During a time when travel abroad seems challenging, what could be better than exploring the prettiest English towns and villages whilst getting lost in Britain’s rich history?
Summer has finally arrived, and millions of Brits will be forgoing a trip abroad and preparing to head off on a staycation holiday. In fact, travel firms have revealed record-breaking figures for summer staycations, with a 22% surge in spending.
Britain is home to some of the most charming, picturesque villages in the world. With quaint pubs, idyllic stone properties, golden sandy beaches and fantastic country walks, it can provide the perfect backdrop to a relaxing rural escape this summer.
To lend you a helping hand, the research team from SlotsUp have uncovered five charming British towns that are steeped in history and packed with culture.
Fort Augustus, Boleskine Scotland
This village ticks all the boxes; it’s beautiful, historic and full of charm. Fort Augustus is located on the southern tip of Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way. The quaint Scottish village is a tourist favourite for its scenic views and serene atmosphere – perfect for a weekend getaway!
Loch Ness is a bucket list attraction for the millions of tourists who visit Scotland every year, largely thanks to the alleged sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster. At the foot of the famous Loch is the town of Fort Augustus. With a population of just 650 people, there are plenty of things to see and do for visitors.
Bakewell, Derbyshire England
Bakewell is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in England, a maze of narrow, winding lanes framed by idyllic stone shops and houses. Located on the River Wye, Bakewell is best recognised for its rolling hills and its unique signature desserts; the Bakewell pudding and the Bakewell tart, which can be purchased from the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop.
Beauty is found on every turn in this historic town. From the wonderful old buildings to the character cottages and the meandering river with banks of green willow, there’s never a lack of something lovely to photograph in Bakewell. It’s the perfect example of a quintessentially English town, complete with quirky shops and tasty eateries.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire England
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Castle Combe boasts a delightful mix of weavers’ cottages, hidden woodland, quaint cafes, a rippling river and a medieval market cross monument. The village itself feels like it’s been frozen in time. The streets are lined with buildings made from the notorious Cotswold stone, and no new houses have been built in the village since the 1600s.
Castle Combe was once named ‘prettiest village in England, and it’s easy to see why. The quaint spot in Wiltshire has been featured as the set of multiple TV shows and films, including Downton Abbey, Stardust, The Wolf Man and Dr Dolittle. The picture-postcard spot has plenty to see and do, from a stroll through the historic village, a picnic by the Roman Bridge, to a pitstop in the local eateries for a seasonal, locally-sourced meal.
Lavenham, Suffolk England
A time-warp of a village in the Suffolk countryside, Lavenham looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The village is considered to be Britain’s best-preserved medieval village, with its original architecture still very much intact. Medieval charm can be found around every corner, with timber-framed buildings lining the narrow streets and lanes, leading to the statuesque St. Peter and St. Paul Church, The Guildhall, Little Hall and De Vere House.
The laid-back pace Leavenham exudes makes it ideal for a weekend break. With boutique shops and galleries, fantastic restaurants, chic hotels and luxury b&b stay, as well as cafes and pubs for locals and visitors alike. Keep your eye out on your excursion, as you might even catch a Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows backdrop or two.
Bibury, Gloucestershire England
William Morris once described Bilbury as “the most beautiful village in England”, and it’s easy to see why, thanks to its beautiful stone buildings lined along the banks of the River Coln. Just a short drive from the popular town of Cirencester and Oxfordshire, this Cotswold village is a great place for explorers to visit.
You’ve probably heard of Bibury because of its crowning feature, the Arlington Row, one of the most photographed locations in the country. Originally built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store, it was later converted into a row of weavers cottages in the 17th century. It’s also a popular filming location, with films such as Bridget Jones’ Diary and Stardust filmed within the village.
Malton, North Yorkshire England
Known as Yorkshire’s foodie capital, you’ll want to visit this award-winning market town on an empty stomach. The community is passionate about artisan produce, independent shops and local farm to fork delicacies. Malton has created a strong reputation for itself as a town built around local produce, with monthly food markets and an annual Food Lovers Festival.
The Yorkshire village is home to everything you’d require for an English escape in the countryside, from grandiose castles and gardens to rolling hills and friendly locals.
