We know Surrey has dozens of stunning villages and hamlets - we at SurreyLive bang on about it quite a bit.
But sometimes you need to get away geographically to feel like you're having a proper break from the daily grind.
Surrey's immediate neighbours Sussex and Kent have just as many picturesque settlements and, chances are, you won't be as familiar with them.
So we've put together a list of suggestions for incredibly scenic spots for a weekend away, with attractions nearby.
Herstmonceux
Wealden, East Sussex
It sounds like it should be in rural France, but Herstmonceux, named after the Monceux family that lived there in the 12th Century, is a window into Medieval England, owing to its magnificent castle.
The village has plenty of B&Bs for you to stay in, and there's a Village Information Centre to help you plan your activites. There are two pubs in the village and some local walks, including a four-mile circular walk that takes in views of Hertsmonceux Castle and The Observatory Science Centre.
Download a map from the High Weald website.
The moated castle has stood in the village since the 15th Century and is one of the most picturesque in the country. It's also relatively cheap at only £6 for entry to the castle grounds and gardens, and £3 for a tour inside the castle.
It hosts England's Medieval Festival from August 24-26 so this might be an ideal time for a weekend away.
The science centre is a hands-on planetary experience that's great for children. It costs £8.75 for adults and £6.75 for children.
Alfriston
Wealden, East Sussex
One of the prettiest villages in East Sussex, Alfriston is small, cosy and utterly charming. In its modest village centre it has a quirky bookshop that you can get lost in for hours and is home to three tea rooms and a coffee shop.
In our opinion the savoury cream tea at The Singing Kettle can't be beaten, with fluffy cheese scones and views of the Village Square.
The George Inn is a stunning, charmingly wonky medieval English inn that's been there since 1397.
Nearby attractions include the thatched Alfriston Clergy House - the first house the National Trust ever saved from ruin; Drusillas Park zoo where you can see meerkats and sloths; and Arlington Reservoir Nature Reserve.
East Dean and Friston
Wealden, East Sussex
You are surrounded by breathtaking views and walks to help repair your soul in these villages near Eastbourne and the Birling Gap.
They are just a few minutes by car from the spectacular Beachy Head, where you can de-stress with a probably blustery walk. The Birling Gap and Seven Sisters are even closer to East Dean and Friston, and make for equally special strolls.
Kids will love exploring the rock pools around the beach at the Birling Gap and it's a lovely place to let the dog run around.
The Tiger Inn in East Dean is a nice spot for food or to stay and there are some holiday cottages around the village green.
Chiddingstone
Sevenoaks, Kent
Tucked away in the Kent countryside, Chiddingstone is an absolute hidden gem and much of it is owned by the National Trust. That's because it's a surviving Tudor village that, if you ignore the odd car parked, feels like you've gone back in time.
The Tulip Tree tea rooms are very olde worlde and The Castle Inn is a great place for Sunday lunch or a drink after a long walk.
The village is thought to have got its name from the 'chiding stone' located just off Chiddingstone Road - a large natural stone that is rumoured to have been used as an altar by ancient druids.
The village is also a short drive from the world famous Hever Castle, the childhood home of Henry VIII's wife Anne Boleyn. You can get into the stunning gardens for £14.95 or pay an extra £2.80 to get into the castle as well.
Forest Row
Wealden, East Sussex
Forest Row, as the name suggests, is at the gateway to the Ashdown Forest, famous for being where A.A Milne's beloved Winnie the Pooh stories are based.
There are loads of walks of varying lengths around the forest and you can find out more about how the conservators look after the landscape, and pick up a walks leaflet, in the Ashdown Forest Centre.
Forest Row itself is a busy and quirky village with a real bohemian vibe. There's a brilliant craft beer and music venue called the Hop Yard for an evening out.
You can buy fresh produce from Tablehurst Farm and on Friday lunchtime there's a wood-fired pizza oven in the outdoor space near the farm shop.
The Forest Way is a long track through woodland that connects to East Grinstead in one direction and Hartfield and Penshurst in the other. It's ideal for safe and easy off-road cycling as well as walking.
Horsted Keynes
Mid Sussex, West Sussex
Horsted Keynes is another village that can feel like a blast from the past, mainly due to the iconic Bluebell Railway passing through it.
The picturesque railway station has been used in multiple films including The Railway Children and Woman in Black. The Bluebell Railway connects with Sheffield Park at one end and East Grinstead at the other.
The village has two pubs: The Crown which is a 16th Century inn so you can stay there too; and The Green Man which has a good range of ales.
Sheffield Park Gardens, only 10 minutes away by car, is well worth a visit to see the informal landscape gardens designed by Lance 'Capability' Brown. There's also a theatre and music venue at Sheffield Park, called Trading Boundaries, that has live shows. It doubles as a vintage furniture and art shop plus café in the daytime.
Horsmonden
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Famous for its annual Gypsy Horse Fair in September, Horsmonden is a picture of traditional village life. It has a treasure trove of folksy history with its past links to the iron, gunfounding and weaving industries.
The Gun and Spitroast pub is a hint to this past and it offers bed and breakfast accommodation too.
You'll see the recognisable tops of old oast houses in the village, used for kilning hops in the beer brewing process - another industry the village was at the centre of.
There are some stunning walks that take in the High Weald and Greensand Ridge from Horsmonden. A five-mile circular walk starts and ends on the village green, and you can download it at Explore Kent.
Ardingly
Mid Sussex, West Sussex
Home to the South of England Showground, Ardingly is about as rural as it gets.
The Ouse Valley Viaduct, just a few minutes' drive away, is a real showstopper of a landmark and is just up the road from the formal gardens and parkland at Borde Hill Gardens, so you can combine the two on a day out.
The village itself has a historic inn where you can stay, a bakery with a charming old Hovis sign above it, and a café on its main street.
Ardingly Reservoir is an attractive place for a circular waterside stroll and if you're feeling adventurous you can try some watersports.
Wakehurst Place, with its striking mansion house and gardens, is also very close to the village.
Bolney
Mid Sussex, West Sussex
In medieval times the village of Bolney was famous for its cherry fair and iron smelting. These days the Bolney Village Day and Pram Race are among the key events in its diary.
The village centre is a collection of narrow winding little country lanes and houses with character features, and it has a café and pub.
The nearby Bolney Wine Estate is a thriving vineyard that does wine tastings and tours and gives you a fascinating insight into the process. It's also got a great café and bar with a raised outdoor seating area so you can enjoy a glass of wine or some food while overlooking the pretty vineyard.
Slindon
Arun, West Sussex
Slindon is a hidden gem in West Sussex and, like Chiddingstone in Kent, much of it is owned by the National Trust.
The downland village - meaning it's surrounded by gently rolling hills - only has about 600 inhabitants so it's a quiet rural retreat and has a smattering of historic features to meander your way around.
A former blacksmith's shop was turned into a village shop and café in 2012 and it has some outdoor seating to enjoy the views across fields in the summer.
There's an old 'lock-up' in the village where criminals were put before being taken to the magistrates' court, and a square walled enclosure that used to be a livestock pound.
With miles of walking and cycling trails, there is enough to keep you busy and active, plus you can try geocaching - like a modern treasure hunt for children with 10 boxes hidden around the Slindon Estate.
