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11 Beautiful English Villages to Discover Before the Crowds Do

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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You’ve toured the museums of London, paid tribute to the Beatles in Liverpool, and walked the hallowed halls of Oxford’s famous university—but if major cities are all you’ve seen of England, you’re missing out. For a slower pace of life and an up-close glimpse of rural life, you’ll want to visit the following English villages that haven’t yet been spoiled by tourism.

From fishing hamlets in Cornwall to traditional market towns in North Yorkshire, these are some of the most beautiful villages in England, featuring cobblestone streets, quaint churches, and cozy pubs—but not motorcoaches and crowds.

Painswick, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds region is ground zero for picture-perfect English villages, but some of them feel overly touristy. That’s not a problem in Painswick, a quiet hilltop village with charming narrow streets and relatively few international visitors. Don’t miss a stop in the colorful Painswick Rococo Garden, originally designed in the 1740s. There are also plenty of lovely walks in the area.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of the village with rooms overlooking the Cotswold hills, The Painswick is the most elegant spot in town.

Polperro, Cornwall

Once a fishing village (and shelter for smugglers), Polperro is now a popular summer holiday spot—but it’s maintained its unspoiled charm. Walk the footpaths along the coast on either side of the harbor to soak up the salt air and discover uncrowded beaches, or stay in town to explore its art galleries and shops. You’ll find tasty, fresh seafood on menus around town.

Where to stay: With just 12 rooms, Penryn House is a cozy lodging spot within walking distance of Polperro’s pubs, shops, and restaurants.

Kettlewell, North Yorkshire

Kettlewell is an ideal base for walking and hiking in Yorkshire Dales National Park, but it’s also a beautiful village in its own right, with welcoming pubs and quaint stone cottages. The most popular time to visit is in August for the annual Scarecrow Festival, when the community comes together to hunt for whimsically themed scarecrows hidden around town.

Where to stay: The Pennycroft Guest House draws raves from past guests for its comfy beds and warm hospitality.

Rye, East Sussex

With its quiet cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval and Tudor buildings, Rye is the type of English village where it feels like time simply stopped centuries ago. One of the greatest pleasures in Rye is simply walking around and taking photos, but you can also visit a 13th-century castle and browse local art galleries. Don’t miss a stop in St. Mary’s Parish Church, where you can climb the tower for views over the surrounding countryside.

Where to stay: Individually designed rooms at The George in Rye feature quirky touches like antique mirrors, built-in bookshelves, and colorful vintage wallpaper. The hotel has been in its current High Street location since 1719.

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

If you love wandering on foot, you’ll appreciate this beautiful English village overlooking the North Sea. Leave your vehicle in the parking lot at the top of the main street and head downhill to stroll along the coastal path, rummage through shops and galleries, or visit the clean sandy beach—where you might even find a fossil or two. You can also learn about the town’s seafaring and smuggling history at the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum. Despite the name, Robin Hood’s Bay has no known affiliation with the famous outlaw, and the origins of the moniker remain a local mystery.

Where to stay: The Raven House Bed & Breakfast offers a comfortable home away from home with sweeping sea views and homemade breakfast.

Stamford, Lincolnshire

If this elegant Georgian town looks familiar, it might be because it was used as a filming set for the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley. You can easily spend a day wandering among its well-preserved churches, shops, and pubs, which overlook the Welland River. Also worth seeing is Burghley House, a grand Elizabethan estate just a few minutes’ drive from downtown.

Where to stay: The William Cecil at Stamford is located on the grounds of the Burghley Estate but still within easy walking distance of Stamford’s main attractions.

Turville, Buckinghamshire

With just 100 inhabitants, the tiny English village of Turville offers a quiet break from the London crowds. It’s less than 90 minutes from the English capital, and worth a quick detour en route to Oxford. Stroll up to Cobstone Windmill for views of the village; have lunch at The Bull and Butcher, a traditional pub; and visit St. Mary the Virgin Church, which served as the featured church in the 1990s British sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.

Where to stay: Turville is so small that it doesn’t have any hotels of its own, but you can stay overnight just a few miles away at the Row Barge Inn , a traditional B&B in Henley-on-Thames.

Helmsley, North Yorkshire

This beautiful English village features historic stone buildings, a peaceful walled garden, and a square where you can check out a traditional market every Friday—all in the shadow of medieval castle ruins. Love wildlife? Pay a visit to the National Centre for Birds of Prey, where you can have hands-on experiences with hawks, falcons, and owls. Also nearby are the rolling hills of North York Moors National Park.

Where to stay: The 45-room Black Swan Hotel has been hosting travelers for more than 500 years. Rooms have garden or market square views.

Hawkshead, Cumbria

It’s almost impossible to find hidden gems in England’s popular Lake District, but Hawkshead hasn’t yet been spoiled by the tourist hordes. Because cars aren’t allowed within the village, visitors can enjoy its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and medieval square the same way locals have for centuries. Stop by the grammar school where poet William Wordsworth studied, and see drawings by children’s author Beatrix Potter at the gallery named after her in town.

Where to stay: A flower-filled courtyard welcomes you into Ivy Guest House , a Georgian building with a half-dozen cozy rooms. The hosts serve a full English breakfast each morning.

Beaulieu, Hampshire

A cluster of historic buildings overlooking the scenic Beaulieu River, this beautiful English village dates back to the 13th century. The area’s main attraction is the Beaulieu Estate, home to the National Motor Museum, a collection of nearly 285 classic vehicles. Also on the estate grounds are the Palace House (a Victorian mansion) and Beaulieu Abbey. But you’ll want to leave plenty of time to stroll the streets of the village, browse its shops, and wander along its riverside path.

