23 Prettiest Towns and Most Beautiful Villages in England
Looking for the most beautiful towns and villages in England? After living in the UK all my life, these are 23 of the cutest towns you can visit.
Having grown up in the UK, it’s fair to say that I’ve explored a fair bit of the country. I’ve visited many of the most beautiful villages in England, run away from the waves on many of its beaches, and even camped in a few of its fields! England is such a beautiful country, but so many people travel to England purely to go to London.
Now, don’t get me wrong, London is a great city and certainly not a place that I’d recommend skipping if it’s your first time in the country. But, there’s so much more to England than London.
In fact, some of the most beautiful places in the UK are outside of the capital. They’re far more naturally beautiful, more affordable to visit and they lack a lot of London’s metropolitan madness!
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Where is the overall most beautiful village in England?
The most beautiful village in England is Castle Combe in the Cotswolds by popular vote. An uncontestable winner, it contains some of the UK’s most picturesque streets, ludicrously cute pubs, dainty churches and is overlooked by lush, green hills.
A trickling river runs through the centre framed by an ancient stone bridge. Every street in Castle Combe in Spring and Summer is lined with colourful wildflowers and is alive with buzzing bumblebees.
For a gorgeous English getaway, Castle Combe should be high on your list.
What are the 23 Most Beautiful Villages in England?
So, if you live in England and need a local escape or have thought about visiting the country, I recommend planning a few days outside the capital to see what England really has to offer.
Whether you’re after the perfect staycation or a traditional British getaway, these are the 23 most beautiful towns and villages to visit in England.
1. St Ives, Cambridgeshire
In my opinion, Cambridge is the prettiest city in England and St Ives is just a stone’s throw away. One of the best villages in Cambridgeshire, St Ives is full of small shops, narrow streets, and traditional pubs.
It’s a bustling market town and the river port is a beautiful slice of history. With the River Great Ouse running through its centre, the main street of this picturesque riverside town is lined with old buildings.
The locals still enjoy the regular local market which is worth visiting. It’s a wonderful place for wetland walks and you’ll find a National Trust Nature Reserve, a Birds of Prey Foundation, parks, lakes, and an RSPB reserve. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
Additionally, look out for dainty antique stores and the cutest riverside cafes and restaurants. Sitting by the river in the sun, sipping on tea and eating a scone and jam, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in St Ives.
2. Bibury, Cotswolds
There’s no denying that the Cotswolds is an utterly charming place to visit in England, but the historic village of Bibury might just charm you even more. This civil parish in Gloucestershire is a short drive from Cirencester and possibly the most famous village in the Cotswolds.
Bibury is located on the River Coln, a Thames contributary that winds its way through the little village. It’s famously been described as ‘the most beautiful village in England’ by William Morris, the British artist.
It’s certainly the most photographed; Arlington Row, the National Trust site in Bilbury, can actually be found on the inside cover of British passports!
If you visit Bibury, you’ll find yourself walking amongst beautiful stone houses, down narrow lanes and surrounded by greenery and wildflowers. Bibury is easily one of the most beautiful English villages and almost feels like a step into the past.
3. Stratford-upon-Avon
Any fans of the famous works of William Shakespeare will love a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon! A medieval market town in the West Midlands, Stratford was the famous writer’s birthplace back in the 16th century.
Since then, it’s blossomed into a thriving community and a wonderful place to learn about the past.
There are so many things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, from exploring its many historic streets and admiring the many pillared Tudor buildings. You can even visit the quaint cottages where Shakespeare and his wife used to live.
Containing more than 800 years of history, there are buildings still standing in this beautiful town that would have stood back when Shakespeare was alive.
And, in a modern-day twist, Shakespeare’s plays are still performed today in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre along the banks of the River Avon.
4. Looe, Cornwall
This gorgeous little town is located in South-east Cornwall. We recently visited Looe in September and it was absolutely beautiful, not to mention it had some fantastic things to do right on its doorstep regardless of whether you love nature, beaches, or history.
Looe’s old town itself is one of the most lost beautiful towns in England. It has lots of little antique shops selling everything from handcrafted embroidery to freshly baked Cornish pasties.
It also has ice cream parlours, a picturesque harbour with little boats bobbing about on the waves, and some very pretty beaches.
A little further afield, you’ll also find some secluded coves that don’t look like they should be in England at all! It’s also close to Fowey, another of Cornwall’s most beautiful towns, and quite a short drive to Bodmin Moor too, ideal if you love hiking and exploring the UK’s natural beauty.
