For fans of the beloved Christmas film The Holiday, the idyllic village of Shere in Surrey represents a festive dream of cosy cottages and snowy landscapes. But what is it actually like to live in this real-life movie set? According to the people who call it home, the magic is very real.
A Village Steeped in Film Magic
Shere, a village in Surrey, served as a primary filming location for the 2006 Nancy Meyers romantic comedy The Holiday. The film, starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law, cemented its image as the quintessential English village. Howard Wagstaff, a 41-year-old sales executive who has lived there for nine years, describes it as a place you can't help but fall in love with.
"It's such a quintessential little English village, with a stream running through the middle," Howard told Metro. "It's got a greengrocer's and a little bakery – it's very cute." His own life mirrored a rom-com plot after moving there, where he fell in love, got married, and started a family.
He also raises sheep in a very special field: the exact spot where the crew built the facade of Kate Winslet's character's cottage. The house itself wasn't real, but that doesn't stop tourists from across the globe, including an octogenarian from Canada whom Howard once helped, from searching for it.
Community Spirit Beyond the Hollywood Glow
While the film connection drives tourism, which supports local businesses, residents cherish the community above all. Howard highlights the incredible support network, where a quick trip to the shop turns into a long catch-up with neighbours. "Everyone's got your back, it's incredible," he said.
This sentiment is echoed by Hannah Connell, co-founder of the village's interior design store, Split Figs. She emphasises that Shere has a surprisingly young and vibrant community that's great for all ages. Hannah, who set up shop in 2022 with her mother Moya, grew up visiting the village and was always captivated.
"My mum always used to say, going to Shere was like going to Narnia," Hannah recalled. "It feels like you've gone through the wardrobe and into another world." She describes the dramatic shift in scenery when driving over Newlands Corner from the A3, revealing the beautiful rolling hills that surround the village.
Local Secrets and Must-Visit Spots
For visitors, certain spots are essential. The White Horse pub remains hugely popular, with tourists queuing to photograph the table where Cameron Diaz and Jude Law's characters shared a drink. For a true local experience, both Howard and Hannah recommend Hilly's Tea Shop.
However, Howard revealed a local secret: on Friday nights, Hilly's transforms into a cocktail bar. "Dean, one of the owners at Hilly's, turns it into a cocktail bar, and he does the most awesome cocktails," he shared. On summer evenings, the square outside fills with people sipping drinks and ordering pizzas.
Hannah also suggests Shere Delights for ice cream before a walk and notes that her own shop gained viral fame and even a compliment from director Nancy Meyers for its giant festive bow display. Despite the daytime bustle, she believes the village's real beauty emerges in the quiet evenings when "the village goes to sleep."
For those dreaming of a cinematic escape, Shere proves that sometimes, reality can be just as enchanting as the movies.