Where to stay: The Montagu Arms Hotel oozes with Old World charm, from its classic English gardens to its conservatory serving afternoon tea. Upgraded rooms include lavish four-poster beds.

Mousehole, Cornwall

Just a few miles down the coast from the better-known town of Penzance, Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzel”) is one of Cornwall’s prettiest seaside villages, with stone buildings overlooking a harbor filled with sailboats and fishing boats. The most popular times to visit are summer, when you can relax on the sandy beach, and the period from mid-December through early January, when the harbor is decked out in twinkling holiday lights.

Where to stay: Thanks to its bustling pub and convenient location, The Ship Inn is the center of the action in Mousehole. Many of its eight rooms overlook the harbor.

More from SmarterTravel:

• England Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to England?
• Top 25 Ways to Save on Europe Travel
• 11 Secret Italian Villages to Discover Before the Crowds Do

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

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20 Must See Beautiful English Villages

Quaint stone cottages, cute historic pubs surrounded by rolling green hills and little streams flowing through – there are few things in this world more picturesque than a quintessential English village. The countryside of England is home to an abundance of stunning little towns and villages, each one just as pretty as the next.

Some are so beautiful, it’s hard to imagine that people actually live there and you’re not walking through the set of a movie! Full of character and old-world charm, every village has its own story to tell. Each one featured in this article would make an excellent addition to your England road trip itinerary , otherwise it is possible to visit most of them on a day trip from London if you’re short on time!

Retreating to the English countryside is the perfect way to escape the city, take a step back in time and enjoy the slow-paced way of village life. From the popular Cotswolds villages to some lesser known gems, here are 20 of the most charming and beautiful English villages to inspire your next visit.

Table of Contents

20 of the Most Charming and Beautiful English Villages

The fairy-tale village of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds

Broadway, Worcestershire

-By Wendy from Empty Nesters Hit The Road

Photo of Broadway by Empty Nesters Hit The Road

Located in West England, the Cotswolds is full of picturesque villages. Choosing which one to visit is never easy, but Broadway is a good bet. Like all of its neighbours Broadway is full of honey coloured stone buildings, streets lined with ancient trees, and plenty of window boxes filled with colourful flowers. But as it’s larger than many of the surrounding towns, it offers great boutique shopping and a selection of excellent restaurants. As a popular destination for artists, there is also a nice selection of galleries in town.

With its location along The Cotswold Way , Broadway is a popular overnight stop for multi-day hikers. It has a nice selection of bed and breakfast inns and guest houses, most of which are locally owned and operated. After a long day in the countryside, walkers look forward to the creature comforts of this lovely village.

For history and architecture buffs, the famous Broadway Tower is located one mile south-east of the town in Broadway Tower Country Park. Built in 1798, this tower is known as the Highest Little Castle in the Cotswolds . Today the tower houses a museum on three of its floors. Also located in the park is a herd of red deer. In the Spring and Fall it’s possible to see the deer and their babies.

Broadway is just two hours northwest of London. Many visitors opt to take the train from Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh and then a cab or bus to Broadway.

→Click here to browse accommodation options in Broadway←

Painswick Village , Gloucestershire

-By Sophie from We Dream Of Travel

The beautiful Painswick Village, photo by We Dream of Travel

Painswick is a beautiful, quaint village tucked away amidst the British countryside within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  With its honey-hued homes and cobbled streets, it is easily the prettiest village in the Cotswolds , if not the whole of England!

Located just over 2 hours’ drive from London, it makes for a perfect day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and can be combined with any of the other charming Cotswold villages.  Painswick is steeped in history and as you meander through its labyrinth of streets and alleyways, you’ll encounter clues to the past.  Many of the buildings have small plaques on them to acknowledge their former use and there are a number of informative boards around the town to give insight into the village’s long history.

There were once 17 inns and alehouses in Painswick, and today Painswick is still well known for its excellent restaurants. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Golden Heart pub sign on Tibbiwell Lane.  While the pub no longer exists, the sign remains as part of a protected Grade II listed building.

The pretty church garden, photo by We Dream of Travel

The village of Painswick is also renowned for its church garden, home to 100 yew trees.  Until 2000, there had been 99 yew trees and legend told that the hundredth yew tree planted would be destroyed by the devil.  However, to commemorate the millennium, each parish in Gloucester received and planted a yew tree.  Contrary to the legend, the 100th tree is still alive and well!

Painswick is also home to the Rococo gardens, dating back to 1748 and hailed as one of the Cotswolds’ best kept secrets.  These gardens provide the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Bibury, Gloucestershire

-By Christina from Travel2Next

The charming Arlington Row in Bibury, photo by Travel2Next

British poet William Morris wasn’t wrong when he called Bibury “the most beautiful village in England”. When the sun streams on the honey-coloured stone cottages of Arlington Row, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of all the Cotswold villages . It looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. Completing the picture is a bubbling brook, lovely gardens and a tranquil pond. Arlington Row is possibly the most photographed village in England. Built in 1380, the cottages were initially used to store wool but later became weavers’ cottages to produce cloth that was sent to Arlington Mill for processing.

While most people are attracted to Bibury to take photos of Arlington Row, it’s also worth visiting the Bibury Trout Farm to learn how they breed Rainbow and Brown Trout. The farm has been operating since 1902 and has a gift shop, picnic areas and a fresh seafood counter where you can buy smoked trout and other seafood. On weekends, a fun thing to do is to go fishing and catch fish to take home. The farm supplies fishing rods and the activity is suitable for beginners, and you pay for your catch by weight.

There are some charming cottages to stay at in Bibury, but you’ll want to book a room at The Swan Hotel , which was once a coaching inn and is beside the River Coln. You can get to Bibury by train, public bus or by car but if you’re planning on exploring other villages in the Cotswolds driving is the most convenient way to get around.

