30 Prettiest Villages in the UK

From picture-perfect Cotswold cottages and flower-filled country lanes to rugged coastal settlements overlooking the sea, the UK is home to over 6,000 villages, many of which look like they have been plucked right out of a storybook.

Whether you’re searching for a peaceful countryside escape, a scenic seaside stroll or somewhere packed with centuries of history, these beautiful villages are well worth adding to your travel list. Here are the 30 prettiest villages in the UK.

The 30 Most Beautiful UK Villages

30. Portmeirion – Gwynedd

Portmeirion is truly unlike any other village in the UK.

The village was designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who developed his extraordinary vision over the course of several decades. With colourful Italianate buildings, ornate architecture and lush gardens, it sits on a spectacular coastal peninsula in North Wales.

Visitors can explore the piazzas, gardens and woodland before enjoying views across the estuary. Portmeirion also has a claim to fame for TV fans, too, being the setting for the cult series The Prisoner.

29. Alvechurch – Worcestershire 

Just south of Birmingham, Alvechurch is a charming Worcestershire village that offers a lovely slice of countryside without being too far from the city.

Its historic centre is filled with independent shops, traditional pubs and attractive old buildings, while the surrounding countryside and the nearby Lickey Hills are filled with hiking routes.

The Worcester and Birmingham Canal also passes nearby, making it a convenient place to visit for a slow wander, or for a pit stop if you’re on a canal holiday.

Where to stay: Southcrest Manor Hotel – a 10-minute drive from Alvechurch.

28. Staithes – North Yorkshire

Tucked into a dramatic cleft in the North Yorkshire coast, Staithes is one of those villages that seems to get prettier the further you walk into it.

Narrow lanes wind between charming stone cottages before opening out towards the harbour and the sea. Staithes also has a strong connection to its maritime past, once being the home of renowned explorer Captain James Cook, while in the summer months it is an excellent place to spot marine life including seals, dolphins and minke whales.

The surrounding cliffs and coastal paths are particularly spectacular, and the small village is only a 10-minute drive from the much more well-known seaside town of Whitby.

Where to stay: The Captain Cook Inn, right at the top of the village.

27. St Abbs – Scottish Borders

With a tiny harbour, whitewashed cottages and towering cliffs plunging into the North Sea, St Abbs is a spectacular little village on the historic Berwickshire coastline.

The surrounding landscape is the real star of the show: St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve is home to dramatic coastal scenery and enormous seabird colonies, with walking trails across the clifftops.

A little bit of trivia is that the village also appeared as New Asgard in Avengers: Endgame, giving the scenery a little bit extra cinematic fame. Even so, you don’t need to be a film buff to marvel at this beautiful wild corner of Scotland.

26. Ashford in the Water – Derbyshire

Set beside the River Wye in the heart of the Peak District, Ashford in the Water is a quintessential Derbyshire village. Pretty stone cottages line the village streets, while the river winds beneath the famous Sheepwash Bridge.

The bridge is beautiful at all times of year, but especially in spring, when the surrounding area bursts into colour with flowers. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring the Peak District countryside, with lots of nearby walking routes.

For a classic English village experience, a walk through Ashford village before settling down for a pint in one of the pubs is hard to beat.

Where to stay: The H Boutique Hotel, just a 5-minute drive in the nearby town of Bakewell.

25. Beddgelert – Gwynedd

Nestled among the mountains of Snowdonia, Beddgelert is surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery in Wales. The village itself is wonderfully picturesque, with grey stone cottages, independent shops and the pretty Glaslyn River flowing through its heart.

The village takes its name from Gelert, the legendary faithful dog associated with the medieval Welsh hero Llywelyn the Great. You can follow the riverside path to the traditional memorial, marking the famous tale.

With nearby walking trails into the forests and mountains, there is also a nearby Welsh Highland Railway stop, which is another accessible way to explore the surrounding region.

24. Mousehole – Cornwall

Mousehole is a tiny Cornish fishing village on the county’s southern coast. Its narrow lanes tumble towards a sheltered harbour, where fishing boats bob in front of colourful harbourside cottages and ancient stone buildings.

Explore the little shops and galleries around the harbour, and find a secluded spot by the water to either bask in the Cornish sunshine or simply watch the world go by. The village is exceptionally pretty at both sunrise and sunset.

The South West Path is also close to Mousehole, making the village an excellent base for discovering the rugged coastline around the tip of southwestern Cornwall.

