A charming village nestled in the Surrey countryside might not be your first guess for a celebrity hotspot.
However, if you take a leisurely walk around the petite village of Outwood in the Surrey Weald, you might just bump into an Oscar-winning actress.
This idyllic corner of the county is easily identifiable by its iconic windmill at the village’s heart, exuding an irresistible rural allure. With a population barely over 700 according to the latest census, Outwood boasts none other than Dame Judi Dench as one of its residents.
When she’s not assisting James Bond as M or starring in numerous critically acclaimed films, the much-loved actress enjoys a tranquil life away from the spotlight in this picturesque hamlet.
The Hollywood superstar owns a stunning mansion in the village, reportedly worth around £8 million, which she purchased 40 years ago with her late husband Michael Williams, who tragically died from lung cancer in 2001.
Despite her fondness for the grand property, especially its extensive gardens, she recently confessed that she has been “battling mice” after they invaded her home during lockdown. She also revealed that parts of the property have been “falling down a bit here and there”.
Judi is a regular at The Castle pub on Millers Lane, a snug local known for its top-notch pub food. She’s also an active participant in community events, a trait not often seen among A-list celebrities.
The Castle isn’t just frequented by Judi either, Boyzone singer Shane Lynch has also been drawn to the relaxed Surrey village life in Outwood. After relocating from Chelsea in London to Purley on the outskirts of Croydon, he sought a more peaceful place to live with his wife and daughters.
Outwood boasts two other pubs, The Bell and The Dog and Duck, both of which have received glowing reviews from previous patrons. The Bell is distinguished by its oak beams, red walls and cosy fire during the winter, as well as a spacious garden for summer enjoyment.
As the highest-rated restaurant in Outwood on TripAdvisor, The Dog and Duck has an impressive score of 4.5 stars from nearly 600 reviews. One satisfied customer described it as a “real find”, noting “The menu is quite imaginative, the food is well cooked and presented and the staff are always friendly. There is an adventure playground for the kids, plenty of outside seating and a good size car park.”
Outwood isn’t just known for its famous residents, it’s also a haven for walkers seeking new routes to explore this summer. The Outwood Common walk is a fantastic way to soak up the stunning scenery of this charming village and its surroundings.
Starting from the Outwood Common car park, the route takes you through ancient woodlands, across open farmland and past a hidden pond – full details of the route can be found here. Beyond Outwood Common, there are numerous scenic paths around the village, including several miles of public, National Trust footpaths and bridleways.
Much of the picturesque countryside here forms part of the Harewoods Estate, which is owned and managed by the National Trust. The charity even arranges guided walks throughout the year.
As previously mentioned, the village boasts an impressive windmill, recognised as one of the oldest functioning ones in the country.
The Grade I listed post mill, built in 1665, is over 350 years old. It was once one of two mills after a smock mill, with the tallest smock tower in the UK, was constructed next to it in 1797.
However, the second mill collapsed in 1960.
If you fancy living like Dame Judi Dench, you’ll need a Hollywood-sized bank balance to move into Outwood. Rightmove reports that properties in the area have sold for an average of £900,000 over the past year, compared to Surrey’s overall average of £629,222 during the same period.
Outwood may not have its own schools, but there are several primary and secondary schools in nearby Horley and Burstow. The village boasts a community hall and a large multi-purpose games area.
There’s also a public car park opposite the windmill and another one on the way to the cricket pitch on Outwood Common.