Charming English village with quintessential pubs just over 1 hour from London

Hartley Wintney is a picture-postcard village just a stone’s throw from the Surrey border in Hampshire.

While the name may be a bit of  a tongue-twister for first-timers, this pretty little village is perfect for a leisurely day trip.

Barely 22 minutes by car from Farnham, the A30 runs right through the heart of Hartley Wintney, ensuring the village is a doddle to get to.

With its classic English charm, this idyllic spot boasts a sprawling village green, edged with picturesque, chocolate-box style homes.

There’s no shortage of activities in Hartley Wintney either, with the village playing host to an array of boutique shops, quaint cafes, and inviting pubs.

Those with a penchant for antiques and fashion are well catered for here, and there’s also a treasure trove of confectionery and gift shops to peruse.

Take a stroll to the northern side of the village where a delightful collection of boutiques awaits, including Cashmere Goose a cavernous clothes, gifts, and a homeware emporium.

This gem offers a cosy corner dedicated to picking out the perfect card and present for any special occasion and reveals even more surprises as you venture further into its depths.

Facing Cashmere Goose is MiMi, a sartorial haven spanning three floors packed with intriguing apparel. Then there’s the pale pink Sweet Shop, an irresistible nod to yesteryear, tempting passersby with traditional treats reminiscent of their formative years, reports Surrey Live.

One thrilled customer shared their experience on Google, exclaiming: “Omg, I got very addicted to buying quarters! Lovely girl served us, who chats as much as me! Lovely to see in this day and age. I will be bringing my family here too as it’s all sweets from my childhood! “.

There’s no shortage of food and drink options along this bustling shopping stretch, including a charming cafe named Cuppies n Cream.

This delightful spot offers freshly baked treats each morning, alongside specialty coffees and toasties. Cuppies n Cream boasts a picturesque seating area complete with a stunning flower wall, a blossom tree and a courtyard.

The cafe is known for its afternoon teas, which can be pre-ordered from £30 per person and include finger sandwiches, macarons, cupcakes and hot drinks.

For those preferring to dine al fresco, takeaway afternoon teas are available from £24. These include six finger sandwiches, a scone with clotted cream and jam, a macaron and a cupcake, two mini brownies and blondies.

With three working days’ notice, the cafe will prepare a fresh afternoon tea – perfect for a picnic on the village green.

Hatton’s Pond is an ideal spot for such a picnic, featuring a lush green space and a duck pond. A quaint thatched duck hut sits in the pond, overlooked by the red brick St John the Evangelist church.

Just outside the village, visitors will find the stunning West Green House opera garden, which can be booked online. Known for its vibrant tulip displays, West Green House is a sight to behold.

While the garden displays aren’t always accessible, the courtyard tea room, serving dishes made with ingredients grown in the garden, is well worth a visit. Offering sausage rolls, quiche and cakes, it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, and bank holiday Mondays, from 11am until 4pm.

The Cricketers, a charming family-run pub overlooking the cricket green, is an ideal spot for unwinding on a sunny day.

The pub offers a menu featuring sharing foods such as nachos, chicken wings, and deep-fried brie, alongside hearty dishes like sausage and mash, ham egg and chips, and scampi.

Situated on Phoenix Green, The Phoenix Inn provides outdoor seating and frequently hosts live music performances.

This historic pub holds a Cask Marque accreditation and offers a fine wine menu, with themed nights such as mussels night on Wednesdays, steak night on Thursdays and tapas on Fridays.

The Waggon and Horses, a CAMRA heritage pub, features flagstone flooring and a vibrant bar. The menu isn’t available on the website, and Google indicates that table reservations are not possible.

For those considering a visit to the village, the closest train station is Winchfield, followed by approximately a 40-minute walk.

Drivers can park along the high street or at the long-stay car park located at 484 Monachus Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hook, RG27 8NN.