Betchworth, Buckland and Brockham

Three of the prettiest villages are to be found east of Dorking, lying in the Holmsdale valley.

Brockham is the largest of the three and is distinguished by a large village green which is the venue for one of the largest bonfires and firework displays in the region celebrating Guy Fawkes Night at the beginning of November. The village is entered from the north across a narrow bridge over the River Mole before widening out to reveal the picturesque green surrounded by buildings representing almost every period in history from medieval times to the present day.

Betchworth is much smaller. It lies along the road leading south into the Low Weald and contains some very pretty buildings, including St Michael’s Church, made famous in the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and The Dolphin public house which is a popular and characterful venue for eating and drinking.

Buckland cannot fail to be noticed by travellers on the road between Dorking and Reigate. On the north side is the pretty village green with its pond, the distinctive tower barn and range of lovely buildings that together produce one of the most idyllic and photographed scenes in Surrey. To the south is the Church of St Mary topped with a shingled bell tower.