Christmas has arrived and what better way to get into the spirit than by watching a Christmas film? But you could go one step further and fully immerse yourself by visiting some of the famous locations where your festive favourite was filmed.
That’s what plenty of film lovers do every year when they take a trip to the chocolate box village of Shere, in Surrey where The Holiday was filmed. The 2006 romantic comedy starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black has become a Christmas must-see movie, with many people watching it each year for those cosy, winter vibes.
While the village in the movie is never given a name, many of the famous scenes were filmed in the beautiful village of Shere, thanks to its quintessentially British appearance. Think rolling hills, Tudor housing and quaint independent shops dotted throughout. And, like most traditional English villages, it’s also home to two pubs – one of which film lovers might recognise.
The White Horse, a former 15th-century farmhouse and Grade II Listed Building, sets the scene for a fun evening out for characters Amanda and Graham, played by Diaz and Law. Here, they get together in the film for a drink with friends. While you might not find Jude Law sat at the bar with a festive tipple, you can still stop by yourself to soak up the atmosphere.
The pub has plenty of cosy nooks to snuggle into for a romantic dinner, or, if you’d prefer to visit in the summer months, there is a beautiful outdoor courtyard space ideal for al fresco dining.
The village has become popular with film producers over the years, and it is also said to have lured the creators of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and The Wedding Date, too. And it’s not hard to see why.
Though the village is the picture of cosy, countryside living, it’s relatively easy to commute to and from London – and that’s perhaps why so many film crews and tourists love it.
How to get to Shere
Of course, Shere can be reached by car, with access to the M25 Motorway and approximately one hour from London, but given how small the village is, an influx of cars can lead to parking problems. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to access by train. You will need to get off at the nearby village of Gomshall and take the 15-minute walk into Shere.
Buy a digital Railcard online with Trainline and store it directly in the Trainline app, so you can use it right away to get 1/3 off eligible journeys for a whole year.
Where to stay
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to stay in the same cottage that Cameron Diaz takes up residency in during The Holiday, as it was specially constructed for the film and later removed. However, there are a few cosy B&B options in Shere.
Rookery Nook B&B is a 15th-century property set in the heart of the vibrant village. It has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor and even won a Tripadvisor Award for 2023.
Shere B&B is another highly rated place to stay according to Tripadvisor, and is a country house that sits just on the outskirts of the village.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay close to Shere without being slap-bang in the middle of the village, Sykes Holiday Cottages has an array of properties dotted throughout Surrey.
From properties with hot tubs to covered barns, there is something for everyone to try and at the time of writing, Sykes has some properties available from under £200 for a week-long stay. You can view Sykes Holiday Cottages’ Surrey offering here.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/wk9caHO3pW0
What to do
The village is so pretty that you might find yourself simply wandering through the winding lanes, taking in the beautiful scenery around you.
But, on a cold winter’s day stopping off at the famed White Horse pub is a must-do for a drink or meal. The pub is part of the Greene King chain, part of its Chef & Brewer Collection, so has a selection of traditional pub food on offer. Alternatively, you can stop at the village bar and restaurant The William Bray, located on Shere Lane. You’ll get more of a contemporary pub offering here and if you’re lucky you might even catch a live performance.
For the perfect cup of tea, Shere is home to Hilly’s Tea Shop, serving up freshly baked scones with jam and cream, homemade cakes and light lunches, and plenty of brews.
There’s also a small local museum, Shere Museum, with a wide-ranging collection of items from days gone by, many of which have been donated by residents. The museum also has a section dedicated to unique stories from the village during the war years.
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