10 Most Beautiful Villages in the UK (2024) (2024)

Exploring England’s countryside is like stepping into a living postcard. Every road leads to lush gardens, and at every turn, there’s a charming little cottage.

There’s a sense of timelessness and tranquillity that’s hard to find anywhere else in the whole world.

I just love quaint picturesque locales, and these are some of my absolute favourite spots. Any one of these could be the perfect destination the next time you fancy a whimsical getaway.

Here’s an exclusive guide to 10 of the most beautiful villages in England.

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1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Us Brits call it the ‘prettiest village in England’, for obvious reasons. Its winding narrow streets, stone cottages draped in ivy, and vintage inns, look so detached from our modern times.

It’s not hard to see why this spot was featured in movies and TV shows. If you’ve watched Stardust or Warhorse, you’ll recognise it immediately.

This village has managed to preserve all the charm, demure beauty, and nostalgia of historic times.

I can walk for hours around Castle Combe, but there’s a lot more to see beyond the fairytale-like surroundings. For example, car enthusiasts will love the Castle Combe Circuit.

In the village itself, you must visit St Andrew’s Church and its 13th-century faceless clock. It’s actually one of the oldest working clocks in England.

When you’re done with taking awesome photos of the clock, head to the Bybrook Restaurant.

It’s a luxurious Michelin-starred restaurant at the Manor House. As you’d expect, the food is seasonal and locally sourced. Discover more restaurants and pubs in Castle Combe.

If you don’t fancy a full on meal, I’d recommend dropping in for afternoon tea instead.

2. Hawkshead, Cumbria

You may know that the little Lake District village of Hawkshead has a rich history, but did you also know that it has literary significance as well?

It’s where William Wordsworth attended Grammar school. In fact, you can still see his carved name on one of the desks.

Hawkshead is known for its charming pedestrianised village centre. You can leisurely explore the streets, squares, and alleys without hearing an engine whirring or a horn honking: total serenity and quiet exploration.

Keep walking till you reach the 15th-century St Michael and All Angels Church. From its high vantage point, you’ll get the best view of the whole village.

For some local produce, Hawkshead Relish Company‘s chutneys, jams, and sauces will satisfy the foodie in you.

If you’re planning a visit to the area, have a read of my Lake District guides:

• 10 breathtaking hidden gems in the Lake District
• 15 breathtaking waterfalls in the Lake District
• 23 amazing things to do in the Lake District

3. Bibury, Gloucestershire

Every season brings a different kind of beauty to Bibury, but my absolute favourite time to visit is in spring. That’s when the flowers bloom along river banks.

I like to start walking at Arlington Row, then I take the winding road past the court and 17th-century church.

After a long day of exploration, I often stop by The Swan Hotel. I can’t really tell which is better, the delicious food, the cosy fireside table, or the amazing view of the River Coln!

For a day full of fun, be sure to visit the Bibury Trout Farm café. You can eat casually, and even catch your food if you wish to.

Read my guides to the best hotels in Bibury, as well as the top cafés, pubs and restaurants in Bibury.

4. Clovelly

The little harbour village in Devon seems to be quite selective about modernity. There are no cars or any motor vehicles along the main streets.

As for deliveries, they’re still done the old-school way; on sledges! This is absolutely part of Clovelly’s charm, and it really feels like a real-life fairytale.

For a bit more local history, I’d recommend checking out the Fisherman’s Cottage & Kingsley Museum.

The village is built on a steep hill, and as you walk down from the white-washed cottages towards the harbour, you’ll have the most stunning view of the sea.

I’d recommend stopping by the Red Lion Hotel for some fresh seafood in the inn while watching the fishing boats go by.

For something lighter, try The Coffee Shop. They have heavenly scones and cream teas.

5. Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

I couldn’t resist including another Cotswolds village in my list, and this one oozes with English countryside charm.

Lower Slaughter one of Gloucestershire’s prettiest gems. In Old English, ‘Slaughter’ means wetlands, and to that end, it’s aptly named.

Walking by the water’s edge and watching the ducks glide by is a simple pleasure. In fact, the street that runs through Lower Slaughter has previously been voted the most romantic street in Britain!

The Old Mill Museum is worth a visit for all of its historic displays. The gift shop has plenty of little trinkets that you can choose from.

I’d recommend grabbing a bite to eat at The Slaughters Country Inn. The menu is all about the English classics, but with a gourmet twist.

6. Staithes, Yorkshire

Whenever you happen to be in North Yorkshire, do take a few hours to visit Staithes –it’s one of my favourite UK day trips.

In the early hours of the day, the North Sea coastal views, and the high cliffs surrounding it are incomparable.

I’d recommend walking along the Cleveland Way National Trail, which is a scenic road that passes through the whole village.

This village is known for its artistic heritage, and you can see why in Staithes Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists.

You can also visit Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre, which chronicles the life and voyages of the most famous traveller in the world.

7. Polperro, Cornwall

Cornish villages are definitely unique, and Polperro is no exception.

One of my favourite things to do here is to take a boat trip into the bay. Watching the seals lounging joyfully on the rocks is a real treat.

Polperro isn’t timid about its past, even the darker sides of it. I recommend visiting the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing, which tells the whole story of how this village became a bootlegging hotspot.

As the sun sets, I’d suggest stopping by the Blue Peter Inn. The seafood and pub classics are so satisfying after a day of exploring.

Discover more of the prettiest towns in Cornwall.

8. Lacock, Wiltshire

Wandering through Lacock’s winding streets feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. History and tradition abound in these whereabouts.

The people are also truly proud of their lineage, and they gladly show off the mediaeval architecture of the village.

Cinema aficionados would be delighted to see the places where Harry Potter or Downton Abbey were filmed.

As for photography enthusiasts, the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey is definitely worth your time.

I’d recommend a visit to King John’s Hunting Lodge Tea Rooms. It’s incredibly scenic and the perfect spot for a light snack.

Discover more UK TV and film locations to inspire your next getaway.

9. Amberley, West Sussex

This little village in West Sussex is wonderfully secluded. Its position within the South Downs National Park makes it rather detached from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you want to get to know Amberley, you should check out the Amberley Museum. It’s a marvellous open-air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of South Downs.

Demonstrations of the first steam engines and vintage buses are wonderful reminders of human capability and innovation.

Nature lovers will have their share of the fun too. Amberley Wild Brooks Nature Reserve is right around the corner.

It has 82 hectares of wetland habitat, with dozens of bird species, rare invertebrates, and half of the aquatic plants in the whole of Britain!

All these explorations get a person’s appetite going, right? And as always, I know the perfect place.

Dining at Amberley Castle is a wonderful culinary experience at a 900-year-old restaurant. For a lighter meal, the tea rooms at Amberley Museum are also memorable.

10. Thornton-le-Dale, Yorkshire

If you want to really savour the essence of life in North Yorkshire, head to its most beautiful village; Thornton-le-Dale.

The picturesque thatched cottages abound, lush green everywhere, and you can find sweet shops in the marketplace.

Beck Isle Cottage is a must-see, and if you like photography, I imagine you’ll spend a bit more time there.

But there are plenty more picture-perfect spots to find too –for example, the local agricultural show and Dalby Forest.

If you’re a motorist, time your visit to attend Thornton-le-Dale’s annual Classic Car Show.

Plus, don’t miss the Thornton-le-Dale History Society Museum. At the end of your tour, stop by the Lavenders Tea Rooms for classic British elevenses, brunch, or supper.

Have you visited any of these beautiful villages in England? Any you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

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