From the peaceful countryside villages of Kent to the small but mighty destinations of Surrey, an escape from the busy, non-stop atmosphere of London is always a treat.
To help you discover some weekend getaway locations, we’ve rounded up five of the most beautiful and peaceful villages, all less than two hours from London, that you should visit.
5 of the most beautiful villages around London to visit
Lenham
Lenham is a small market village in the Maidstone district on the edge of the North Downs and is surrounded by scenic views.
The village is just an hour and 10-minute train journey from the capital with direct trains from London Bridge.
You can also easily drive to the village, which takes on average around an hour and a half.
If you’re a keen walker, the North Downs Way 9 from Lenham to Wye is the perfect route to follow.
Away from walks, Lenham offers plenty to enjoy with highly-rated pubs and restaurants, including The Bow Window Cafe and The Wishful Thinker.
Lenham is also home to the popular Chilston Park Hotel, a four-star boutique accommodation set in a Grade I listed castle.
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Ripley
Ripley is a quaint village where you can find countryside walks, independent shops and visit the popular nearby RHS Wisley Garden.
Just an hour and 25 minutes’ drive from London, Ripley’s high street is lined with historic buildings dating back to the 15th century, including The Talbot Inn.
To eat, you could head over to Nest Home & Café on the High Street – an indie homeware store and café serving a selection of cakes, pastries and sandwich options.
If you’re visiting the village with your dog and plan on visiting the gardens, Wisley offers regular dog-friendly walking sessions.
Chilham
Less than two hours away from central London, there is a perfect opportunity to visit one of Kent’s prettiest villages.
Settled on top of a hill, Chilham village is known for its well-preserved Medieval Square on Pilgrim’s Way along with its impressive Castle and gardens.
The village is also great for film and TV buffs, with the area featuring in Jane Austen’s Emma, Top Gear, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, Poirot and A Canterbury Tale.
Chilham has a great choice of pubs too, with The Woolpack renowned for its yummy food and an impressive selection of Ales.
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Biddenden
Biddenden is just 90 minutes from London by car or by train to Headcorn via London Bridge.
The village is filled with many historic gems, including Vane Court – a 15th-century house that was a royal residence for King Rama VII of Thailand.
But you can also eat in one of the village’s historic treasures too, as The West House is situated within a 16th-century weaver’s house and opened its doors in 2002, offering a seasonally changing menu.
But if it’s more a cosy pub you’re after, The Red Lion is an example of a charming country pub with wooden timber frames and a colourful beer garden to sit in.
Wye
Wye is a medieval village set in the North Downs with impressive views all around and the Great Stour river flowing through it.
The village is just a 48-minute train journey from London’s St Pancras International, or you can catch a train from Waterloo East, which takes just under an hour and a half.
Alternatively, you can drive to Wye from London in just under two hours.
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If you’re a keen walker, you can try out one of the North Downs Way National Trail routes, including Wye to the seaside town of Folkestone or Wye to the neighbouring village of Chilham.
The village is also great if you want to relax with some good food and drinks, with a local pub, The Tickled Trout, highly rated.
For places to stay, you can book a room at the four star hotel, The New Flying Horse Inn or you can stay at an Airbnb in the area.
