After an amazing afternoon at Denbies Wine Estate, my friend K suggested that we go to Shere which is only a 20-minute drive away. She told me that I would love it as the entire village screams my name. It is in fact in my list of “must go” places here as I’ve seen it a couple of times on instagram before so I was more than happy when K suggested that we go there as well. Don’t you just love it when your friends know you so well?
We arrived at around 2pm and went straight to the small public parking area. We had to wait for quite awhile as it was busy only to find out that there is a free parking area too at the pub that we were going to have lunch in. K was disappointed but she made a mental note of it for next time. Lol.
We had a light lunch at the beautiful William Bray pub in the middle of the town. Now I didn’t know this fact about the pub until now, apparently it is owned by an ex-Formula One Driver but I actually know him better as Top Gear’s Stig – Julian Bailey. Lewis Hamilton apparently came here last year to attend a pub quiz while George Clooney is rumoured to be one of its patrons. I just feel like in a village so small like Shere, the residents might have brushed shoulders with celebrities a couple of times already that they’re probably sick and tired of it. How lucky for them!
After our light lunch, K toured me around the charming village of Shere. It is nestled within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which makes it a popular stop for cyclists and walkers. Its old-world beauty also made it a popular filming location with films like Bridget Jones Diary, Four Weddings and A Funeral and most importantly – The Holiday (which is one of K’s favourite movies) shot here.
There is a cute little shop in the middle of the village which is a treasure trove of gifts and unique home items. I probably wouldn’t recommend a compulsive shopper to visit it because even I, who’s known to be a cheap a** according to my husband, was a bit tempted to buy some of the pretty items I’ve seen.
There is also a church which was featured in a wedding scene in the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and just alongside it runs the Tillingbourne River. There are gorgeous 16th and 17th century timbered houses surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. They’re all so pretty that I can’t help but check how much does a house here costs, as expected – I can’t afford it. Lol.
Another pub in the middle of the village is the White Horse where some scenes from the movie The Holiday were shot. We didn’t go in though but just from the outside, I think it’s one of the most idyllic pubs I’ve seen. There’s just something about half-timbered buildings that I just love.
Half a day in Shere is definitely a possible day trip from London, it’s just so tiny and quaint. It reminded me so much of the Cotswolds only this is much closer to London. I would say, have a meal in one of the two pubs mentioned or maybe at the cute little tearoom before or after exploring the area. Make sure you have enough battery on your phone because it sure is a very photogenic place.
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from the Holiday? love that movie
You know charming villages like this are what attracts me to visit England. Hopefully after the insanity we can finally see England. Stay safe.
Nice! post,very informative article,thanks for sharing this informative article.
Very nice place.