Look, I know it’s only August, but it’s never too soon to start scoping out idyllic villages to spend the upcoming cosy season. How else are you possibly going to find your very own Jude Law to snuggle up with, hey? England certainly isn’t lacking in quaint and quiet villages that look like they belong on the front of a postcard, but if you’re in need of some inspiration, allow us to point you in the direction of Albury. This picture-perfect, teeny-tiny village could have been plucked straight from the scene of a rom-com – and if you want to feel like you’ve travelled back to much simpler times (without the inconvenience of having to find yourself a time machine), this little village tucked away in the Surrey Hills might be just the place to go.
Where is Albury?
Albury is a village and civil parish tucked away in the Tillingbourne Valley in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Boasting jaw-dropping views as far as the eye can see, Albury is surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping meadows; making it pretty difficult to believe that you’re just an hour outside of hustly bustly London.
The parish of Albury includes the village of Albury as well as Little London, Brook, Farley Green and Newlands Corner – and is just 6.3 square-miles in total. Its neighbouring village, Shere, is also well worth a visit if you’re in the area – a spot that has actually been plucked from a rom-com movie set (bonus points if you can guess which one).
Albury is home to just 1,191 people and oozes old-school charm. The main street of the village is lined with timber framed and flint cottages, each topped with a rather distinctive Elizabethan chimney stack. It’s a quintessential British village, boasting a post office, a general pub, a village hall (of course) and a gorgeous country pub, The Drummond at Albury.
Things to do in and around Albury
The list of things to do in the village of Albury isn’t particularly long – but that’s sort of the charm of it. It’s the perfect spot to switch off from chaotic city life. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, there are plenty of gorgeous walks nearby, ranging from long hikes to relaxed wanders. The nearby Albury Park is a beautiful country park with a Grade II* listed mansion inside and the River Tillingbourne running through it. And speaking of the River Tillingbourne; it attracts plenty of avid anglers and fishing fanatics. The Drummond at Albury is the local pub, serving up delicious grub, boutique bedrooms, and a riverside garden out the back. Albury is also home to its very own vineyard and gin distillery. So I’m sure all that is enough to keep you busy.
Credit: @alburyvineyard via Instagram
Getting to Albury from London
Albury is roughly an hour long drive from London, making it perfect for a summery day trip or a weekend away. Of course, those of you that don’t drive need not worry as the closest station, Chilworth, is just a half an hour walk or short bus journey away. Regular trains run to Guildford from London Waterloo and Chilworth is then a short train journey onwards from Guildford.