The Home Counties – Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, and Surrey – surround London on all sides and form the larger part of the South East of England.
It’s an affluent, attractive part of the country which probably took its name from its proximity to the capital – where merchants, civil servants and politicians were able to have a country home, while still being able to travel easily to the city.
Visitors today will find a mix of historic landmarks, traditional market towns, mile upon mile of suburban housing, and some glorious countryside – all within an hour or so of London.
Berkshire
Berkshire is perhaps most famously home to Windsor Castle, and the lovely town of Windsor itself. But there is much more to the county than its royal connections.
A journey along the River Thames leads to small riverside towns such as Henley-on-Thames, known for its annual regatta – a highlight of British rowing culture. A river cruise will lead past many of the county’s rolling hills and you’ll see some incredible riverside homes as you pass by.
The large town of Reading offers a lively mix of shopping and cultural venues, including a thriving music and arts scene. Neighbouring Newbury, an ancient market town with a famous racecourse, is full of traditional charm making it popular with city commuters.
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire’s open fields and woodlands have inspired many writers and artists. Aylesbury, the county town, has medieval roots and is home to several cultural attractions, including small galleries and museums.
High Wycombe and Beaconsfield offer busy town centres filled with boutiques, historic inns, and inviting parks. The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, runs through Buckinghamshire. offering some spectacular scenery and ancient history. Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe, is a National Trust property, once home to Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, which also served as a secret military base during the second world war.
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire’s close proximity to the capital makes it a popular choice for day trips or weekend breaks. The historic town of St Albans is known for its splendid cathedral (this month’s cover star) and remnants of Roman history. There are lively markets and a plenty of good places to eat.
Hertford, the county’s historic capital, offers an attractive mix of Georgian and medieval architecture while Letchworth Garden City was designed to combine urban living with the benefits of nature. Wide avenues and plenty of green spaces create a relaxed environment that makes this prime commuter belt.
Essex
Essex stretches from its increasingly blurred boundary with London to the east coast, where Southend-on-Sea, with its amusement parks and long sandy beaches, provides a lively seaside break. And Colchester, one of Britain’s oldest recorded towns, boasts Roman ruins and a vibrant arts scene.
Despite Essex’s slightly brash image there are many quiet corners waiting to be discovered. Saffron Walden, with its timber-framed buildings and narrow streets, is great for exploring its charming market square and independent shops that retain an old-fashioned vibe. And Epping Forest is a huge ancient woodland with plenty of opportunities to explore nature on foot or by bicycle.
Kent
The ‘Garden of England’, Kent lives up to its bucolic reputation with its orchards, vineyards, and gardens. The county is dotted with historic sites, stately homes and its unique Oast Houses, with their distinctive roof structures that enable the drying of hops for brewing.
Of its historic castles, Leeds Castle, in particular, is one of the loveliest in the country, surrounded by well-kept gardens and quiet lakes.
Canterbury, with its magnificent cathedral and winding medieval streets, offers a blend of religious history and modern life. The coastal town of Margate has transformed into a hub of arts and creativity, with galleries, vintage markets, and a vibrant seaside atmosphere. And on the south coast, the white cliffs of Dover, symbol of British military resilience, offer sweeping views over the Channel.
Surrey
Surrey, to the west of London, offers both a connection to the city and its own countryside escapes. It’s home to market towns including Guildford and Farnham, where modern shopping streets meet historic sites.
In Guildford, the remains of the old castle and the flow of the River Wey add historical interest to a vibrant town centre, including a steep, cobbled high street. And nearby Farnham, an affluent town with a thriving arts scene and some excellent old pubs, provides a charming setting for visitors seeking
a mix of culture and town life.
Surrey is also known for its parks and nature reserves. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty attract walkers, cyclists, and those who simply wish to relax in nature.