Whether your love lies with rolling English countryside, coastlines dotted with golden beaches, or grand lakes and lochs overlooked by climbing mountains, the UK is home to some rather special sights. And nestled within these spectacular destinations, pretty towns and villages sit in tandem with the landscapes, promising a merry mix of tea rooms, cosy country pubs, and village greens surrounded by ancient oak trees.
Visiting these winsome corners, you’ll uncover pockets of history you can stroll through, from time-worn streets lined with crooked cottages to National Trust estates that invite you to step behind the curtain and see how people lived centuries ago.
Excited to discover our country’s most beautiful sights and scenes? Here are some of the prettiest towns and villages in the UK to start your ivy-clad explorations.
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Perhaps most well known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, it’s little wonder that Stratford-upon-Avon produced a literary genius. A blend of Tudor, Victorian, and 21st-century architecture weaves through the streets, crafting an idyllic place to explore. Marvel at the beautiful exposed beams that line the houses, trace the gentle waters of the River Avon, pausing for a picnic as you go, and enjoy a spot of shopping in Henley Street, one of the oldest and most characterful high streets in the UK.
To delve deeper into the rich history of the area, join one of the many walking tours available throughout the town. Taking you past Shakespeare’s historic homes, it’s easy to see where the Bard found his inspiration throughout life.
Castle Combe, the Cotswolds
When it comes to pretty towns and villages in the Cotswolds, we are simply spoilt for choice. From the famous line of crooked cottages at Arlington Row to the riverside beauty of Bourton-on-the-Water and the Harry Potter famous abbey at Lacock, this National Landscape boasts a honey-dipped view at every turn. A village so idyllic it has appeared in several films in the role of a quintessential English village, Castle Combe is a merry mix of Cotswold stone cottages, babbling brooks, and a gorgeous bridge that’s primed for a game of Pooh Sticks.
To make the most of your Insta-worthy visit to Castle Combe, book a table at the incredible Michelin star restaurant at The Manor House. Having received a Michelin star every year since 2017, Bybrook is a celebration of all things Cotswoldian. From local ingredients to the charming setting, one meal here will have you returning to Castle Combe time and time again.
Clovelly, Devon
A picture-perfect fishing village on Devon’s dramatic north coast, Clovelly packs a rather bewitching visual punch. Sloping, car-free streets lined with pretty white cottages and flower beds wind down to the picturesque harbour, inviting you to soak up the setting on foot. The village holds a fascinating past, as it was once owned by William the Conqueror, and remained almost unknown to most until the 19th century. Today, you can explore the slant streets, visit the fascinating museum, and coo at the fluffy-eared donkeys, whose upkeep is paid for with your entry ticket.
At the top of the village, Clovelly Court Gardens make for a lovely day out. They grow a number of vegetables in the kitchen garden, while the terrace boasts sprawling views across Lundy and even Bideford when the skies are clear.
Port Isaac, Cornwall
Not only is Port Isaac one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, it’s also one of the most famous. The serene harbourside setting and rugged North Cornwall coastline have made it the perfect backdrop for the silver screen, with Doc Martin using the fishing village as a stand-in for the fictional Portwenn. Fishing cottages line the cerulean harbour, where a little golden beach is revealed at low tide.
Home to two of Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin star restaurants, as well as cosy cafés and ice cream parlours, a holiday in Port Isaac boasts plenty of options when it comes to food. Sup on supremely fresh seafood from the harbour’s very own fishing boats, or sit on the sand with an ice cream dripping down your fingers for a truly Cornish treat.
Grasmere, Lake District
Immortalised by William Wordsworth as “The most loveliest spot that man hath found,” Grasmere in the Lake District is a perfect example of old-world charm. Home to a pocket-sized lake and a cluster of stone cottages, strolling through the village is like stepping back in time, especially if you visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, which holds true to its steeped traditions.
Wander around the twisting streets, marvelling at the pretty cottages as you go, or turn your toes towards Grasmere Lake for a hit of drama. Surrounded by undulating fells, Grasmere certainly boasts a rather spectacular backdrop. Nearby, Ambleside and Windermere promise even more unforgettable views, with boat trips offering the chance to bask in the mountainous scenery from the shimmering centre of the lakes.
