Quintessential English village is a vision of home-counties perfection

The quintessential English village of Shere in Surrey sits between the towns of Guildford and Dorking and is a vision of home-counties perfection. It also is lucky enough to be located in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Easily reached from London, it’s perfect for a day trip. The area is not only popular with walkers and day trippers but it’s a Hollywood blockbuster in its own right thanks to its chocolate box cuteness.

Filmmakers flock to it when they need a country church or quaint country village to film in.

No more so than in the perenially-popular Christmas favourite, The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Jude law. Although the cottage, Rose Hill Cottage used in the film doesn’t exist, the area is instantly recognisable.

It also played a starring role in the other popular rom-com, The Wedding Date starring Debra Messing.

Many of the scenes were filmed at the 12th century St James Church, and the surrounding laneways and narrow streets which featured a skit of the groom running behind a car as the bride makes her getaway.

The church also had a starring role, albeit a brief one, in the final scene of Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason.

There are two notable pubs in the town – The 15th-century White Horse, once a former farmhouse was also used as a location in The Holiday where Cameron Diaz meets up with Jude Law.

Another one is The William Bray, with a lovely terrace. Both are as adorable as they are historic.

As if the location couldn’t be more idyllic, the village has the pretty Tillingbourne River running through it complete with ducks and a tea house, The Dabbling Duck which does a roaring trade in afternoon tea.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Half-timber framed houses, thatched roofs, and quiet country lanes tick all the boxes for a picturesque day out.

Nearby are fabulous walking routes including Newlands Corner where you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views across the Surrey Hills.

It’s not surprising the area has been declared as one of the UK’s ‘coolest places to live in 2023’ in a survey conducted by Vitamin producers, Naturecan.

Source: Read Full Article