Where to stay: Higher Faugan Hotel, a 5-star hotel under a 10-minute drive from Mousehole.

23. Sonning – Berkshire

Sitting on the banks of the River Thames, Sonning is a wonderfully picturesque Berkshire village filled with handsome cottages, leafy lanes and riverside scenery around every corner.

The elegant Sonning Bridge is one of the village’s most recognisable sites, while the river provides plenty of opportunities for leisurely walks. You can even take a gentle boat tour down the river to experience the village from the water, which is a wonderful experience on a summer’s afternoon.

With its charming pubs, beautiful riverside setting and historic buildings, Sonning feels wonderfully removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the London commuter route.

Where to stay: The Roseate Reading, a 5-star boutique hotel just three miles away.

22. Alnmouth – Northumberland

A sweep of golden sand, colourful houses and the North Sea make Alnmouth one of Northumberland’s prettiest coastal villages. The village sits right where the River Aln meets the North Sea.

A stroll along the windswept beach is excellent at any time of the year, and just as picturesque whatever month you decide to visit. After this, head into the village for a pint and a hearty meal to warm back up, or continue your exploration along the Northumberland Coastal Path.

The charming and historic Alnwick Castle is just a stone’s throw from Alnmouth, while the village is also excellently placed for exploring the wider Northumberland Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Where to stay: The Hope & Anchor Hotel, a pet-friendly hotel in the heart of Alnmouth.

21. Hemingford Grey – Cambridgeshire

If you’re looking for the type of village where you can happily spend an afternoon wandering around, then Hemingford Grey should be high on your priority list.

Set beside the River Great Ouse, the village contains thatched cottages and historic buildings, which beautifully complement its peaceful riverside setting.

One of its most famous landmarks is Hemingford Grey Manor, a 900-year-old house dating back to the 1130s. For history and nature lovers, and those looking for a peaceful, quiet corner of Cambridgeshire, Hemingford Grey is the place to be.

Where to stay: The Thorpe Guesthouse, right in the village.

20. Glenarm – County Antrim

Surrounded by the beautiful Glens of Antrim, Glenarm is one of Northern Ireland’s most charming villages.

Its history stretches back centuries, with the 17th-century Glenarm Castle and its celebrated gardens a particularly impressive focal point. The village itself is filled with peaceful streets and beautiful stone buildings, while the nearby coastline offers spectacular views across the Irish Sea.

Spend a morning exploring the castle grounds and the afternoon wandering along the harbour or the nearby countryside, and you’ll quickly see why Glenarm is such a special place to visit.

19. Tobermory – Isle of Mull

You would be hard-pressed to find a more colourful village in the UK than Tobermory.

Its row of brightly painted waterfront buildings stretches right around the harbour, creating one of Scotland’s most recognisable seaside scenes. The village is the main settlement on the Isle of Mull, and makes for a fantastic base for exploring the island, including nearby Aros Park, which is particularly beautiful in autumn.

Tobermory was also the filming location for the much-loved children’s TV series Balamory, and many fans of the early 2000s show will instantly recognise the colourful buildings from the programme.

18. Cartmel – Cumbria

Tucked into the southern boundaries of the Lake District, Cartmel is a small village with plenty of character.

Its stone buildings and cobbled streets hark back to a bygone era, while the 12th-century Cartmel Priory stands as the focal point of the village. Cartmel is also quickly establishing itself in the northwest culinary scene, so it’s also a great destination to visit for foodies.

Green hills roll away from the village in every direction, with visitors spoiled for choice for scenery – head towards the coast for Morecambe Bay and seaside adventures, or towards the Lake District for fell walking.

Where to stay: Cumbria Grand Hotel, a 10-minute drive away in nearby Grange-over-Sands.

17. Killin – Perthshire

Set where the River Dochart falls dramatically over the Falls of Dochart, Killin is not just one of Perthshire’s, but one of Scotland’s most scenic villages.

The falls are at their most impressive following heavy rain, with rushing water cascading underneath the old stone bridge in the village. From here, the village opens up into classic Highland scenery: lochs, mountains and forests.

For keen hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Killin is a fantastic destination, with lots of trails leading into the nearby countryside. Loch Tay is a short drive (or walk) from the village, providing opportunities for fishing, watersports and peaceful lochside walks.

16. Turville – Buckinghamshire

Turville looks almost too perfect to be real. Tudor cottages, an old village church, rolling green hills and a 16th-century pub come together to create a classic English village scene.

