Shere lies midway between Guildford and Dorking, in the valley of the Tillingbourne within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now branded a National Landscape. It is a conservation area with 34 listed buildings, and the Shere Museum's guide calls it a pre-Domesday village. It suits walkers, film fans and anyone who wants a short, easy afternoon in a village that looks as it does on screen.
The Tillingbourne and the church
The stream runs through the middle of the village, with a ford and a bench or two for watching the ducks. The easiest way to see it is the 1.4 mile village loop (about 30 to 60 minutes, easy, listed on AllTrails), which takes in historic cottages, the river and ford, and the ancient church. Paths are mostly stone and tarmac, with one short softer stretch by the ford.
St James' Church is the village's anchor. Surrey Live describes it as a place of worship since 1190, added to over the centuries, and mentions a small enclosed cell where an anchoress lived. Reach it by the lych gate and a cobbled lane.
The films
Shere has a long screen record. The Holiday (2006) used Shere and Godalming for its British scenes, with the village dressed in snow and Christmas lights. Rosehill Cottage was built for the film near the church and does not exist now. The White Horse appears in a romantic scene between Cameron Diaz and Jude Law.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason: the church, covered in fake snow, and believed to be where Bridget's parents renew their vows.
The Wedding Date (2005): the church again, for a wedding scene.
On the Fiddle (1961): Barbara Windsor and Sean Connery filmed here.
The Ruling Class was also shot in the village.
Where to eat and drink
The White Horse, Shere Lane is a Grade II listed farmhouse of 1475, run by Chef & Brewer, so this is a chain pub with a lot of history. CAMRA notes beams, stone fireplaces, several levels, a sheltered garden at the back and three regular beers, including Old Speckled Hen. It is dog friendly and family friendly. Order the steak and ale pie or the Sunday roast. Reviewers mention slow service when it is busy, so book through the pub's booking page and check opening hours before you set out.
The Dabbling Duck, Middle Street is the village café and deli, in the former tea shop. It has around 50 covers inside plus a garden, welcomes walkers and cyclists, and is known for home-made cakes, with carrot and pineapple long the favourite according to Great British Life. Check hours before you go.
Shere Museum
On Gomshall Lane, the Shere Museum shows everyday objects mainly from Victorian times to the 1950s. It is open 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and some bank holidays, with free entry and donations welcome. Guided village walks and group visits are available, and the ground floor is wheelchair accessible if arranged. Details are on the museum's visitor page.
Walks beyond the village
Shere Circular: 2.8 miles, easy, one to one and a half hours.
Shere and Albury Circular: 7.6 km, moderate, two to two and a half hours, starting at the café in the village centre and crossing the Albury Estate. Dogs on leads.
Shere to Silent Pool: 4.2 km, easy, one to one and a half hours.
Shere to Gomshall: 3 miles, easy to moderate, with a steep section before Gomshall.
Shere and Blackheath Circular: 11.1 km, three to three and a half hours, for a longer day.
The Surrey Hills National Landscape also runs a Tillingbourne Tales: Shere Trail. Ramblers group walks set off from outside the White Horse.
Getting there, and avoiding the crowds
Shere sits on the A25 between Guildford and Gomshall. The village car park (Recreation Ground, London Lane, GU5 9HE) is about 200 yards from the White Horse. Charges have changed over the years, so check the tariff on site.
There are easier ways in. The Compass Bus No. 32 runs hourly between Guildford and Redhill and stops at the Village Hall. Gomshall station is about a 20-minute walk away: walk down the station approach road, continue on the main road and turn left at Gomshall Mill.
Surrey Live says the village becomes a tourist hotspot every Christmas as fans of The Holiday visit, and the Fancy Free Walks route notes that the village and car park get very congested at popular times. Aim for a weekday morning outside December, and arrive on foot or by bus if you can. The museum is only open at weekends, so a weekend visit has its own reward if you can come early. The village is at its best when you have time to stand by the ford.
