6 Most Beautiful Villages Near London

What are the most beautiful villages near London to live in?

If you are on the hunt to find one of the most beautiful villages near London, this article is perfect for you.

London’s appeal and influence is renowned across the globe!

Life in England’s capital is a truly unique experience, with something for everyone.

With regions across Greater London being some of the most expensive areas across the UK, many buyers are looking a little further outside of the capital.

Living in villages near London also offers residents the perfect balanced lifestyle.

It is no surprise that homeowners are increasingly seeking properties in rural locations.

Villages near London offer more living space as well as the flexibility that the commuter lifestyle requires.

More and more buyers are making the choice to move to villages near London.

Since the start of restrictions and lockdowns, buyers intentions have changed drastically!

People are increasingly looking for new characteristics in both their properties and the area in which they wish to live.

As an increasing amount of buyers are considering moving to the countryside, villages near London are gathering more attention.

With so many excellent villages near London, it may be hard to know where to look!

Whether you require a rural home to raise a family or a green haven with excellent travel links, one of these villages near London is sure to appeal.

Here are 6 of the best countryside villages near London.

Hambleden

Within the Wycombe area in the south of Buckinghamshire, Hambleden is a little village home to just over 1400, located close to Henley on Thames.

Charming brick and flint cottages are spread throughout the settlement which is set in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Chiltern Hills.

It is clear to see why the area is popular among tv and film directors.

Hambleden is close to some other equivalently attractive villages.

These include Fingest, Skirmett and Turville.

One with to not about the area is the shortage of amenities.

However, there is a village shop slash post office selling basic day to day necessities.

St Mary the Virgin Church is placed in the heart of the village and a is a core part of the community.

The local pub is the Stag and Huntsman.

A wonderful old bar which offers good and drinks four-star accommodation.

The establishment’s 8 bedrooms and two self-catering cottages have earned top reviews.

It is important to note that the village gets busier in the summer months.

The location is surrounded by the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, meaning the area is attractive for walkers and cyclists who frequent the planned routes which encompass Hambleden.

Lord Cardigan, famous for his role in leading the ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade, was born in the local Manor House in 1797.

As you would expect the housing market is very quiet.

Just three homes are for sale according to Rightmove.

The cheapest being a 300-year-old 2 bedroom cottage which has been renovated to a high standard, on the market for £495,000.

Lurgashall

Lurgashall is a rather humble village in the Chichester region of West Sussex

Situated about 4 miles northwest of Petworth, Lurgashall is just within the new South Downs National Park.

Its location makes it an especially picturesque location.

A warm and tight-knit community, home to the historical Noah’s Ark pub, the old school and several old houses are formed around the green.

Sitting in this community hub is the village cricket pitch and a shop that doubles up as the local post office.

The cricket club is a very active one and has won several match trophies which are proudly displayed at the Noah’s Ark.

Games are routinely held during the season, adding a really lively atmosphere to the area.

Travelling around the village and nearby areas is made easy.

The A272 connects locals conveniently through the region.

Sitting a few miles from the heart of the settlement, the road provides a path to all the principal towns and cities in the vicinity.

The county of West Sussex interests numerous buyers due to the attraction of the South Downs.

The astounding sights of the High Weald and many historic and family attractions also add to the appeal.

Chilham

Chilham is yet another one of those pleasant villages whose registered structures located throughout the heart of the village have encouraged its use as a popular location for television and film.

It is a quintessentially English location!

In fact, the village is so popular it has appeared in various shows.

These include but are not limited to the Canterbury Tales, Jane Austin’s Emma and various episodes of Poirot.

A principally rustic and agricultural village, Chilham lies in the garden of England, Kent, amongst the valley of the Great Stour River.

The area actually comprises 3 villages.

These incorporate Chilham, Shottenden and Old Wives Lees.

At the pith of Chilham is the popular market square.

Many events take place here, including the popular annual May Day festivities.

The Square is one of the most well preserved historic locations in the whole of South-east England.

At each edge of the square locals can find several important histoci buildings.

Chilham Castle and the ancient parish church, dedicated to St Mary are certainly noteworthy. 

In fact, the church has a particularly important place in history, with Thomas Becket supposedly being buried here.

Chilham is home to a number of period residences.

