Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in England You Must Visit
People love to put pictures of English villages on their calendars, postcards, and travel guides because they look like something from a fairy tale. With cobbled streets, thatched cottages, and colorful gardens, these villages feel warm and inviting. Some sit by the sea, while others hide in the rolling countryside or stand proudly as historic market towns. Each one has its own charm, offering peaceful walks, cozy tea rooms, and a glimpse into England’s rich history. No matter where you go, you’ll find a village that makes you want to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty around you.
Here’s a roundup of the top 10 most beautiful villages in England that you absolutely must visit.
1. Bibury, Gloucestershire
Bibury is often described as the most beautiful village in England, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury is famous for its postcard-perfect row of 17th-century weavers’ cottages known as Arlington Row. The cottages, with their honey-colored stone walls and steeply pitched roofs, make for one of the most photographed spots in the country. The River Coln runs through the village, adding to its charm, and you can enjoy a scenic walk or visit Bibury Trout Farm for some fresh local produce.
Transportation:
Best accessed by car, though train services run to nearby Kemble Station, about 10 miles away. Local buses also connect to Bibury, but car rental is the most convenient option for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Cuisine:
Bibury boasts traditional English pub fare. The Swan Hotel offers a delightful menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, with specialties such as Cotswold lamb and fresh trout from the nearby farm. Afternoon tea is also a popular treat here.
Staying:
The Swan Hotel offers charming accommodations with riverside views, featuring cozy rooms, excellent service, and a classic English countryside atmosphere. There are also a few bed-and-breakfast options for a more intimate experience.
2. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Another Cotswolds gem, Castle Combe is a dreamy, untouched village that seems frozen in time. With no streetlights or modern signage, this village retains its medieval charm. The Market Cross, St. Andrew’s Church, and the iconic stone bridge over the Bybrook River create a scene straight out of a storybook.
Transportation:
Best reached by car; nearest train station is Chippenham, about 6 miles away. Taxis or local bus services are available from the station.
Cuisine:
The Castle Inn serves exquisite British cuisine, offering dishes such as slow-cooked beef and homemade pies, along with a fine selection of wines and ales. The afternoon tea here is particularly well-regarded.
Staying:
The Manor House Hotel provides a luxurious countryside escape, complete with elegant rooms, an 18-hole golf course, and an award-winning restaurant. It’s ideal for a romantic getaway
3. Clovelly, Devon
Clovelly is a unique and picturesque fishing village on the North Devon coast. This privately owned village is famous for its steep, cobbled streets that lead down to a stunning harbor. Cars are banned, so donkeys and sleds are used to transport goods.
Transportation:
Accessible by car; nearest train station is Barnstaple, followed by a bus or taxi. The walk down to the harbor can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Cuisine:
The Red Lion Hotel offers fresh seafood with stunning harbor views. Their specialty includes locally caught fish and traditional Devon cream teas, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
Staying:
The New Inn or The Red Lion Hotel provide comfortable stays with cozy interiors and spectacular sea views. Staying overnight allows visitors to experience the village in peaceful early mornings and evenings without the daytime crowds.
4. Hawkshead, Cumbria
Hawkshead is a charming and historic village nestled in the Lake District. It is known for its whitewashed cottages, cobbled streets, and strong literary connections, as William Wordsworth attended school here, and Beatrix Potter was a frequent visitor. This traffic-free village is perfect for exploring on foot, with a mix of quaint bookshops, tea rooms, and historic buildings.
Transportation:
Hawkshead is best accessed by car or bus from nearby towns such as Ambleside and Windermere. Parking is available on the outskirts, as the village itself is traffic-free.
Cuisine:
Visitors can enjoy traditional Lakeland fare, including Cumberland sausage, homemade pies, and locally sourced fish and chips at cozy pubs and tea rooms.
Staying:
Accommodation options include charming B&Bs, historic inns, and cozy holiday cottages with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Lacock, Wiltshire
Lacock is one of England’s most preserved medieval villages, managed by the National Trust. With its timber-framed cottages, historic abbey, and scenic countryside, it has been featured in numerous films and TV series, including Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice. The village is an ideal place for a leisurely walk through history.