5. Abbotsbury, Dorset
One of the prettiest villages in England, Abbotsbury is located in Dorset. We drove through this civil Parish on our way to Weymouth and decided to make a stop and boy, am I glad we did. It’s a beautiful place that looks like it’s been frozen in time.
Walking down the narrow streets, you’ll find rows of thatched cottages, some with colourful ivy creeping up the sides. There’s also one of the most famous swanneries in the UK, Abbotsbury Swannery where they protect over 600 the majestic birds.
You’ll also find a castle, a chapel perched on top of a hill, and a sub-tropical garden which is one of Dorset’s top attractions. It’s surrounded by the stunning English countryside, so you’ll love it if you enjoy the great outdoors.
6. Totnes, Devon
The little town took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy my visit as much as I did. Totnes is a pretty little market town in Devon.
It’s located in the South Devon Area of Natural Beauty and is also at the top of the River Dart Estuary. I was expecting it to be a beautiful little town with quirky shops and streets, but I wasn’t expecting it to hold so much fascinating history.
Totnes is a haven for history lovers. The castle perched on top of a man-made hill is a great place to start exploring, but several free museums in the town also offer a great glimpse into the past.
Totnes Museum showcases some of the town’s most interesting history including remakes of traditional rooms and original pieces of furniture. The neighbouring Guildhall is equally fascinating and includes more historical charm and an example of a prison cell from years back.
As well as the history of Totnes itself, I also loved Berry Pomeroy Castle and thought it was one of the most interesting castles I’ve visited in England. If you love beautiful English towns and history, don’t skip Totnes next time you’re in Devon.
7. Lustleigh, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Often labelled the prettiest village in Dartmoor, Lustleigh is a bit of a hidden gem. One of the most picturesque places in England to visit, its winding, narrow streets are one of the best places to visit if you’re exploring Dartmoor National Park.
Admittedly, there’s not a huge amount to do there. You can wander the streets and admire the little church and some of the thatched cottages. However, it has maintained its old-world charm since the 13th century and it is a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy places that transport you back in time.
Furthermore, in the summer months, there is a tea room which serves a delicious cream tea at lunchtime. There’s also a pub there if you want to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
8. Caldbeck, The Lake District
The Lake District is a magnificent National Park in England and a hotspot for nature lovers, hikers and bird watchers alike. Caldbeck is about as picture-perfect as you’re going to get and this picturesque village will undoubtedly have you coming back.
One of the most beautiful villages in England, Caldbeck used to be pretty important for development. It had plenty of corn mills, bobbin mills, and woollen mills which were all powered by the river trickling through its centre.
Now, it’s a peaceful place full of pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled streets, riverside English pubs and a duck pond. So, if you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in the UK, take a trip to the Lake District and you definitely won’t be disappointed.
9. The Scilly Isles
Located off the Cornish coast, the Scilly Isles could easily be confused with an exotic Caribbean island! If you forget about the English weather, of course!
This is England’s enchanting and mostly unspoilt archipelago. When you arrive at the islands, you will honestly feel like you’re in another country.
With some of the most stunning sandy coves in the UK, secluded bays, uninhabited natural paradises and beautiful heathlands, it’ll be pretty hard to leave!
To get to the islands, head to either Penzance harbour at Land’s End or to Newquay or Exeter International Airport. From there, you’ll travel to St Mary’s, which is every visitor’s first stop. Then, it’s easy enough to get a boat to the other islands.
They are St Martin’s, Tresco, Bryher or St Agnes, the so-called ‘big island’ with a population of just 73 people! However, with a total of 140 islands, you can easily spend weeks exploring this hidden European gem and it is without a doubt one of the prettiest places to visit in the UK.
10. Cheddar, Somerset
Yes, you may recognize the name as the world’s favourite cheese and you’re not wrong! This quaint English parish in the Sedgemoor district in Somerset was where Cheddar (the cheese) was invented.
The infamous Cheddar Gorge on the edge of the small village contains many caves. These provided the perfect temperature and humidity levels for maturing the cheese. To this day, cheese is still stored in these caves. If you decide to visit Cheddar, you can also visit The Cheddar Cheese Factory and watch how it’s made.
But, all cheese aside, Cheddar is one of the most scenic places in the UK. There are stunning cliffs, gorge-ous (if you’ll pardon the pun!) surrounding countryside and, the largest gorge in Britain just waiting to be explored.
As well as nature, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants, quaint pubs and tea rooms, where you can enjoy anything from cake and a ‘cuppa to a plate of warming steak and ale pie!
11. Saint Helier, Jersey
This was one of my favourite places to stay growing up, and I visited Jersey for 3 years in a row. The little island is closer to France than England but is still part of Great Britain.
