The countryside is full of charming villages. Many of these villages are tucked away in some of our most picturesque settings.They are charming, timeless remnants of an ancient period scattered over the verdant English countryside. These picturesque villages, which have thatched cottages, cozy medieval pubs, and cobblestone streets, are great for day trips and provide a lovely home base for more extended English vacations. Here is the list of the 34 best villages in the UK.

1. Plockton, The Highlands, Scotland

Plockton is one of the most well-known best villages in the UK. Rural Scotland evokes thoughts of lush, rolling mountains, gorgeous lochs, and fantasy castles, and this picturesque village on the southern banks of Loch Carron offers a lovely beginning. The main street is lined with palm palms, live music venues, and white-painted homes that bend along a little port.

A peaceful refuge all year long, Plockton comes alive during the annual Plockton Regatta (late July to early August) when boats congregate in the bay’s protected waters and street performers and curious tourists mingle along the shoreline.

2. Muker, North Yorkshire, England

The Yorkshire Dales village of Muker, surrounded by verdant greenery and protected wildflower meadows, is as adorable as they come. Consider drystone walls, stone barns from the 18th century, a charming village tea shop, and a superb pub offering home-style fare and regional ales in a welcoming, social setting.

3. Warehorne, Kent

Even though Warehorne is so tiny, it is a superb example of traditional English rural serenity. There isn’t much here but a historic church, a charming village green, and the magnificent Woolpack Inn bar, but it is close to Kent’s renowned Romney Marsh.

4. Hutton le Hole, North Yorkshire

Hutton le Hole is located on the outskirts of the North York Moors National Park, where sheep are allowed to wander freely, and a stream runs through it. When the skies open up, hide in one of the hamlet’s tea shops for a substantial slice of cake and set up camp on the grass in the middle of the village with a picnic and a paddle in the stream.

Don’t leave the hamlet without stopping at The Chocolate Factory, established by chocolate-loving brothers Chris and Gareth East over 20 years ago.

5. Kingham, Oxfordshire, England

Kingham was crowned “England’s Favorite Village” in 2004 thanks to its expansive town green, thriving sense of community, and picture-perfect appearance. The hamlet offers the ideal balance of convenience and rural beauty and is full of magnificent limestone cottages.

6. Ombersley, Worcestershire, England

Ombersley, a tranquil and historic village in Worcestershire, is awash with exquisite half-timbered homes from the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. The town’s attractive black-and-white architecture and stunning rural location in the Shropshire Hills and Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are complemented by a variety of fantastic food stores, inviting restaurants, and welcoming pubs.

7. St Agnes, Cornwall

St. Agnes is being protected for the future since it is located in a region of outstanding natural beauty and is a World Heritage Site. And there is a clear explanation for this. With a fantastic sandy beach, stunning cliffs, and a strong sense of community, you could feel like you’re on vacation all year.

Although St. Agnes houses had an annual average price of £502,676*, you could buy a separate four-bedroom cottage for £650.000.

8. Finchingfield, Essex

One of the most well-known of the best villages in the UK is the Finchingfield. This village checks all the boxes: picturesque, old, and charming. Along the winding rural lanes, medieval and Georgian homes are grouped.

A large duck pond and a town green may be seen in the village of Terre. Three attractive pubs, a post office, a general shop, a health center, and a primary school are nearby.

The bulk of transactions in Finchingfield during the last year were semi-detached homes, which sold for an average of £377,500. Detached homes sold for an average of £565,000, while flats sold for £395,000.

9. Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales

Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, an eccentric British architect, created the Italian-style village of Portmeirion in the 20th century.

The town’s houses are grouped around a charming tiny square on cobblestone streets. The purpose-built resort, with its rich groomed gardens and whimsical architectural styles spanning from Classical to Baroque, is located on a secluded woodland peninsula on the coast of North Wales.

10. Beddgelert, North Wales

One of the most beautiful communities in the area is Beddgelert, which is located in Snowdonia.

The town is attractive and undeveloped, in keeping with its setting inside the Snowdonia National Park. The quaint and welcoming community has many attractions, including fantastic guesthouses, art galleries and studios, dining establishments, and historic inns. Undoubtedly, it is one of Wales’ most beautiful settlements.

This region has several desirable properties. Properties in Beddgelert have an average annual price of £247,944, although values in nearby villages may exceed £725,000.

11. Broadway, Worcestershire, England

Visitors are drawn to Broadway, a picture-perfect Cotswold village in the county of Worcestershire, by its magnificent medieval architecture and vibrant art scene.

Independent shops and art galleries are housed in the typical limestone houses that line the village’s charming streets. Lovely tea rooms, warm taverns, and fine dining establishments contribute to the village’s undeniable attraction.