Wells, Somerset
Somerset is full to the brim with pretty towns and villages, from the sloping streets of Frome to Glastonbury and its spellbinding landmarks. When it comes to choosing a favourite, however, it’s hard to beat the cobblestone charms of Wells. A pocket-sized cathedral city, Wells has been adorning Somerset’s landscapes since medieval times, with streets such as Vicar’s Close, one of the oldest residential streets in Europe, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
Of course, no visit to the chocolate box city would be complete without seeing Wells Cathedral. Towering above the stone streets, this ancient monument has been inspiring visitors for over 850 years. While some landmarks are famous for their inclusion in films, Wells Cathedral is famous for its absence, as it was digitally removed from comedy favourite Hot Fuzz, which used Wells as the basis for its fictional village.
Rye, Sussex
Home to sloping streets paved in foot-worn cobblestones and lined with a mix of Tudor cottages and red-brick houses, Rye is as quaint as they come. Although the ocean is almost 2 miles away, Rye is actually a seaside town with a history steeped in shipwrecks and smuggling the cosiest of contraband… Wool! Tearooms pepper the streets, inviting you to fuel your explorations with steaming cups of coffee and great wedges of cake, while galleries and boutiques add their own blend of beauty to the lineup.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve sits a stone’s throw from the town and promises a sprawling expanse of marsh, lagoons, and shingle, with hides peppered throughout for avid wildlife watchers. Nearby, Bodiam Castle promises an even greater glimpse behind the historic curtain, with spiral staircases and a mist-topped moat adding a sense of grandeur to your day out.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
When browsing a list of the prettiest towns and villages in the UK, you’re probably expecting thatched cottages and babbling brooks, right? Well, Portmeirion in Gwynedd looks a little different, with a magical mix of Italian architecture and Disney-esque enchantment. The colourful buildings and waterside location will have you wondering if you’re in Wales or the Italian Riviera, while a medley of shops, restaurants, and even a spa ensures you’re simply happy to be there.
The village began construction in the 1920s and finished in 1976 when dreamer and architect Clough Williams-Ellis was in his 90s, and what a legacy to leave behind. Stroll around the piazza, explore the dappled woodlands, and pause for coffee in the café as you leave time behind and focus on the oh-so-colourful now.
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Perched atop a hill overlooking the gently undulating Blackmore Vale, Shaftesbury certainly took the phrase ‘location, location, location’ to heart. A muddle of quaint cottages line the famous Gold Hill, which is pretty as a picture whatever season you visit, from the budding delights of spring to winter’s snow-topped touch.
The iconic high street hosts markets throughout the year, while the Gold Hill Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of this oh-so-pretty market town. If simply gazing at the surrounding scenery isn’t enough to satisfy, pull on your walking boots and embark on a dappled adventure across the vale. Whichever direction you choose, you’re guaranteed a medley of beautiful vistas to enjoy.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Scotland’s scattered isles are home to a smorgasbord of pretty towns and fishing villages, with stone harbours and colourful cottages adding a sprinkle of wonder to the rugged islands. One such place is the bonny town of Portree on the Isle of Skye. This pocket-sized capital sits on the water’s edge, with pastel cottages lining the historic harbour and pier.
The town is home to some of the island’s top eateries, whether you fancy seafood fresh from the nearby waters or a hearty breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring. And explore you must, as the Isle of Skye is famed for its spectacular landmarks and hiking trails, from the towering rocks at The Old Man of Storr to the thundering waterfalls and fairy pools that dust the island with magic.
Thornton-le-Dale, Yorkshire
Yorkshire is woven with beautiful towns and villages, from Hutton-le-Hole’s idyllic position around a babbling brook to the sloping stone streets of Haworth, but there is only one place that can boast a prime position on the front of a biscuit tin. With its thatched cottages, gently winding stream, and winsome village green, Thornton-le-Dale near Pickering is the epitome of village charm.
For an Insta-worthy shot, walk along the banks of the tree-lined river, soaking up the serene scenes as you go. The village is peppered with welcoming cafés and pubs for an afternoon pick-me-up, while the surrounding hills invite you to immerse yourself fully in this rural ideal.
Itching to fill your camera roll with the UK’s prettiest towns and villages? Explore our collection of beautiful holiday cottages across the country and start planning a magical escape filled with wonder.