Bourton-on-the-Water , Gloucestershire

-By Emily from Kids and Compass

Bourton-on-the-Water, photo by Kids and Compass

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most beautiful and popular villages in the Cotswolds. Think old, honey coloured houses, covered in climbing roses with pretty little gardens lining a stream; cute cafes and boutique shops.

Bourton-on-the-Water is also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. The river Windrush is crossed by several little bridges, although sadly you can’t punt up and down as the stream is far too small!

You’ll find plenty of attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water when you’re finished admiring the surroundings. Families will enjoy visiting Birdland which is home to flamingos, cassowaries and other exotic species, although it’s also a haven for wild birds. Don’t forget the Jurassic Journey walk, where kids can look for dinosaurs hidden in the undergrowth.

The Cotswold Motoring Museum has an incredible collection of cars, buses and other vehicles and motoring memorabilia. There’s a great collection of toys too. You might also want to visit the miniature village in the town centre.

Bourton-on-the-Water also has a cute little hedge maze. You have to solve clues as you walk around, and you won’t be able to find the treasure at the centre without completing the puzzle.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a two-hour drive from London.  If you can’t drive, then take a train to Moreton in Marsh and then a bus to Bourton-on-the-Water. The town is also a great base for exploring the rest of the Cotswolds as it’s so centrally located.

Stay in the boutique and centrally located Chester House Hotel , although there are plenty more choices to suit any budget.

Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

– By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

The picturesque village of Lower Slaughter

Lower Slaughter is a picturesque Cotswold village in the county of Gloucestershire, filled with limestone cottages built in the traditional Cotswold style. It doesn’t receive as many tourists as some of the more popular Cotswold villages and has managed to retain a more authentic charm. As a  vegan traveler  in the Cotswolds, I was a bit wary of staying in a place called “slaughter”, but thankfully the name does not refer to the slaughter of animals.

Rather, it comes from the Old English word sloh, which means “a marshy or muddy place”, and refers to the nearby wetlands and the Eye stream that flows through the village. Lower Slaughter is known as one of the Cotswold’s “water villages” and features several quaint stone footbridges that cross the stream. You can often see geese and other water birds paddling around in the water. Copeshill Road, which follows the stream, has been voted the Most Romantic Street in Britain!

A cute bridge in Lower Slaughter, photo by The Nomadic Vegan

As you may have guessed, there is also a village called Upper Slaughter, which is just a short walk away. This lovely stroll along the stream takes about 25 minutes and is highly recommended. Along the way, you’ll pass the Old Mill, which was built in the 19th century and has now been converted into an arts and crafts shop. The mill’s original water wheel is still functioning.

By car, Lower Slaughter is about a two-hour drive from London. If you’re taking public transport, the train takes about three hours, while the National Express bus is a bit faster and also much cheaper.

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

-By Josie from Where Jo Goes

The gorgeous architecture of Castle Combe, photo by Where Jo Goes

Often lauded as England’s prettiest village, Castle Combe in Wiltshire is a single meandering high street of honey coloured stone, a brook bubbling through it. At one end of the street is the much photographed bridge with the picturesque cottages that overlook it. At the other stands the Market Cross, the village pump, traditional English pubs including the 12 th  Century  Castle Inn  and St Andrews Church. You’ll notice the locals sell produce such as home-made cakes and jams straight from their doorsteps, bringing a touch of local personality to this bucolic spot in the heart of the English countryside.

On arrival, Castle Combe may well look familiar. War Horse was filmed here and it features in Downton Abbey and many period dramas.

The  Manor House Hotel at Castle Combe  is a luxury hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant. Take a wander through the Italianate gardens or along the river bank if you’re stopping for a meal or drink in the hotel or a game of golf at the hotel’s club. It’s also the perfect spot for a quintessentially English afternoon tea. Confession, I spent the first night of my honeymoon here so it has a soft spot in my heart, it’s such a beautiful spot!

Photo of Castle Combe by Where Jo Goes

For a more adrenaline filled pursuit, Castle Combe Circuit  offers a range of driving experiences.

Getting here: A 3-hour drive from London or 50 mins from Bristol, the village is best reached by car. Nearest train station: Chippenham (15 mins drive away). Click here to find train times and tickets.

If you are on the hunt for yet more gorgeous English villages, combine with a trip to  Lacock  or head to  Bath to sample the spa waters.

→Click here to book your accommodation in Castle Combe←

Lacock, Wiltshire

-By Laura from What’s Hot Blog 

Lacock, Wiltshire, photo by What’s Hot Blog

Lacock is a charming English village that has somehow managed to preserve its medieval spirit to this very day. As you wander through the village, you’ll see cosy pubs and eateries, even the odd honesty vegetable stall or two. Locals will often leave their homegrown vegetables and other homemade wares on their doorsteps and windowsills and you can leave a coin or two in exchange.

Just 30 minutes by car from Bath , Lacock is definitely worth visiting for an afternoon, especially if you’re a film aficionado. Walking through the streets of Lacock, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a period drama. That’s exactly why this tiny British village is so often used as a filming location, famously for the most magical tale of our time: Harry Potter.

The best thing to do in Lacock is to visit Lacock Abbey, which dates back to the 13th century. The interiors are beautiful with ornate decorations and furniture. It also served as a  Harry Potter filming location  with its cloisters being used as Hogwarts corridors and the now-empty rooms doubling up as Quirrel and Snape’s classrooms. In the main village, you’ll see other traditional, quaint British homes, one of which served as Harry Potter’s parents’ house and another as Slughorn’s hideaway. Other films shot here include Wolf Hall, Cranston and even an episode of Downton Abbey.

It’s small, but it’s beautiful. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into times gone by and have a very charming British day then you must add Lacock to your bucket list.

