Picturesque Surrey village made popular by iconic movie now ruined by tourists: 'We want to move!'

A street with parked cars

The village has featured in Hollywood films

WikiCommons
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 15/11/2023

- 12:24

Residents of Shere, Surrey said they dread the festive season

Residents of a village made famous by a Hollywood film have slammed tourists taking up parking spaces.

The picturesque village of Shere, Surrey was made famous after it featured in The Holiday and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.


Now, those who live in Shere said they are now planning to charge tourists to use public toilets and park in the village.

They claim that their high street is packed with movie fans every winter, leaving them unable to enjoy activities in their village.

A street in the village

The village is often visited by film fans

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Dr Lynette Nusbacker, who has lived in Shere for 12 years said: "The car parks are completely full and people who actually live here have to sit and wait in queues to get a space.

'We decided to create our own private parking area but on the weekends it is 'mysteriously' unlocked and full of other cars.'

Jim Worsfold, who has lived in the village for 30 years, added: "Parking has become much harder over the years and it's always a struggle to get a spot in the centre."

He said that they get visitors from "all over the world" such as Canada and Australia.

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The White Horse

The White Horse pub featured in the film

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Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It's become so bad now that we want to move, which is such a shame as it's a beautiful village, with lots of lovely walks around it, but the invasion is just too much."

Parish council members are planning to introduce parking fees, as well as charging visitors to use public toilets in a bid to limit numbers.

The council is in an adjudication process with Shere Recreation Ground Trustees, who own the village car park.

A decision is expected to be made on November 15.

There are also concerns that housing is being bought up and turned into Airbnbs and holiday rentals.

The village has had many productions filmed there, including the film Bullseye which stars Michael Caine and Sir Roger Moore.

Big names such as Ringo Starr, George Clooney, Sir Cliff Richard and Daniel Craig have also visited the scenic countryside location.

Other productions that have used Shere include: Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Wedding Date, The Mummy, Silent Witness and Why didn't they ask Evans?

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