It’s well worth the drive up to this pretty village in the beautiful Surrey Hills. It is often dubbed Little Switzerland because of the way its prestigious houses are dotted on the slopes of Holmbury Hill. Some farmhouses date back to the 1600s. 

The village has the usual attributes – a green, the huge bell-ringing St Mary’s Church designed by Victorian architect George Edmund Street, two pubs, two cafés and, of course, fabulous views. You’ll be in good company as walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers flock here to explore the trails and footpaths of Holmbury, Leith and Pitch hills.

For a pint

For fabulous views, the olde-worlde Royal Oak, built in the 1730s and now owned by local businessmen, is a belter, as are its craft beers and monster fish and chips; dogs receive treats too. The refurbished King’s Head is a stylish gastro-pub with a fabulous garden and coffee shop next door serving homemade cakes.

Where to stay

Look no further than the Kings Head, in the heart of the village. Its three tastefully decorated boutique bedrooms are the perfect place to rest your head after an energetic day’s hike or cycle.

Did you know?

Down on Bulmer Farm, Heartwork Coffee Bar serves amazing espressos and a corker of a flapjack from a 1970s converted horse trailer. Sit yourself down outside, or in the rustic barn, beside upturned cable reels used as tables. 

Honourable mentions 

Whittling Surrey’s prettiest villages down to just 10 has not been easy. So, sorry Peaslake, whose trails and coffee shop are so beloved by cyclists and walkers. And Hambledon, where the 16th-century Merry Harriers offers boutique beds and stonking burgers and beer beside a crackling fire. And Shackleford, which dates back to the 14th century and has a community-run shop and the popular Cyder House Inn. And picturesque Eashing, with its historic houses such as The Forge and Post Cottage. And, finally, tiny Shamley Green, home to Lee Crouch, one of the oldest continually inhabited cottages in Surrey.