10 chocolate-box villages near London

The colder months in London can be a lot of fun, with all the twinkling light shows and huge ice-skating rinks popping up, not to forget the dazzling pantomime performances.

Human habitation at Ashwell can be traced back 4,000 years, proving that Bronze Age man was adept at finding a top slice of country life as commuter-belt man.

1. Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Roald Dahl's home and workplace has changed little, its cobbled streets and pretty high streets still lead to the gypsy house where he lived.

2. GREAT MISSENDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

3. Alfriston, East Sussex

4. Chilham, Kent

5. Cookham, Berkshire

6. Lavenham, Suffolk

7. Castle Hedingham, Essex

8. Brockenhurst, Hampshire

9. Lurgashall, West Sussex

10. Shere, Surrey

Swipe up to see more story

Swipe Up