5 romantic villages with a commuter link to London

Dreaming of a life where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city but still have an easy commute to London?

A chocolate box English cottage with a thatched roof. — Mangopear Creative/Unsplash

Picture cobblestone streets, charming cottages, and countryside walks – all without giving up your city job. These romantic villages offer the perfect blend of tranquillity and practicality, with excellent transport links to the capital.

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1. Shere, Surrey

Looking down a village street with a bed and breakfast sign in the foreground. — The picturesque village of Shere, Surrey. Solveig Smordal/Unsplash

Commute to London: Approx. 50 minutes (via Guildford)

It’s not hard to see why this picturesque Surrey village has featured in movies like The Holiday. Shere is full of charming cottages and cosy pubs such as The White Horse, which is housed in a 15th century farmhouse and perfect for a date night. The River Tillingbourne lazily winds through the centre of the village and the surrounding countryside offers stunning walking trails, ideal for romantic weekends. It’s just a short drive to Guildford station, where regular trains to London Waterloo take less than an hour.

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2. Wendover, Buckinghamshire

Commute to London: Approx. 50 minutes (to London Marylebone)

Nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, Wendover is a quintessential English village surrounded by rolling countryside. The high street is lined with independent shops, tearooms, and pubs, giving it a cosy, romantic vibe. Nearby Wendover Woods is perfect for romantic strolls or a picnic, and the Champneys Spa is a short drive away for a couple’s pampering day. Wendover has the added bonus of a station with direct trains to Marylebone, making it a commuter’s dream.

A windmill with four wooden sails on a hill. — Wendover provides easy access to the Chiltern Hills. Diego Torres/Pixabay

3. Alresford, Hampshire

Commute to London: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (via Winchester)

Alresford is a postcard-perfect village characterised by its colourful Georgian houses. The Watercress heritage steam railway adds a hint of romantic nostalgia to the village. Spend weekends exploring independent boutiques, sipping wine at The Globe pub on the banks of Old Alresford Pond, or strolling along the River Itchen. While it’s not on the mainline itself, a short trip to Winchester station connects you to London Waterloo in just over an hour.

4. Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Commute to London: Approx. 45 minutes (via Baldock)

For couples who love history and countryside views, Ashwell is a dream come true. Its medieval streets, thatched cottages, and 14th-century church make it one of Hertfordshire’s most romantic villages. The nearby Baldock train station provides quick and easy access to London King’s Cross, so you can enjoy a peaceful retreat without sacrificing convenience.

5. Eynsford, Kent

Looking across a river to an historic village. — The riverside village of Eynsford, Kent. Jocelyn Erskine Kellie/Flickr

Commute to London: Approx. 50 minutes (to London Blackfriars or Victoria)

Eynsford is a picture-perfect village in the Darent Valley, known for its riverside setting and attractive countryside surroundings. The village is home to Eynsford Castle, a Norman stronghold dating from the 11th century, making it a perfect choice for history lovers. With direct trains to London from Eynsford station, it’s also a great option for those wanting a peaceful home life without a stressful commute.

Whether you’re after a romantic escape or just a quieter pace of life, these villages offer the perfect balance of charm and practicality. With their easy links to London, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The Hattie