If you’re dreaming of a cozy little cottage down a narrow tree-draped lane in England, perhaps called Honeysuckle Cottage or something of that ilk, you’ve likely re-watched The Holiday recently. If so, and you are feeling inspired to plan a rural trip to the UK, Surrey, England, where the film was shot, is a perfect place to start. I say this because it’s under a two-hour drive from London. People commute on trains from this region into the city on a daily basis. It’s that well-connected. So, this region is a superb base if you fancy teaming up a city jaunt to the capital with a few days in the English countryside. Aside from a drunken Jude Law stumbling into your cottage — trust me, that will never happen — rural life here in the UK is pretty similar to how it’s portrayed in the movies. The views are breathtaking, the community spirit is warming, the kettle is always on, pubs have fireplaces, and many of us live in dreamy cottages with low beamed ceilings, kitchen stoves, and no neighbors. If that sounds like heaven to you, check out these Airbnbs in Surrey. Unless you can pack like Diaz and hot tail it across the pond, it might be too late for an adventure this Christmas, but these storybook rentals deserve to be bookmarked.
Surrey’s Cottage Core Airbnbs Help You Live Out The Holiday IRL
We hope you love the Surrey, England Airbnb rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Country home with amazing views in the heart of Surrey Downs
This beautiful, family-friendly country cottage is in Chipstead, in the heart of Surrey Downs. With a quick look (ok, I went down a rabbit hole) at houses for sale in the area, you’d need lottery money to live here. The area is picture-perfect, surrounded by rolling hills, woodland, nature reserves, and lovely local pubs with names like Ramblers Rest. This is an excellent find if you’re traveling with family and friends. It sleeps up to six and is set on half an acre of gardens. It has a Mediterranean-style outdoor area with a built-in BBQ and a bright and spacious farmhouse kitchen with countryside views. There are three double bedrooms, a comfortable lounge for afternoon tea, a playroom for kids, and a study.
Six guests, three bedroom
Price: $575 per night
Dreamy countryside barn in the village of Witley
You might have to rush to beat me to booking this barn in Witley. Witley is around an hour from London, making it another place in the South that’s quite exclusive because people can commute into the city and be on a capital-level salary but, at the end of the day, retreat to the countryside. The village is small. It has a post office and shop (where you’ll likely get the local gossip) and a few pubs and restaurants. If you love the outdoors, you won’t need organized sports here. You can simply walk out the front door and hike, cycle, or horse ride into the surrounding hills. The barn’s host, Kate (no, I’m not joking here), has rave reviews from past guests, making this rental extremely popular, so booking in advance is recommended. It sleeps four guests in king-sized bedrooms and there’s secure gated parking.
Four guests, two bedroom
Price: $245 per night
Romantic 1-bedroom studio with views of Windsor Castle
If you’re a solo traveler wanting an escape, this is the one for you. Again, we can’t promise a visit from Jude Law, but you might fall in love with this one-bedroom studio instead. It’s one of Airbnbs top five percent listings. It’s five minutes from the pretty town of Windsor and has direct views of Windsor Great Park and the castle — the oldest occupied castle in the world, home to 39 monarchs over 900-year history. The studio sits on a private estate once owned by King Henry VIII and is surrounded by trees and woodland wildlife. It’s the perfect rental if you want the tranquility of the countryside and the hustle and bustle of a market town. Keep in mind, however, that come summer, Windsor is incredibly busy with both UK and international visitors, so you’ll need to make reservations for dinner, etc, in advance.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $258 per night
Stylish barn conversion near Dorking
This is another great find for groups and families who want an English countryside escape where the only nearby traffic is horse riders and walkers. Here, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful meadows, woodlands, and wildlife, and you can stroll into the ancient village of Dorking to browse antique shops, get some produce at the farmers market, and have a pint in the pub. This stylish barn conversion set on a 15th-century farm. It ticks all the boxes: wood-burning stove, farmhouse kitchen, and beamed ceilings. If you need more space, there’s a stable cottage available to rent that sleeps four and a hayloft that sleeps an extra two guests.
Six guests, three bedroom
Price: $319 per night
Luxury log cabin on a private 5-acre island
If you really need to get away from it all, check out this luxury log cabin. It’s set in the middle of a private five-acre island near Newdigate. Still, you’ll be able to drive to a well-stocked village and farm shop to stock up on wine in five or so minutes and there’s a decent pub nearby too. This is another top percent listing on Airbnb, awarded for exceptional guest reviews. You’ll have private access to the lake. If you’re there during summer you can fish, swim, or paddle board. In winter, you can snuggle down by the fire, drink all your wine, read, and check-out for a few days. Sounds like heaven to me. 
Four guests, two bedroom
Price: $319 per night