The Best Tours to the Cotswolds from London

Looking to take a day trip to the Cotswolds from London? Find some of the best Cotswolds tour options below or click here to read my complete guide on choosing the best Cotswolds tour from London .

Bampton, Oxfordshire

-By Faith from XYUandBEYOND

St. Mary’s Church in Bampton, photo by XYUandBEYOND

Bampton is set in the Oxfordshire countryside right on the edge of the Cotswolds. A chocolate box village that sits about 20 miles west of Oxford this charming little town stands in for Downton Village in the Downton Abbey show.

Bampton’s history goes back as far as the Iron Age and it is said that the Romans also settled here. What makes Bampton special is that it is  Downton Village . The Village is also incredibly peaceful and quintessentially English with its independent shops and a high street that still features its historic buildings.

Church View is a lovely little green square behind the main village high street. If you watched Downton Abbey you will immediately recognise the area and St. Mary’s Church. The Church dates back to the 11th century and was built as a Saxon Minister. Over the years new additions such as the gothic spire have been added.

To the left of the Church is the Rectory now called the Deanery it was built in the 13th century and later was reconstructed as a Georgian Manor. In Downton, it was used as Isobel Crawley’s home.

Bampton Church View, photo by XYUandBEYOND

Church View stands the same as it has done for centuries the green square with its large oak trees is a little peaceful oasis. Just down from the Deanery is “Downton’s hospital”. Now run as a visitor’s Centre where local crafts and Downton memorabilia are sold. All the profits from sales and the filming of Downton are used to assist the village in its conservation efforts.

Walking into the main village past the visitors’ centre you will be treated to a lovely main street where you can grab a pint at the Horseshoe Inn or treat yourself to a cream tea at the Bampton Coffee House.

Stratford-upon-Avon , Warwickshire

-By Maggie from Pink Caddy Travelogue

Beautiful medieval buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon, photo by Pink Caddy Travelogue

Stratford-upon-Avon is not only one of the most beautiful English villages, but it’s also a can’t-miss for literature buffs. Named for the River Avon that flows through it, Stratford-upon-Avon  is a beautiful, historical gem just an hour from London that can be easily reached via train or car.

Visiting the village is like stepping back in time. Founded in 1196, Stratford upon Avon has retained much of its historic flavor, despite being a bustling modern village. Although visited by millions of tourists every year, the town itself is charming and distinctly English. Many of the buildings have kept their original Elizabethan or medieval look, and in springtime, English gardens abound in the streets surrounding town-center.

It’s charm alone is worth checking out, but the town’s biggest claim to fame is for being the epicenter of all things Shakespeare. The famous poet was born here, spent most of his life here, and died and was buried in this quiet English village. Most of his immediate family had homes here as well.

Visitors can tour Shakespeare’s birthplace, a waddle-and-daub cottage where, in 1564, the poet himself was born. Tourists can also check out Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare’s family worshipped and where many of them are now buried. End the day by seeing one of Shakespeare’s works brought to life on stage at the Royal Shakespeare Theater, an unforgettable experience!

→Click here to book your accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon←

Downham, Lancashire

-By Chris and Heather from A Brit & A Southerner

The lovely village of Downham in Lancashire, photo by A Brit & A Southerner

When it comes to idyllic English villages, you could be forgiven for thinking about hamlets in the Cotswolds or neighbouring counties. However, why not head north to the Red Rose county of Lancashire to explore the beautiful village of Downham, located in the Ribble Valley less than 40 miles north of Manchester.

Rural England is epitomized in this part of Lancashire and if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Lancashire locals in Downham will certainly make you feel welcome as they go about daily life in this quintessential English village. Visit Downham if you are looking for a location that epitomizes everything there is to love about stereotypical rural England.

The history of Downham dates back to the 15 th -century and the Assheton family who are responsible for the village and surrounding estate. Today, visitors can enjoy a quiet, relaxing stroll up and down the village before heading inside the Assheton Arms to sample fine Lancashire cuisine and a beer or two. Visit St. Leonard’s Church towers above the Downham landscape at the top of the hill and you may well be greeted either by the local vicar or perhaps the resident hen that frequently roams around the church and down into the village.

Downham is a charming village full of character, frequently associated with the nearby Pendle Hill and the resident witches but this story should be left for another day. Instead, take your time enjoying the inherent beauty of a picture postcard village.

Castleton, Derbyshire

-By Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

The quaint village of Castleton, photo by The Wanderlust Within

The chocolate box village of  Castleton  in Hope Valley, is a hotspot for hikers, outdoor lovers and history buffs. Looming over this quaint and charming village is Mam Tor, also known as Shivering Mountain. It is the top attraction in Castleton and is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District. Mam Tor is only a two-hour circular hike from the village centre, making it possible for adults and children alike.

Castleton village is also overlooked by the ancient Peveril Castle. The 11th century castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, and the ruins can still be visited today. A short hike to the top of the hill is required but you’ll be awarded with breath-taking views of Hope Valley.

In fact, Castleton is surrounded by hikes, so after you’ve burnt some calories, the best place to visit is one of the many tea rooms in Castleton. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Peak District, followed by a visit to some of the country’s best show caves and caverns.

Castleton village is situated in Derbyshire’s Peak District and can be reached in only half an hour from Sheffield by train. If you arrive by car, you’ll be blessed with spectacular views of Winnats Pass as you drive into Castleton. Just another reason to visit this picturesque English village.

→ Book your day trip to Castleton from Manchester ←

Debenham, Suffolk

-By Chelsea from The Portable Wife

The riverside village of Debenham, photo by The Portable Wife

Debenham is a tiny riverside village nestled in the Suffolk countryside. Despite its small size, Debenham gets regular visitors thanks to its numerous antique stores, artisan craft shops, and charming “chocolate box” cottages.

