping Stones Walk at the very least, preferably with a picnic lunch at the ready.
Back in town, the moody St. Michael and All Angels church is well worth a look, not least for the burial ground out the back. Across the road, stop by the elegant Running Horses for upscale lodging and exceptional dining.
Mickleham
10. Leigh
A seldom-visited spot dating back half a millennia or more
适合： 历史, 照片, 冒险
The village of Leigh is so small it’s easy to miss as you’re driving through. At its center, you can see the Reigate-stone St Bartholomew Chuch, which has a lovely old lychgate at the front and is topped by a rustic wooden spire. Keep an eye out for an enormous oak tree, which the locals reckon is over 500 years old.
Across the road, the Plough is a 15th-century pub run by the same amicable owner for more than three decades. Another outstanding option lies just up the road at Seven Stars Inn, which does a modern take on traditional British cuisine. For a more active day out, explore the region’s hiking and biking trails.
Leigh
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