With very tiny, winding roads and a max speed limit of 40mph through the centre, Jersey will captivate you with its pretty harbour and selection of gorgeous cliff walks, little castles and hidden beach coves.
Its capital, Saint Helier is a little port town. It’s brimming with traditional pubs, eateries, boutique hotels and a beautiful view across the harbour.
Saint Helier is also the perfect weekend getaway from the UK. Jersey is such a tiny island, it can also be visited on a day trip from London as the flight takes just 50 minutes.
12. Lynmouth, Devon
A gorgeous village on the outskirts of Exmore, Lynmouth is a picturesque place on the North Devonshire coast. With Glen Lyn Gorge to be explored, beautiful cliff paths and ruins, Lynmouth provides a beautiful, natural escape from modern living.
You’ll also find it to be quite romantic; the main street is lined with fisherman’s cottages and the harbour is full of little boats.
Lynmouth has stunning views looking out over the ocean. About a kilometre west of the village, you’ll find a valley, popular with hikers and known for its herd of wild goats.
With the perfect balance of rich history, nature, wildlife, and local life, Lynmouth is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in England.
13. Shanklin, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight was my first trip ever off of mainland England, and I had a wonderful time. We explored the cliff walks, took a boat to the famous Needles Park, and saw lighthouses, castles and beautiful beaches.
At only a 45-minute ferry from the mainland, this could easily be done as a day trip.
Shanklin is a charming seaside parish on the southern coast of the island, near Sandown Bay. You’ll find sandy beaches lined with colourful huts, thatched houses, traditional pubs and an old theatre where you can still see a show today.
But, in my opinion, the best thing to do in Shanklin, is to explore the impressive Shanklin Chine. The wooded nature reserve is full of trickling waterfalls, rare plants and wildlife and a deep gorge.
Perfect as a day trip or a longer escape, the Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to visit and is a must-see when visiting the UK.
14. Snowshill, Gloucestershire
Another delightful Cotswolds village, Snowshill is about 2.8 miles from Broadway in the Cotswolds. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Insta-famous lavender fields, the Snowshill is where you can find some.
With just about everything you would expect from a traditional English town, you can spend hours wandering past the old, ancient houses bordering narrow, unmarked roads.
You’ll see artfully overgrown hedgerows with wildflowers that come alive with bumblebees in the summer. Plus, its charming setting within the Cotswold Hills means high peaks are rising on three sides of the village.
You’ll also find Snowshill Manor, a beautiful National Trust property which has extremely pretty gardens outside. Perfect for a quiet weekend away in the countryside, Snowshill is one of the best places to travel in England.
15. Mousehole, Cornwall
An incredibly popular part of England to visit, the Cornish coast stretches for miles. From Land’s End, the furthest point of England, up to Tintagel with its castles or the Eden Project, Cornwall is a common getaway for Brits.
However, you may not have discovered Mousehole. It’s a quaint village and fishing port about 2.5 miles south of Penzance on the shore of Mount’s Bay.
Wandering through the cobbled streets of the coastal village, you’ll find plenty to occupy all the family.
In the surrounding area too where you’ll find an open-air theatre, lush gardens of a fancy stately home, the prehistoric sculpture of the Merry Maidens, St Loy’s Cove and much more natural and man-made beauty.
Be sure to indulge in a traditional Cornish cream tea and sweet Cornish ice cream while you’re there!
16. Lamberhurst, Kent
Located in the borough of Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England, Lamberhurst is a picturesque civil parish. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in England, Lamberhurst is home to a wealth of history, nature and charming Tudor cottages.
It also contains the hamlets of The Down and Hook Green.
As well as exploring the village, be sure to pay a visit to Bayham Old Abbey. The impressive 13th-century ruins lie just north-west of the parish and the ruins make a peaceful walk near the village.
Also visit Scotney Castle, an English country house situated on a lake, with perfectly manicured gardens, just south of Lamberhurst. Another perfect walking spot near the village, the site now belongs to the National Trust. It’s a gorgeous example of former England.
17. Castleton, Peak District
The Peak District is another of the UK’s most scenic and popular National Parks. Located in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England, Castleton lies at the foot of the locally known ‘Shivering Mountain’.
One of the prettiest places in England, it can be reached by travelling through a gorge or through Hope Valley. Regardless of how you approach it, you’ll easily be able to appreciate its beauty.
With easy access to the Peak District National Park, the historic Peveril castle (a name you may have heard from Harry Potter) and several underground caverns, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time in Castleton.