The best way to experience Debenham is on foot. The village is very walkable, and you’ll find plenty of Instagrammable buildings and gardens as you stroll up the main road and smaller residential streets.

If you get hungry, stop into the Vanilla Bakery Cafe for some delicious baked goods or the River Green Cafe and Deli for tasty sandwiches and tea. The deli also sells locally crafted food and drink, including infused gins and fruit preserves.

Book lovers should stop into David Shacklock Book Services, where towering stacks and shelves of antique novels create a cozy atmosphere. If you like one-of-a-kind items, head to Spiral for unique accessories and home decor. And of course, no trip to Debenham would be complete without visiting a few antique shops, especially Swan House and Garden.

Getting to Debenham is easiest by car. However, there are buses that run from nearby Stowmarket and Ipswich. And if you want to try  glamping in Suffolk , Kenton Hall Estate is walkable from the village and offers yurt and shepherd’s hut lodging from May through October.

→ Book your glamping experience at Kenton Hall Estate ←

Cley-Next-the-Sea, Norfolk

-By Susan from Travel Guideline Blog

The beautiful beach at Cley-Next-the-Sea, photo by Travel Guideline Blog

Cley-Next-the-Sea is a small village with a population of less than 500 people. But despite the small size, there’s so much to see and do!

The most popular attraction is the nearby Cley Marshes , home to thousands of birds and a must-see spot for birders and wildlife photographers. It’s the oldest county wildlife trust in Britain, dating back to 1926. Annually it brings in more than 100,000 visitors. It’s a lovely property with marshes, a beachfront, and views of the Cley Windmill.

In town, you can visit Artemis , a coffee shop with delicious breakfast, scones, coffee and tea. When the weather is nice, their terrace overlooks a marsh area that’s scenic and peaceful. While you’re there, you can also visit The Artemis Barn. It’s a boutique on the same property that carries clothing, home decor items, and gifts of all kinds.

Just across the street is Picnic Fayre , a small grocery and deli housed in the town’s old forge building. They carry all kinds of meats and cheeses, plus an amazing array of chutneys. You can also find homemade cakes and bread, plus locally-grown produce. The store is entirely charming, from the window front to the wine room in the back.

Cley-Next-the-Sea, photo by Travel Guideline Blog

Don’t forget to book a seal-watching trip to Blakeney Point! The tours last 60-90 minutes and depending on the time of year, you will see grey and/or common seals. The boat trip itself is loads of fun and perfect for families with young children.

History buffs will enjoy the Cley Windmill , Felbrigg Hall, and St. Margaret’s Church. The windmill dates to the 1800s. It now operates as a bed-and-breakfast , so consider a stay there if it suits your fancy. Felbrigg Hall is located in nearby Felbrigg Village, and is a 17th-century country house of Stuart architecture. Lastly, St. Margaret’s is an active parish in the Anglican Church, and dates back to the early 1300s.

If you’re taking a Norfolk beach road trip along the A149, you’ll go right through Cley. You can also get there by bus or train.

Cheddar, Somerset

-By Darek from DarekandGosia.com

The village of Cheddar, photo by DarekandGosia.com

Cheddar is one of those beautiful and sleepy English villages which is worth visiting on a weekend trip to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The village is located in Somerset, in South England. If you travel by train, it is best to reach the seaside resort of Weston-Super-Mare or nearby Bristol, and then take a bus from Westop-Super-Mare 126, or from Bristol 672. All travelling by car from London should drive the M4 motorway to Bristol, then exit on M5. The road to Cheddar itself is well signposted so you will not have a problem reaching it.

The village is not only a land of rock walls, beautiful caves and mountain viewing terraces. Cheddar is famous for its production of sweet yellow cheese which originated there over a thousand years ago! In addition, delicious cheddar Ale is produced in the mini-brewery and available in all local pubs. Tea enthusiasts can enjoy a drink in the local tearoom, famous for its excellent home-made cakes.

Cheese lovers who visit Cheddar because of its famous production should not only visit the original place of its production – in a deep cave – but also see the modern place of cheddar production. On site there are shops where you can buy fresh and original cheese in many varieties.

This might sound cheesy, but Cheddar is really one of the best villages in England.

Wembury, Devon

-By Annemarie from Travel On The Brain

Wembury Woods bluebells, photo by Travel On The Brain

Wembury in Devon, England is a cute little village near Plymouth, right by the coast. But what makes it so special isn’t its cottage style houses but its nature settings. In summer, it’s a great idea to stroll down among the rugged cliffs and take a dip at Wembury Beach. Throw down a towel on the small sandy beach for some sunbathing afterwards.

Should you plan your visit in spring, time it so you can see the ancient woods carpeted by magnificent fields of bluebells. British bluebells are protected and native (and pretty much exclusive) to Britain and are not to be missed.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the local hourly bus 48 from Plymouth to the northern edge of the town (ask for stop ‘Hollacombe’) and start your walk through   Traine and Hollacombe Wood down to Wembury Woods.

After entering through the gate, take a left down into the valley and follow the signs towards the village. Already here the bluebells will completely surround you and it’s a breathtaking sight! However, please do not leave paths or step on the flowers as they are very fragile. (This includes pets you may walk or like to place for a pose.)

In total – and if you don’t constantly stop and gaze at the flowers for a prolonged time – the walk through the woods to the Wembury Woods bluebells takes around an hour and is relatively easy to do. There are some inclines but nothing dramatic. Sturdy shoes are advised as the path can still be muddy after a rainy day.

