If you’re desperate to escape the capital for a bit of countryside, then an English village is a perfect option. We all like a bit of village life – old cottages, fresh air, countryside. If you’re based in London but yearn for something calm and rural, you’ll be glad to hear there are many villages near London by train.
Despite the impression that English villages are a rural bliss, cut off from major towns and cities, this isn’t quite the case. A couple of gems still enjoy rail access, putting them within easy reach of the capital. If you’re not one for buses but can handle a single train journey, then these villages near London are the ones for you.
NOTE: All the below villages have train stations. 🚂
Best villages near London by Train
- Cookham Village
- Aldbury Village
- Ashwell Village
- Eynsford Village
- Great Missenden Village
- Wendover Village
- Wendens Ambo Village
- Aylesford Village
- King’s Sutton Village
- Chilham Village
- Rye Village
- Kingham Village
- Glynde Village
- Amberley Village
- Castle Cary Village
1. Cookham Village
The Chilterns are home to some of the most desirable villages in England. The landscape is dotted with brick and flint cottages, nestled in quiet valleys. Cookham is a perfect example, with quaint houses and a village green. The village has an ancient past, boasting one of the oldest pubs in England – the Bel and the Dragon.
The Thames hugs the eastern edge of the village, making it a great area for boating. Two of the most popular events in the calendar include the Cookham Regatta and the Swan Upping Ceremony – where Royal Swan Uppers take to the river to count baby swans on behalf of the Queen. There is also the Stanley Spencer art gallery, with over 120 works by the artist. Besides this, there are lovely walks to be had with a spectacular viewpoint on Winter Hill.
London Terminal: London Paddington
Station: Cookham
Journey Time: 30 minutes
2. Aldbury Village
Like Cookham, Aldbury is another classic Chilterns village. Timber houses clad in brick and flint cluster round the village with a duck pond and medieval church. Aldbury is recorded in the Domesday Book as Elderberie. The village flourished in the middle ages as agriculture and blacksmithing brought prosperity to the area. Today it’s best known for its olde worlde charm, changing little since the 19th century.
Aldbury is possibly the best village for walkers as it sits on the edge of the National Trust Ashridge estate. Hills circle the village and footpaths radiate in all directions. For those preferring a gentler time, there is a cosy village pub which is lovely in winter, as well as a village store worth a perusal.
London Terminal: London Euston
Station: Tring
Journey Time: 40 minutes
3. Ashwell Village
Hertfordshire is not a county known for its countryside, nevertheless there are still some lovely villages in the north-eastern fringes. Ashwell is one of the best villages near London by train – located on the line between London and Cambridge. The village started life in the 10th century and is recorded in the Domesday book as a market town. Today it is a rural bliss, with thatched cottages painted all shades of colours.
The highlight in the village’s calendar is the annual ‘Ashwell at Home’, where villagers open their gardens in aid of charity and host all sorts of activities and performances. Besides this, the village has a number of pubs along with a museum and ancient church. It’s a great option for a day in the country with lovely countryside and good eating venues.
London Terminal: London Kings Cross
Station: Ashwell & Morden
Journey Time: 40 minutes
4. Eynsford Village
Eynsford is one of the best villages near London by train. Located in the rolling Kent Downs, it’s also one of the most beautiful. The earliest recording of Eynsford is from the 9th century where it was known as “Egenes homme” meaning river-meadow. Traces of the village’s past are evident in the large number of historic buildings, with many ancient inns and timber homes.
Eynsford is easily the best village for a daytrip as there’s a lot to do despite its country charm. To the north of the village lies Eynsford Castle which dates to the Norman conquest. To the south is the hamlet of Lullingstone which too has a castle and a Roman villa. If this wasn’t enough then a tea room and riverside location will convince you it’s worth a trip.
London Terminal: London Victoria or Blackfriars
Station: Eynsford
Journey Time: 45 minutes
5. Great Missenden Village
With cobbled alleys and a handsome high street, Great Missenden is as lovely as it sounds. Recorded in the Domesday Book, the village spent much of its life as a coaching stop on the way from London to the Midlands. Today, its Georgian houses and timbered inns make it a favourite spot in the Chilterns.
The home and workplace of Roald Dahl, Great Missenden has changed little since the storyteller moved here in 1954. For those fond of the author’s novels, there is a museum dedicated to his life and works. Being set in the Misbourne river valley also makes it a great spot for walks, after which you can enjoy a coffee in one of its tea rooms.
London Terminal: London Marylebone
Station: Great Missenden
Journey Time: 45 minutes
6. Wendover Village
Nestled in the Chilterns, Wendover is a large village with plenty of olde worlde charm. It’s a good spot for foodies as the village is packed with lots of culinary treasures including a chocolaterie. Wendover dates to at least the 10th century and spent much of its time as a market town on the London road to Aylesbury. It’s a pretty little place with timber framed cottages and Georgian houses.
When you’ve had your fill of scones and chocolate, take a wander in Wendover Woods with its lovely trails. There’s also a small museum on the very outskirts of the town dedicated to military history. And of course, you can’t escape the encircling Chilterns which are always lovely to explore.
London Terminal: London Marylebone
Station: Wendover
Journey Time: 50 minutes
7. Wendens Ambo Village
Wendens Ambo is the classic English village, with pretty thatched cottages and quaint country gardens. The village is located on the train route between London and Cambridge, just outside Audley End station. It’s a lovely place to wander round, with pleasing walks and a village pub – The Bell Inn. The village is dominated by St Mary’s Church which has 10th century origins.
If you’re after more village life then Arkesden is another pretty village within walking distance. Or, if you’re after something a bit more grand, then Audley End House is an Elizabethan stately home just thirty minutes walk away.