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, Turville is surrounded by stunning countryside and gorgeous walks, and walking up the hill and back down again is a rite of passage for anyone wanting to enjoy a well-earned pint in the pub afterwards.

Turville’s picturesque location has also seen it hit the screen in TV shows including The Vicar of Dibley and Killing Eve.

15. Alfriston – East Sussex

Alfriston is the true embodiment of rural English village life. Found in the South Downs, with timber-framed buildings, traditional pubs and independent shops lining its streets, it’s simply a must-visit destination in southern England.

The village is also home to the Clergy House, over 600 years old, and is one of the National Trust’s oldest properties. St Andrew’s Church is also equally impressive, sitting prominently above the village on a hill.

Alfriston is also conveniently located next to the South Downs Way, so there are plenty of opportunities to put on your hiking boots, head out into the hills and enjoy the East Sussex landscape.

14. Great Budworth – Cheshire

Great Budworth is a picture-perfect Cheshire village surrounded by green countryside. Strong timber-framed buildings, traditional cottages and a historic church give it a quintessentially English village look.

Fortunately, the village has retained much of its historic character, making a simple walk through its streets feel like you’ve just stepped back in time a few centuries.

The surrounding lanes and countryside are particularly appealing for everything from a light jog to a long hike, and it’s beautifully small, picturesque and photogenic.

13. Clovelly – Devon

Strikingly built into a steep wooded valley overlooking the Bristol Channel, Clovelly is quite unlike anywhere in the UK.

The village’s steep, cobbled main street winds downhill towards the harbour, passing whitewashed cottages, tiny shops and flower-filled doorways along the way. Another unique touch is that cars are not allowed on the main street, which adds to the feeling that you’ve been transported back in time.

At the bottom, the harbour opens up into the sea, and while it’s lovely to take your time in the village, just remember that you need to conserve enough energy for the return journey uphill!

12. Rostrevor – County Down

Set between the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, Rostrevor has an extraordinary natural setting.

The village is filled with character, and the surrounding landscape provides some of the best outdoor adventures in County Down. The nearby Rostrevor Forest is popular with walkers and mountain bikers alike, with trails winding through ancient woodland and along the slopes of the Mournes.

After an exhilarating morning exploring the countryside, wind down with a drink in the cosy pub, or enjoy a coffee in one of the independent shops in the village.

11. Kersey – Suffolk

Kersey is Suffolk village perfection. Timber-framed houses, thatched-roof cottages and quiet lanes sit among the rolling Suffolk countryside, providing the ultimate picture-perfect destination.

The village is perhaps best known for its ford, where the road passes through the water beneath the beautiful medieval buildings. The Church of St Mary is another local highlight, with views across the surrounding countryside.

There are few better destinations in East Anglia to experience rural, slow life than Kersey. Take a leisurely stroll, a good camera, and soak in the scenery.

10. Chiddingstone – Kent

Chiddingstone is a wonderfully preserved historic village in the Kent countryside. Its collection of Tudor buildings and timber-framed buildings gives it a distinctly story-like appearance.

Chiddingstone Castle – a 16th-century Tudor manor house – is the focal point of the village, with lots of opportunities for countryside walks in the surrounding area.

While the castle is incredibly pretty, one of the best things about Chiddingstone is simply walking down the high street and enjoying the views around every corner.

9. Bibury – Gloucestershire

Bibury is one of the most instantly recognisable villages in the Cotswolds.

Its honey-coloured stone cottages line the banks of the River Coln, creating the kind of scene that looks like it has been plucked straight off a postcard. Arlington Row is the village’s most famous sight. The row of former weavers’ cottages dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most photographed streets in the Cotswolds. 

Beyond the famous buildings, though, take time to wander along the riverbank, looking out for wildlife, and explore the quieter corners for a serene English countryside village escape.

8. Plockton – Ross and Cromarty

Plockton is a picturesque Scottish coastal village surrounded by mountains and overlooking the sheltered waters of Loch Carron.

Its whitewashed cottages, attractive harbour and surprisingly lush vegetation make it one of the most distinctive villages on Scotland’s west coast. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront or join a boat trip to explore the surrounding waters and look out for local wildlife, including otters, eagles, seals, dolphins and porpoises.

With its combination of mountains, sea and traditional architecture, Plockton is easily not just one of the prettiest villages in the Highlands, but one of the prettiest villages in the UK.