Cadgwith Cove, Cornwall

-By Annabel from Smudged Postcard

Cute cottages of Cadgwith Cove, photo by Smudged Postcard

Tucked away on the south east coast of the  Lizard Peninsula  in the English county of Cornwall is Cadgwith Cove. This little fishing village features a tangle of pretty cottages with flower filled gardens and a smattering of appealing shops and pubs. The village has an attractive pebble beach filled with colourful fishing boats. Wander along the coastal path to discover the Devil’s Frying Pan, a deep hole in the cliffs where a cave collapsed into the sea.

As with much of this hidden corner of Cornwall, Cadgwith Cove does not receive the same volume of visitors as other parts of the county, except during the summer BBQ evenings when the whole village is alive with the sound of locals and visitors enjoying freshly cooked fish. Monkfish and king prawns are particularly delicious and you need to come early as the delicious food sells out very quickly. There’s entertainment on the beach for children and an informal bar for refreshments.

Cadgwith Cove can be reached by car from the airports at Newquay or Exeter. It’s worth exploring some of the other villages as well. Fans of the BBC series Poldark will no doubt recognise some of the dramatic coastline which has made this region such an enjoyable place to visit.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

-By Nesrine from KEVMRC

Corfe Castle, photo by KEVMRC

If you like castles and time travel, you should definitely visit Corfe Castle. Located on the Jurassic Coast, the region that runs along the furthest south of the English Channel coast, Corfe Castle is a very pretty and picturesque village in the famous Dorset county. Corfe Castle is actually the best place to stop for a lovely break if you are visiting the region as it is only a 12 min drive from Old Harry Rocks, and 25 min drive from Durdle Door.

As you may have assumed, there is a castle in the village, and what a castle! It can be seen from miles away as it sits on a hill above the village. There are many different viewpoints from where the ruins can be seen throughout the surrounding area. Of course, you can also visit the monument itself to have a full experience and enjoy a nice view of the village from above.

Besides the castle, Corfe Castle is also famous for the old train station where you can take a steam train! Yes, the steam train still works and you can take it for real! Visiting this train station is definitely a travel in the past as it is exactly how you picture the beginning of the 20th century in England.

Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer. Indeed, the village has very charming streets with beautiful stone houses that make it very attractive.

Ready for your trip to Corfe Castle? Find everything you need to know about the village and prepare for your trip with this guide.

→Book your day trip to the Jurassic Coast from Bournemouth with a stop in Corfe Castle←

Dulwich Village, South London

-By Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

The beautiful Dulwich College, photo by 24 Hours Layover

Don’t be fooled by Dulwich Village’s proximity to Central London. Dulwich Village is one of the most quaint English villages and one of the only neighbourhoods in the capital that has managed to hold onto its unique and true village charm. Located in Zone 3 in the London borough of Southwark, Dulwich Village is known for the world-class Dulwich College and the famous Dulwich Picture Gallery built by Sir John Soane, which features paintings by Rembrandt and Reubens, amongst others.

Dulwich Village is an upmarket and exclusive neighbourhood full of upper-class families residing in its many mansions and cottages. Many buildings here are Grade II listed, including the local pub, and there are plenty of independent boutique stores and cafes. There are many green spaces here for families to enjoy such as Dulwich Park and Dulwich Wood. You can also see the only remaining London Tollgate here, just past Dulwich College. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you’re in Dulwich Village.

The easiest way to get there from Central London is to take the train from either London Victoria (arrives at West Dulwich station) or London Bridge (arrives at North Dulwich station). Both routes take around 15 minutes and Dulwich Village is located in between the two stations. Click here to find train times and tickets.

The nearest Underground Station is Brixton however it is almost 2 miles away so you should take the P4 bus from Brixton to Dulwich Village once you get off the tube. There are several other ways to reach Dulwich Village depending on your location, so the best thing to do is to always check the Citymapper app as it will show you the cheapest and fastest way to reach anywhere in London from your current location.

Rye, East Sussex

-By Aimee from Snap Happy Travel

The famous Mermaid Street, Rye

Rye is a quaint market town nestled towards the coast of East Sussex. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Hastings and easily accessible by bus. The poster child for Rye is Mermaid Street with its storybook charm. Mermaid Street is a winding cobbled street with great views of slightly wonky stone and timber houses; reminiscent of a Harry Potter film if you’re into that sort of thing.

Be sure to pop into the coziest pub in prime position on the street for a pint or some afternoon tea; The Mermaid Inn is an amazingly well preserved 15th century pub and inn with a beautifully decorated interior.

There is certainly much more to see and do in Rye than the famous Mermaid Street. Why not stop for a coffee at Cafe des Fleurs on Station Road, or if you fancy the most amazing hot chocolate then you can’t miss Knoops, perfect for a cold winter’s day. For the best view of Rye, climb up the Bell tower of St Mary’s Church to see this historic town in all its glory.

If you have more time why not take a walk out to Camber Sands which is a long stretch of golden sand, a 20-minute walk from Rye. Aim to catch a sunset while you’re there and watch the sky light up with a spectacular show.

→Book your stay at the gorgeous Mermaid Inn←

Alfriston, East Sussex

-By Rick from The Road Is Life

Exploring the beautiful high street of Alfriston

Alfriston is a very small, quintessentially English village in East Sussex surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of the South Downs hills. The village of Alfriston dates back to the Saxon period, making it one of the oldest in the county. It later became a market town in the middle ages and still retains much of its medieval spirit to this day.

A wander down the village’s charming high street is sure to transport you to times gone by. Admire the well preserved timber-framed buildings that line the narrow street and make sure to stop for lunch and a pint at one of the beautiful historic pubs.

The Star Inn makes a good choice for a traditional English pub experience. It dates back to the 15 th century when it served as a shelter for pilgrims making their way to Chichester. Nowadays you can expect to be served delicious pub food and try out some local ales.