12. Orford, Suffolk

This coastal village, with its 10-mile-long shingle spit of Orford Ness, where a lighthouse is located, and its castle fit for a storybook, has a certain allure. The straightforward Butley Orford Oysterage is tucked away on Market Square.

Half a dozen luscious oysters should begin off any meal here, and seasonal delicacies like potted brown shrimp or grilled lobster are chalked on a blackboard. Stock up on the day’s catches or smoked fish at the Pinney’s of Orford store near the dock.

13. Cartmel, Cumbria

Cartmel would help to put this medieval village on your map only for the sticky toffee pudding at the local shop. But there are also the twisting, little alleys to discover, the historic choir stalls at the 12th-century Cartmel Priory, and L’Enclume, the go-to eatery for foodies in the Lake District, where chef Simon Rogan’s tasting menu highlights the Cumbrian scenery.

Try horse racing at Cartmel Racecourse for a rush against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells; the monks from Cartmel Priory started the custom back in the 15th century.

14. Exton, Rutland

The idyllic town of Exton is located in the tranquil countryside of Rutland, the smallest county in the United Kingdom. You’ll find this village to be a fantastic treat to visit because it is situated in an undeveloped area of the nation that experiences virtually few tourists.

A stroll around Exton, which has a population of little over 600, frequently gives the impression that you are alone there. The village’s central green is surrounded by a dense collection of thatched homes resembling chocolate boxes. The green has trees around it on both sides, making it the ideal place for a summer picnic!

15. Braunston, Rutland

In England’s smallest county, Rutland, Braunston is a little community located less than three miles southwest of Oakham. The community centred on a quaint village green, is rich in historic ironstone homes from Northamptonshire.

There are several active farms in the rural hamlet of Braunston. Some of them have started offering B&Bs or vacation rentals with self-catering.

16. Bamburgh, Northumberland, England

The beach community of Bamburgh, located on the Northumberland coast in North East England, is brimming with charm, history, and breathtaking vistas of castles. Elegant 18th-century cottages transformed into pubs, tea rooms, and welcoming B&Bs line its three major streets, but the spectacular Bamburgh Castle is unquestionably its biggest attraction.

This is one of England’s best coastal strongholds, perched atop a 180-foot-high rocky outcrop overlooking the town’s golden coastline and grass-covered dunes.

17. Rye, East Sussex

The fortified hilltop village called Rye has cobblestone walkways, tea rooms, and old buildings.

The picturesque cobblestone Mermaid Street, the magnificent Norman church of St. Mary, a wide variety of specialty stores, and a vibrant fishing fleet can all be found in the medieval town. The sea used to round Rye on three sides, and its marine history extends back to the Norman era.

Prices start at £200,000, with an annual average of £347,632 for the whole price range.

18. Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England

For good cause, Castle Combe has earned the title of “the finest village in England.” It’s the classic chocolate-box Cotswold village, and strolling among rows of antique cottages made of light local stone is like traveling back in time.

19. Beesands, Devon, England

A lengthy shingle beach, stunning views of Start Bay, and one of South Devon’s top gastropubs, known for its delectable crab sandwiches, can all be found in the little, charming fishing village of Beesands.

Other nearby attractions include a St. Andrew-themed Anglican chapel, a freshwater lake with various fauna, and several fantastic coastline walks.

20. Clovelly, Devon

North Devon’s Clovelly village is more beautiful than you imagine. The tiny fishing village is on an absurd cliff that descends to the harbor and quayside from the fourteenth century.

Donkeys and hand-crafted wood sleds convey goods and shopping up and down the steep, narrow, cobblestone High Street, which prohibits vehicles.

21. Cadgwith Cove, Cornwall

Cadgwith Cove is one of the most beautiful spots in Cornwall is the little fishing village of Cadgwith Cove, tucked away on the Lizard Peninsula’s coast.

It’s one of the few towns where most people still work in the fishing sector. You’ll see that the boats parked in a row on the tiny shingle beach are used virtually every day. With thatched cottages, brightly painted homes, and secret passageways going up to the headland, the town is unbelievably attractive and provides stunning ocean views.

22. Tobermory, Scotland

This seashore town on the Scottish Isle of Mull may be more significant than a hamlet, yet it has a village-like feel. The children’s television program Balamory was filming location, and it is well known for its colorful homes. The ferry to and from Kilchoan and fishing boats keep the port active.

The largest town on Mull is Tobermory, established as a fishing port in the late 18th century. Along the main street leading to the pier, there are brilliantly painted buildings. The hills around the bay are tall and covered in forest. The town serves as the island’s administrative hub and offers a good selection of stores, hotels, and other lodging options.

23. Crail, Scotland

The charming East Neuk of Fife is home to the old fishing community of Crail.

Stroll around the charming harbor to admire the fishing boats or explore the village’s winding lanes. Lovely cobblestone pathways wind down to a little port encircled by old fisherman’s houses and protected by cliffs.

