The charming Surrey town that people keep mispronouncing with 'most relaxing pub'

There is a charming Surrey town that has left many puzzled on how to pronounce its' name. Nestled in the northeast corner of the county, this quaint gem borders the bustling city of London, just 12 miles south of its busy central district - Ewell.

The pronunciation is simpler than it looks - think of the festive season; it's "Yule", not "E-Well" or "You-well", much to the surprise of many.

The town boasts a rich history, most notably as the site of Nonsuch Palace, a grandiose Royal palace commissioned by Henry VIII and completed in 1538. The king himself coined the unique name, declaring there exists "nonsuch place to rival its beauty and magnificence".

Although the majestic palace doesn't stand today, visitors can explore the ruin of one of the King's feasting houses in Nonsuch Park. The surviving Grade-II listed Nonsuch Mansion, built during George III's reign, now serves as an enchanting wedding venue and event space, keeping the rich history of Ewell alive.

Ewell offers a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. The A240 Ewell bypass cuts right through it, while two train stations (Ewell West and Ewell East) provide easy access to London. The Hogsmill River runs through the town, offering numerous parks along the waterway for leisurely walks and family enjoyment. The town also provides schools, pubs, shops, sports clubs, churches, coffee shops, and a health centre.

The top place to eat in Ewell, according to TripAdvisor is The Spring Tavern (1 London Rd, Ewell, Epsom KT17 2AY). And the general consensus from reviews is that is a very relaxing place. One review reads: "The Spring Tavern has such a pleasant atmosphere where everyone is made to feel welcome and the staff's attitude permeates the whole business so everyone at other tables and the bar tend to relax, mingle and have informal chats with each other."

Another adds: "The decor is lovely and no rush so you can relax and enjoy the day! Well done - We will be back for sure!"

Recently, the borough of Epsom and Ewell has been recognized as one of the best places to retire in the UK, according to research from Savills highlighted in The Telegraph. The area is praised for its green spaces, leafy roads, and houses that have become popular among downsizers as well as London commuters. Nearly half of Epsom and Ewell is designated as green belt, with Epsom Common covering 436 acres. The Epsom Downs and Horton Country Park add to the area's appeal.

The area's leafy roads lined with Edwardian and interwar detached houses are particularly popular among downsizers. Additionally, the number of nearby golf courses is considered a "big draw" for people no longer working.

Properties in Ewell had an overall average price of £570,657 over the last year. The majority of sales in Ewell during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £647,164. Flats sold for an average of £305,174, with terraced properties fetching £514,632.

Overall, sold prices in Ewell over the last year were similar to the previous year and 9% up on the 2021 peak of £522,114.

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