Another great option is the George Inn which is a classic old pub on the high street serving up excellent food with a cosy atmosphere. It dates back to the 14 th century when it was the first pub in Alfriston to be granted an Innkeepers licence.

A windy day at the Beachy Head Cliffs

A 20-minute drive south of Alfriston will take you to The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, a series of chalky white cliffs that will take your breath away with their beauty. A great option for a day trip would be to combine a visit to the cliffs with a lunch stop and an afternoon stroll around Alfriston.

Getting to Alfriston is only a 20 minute drive from Eastbourne or a 30 minute drive from Brighton. If you’re travelling from London, the drive will take up to 2 hours and by train, it’s a 1.5 hour journey.

You can catch the train from London Victoria to Polegate and then catch an 8 minute taxi from there to Alfriston. Click here for more details on train times and tickets.

→Browse accommodation options in Alfriston←

-By Ann from The Road Is Life

The Tickled Trout pub sits peacefully next to the Stour River

Wye is a tiny medieval village nestled in the heart of the Kent Downs. This part of England has been named “an area of outstanding natural beauty” as it’s home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southeast. Located only 1 hour from London by train, the village of Wye makes the perfect day out in Kent for those seeking a peaceful countryside retreat.

The most popular thing to do in Wye is to go for a scenic walk in the hills surrounding the village. There are a number of walks of varying length depending on your preference. Each one offers stunning countryside views and viewpoints that will take your breath away.

An easy walk that only takes 30 minutes begins in the village centre and leads you up to the Wye Memorial Crown in the hills. The view from the top is spectacular. Click here to find more detailed information about hiking around Wye.

A beautiful view of Wye village from the top of the Memorial Crown viewpoint

After you’ve worked up an appetite from all that walking, make your way back to the village for a delicious pub meal. The village of Wye is home to a few of the cutest old English pubs around.

The Tickled Trout is one of the most popular ones, and for good reason. This historic pub is perfectly situated on the edge of the Stour River and has the loveliest outdoor beer garden. Whether you visit during winter or summer, the Tickled Trout is the best pub in Wye for delicious food and post hike pints.

Getting to Wye from London requires catching the train from London’s St Pancras Station to Ashford . You will then get on the train toward Canterbury West and get off at the next stop which is Wye. Click here for more details on train times and tickets.

Planning your trip to England? Read more of our travel guides!

• An amazing one week road trip from London
• The perfect day trip itinerary to Dover from London
• The top 10 day trips to Kent from London
• How to spend a full day in the historic town of Canterbury
• The ultimate day trip from London to Bath itinerary
• The 10 best tours to the Cotswolds from London

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Hello and welcome to my blog!

I’m Ann, a free-spirited Canadian adventurer who quit my 9-5 to hike mountains, chase waterfalls and live life to the fullest!

A lover of road trips, good wine and off the beaten path destinations – you will find these topics covered in depth on my blog.

Travel has changed my life for the better and I want to show you how it can do the same for you!

Welcome to my journey 🙂

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12 Magical Old English Villages You Must See

November 26, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   2 Comments

English villages, in my eyes, are some of the most picturesque places in the world. There is very little that can compare to the charming and quaint allure of stone houses against a backdrop of lush countryside. 

I recently spent the whole summer in England. Every time I visit I find a little gem of a town I hadn’t discovered previously. From picturesque hamlets in England, to centuries-old English villages to quaint small towns, England has It all. 

This list will include some of the best UK villages including my personal favorites which are Bourton-on-the-Water, Haworth, and Rye. 

I’ve picked out 12 of the best towns that will whisk you away into a different world. This list encompasses everything from hidden gems nestled among green fields to postcard-perfect coastal hamlets. 

Whether you have places already marked on your bucket list or they are new discoveries, my aim is to inspire you to seek out the little corners of the country you may not have explored before!

Bibury – Cotswolds

First on my list of villages in England is the charming Bibury. Often considered one of the prettiest English villages , it’s nestled in the leafy embrace of the Cotswolds .

It’s one of the most photographed places in England and many films have been filmed in the famous Arlington Row. This picturesque row of cottages from the 1500s looks like a picture from a storybook. 

Here you will find honey-colored stone cottages, the peaceful River Coln, and lush countryside. I adored it here. If you want that perfect picture arrive early as it can get really busy.  It’s one of the best small English villages. 

You can stay right next to the river at the Swan Hotel It has free Wi-Fi, a garden, and is even pet-friendly!

Polperro – Cornwall

Now let me whizz you to Cornwall to Polperro. One of the cutest coastal towns you have ever seen with somewhat of a chequered past. 

It’s one of the best villages in England with a scenic harbour, a labyrinth of tiny lanes, and a trove of tiny fishermen’s cottages. Oh, and the whole village is car-free making the vistas even more beautiful and unspoilt. 

But it wasn’t always as quaint as it looked now. With a a history of smuggling and marooning if this town could talk it would have a lot to say. And if you want to know some of these stories the Museum of Fishing and Smuggling is the place to go. 

There are a lot of steep climbs in Polperro but honestly, the experience is worth it. Speaking of experiences that can’t be beaten, we highly recommend staying at The House on the Props . You can’t find a nicer place to sleep right next to the water, and it is pet-friendly and has free Wi-Fi to boot!

Lavenham – Suffolk

Oh, where to begin with Lavenham? The jewel of the Suffolk countryside. This drop-dead gorgeous spot transports you back to the past as if you’ve slipped through a wrinkle in time. 

Of all the English medieval villages this is one of the best-preserved. It has 350 listed buildings, all contributing to its fairytale charm. These buildings are also really colorful making you feel like you have wandered onto a movie set. 

Lavenham was one of the wealthiest towns in Tudor England, thanks to its booming wool trade. Believe me, the photographs you can get here are stunning. It’s unlike any other place I have visited in the U.K.  

