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Shere – A quintessential English village nestled in the Surrey Hills filled with stunning scenery, charming buildings and a wealth of tradition. So if you are visiting London and looking to get a taste of the English countryside visit Shere – English Village near London.

“Welcome to Shere”

Shere – English Village near London.
Shere – English Village near London.
Shere – English Village near London.

How to get to Shere from London

Located between the towns of Guildford and Dorking, Shere is a short train journey from Central London. Its is the perfect get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and to experience the English countryside.

Shere is easily accessible by road via the A3 and M25 which connects it to Central London. Getting to Shere by train, it can be reached in as little as 35 minutes from London ( the main station is Guilford).

About Shere – The Village

The village has a wealth of tradition and a small population of  just over a thousand souls. Majority of the residents reside in a cluster of centuries old timber framed houses. The village offers its visitors a tearoom rewarded for being the most popular one in Surrey, a local art gallery and its very own museum.

Surrounded by stunning scenery and a little stream running through the middle of the village makes it picture perfect. On a bright summer’s day you can spot some ducks and it is the perfect day out.

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St James Church – Shere

Standing tall in the centre of the village is the St James Church. A place of worship since 1190 and has a beautiful cobbled lane that leads you to it. It is the perfect location for a local wedding and we were lucky enough to witness this in all its glory.

There is a small bridge which runs across the River and the Old wooden Fire Station that dates back to 1885. All these add to the beauty of Shere.

Sadly the fire brigade was converted to public toilets.

Shere – English Village near London.

Where to eat in Shere

There are two famous pubs in the village that have loads of history attached to them. The White Horse and The William Bray both dating back to the late 18th century and are named after a local solicitor and antiquary.

The Bray family have had a long history with this village, having been Lords of the Manor of Shere since 1485.

Cafe – Shere
Shere

Famous Pub of Surrey – William Bray Pub

The William Bray Pub is said to have celebrity connections starting with its owner, the ex Formula One driver Julian Bailey. There are some rumours that the pub has some very famous patrons that include Jenson Button and George Clooney!

Not sure if they have been spotted here ever but you may try your luck.

Enjoy a traditional English meal at the William Bray Pub and if you have the sun – A Gin and Tonic should be be perfect.

William Bray Pub
Cafe – Shere
Shere

Award winning cafe in Surrey – The Dabbling Duck. 

The award winning cafe nestled in the centre of the village is a great place to have a meal or an afternoon tea. its is open 7 days a week and serves some great food and cakes. You can enjoy the treats either inside the cafƩ or in the patio garden.

Would  recommend the tea service in the garden on a perfect summer’s day. You will be assured of a warm welcome by the friendly staff.

Tea and scones at The Dabbling Duck.
The Dabbling Duck.
The Dabbling Duck.

Popular Film Location in Surrey 

With history going back to the Domesday Book, Shere is a very picturesque location.

Shere is a popular location for film shoots. Some of the popular movies that have been shot here are : The Earth Dies Screaming, The Ruling Class starring Peter O’Toole, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason ā€“ St James’s church features briefly in the wedding scene at the end, The Bray Family, The Wedding Date.

One of my favourite movies was also shot here in Shere – The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.

It is the picturesque, tranquil countryside and the simplicity of the village that attracts so many visitors to Shere every year.

Shere is very popular with visitors during the summer months where you can take some great walks into the Surrey Hills.

Overall a great place to visit and soak in the English country life if you have had your overdose of London.

For me it was a great place to spend a sunny afternoon with the entire family.

If you enjoyed reading about Shere – English Village near London you would certainly like these hidden gems near London.

Shere - English Village near London.
Classic Car in Shere – English Village near London.

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38 COMMENTS

  4. Shere sounds like such a quintessential English countryside town. It looks and sounds so gorgeous, and I am loving the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of downtown London. It’s perfect that it is only 35 minutes away by train from London, which makes it the perfect day trip getaway!

    • Itā€™s a great place to run away from the hustle and bustle of London and have a down time

  7. This is such a pretty village! I’ve never heard of Shere, but I want to visit that pub, I love George Clooney! It would be great to meet him. Lovely photos of a very English village, and not too far from London.

  8. What a charming village! What a cute little place. Loved the photo with the ducks in the stream. It’s so English! I came across a tone of villages that looked quite similar while walking the oldest road of Britain šŸ™‚

  9. I’ve never heard of this town but it looks so picturesque! I definitely want to get out of London to see more of the surrounding area next time I visit.

  10. Such a cute village! I love the architecture of the house, and nature here. Love the sign of the coffee “Dabbing Duck”. Going for a coffee in the morning then visiting the film location seems like a great idea. It’s my first time hearing about Shere and I would love to visit soon in the future.

  11. Shere looks so charming and a perfect getaway from the busy city life of London. With its cobbled streets, timber framed houses, old churches and bridges, quaint cafes and a lot of greenery, the village looks like a beautiful blend of tradition and tranquillity. I would love to visit Shere some day and experience the English country life. Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures.

  13. I had never heard of Shere until I read this blog. I am a train fan and am excited to know that it is accessible via train from London. From the pictures it looks like charming little place away from hordes of tourists. If I ever visit Shere, I will make it a point to pay a visit to the pubs which belong to 18th century.

  14. Shere seems such an adorable english village. Thanks for making me known to this beautiful place. If ever I visit to London I will definitely add Shere to my itinerary.

  15. I love countryside the most and therefore adding Shere which really looks perfect English village in my UK trip. St. James Church from 1190 looks very pretty amidst the green nature. It is perfect location for shooting films and great to know that many famous films have been shot here.

  16. i’m heading here for the weekend next week. i’ll be honest i’m a romantic and the film the holiday is one of my favorites, i’m very much looking forward to it.

  17. I loved this vitural trip to Shere! such a quaint little village and it is so essentially English. The church is stunning. Everything looks so laid-back and peaceful here

  18. I visit friends in Surrey quite regularly but had not heard before of Shere village. It looks like a charming and pretty village to enjoy a slice of old England, I love the old architecture of some of the houses and the stream through the centre. I also like the look of both the pubs, which look great for food.

  19. England has some very pretty villages and Shere is one of them. I think a visit to the William Bray Pub would be high on my list especially if I could run into George Clooney there. I will definitely visit. Thanks for sharing.

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