24. Finchingfield, Essex

Finchingfield is checks all the boxes; it is lovely, engaging, and charming. Along the winding country, lanes are organized in Georgian and medieval cottages.

A sizable duck pond and a village green may be seen in the settlement’s center. There are three quaint pubs, a primary school, a health center, a general store, and a post office.

25. Glenarm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

This charming community in Northern Ireland, located on the untamed Antrim coastline, is home to a 16th-century castle, a marina that has been renovated, and a wealth of stunning Georgian buildings.

One of the oldest walled gardens in Ireland is located in Glenarm, which also provides a variety of lovely walks for nature lovers, from coastal to woodland to history routes.

26. Craster, Northumberland

Craster is ideal for nature lovers, and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust manages a nature reserve where uncommon species may be found. A gallery features works of art with a maritime theme, and there is an opportunity to observe fishermen at work.

The Kipper, a smoked fish specialty distributed to food enthusiasts nationwide and rumored to be a favorite of the British Royal Family, is another famous product from Craster.

27. Grassington, Yorkshire Dales

One of the most beautiful villages in the UK is Grassington. Visit the Yorkshire Dales to get away from it all. Beautiful waterfalls, rolling hills, and kind people may be found here. There are breathtaking vistas, beautiful stone buildings, interesting stores, and welcoming pubs. There are also spectacular waterfalls, including the Linton Falls.

A freestanding four-bedroom property with four bedrooms might cost up to £645,000 in the nearby communities. Overall, Grassington sales prices during the last year were 7% lower than the year before and 5% lower than the peak of £402,650 in 2019*.

28. Hope Cove, Devon, England

Hope Cove in the South Hams is a charming seaside hideaway with pristine sandy beaches, charming thatched cottages, and an excellent, laid-back environment. The pleasant village, comprised of the towns of Outer Hope and Inner Hope, is protected by the Bolt Tail headland.

29. Lurgashall, Sussex

Lurgashall is one of the most famous villages in the UK. When cricket is in full swing, Lurgashall, located in the shadow of Sussex’s tallest peak, Black Down, might be the scene of a Roaring Twenties book.

Stock up at the inviting village store, where handcrafted truffles from the neighborhood chocolatier Noble & Stace are displayed alongside gin from the Blackdown Distillery.

If you don’t feel like walking the South Downs footpaths, visit the adjacent Petworth antique shops before stopping at The Hungry Guest for coffee and a golden pastry.

30. Luss, Loch Lomond

The town of Luss, located on the western coast of Loch Lomond, is a conservation area that will take your breath away. Although it dates back to the Middle Ages, the current version was developed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the spring and summer, the tidy row of cottages features colorful floral displays on every side, and there is also a little pebbly beach to explore. The parish church from the 19th century, with its serene ambiance and roof built of Scots wood rafters, is one of Luss’ outstanding attractions.

31. Nunney, Somerset

Nunney is a charming town with a medieval castle at its center that is well worth visiting.

Walls from the medieval Nunney Castle ruin are still mostly in place. The parish church and The George, a historic character coaching inn, are just some of the areas of interest that may be explored on a village trail available at Frome Tourist Information. Every year, on the first Saturday in August, a traditional Street Fayre fills the village streets with booths of all types.

Over the past year, the average cost of real estate in Nunney was £450,625. Terraced homes sold for an average of £380,833 throughout the past year in Nunney, making up the majority of transactions. Semi-detached homes fetched £500,000, while detached homes sold for an average of £820,000.

32. Shere, Surrey

It is one of the most famous among the best villages in the UK.

It is in Guilford, Surrey, hidden in the Tillingbourne Valley and known worldwide for its picture-perfect tranquility. In addition to appearing in several high-profile Hollywood movies, such as the romantic comedy Bridget Jones and The Holiday, it attracts tourists worldwide because of its stunning appearance.

Imagine a neighbourhood entire of quaint homes from the 16th to the 17th century, ducks swimming in a tiny creek, and winding streets lined with boutique stores.

33. Southrop, Gloucestershire

Some well-known villages in the UK include Southrop. There is always a chance that Cotswold towns will be a bit too groomed, sickly sweet, or overrun with tour buses, but Southrop could be the place to embrace that seductive yellow stone and idealized picture of rural England. 

Conclusion 

Some of the world’s cutest, most beautiful villages may be found in Britain. These capture the romanticism of a bygone era with their charming taverns, picture-perfect stone cottages, and fantastic country walks, making them the ideal setting for a tranquil country getaway.

Here is a look at some of the most picturesque villages in the UK, from the Cotswolds’ stereotypically English, candy-colored hamlets to Portree, Scotland, and from the picture-postcard-perfect ports along the Cornish coast to the delightfully odd Portmeirion, a piece of Mediterranean Italy in Wales.

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty