TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield

With the North Downs looming nearby and glorious countryside surrounding it, Oxted is a town with real “escape from London” appeal and character, while nearby Limpsfield has a superb village vibe with its own community-run pub

- James Knighton

Beautiful Tudor-style timber-framed buildings and scenic countryside make Oxted a charming east Surrey town to visit at the foot of the North Downs.

Found off the A25, between Godstone and Westerham just over the Kent border, the town has excellent rail links and has thrived as a commuter launchpad in recent decades.

While the fondness of Londoners to move down to this part of the world has forced house prices up, it is easy to understand the appeal as there is plenty to discover on the doorstep too.

Station Road East and Station Road West spring out from either side of Oxted Station, and it is on these roads where you will find opportunities to eat out, shop and relax. The railway came to town in 1884 and, in essence, instigated the growth of this “new” Oxted centre. You will find the older version just down the road.

Browsing the architecture, you might feel like you have taken a journey back in time until your eyes sweep around to find the very modern shopping and lifestyle options on offer. For example, with its gorgeous front garden, Elements lifestyle salon is an eye-catching destination for a pamper on Station Road East. It forms a picturesque parade, sandwiched between Toast, a stylish brunch destination, and Cucina, a popular Italian restaurant.