London Terminal: London Liverpool Street
Station: Audley End
Journey Time: 50 minutes
8. Aylesford Village
Aylesford is one of Kent’s loveliest villages. Approaching the village from the station, you’re greeted by a view of pretty brick cottages clustered round the Norman church. The name Aylesford comes from the Old English ‘ford’ and is recorded in the Domesday Book as Elesford. The most iconic structure in the village is the 14th-century bridge, along with Aylesford Priory which dates to 1242.
Aylesford is a lovely location for country walks, with the River Medway running through its south. If you’re looking for something a bit more leisurely, the village has three pubs, two tea rooms and a couple of lovely shops, including a pottery.
London Terminal: London St Pancras
Station: Aylesford
Journey Time: 55 minutes
9. King’s Sutton Village
King’s Sutton is a village you don’t usually find on typical “beautiful villages near London” lists. Nestled in the valley of the River Cherwell, this sleepy village is a bit of a local secret. The village is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and as you might expect once belonged to the King. The centre is a pretty mix of timber and stone houses clustered round a village green.
Due to being so wonderfully rural, you won’t find many attractions in King’s Sutton. However, there is no finer way to explore the place than walking its ancient byways with breathtaking views. If walking isn’t your thing then you might prefer exploring the village’s local shops, churches and public houses (of which there are two).
London Terminal: London Marylebone
Station: King’s Sutton
Journey Time: 1 hour
10. Chilham Village
Chilham is a village renowned for its beauty and charm with half-timbered buildings nestled round a medieval square. The village lies high above the valley of the River Stour in the picturesque Kent Downs. Chilham is home to a wonderful array of historic buildings, including a Norman keep and Jacobean mansion. It’s an incredibly ancient spot, with a 13th century church and Tudor houses. However the beauty of this village isn’t only in its buildings as the surrounding countryside is full of breathtaking views.
Chilham lies on the North Downs Way so is a perfect spot for walkers, with enchanting woodland and open countryside. If you prefer a gentler time then there are some cosy village inns and a tea room to enjoy, as well as the castle – definitely worth a perusal.
London Terminal: London St Pancras
Station: Chilham
Journey Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
11. Rye Village
Though Rye is officially a town, it has a villagey feel. You would never think it today, but Rye was once one of the busiest ports in Britain. The town has an ancient past, witnessed by its cobbled streets and historic structures. The most picturesque spot is Mermaid Street – a confection of medieval timber-framed inns and elegant Georgian houses. With a history stretching back to the 12th century, there’s lots to do in this gem of a place.
All the attractions are easily accessed from the centre of Rye and include a museum, Tudor castle and an elegant National Trust townhouse once home to author Henry James. For those preferring something a bit more vigorous, then the marshy Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is just south of the village.
London Terminal: London St Pancras
Station: Rye
Journey Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
12. Kingham Village
The Cotswolds is one of England’s most famous landscapes with rolling hills and honey coloured villages. Despite its rural reputation, the north Cotswolds is surprisingly accessible by train. Kingham is one of the loveliest Cotswolds villages with a train station, just one hour from London. Alight here for a good dose of country life, far removed from the city lights of London.
The picturesque village of Kingham is recorded in the Domesday Book and its church dates to the 1300s. It’s a quaint spot with pretty stone houses and lovely countryside. You won’t find lots of attractions here – just a village shop and a couple of inns. Nevertheless, there’s lovely Cotswolds to explore so you can never tire of the place.
London Terminal: London Paddington
Station: Kingham
Journey Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
13. Glynde Village
Glynde is a village you won’t hear about often. Nestled in the rolling South Downs, it’s a quiet little place with pretty flint cottages. However, this is one of the best villages near London by train. The name ‘glind’ comes from the old Saxon word for an enclosure. Historically, it was a farming village and has changed little in its time.
Today, one thing you can’t escape here is the encircling South Downs, with lovely walks in every direction. For those a bit more cultured, the village is just 30 minutes walk from Glyndebourne (the home of English Opera) and has a stately home – Glynde Place. There’s also a village shop and tea room so you can’t go wrong.
London Terminal: London Bridge or Victoria
Station: Glynde
Journey Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
14. Amberley Village
The South Downs is one of England’s most famous landscapes, with rolling chalk downlands and hidden villages. Amberley is one of the region’s finest and easily located by rail, just one stop north of Arundel. Arundel is famous for its castle but the village of Amberley has its own, which besides being a glorious hotel has some beautiful gardens.
Amberley’s chief asset is its picturesque location, located on the South Downs Way. There’s numerous lovely walks to be had in all directions. Besides this there’s a pub, tea room and open-air industrial heritage museum worth visiting. It really is a lovely spot, secluded and rural. What’s really convenient is that, if village life is getting too much for you, the town of Arundel is just one stop away.
London Terminal: London Victoria
Station: Amberley
Journey Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
15. Castle Cary Village
Castle Cary, though a bit further out, is definitely worth the journey. The golden stone village is one of the prettiest in England. Surrounded by countryside, Castle Cary has a thatched pub and village lock-up (believed to have been the inspiration for the British police hat). It’s also full of precious shops and cafes with a market held on Tuesdays.
If you’re after a bit more activity, Castle Cary is perfectly positioned for a good countryside ramble. Many famous walking trails pass by the village, including the Monarch’s Way. If you’re after pleasing vistas, then the view from the top of Lodge Hill is magnificent.
London Terminal: London Paddington
Station: Castle Cary
Journey Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Best Small Towns in England by Train
If you want to take your rail journeys beyond the best villages near London by train, then this article is for you. Welcome to the 50 Best Small Towns in England by train. Though villages, small towns are my favourite with enough facilities and attractions to keep you going for a weekend. Enjoy!