7. Grasmere – Cumbria

Surrounded by the green mountains of the Lake District, Grasmere is one of the UK’s most beautiful villages for outdoor lovers.

The village sits beside Rydal Water, with spectacular walking routes leading into the surrounding fells. There are gentle walks for those looking for a relaxing morning or afternoon stroll, and there are also walks for more experienced hikers.

The village is also well-known for its famous gingerbread – the perfect walking snack – as well as its literary connections to the poet William Wordsworth, who called Grasmere home for a number of years, and even described it as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’.

Where to stay: The Daffodil Hotel & Spa in the village.

6. Amberley – West Sussex

Tucked beneath the South Downs, Amberley is a beautiful West Sussex village filled with traditional cottages, historic buildings and thatched roofs – the quintessential English village, in other words.

Amberley Castle is the village’s most imposing landmark, while the surrounding streets are wonderfully peaceful and picturesque.

The South Downs National Park provides a beautiful backdrop to the village, and there are numerous walking routes, ideal for exploring your surroundings. For anyone on a village tour through southern England, Amberley is well worth a stop.

Where to stay: Amberley Castle, a luxury 5-star castle hotel.

5. Solva – Pembrokeshire

Solva is a postcard-perfect coastal village built around a narrow tidal inlet on the Pembrokeshire coast.

The brightly-painted cottages and sweeping landscapes perfectly complement the pretty boats gently bobbing in the harbour. Houses and shops crawl up the hillside above the harbour, creating a particularly picturesque scene. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes nearby, offering spectacular cliffside walks around St Brides Bay. 

For a pretty Welsh village with stunning coastal scenery, a visit to Solva is a must.

Where to stay: Twr y Felin Hotel in St Davids, under a 10-minute drive from Solva.

4. Cushendun – County Antrim

On the Causeway Coastal Route, Cushendun combines a pretty harbour with rolling countryside and a stunning coastal setting.

Interestingly, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis also had a say in the design of Cushendun, too: the village’s distinctive architecture is much more Cornish than Northern Irish, and this is largely in part thanks to Williams-Ellis. Cushendun Beach is also well worth a visit any time of year, although it looks especially majestic on a windswept winter’s day – just remember to layer up!

The village is also close to the Cushendun Caves, natural rock formations formed over millions of years, and famous for providing the setting for several scenes in the hit TV series Game of Thrones.

3. Thornton-le-Dale – North Yorkshire

Thornton-le-Dale is one of the prettiest villages in the UK, with a babbling beck, stone and thatched-roof cottages and flower-filled gardens creating a wonderfully idyllic scene.

The village is perhaps best known for its famous Beck Isle Cottage. The Grade II-listed building is often thought to be the most frequently photographed home in all of England. And it is little surprise given its look and location sitting beside the water beneath a traditional stone bridge.

There are several quaint coffee shops, independent shops and pubs in and around the village, and plenty of walking and cycling routes to the neighbouring North York Moors. 

Where to stay: The Horseshoe Inn, a 10-minute drive away in nearby Levisham.

2. Port Isaac – Cornwall

Port Isaac is a gorgeous Cornish fishing village where whitewashed cottages tumble towards a small harbour.

The village’s narrow streets can sometimes feel like a maze, but that is part of the fun. Wander through the historic lanes, discover tiny art galleries and independent shops, then head down to the water with some freshly cooked fish and chips. Perfect for a long summer’s evening of watching the fishing boats coming and going.

Port Isaac also became internationally recognised as the fictional village of Portwenn in Doc Martin. Even without its television fame, though, thanks to its rugged coastline, historic buildings and beautiful harbour, Port Isaac is one of Cornwall’s – and the UK’s – most memorable places.

1. Castle Combe – Wiltshire

Few villages capture the traditional English countryside quite like Castle Combe. 

Set among the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, its honey-coloured stone cottages, winding lanes and ancient buildings create an almost impossibly perfect scene. The village grew around its medieval market, and traces of its long history can be seen throughout the streets. The Bybrook River, which gently flows through the village, adds another charming element to Castle Combe.

Castle Combe is also unique because of the way that it has preserved its history and remained unchanged: no new houses have been built in the village centre since the 17th century, so it really is like stepping back in time. With its timeless appearance, beautiful charm and idyllic setting, Castle Combe is well deserving of the title of the prettiest village in the UK.

Where to stay: Guyers House Hotel in Corsham, 7 miles from Castle Combe.