Transportation:
Lacock is accessible by car and bus, with routes connecting it to Chippenham, Bath, and Swindon. The nearest train station is in Chippenham, about four miles away.
Cuisine:
The village offers traditional British cuisine, with cozy pubs serving homemade pies, Sunday roasts, and local ales. Afternoon tea in a historic setting is also a must-try.
Staying:
Lacock has charming guesthouses, historic inns, and National Trust holiday cottages, offering a unique stay in a beautifully preserved village.
6. Polperro, Cornwall
Polperro is a quintessential Cornish fishing village with a fascinating history of smuggling. Its narrow lanes, whitewashed cottages, and a stunning harbor make it one of the most picturesque spots on the Cornish coast. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, fresh seafood, and the serene beauty of the ocean.
Transportation:
The village is accessible by car and bus, with parking available on the outskirts. The nearest train station is in Looe, about four miles away.
Cuisine:
Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh catch of the day, including Cornish crab, fish and chips, and locally made pasties. Cozy pubs and cafés offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Staying:
Accommodation options range from charming B&Bs to seaside cottages and boutique hotels, many offering stunning harbor views.
7. Rye, East Sussex
Rye is a medieval village that exudes character, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and historic inns. Overlooking the River Rother, Rye offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and medieval charm. The village is a haven for history lovers, antique shoppers, and foodies alike.
Transportation:
Rye is well connected by train, with direct services from London and Ashford. Buses and car travel are also convenient options.
Cuisine:
Rye boasts excellent seafood, traditional English pubs, and quaint tearooms. Local specialties include Rye Bay scallops and fresh oysters.
Staying:
From boutique hotels to historic inns and charming B&Bs, Rye offers a variety of accommodation options, many set in beautifully restored buildings.
8. Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire
Located in the North York Moors National Park, Thornton-le-Dale is a picture-perfect village with a beautiful thatched cottage that has become an iconic postcard image. The village offers charming countryside walks, a bustling market square, and a relaxing atmosphere ideal for unwinding.
Transportation:
The village is best reached by car or bus, with services from nearby towns like Pickering and Malton. The nearest train station is in Malton.
Cuisine:
Enjoy classic Yorkshire fare, including hearty meat pies, locally made cheeses, and afternoon tea in one of the village’s charming cafés.
Staying:
Thornton-le-Dale offers lovely country inns, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages, providing a peaceful stay in the heart of the moors
9. Staithes, North Yorkshire
Staithes is a stunning coastal village, once home to Captain James Cook. The village is an artist’s dream, with its dramatic cliffs, colorful fishing cottages, and a picturesque harbor. Staithes is also a great destination for fossil hunting and enjoying the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire coastline.
Transportation:
Staithes is best accessed by car, with parking available at the top of the village. The nearest train station is in Whitby, about 10 miles away.
Cuisine:
Fresh seafood is a highlight here, with local restaurants and pubs serving fish dishes, lobster, and traditional Yorkshire comfort food.
Staying:
Stay in a cozy fisherman’s cottage, a charming B&B, or a scenic coastal inn for an immersive seaside experience.
10. Broadway, Worcestershire
Broadway, known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” is a charming village with honey-colored stone buildings, boutique shops, and beautiful gardens. With a history of hosting famous artists and writers, Broadway is the perfect destination for those seeking a refined yet relaxing countryside escape.
Transportation:
Broadway is accessible by car and bus, with the nearest train stations in Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Cuisine:
The village boasts excellent fine dining, cozy cafés, and traditional Cotswold pubs offering gourmet dishes and locally brewed ales.
Staying:
Visitors can choose from luxury boutique hotels, charming country inns, and stylish holiday cottages, all offering a perfect retreat in the Cotswolds.
Final Thoughts
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged shores of Cornwall, England is filled with villages that look like they belong in storybooks. Their charm is captured in postcards, travel books, and calendars, but nothing compares to seeing them in real life. Some are tucked away in peaceful countryside settings, while others sit by the sea or boast centuries of history. Each one has something special to offer—quaint cottages, friendly tea rooms, and breathtaking views.
