I know that we only flipped the calendar into September mere moments ago. And I’m aware that the buckets, spades, beachballs, and swimsuits have barely even been shoved back into storage yet. But as far as I’m concerned, it’s never too early to start scoping out some dreamy backdrops for our rom-com reenactments this (rapidly-approaching) cosy season.
Luckily for us Londoners, there’s an abundance of quaint, quiet, and oh-so quintessential villages within easy reach of the capital. Many of which look like they’ve been plucked straight from the front of a postcard. But if you’re looking for one of the most gorgeous of all, allow us to point you in the direction of Holmbury St Mary. This picture-perfect parish is nestled neatly among the rolling Surrey Hills, and it’s so beautiful, it’s been hailed ‘Little Switzerland’.
Holmbury St Mary
Holmbury St Mary is nestled within a valley on the eastern side of Holmbury Hill. Surrounded by sloping hills and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s frequently praised for being one of the most idyllic villages in the country – and it’s certainly not difficult to see why. Holmbury St Mary is believed to be the inspiration behind the fictional village of Summer Street in E.M. Forster’s notable novel, A Room With A View. But the village’s claims to fame don’t end there. Holmbury St Mary is also where you’ll find Honeysuckle Cottage; the exact cottage that inspired the iconic home of Kate Winslett’s character in The Holiday.
Things to do in Holmbury St Mary
The list of things to do in Holbury St Mary isn’t particularly extensive, but I guess that’s part of the charm of it. As I’m sure you’d expect from a village sat slap-bang in the middle of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s surrounded by some of the best walking and cycling routes in the country. There’s also a big old church perched on top of a hill that dates back to the 1800s, UCL’s space science laboratory (because, well… why not?), two pubs, two cafes, and loads of beautiful buildings to gawp at. What more could you want, really?
Getting to Holmbury St Mary from London
Holmbury St Mary is approximately a 90 minute drive from central London, making it the perfect spot for an autumnal day trip. Heading to Holbury St Mary on public transport is slightly lengthier, taking just over two hours. Londoners will need to jump on a speedy service to Guildford from London Waterloo, and then take a couple of local onwards buses from there.