18. Rye, Sussex
Located about 2 miles from the sea, Rye is a small town and civil parish in West Sussex. Here you’ll find so much traditional English beauty: cobbled streets, beautiful, ancient buildings and plenty of delicious pub food.
Head to the central Mermaid Street which is lined with medieval, half-timbered houses. You can also see the beautiful red-bricked building which was once the former residence of Henry James, the British author.
As well as incredible buildings, you can also find the tower of the Norman St Mary’s Church, which looms over the town, the 14th century Rye Castle, the imposing Tudor Camber Castle and the Rye Windmill. You can even stay the night in the windmill if you fancy something different!
19. Hope Cove, North Devon
Devon is another of my favourite childhood haunts and Hope Cove is a quintessential English village within the civil parish of South Huish. Located a short drive west of Salcombe, the cove is made up of two sandy beaches which are considered to be Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are many stone cottages on the cliffs overlooking the bay and this picture-perfect escape will give you some of the most beautiful views in England. Suitable for families or couples, this area is perfect any time of year.
There are plenty of rugged moors to explore when the season isn’t right for paddling in the waves. Definitely one of the most beautiful villages in England, this seaside settlement will have you completely captivated.
20. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
A picture-perfect parish in Wiltshire, Castle Combe will take your breath away. Almost feeling as though it’s been frozen in time, this idyllic village is nestled in a valley. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s.
The village consists of a few fairy-tale cottages, quiet lanes, bright red post-boxes, and a beautiful, stone bridge crossing a meandering river.
But combine that with woodland walks, pub grub and wildflowers, and you’ll have Castle Combe. Simple but perfect, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the prettiest villages in England.
21. Whitby, North Yorkshire
A pretty seaside town in North Yorkshire, Whitby is the perfect base for an English family adventure. It’s an ideal location wedged between the North York Moors National Park, the banks of the River Esk, and the mouth of the ocean, which means it has a little bit of everything.
Whilst in Whitby, be sure to visit Whitby Abbey, the crumbling ruins and Dracula inspiration that looms over the pretty English village.
You will also find a museum dedicated to Captain Cook, the Church of St Mary which can be reached by climbing 199 steps, and the delightful bay of West Cliff Beach with its line of colourful beach huts.
Also, be sure to take a day trip to Robin Hood’s Bay. The petite fishing village is about 5 miles south of Whitby and another of the most beautiful villages in England.
It’s also the perfect place for both families and couples to explore and there’s also a dog-friendly beach, so even your furry friends can enjoy the waves.
22. Bradford-on-Avon
An often-overlooked city next to the neighbouring Bath, Bradford-on-Avon is a town in West Wiltshire. It’s one of the more undiscovered places to visit in the UK.
You’ll find riverside walks, historic buildings, independently-run shops, small cafés and hidden alleyways, just waiting to be discovered.
You can explore medieval barns, get lost in English country gardens and visit a fancy 15th-century manor house. Climb to the top of the hill and visit the little Saxon church of St Laurence and the more magnificent Chapel of St Mary Tory for breathtaking views across the valley.
On your way back down be sure to stop at one of the many pubs for a bite to eat and go nosing around some of the local shops.
23. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
Not to be confused with the beautiful town of Mont Saint Michael off the coast of Normandy, St Michael’s Mount is surprisingly similar. A little islet out to sea and accessible by foot at low tide, the place is striking, even from a distance.
In a further similarity with France, St Michael’s Mount is crowned with a historic church and castle. Whether you reach the islet by boat or cross via the walkway when the tide is out, you’ll have plenty to explore.
From the medieval cobblestone streets, hilltop castle and pretty harbour, Saint Michael’s Mount is one of the most beautiful villages in England. It will give you memories and stunning views, that you won’t forget.
Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Villages in England
England is full of adorable villages. In pretty much every county, you can find gorgeous little places that seem to be virtually untouched by time.
I love exploring places like this and find that it’s a wonderful way both to get back to the countryside, and unwind for a bit and relax. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing stay in the UK, I highly recommend these villages in England.
👉 Planning a trip to England? Also, check out the most romantic weekend getaways in England.
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Love this list!! Saved it for (hopefully) planning our trip to England in May (fingers crossed!!) xx
A gorgeous post! I haven’t been outside of London in a long time. I feel fortunate to have been to a number of your picks including the Cotswold’s and Stratford-Upon-Avon. I need to get back and explore the other places as well! Thanks,
Fabulous list and I’m delighted to see so many of my favourites on it too – we adore Cornwall and also live 5 minutes drive from Bradford on Avon, so I can wholeheartedly concur with your top picks!
Brilliant list, thanks.
Glad I could help 🙂