The once vicarage, which dates from 1742, is a splendid spot to spend an hour or two exploring.

Residential construction in the area has been very restricted.

These limitations certainly add to the rustic and charming character of the village.

Chilham’s celebrated and picturesque environment adds to its appeal, it is in fact one of the most attended villages in Kent.

Cookham

Cookham is a famous village and civil parish on the shores of the River Thames in the north-east edge of Berkshire.

It constitutes the southernmost and most provincial part of the High Wycombe area.

A pretty location with a history stretching back hundreds of years.

Located across the village are numerous 17th and 18th-century houses.

These are regularly in high demand although they rarely become available on the market.

The settlement is well renowned as the home of artist Stanley Spencer.

An exhibit displaying his works is located in the high street.

Links are good, with the large town of Maidenhead sitting just two miles away.

The village is also a popular tourist stop!

It is a suitable location for plenty of walking trails along the Thames Path and across the National Trust property.

Residents can make use of the many popular restaurants and pubs in the High Street.

Cookham is an alluring place to live but an expensive one.

The average cost of a home standing at £850,733 in September 2021!

Rye

Located just over an hour from London’s St Pancras station, Rye makes a picture-perfect commuter spot.

It allows a mix of ancient streets, sandstone hills and exquisite views over River Rother.

A little town of around 10,000 inhabitants, it is settled close to the shoreline of East Sussex as well as some gorgeous country areas.

Once a bustling location known for the import of goods, a marine base, a fishing port, an agricultural centre, and a market town.

Rye now relies on its tourist attractiveness, drawing visitors from across the world.

Apart from its visitor base, Rye proceeds to operate as a port.

There has also been noteworthy investments in the region.

Most prominently, facilities for both the fishing fleet berthed at Rye and the commercial wharves at Rye Harbour.

The ancient part of the town within the former town walls has shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Rye is also known for its oast houses.

Many conversions are now private residences.

A few, like the Playden Oasts Inn, remain open to the public.

There is plenty to do nearby. Rye stands at the centre of a network of nature reserves, some of the national importance.

Whatsmore, there are numerous popular festivals.

The two-week Art Festival is one of the biggest in the area.

Bringing a world-class series of performers in music, comedy, and literature.

The annual “Rye Bay Scallops Festival” is another event you must attend!

The shallow and relatively sheltered waters of Rye Bay make excellent growing conditions for scallops.

Rye is a fabulous place to call home, with lots to do and everything at your fingertips.

Finchingfield

Yet another of Southern England’s little gems. Located just outside of Braintree, Essex, Finchingfield is primarily a rural area.

Said to be the most photographed village in England.

It is approximately 6 miles from Thaxted, 9 miles from and Braintree and 11 miles from Saffron Walden.

Between these larger towns lies a myriad of beautiful little villages to explore.

The village pond has been at the centre of Finchingfield for many years and children today still love to gather and play at its edges.

Some fine Georgian houses line the winding streets along with more than a few quintessentially English thatched cottages.

The arrangement of houses around a central green produces a harmonious effect.

Local facilities are more than sufficient and incorporate various shops, pubs and restaurants.

So there is no need to drive too far to appreciate a great feast.

The prolific primary school is small, housing around 60 pupils!

Following its latest Ofsted review, it was awarded a “good” rating.

There are a great amount of social projects, clubs and associations which take place on a consistent basis.

These include bowls, tennis and even the Horticultural Society.

Furthermore, there are Beaver and Cubs groups for the children.

With the current average amount paid for a home being £537,379, it makes Finchingfield a very desirable village for buyers.

Ready to Live in One of These Villages Near London?

Have you decided which one of these villages near London you would like to move to?

Villages near London offer some exceptional advantages to city living that can appeal to families, young professionals and retirees equally!

If you want to live in one of these villages near London and have found your dream home, we are here to help you get moving.

You can start planning your dream move with the assistance of our Cotswolds Removals service from White & Company today.

White & Company are also pleased to announce our new video survey service.

During these unprecedented times, we can safely conduct remote removals surveys.

We can gather all the relevant information for your move from the comfort of your own home.

So, give us a call today or fill out a quick quote form to see how we can get your dream move to one of the London Villages in the works.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.