While here stay at the luxurious Rectory Manor which has a beautiful garden, swimming pool, and tennis courts.  

Rye – East Sussex

Rye is another well-preserved medieval village but has an entirely different feel than Lavenham above. I adore it here, it’s quaint with cobblestone streets and beautifully maintained Tudor-style and Georgian homes, most with hanging flower baskets. 

Rye is literally picture-perfect. Mermaid Street is the main attraction. This street was named one of the prettiest streets in Britain and once you see it you will know why. If you want that perfect pictures get there early though as this place can get overrun with tourists.   

The village has served as a haven for writers and artists, including Henry James, whose former house, Lamb House, stands today as a National Trust Property. 

Oh and if you visit in early October there is a classic car meet that drives through the town and is a site to see. 

For an ultra-modern luxurious hotel, Whitehouse Rye is simply stunning and has a wonderful location.  

Shaftesbury – Dorset

I find myself in awe every time I visit Shaftesbury, one of the prettiest English villages perched high above the Blackmore Vale in Dorset. Rolling hills, medieval architecture, and old-world charm are in abundance here. 

Shaftesbury is also home to the iconic Gold Hill, a steep cobbled street you might recognize from the iconic British TV commercial for Hovis Bread. Gold Hill, with its awesome views over the rural English villages and countryside, makes the perfect backdrop for your quintessential English village photo opportunity. It’s also been described as “one of the most romantic sights in England.”

If you can drag yourself away from Gold Hill don’t forget to visit the Abbey ruins and museum, a tranquil spot with stunning views and a rich history dating back to 888AD. 

Oh, and of course for that perfect photo opportunity on Gold Hill, you will need to arrive really early in the morning. 

This is one of the best small towns in England. The Best Western The Royal Chase Hotel is a Georgian ex-monastery with picturesque private grounds. 

Staiths – Yorkshire

I always find articles focused on the U.K. tend to focus on the south of England . While the south does have a lot of very quaint and charming places the north of England has lots to offer too. 

So let’s head into the heart of Yorkshire because I feel these northern beauty spots deserve some love too. And let me tell you, Staiths is the epitome of a serene, rural English village where time seems to have paused. 

You will find quaint streets lined with traditional Yorkshire stone cottages, narrow lanes, and stunning views along the River Wharfe. 

You can get an incredible view if you climb above the river, and climb a lot you will here so be prepared.  

A great place to stay is Endeavour, Staithes is super cute and has sea views. 

Clovelly – Devon

Out of all the English villages I have chosen to list here, Clovelly is perhaps the most idyllic. It is an old fishing village built on a hill and is actually an estate that has remained in the hands of the same family for the last 400 years.

Nestled in the Torridge district of Devon my favorite part of this village is its car-free cobblestone main street that meanders down to a tiny harbour. Yes, like most of these beautiful places in the U.K., it’s on a steep hill but the stunning views of the Bristol Channel are, I assure you worth it.  

This is one of the only places you will see donkeys in the streets, they are used to take shopping up the hill.  

I recommend you put Clovelly on your bucket list of the best cute villages to visit in England it’s honestly adorable. It is one of the best villages in the UK. 

The Old Smithy Bed and Breakfast is a lovely cottage that offers a full English or Irish breakfast (and a vegetarian one as well).

Haworth – West Yorkshire

Haworth is one of the most visited places in the U.K. As the former hometown of The Bronte sisters, Haworth attracts visitors from all over the world, and in my opinion, it is one of the places that you simply must visit.   

Tucked away in West Yorkshire it’s not only picture-perfect but is surrounded by some of the best countryside in the UK and there is a lot to do here too. 

The Bronte Parsonage Museum is a must if you want to know more about their life. If you fancy a short walk Bronte waterfall is just incredible and a trip to the Keighley And Worth Valley Railway is also a must. 

With its cobbled streets and 18th-century stone cottages, Haworth is a real crowd-pleaser. One of the best places to visit in the English countryside.

The Old White Lion Hotel is right in the center of town in a perfect location. 

Castle Combe – Cotswolds

I absolutely guarantee you have seen a picture of Castle Combe. It has one of the most photographed bridges in England. 

This idyllic, picture-perfect enclave nestled in Wiltshire tops any list of villages in England that you must visit. It is a charming representation of what most of us think of when we think of England. 

Here you have honey-colored Cotswold stone houses all quaint and delightful and the Market Square has stood still in time. 

Bybrook River Bridge is the place to go for the perfect photo with weeping willows, a calm river, and the town as the backdrop I haven’t seen too many better locations. It’s one of the most photographed scenes in the country.

The Battens Farm Cottages Bed and Breakfast . You can see cows right out your window!

Here are some more places to visit in The Cotswolds . 

Hawkshead – Lake District

Within the heart of the Lake District, Hawkshead is a quintessential English village nestled in breathtaking landscapes. It’s also connected to two of England’s most beloved writers, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. 

You will find a car-free center with cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, it simply is brimming with old-world charm. 

Here you can visit The Hawkshead Grammar School, once the academic home to William Wordsworth, the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Wray Castle, and the wonderful 17th Century Courthouse. 

If you have time Hill Top, Beatrix Potters’s house is just a 6-minute drive away. If you are looking for countryside English towns this one should be high on your list. 

The Hive at Poppi-Red is a really unique lovely hotel with mountains and a lake view. 

Robin Hoods Bay – North Yorkshire

Robin Hoods Bay is one of those places that leaves me in awe. In the heart of the North York Moors National Park, it has perhaps one of the most picturesque settings.  

Don’t be fooled by the name, though. Despite its ties to the legendary outlaw, evidence suggests that Robin Hood never actually ventured this far north. Perhaps the steep walk down to the village and then back up was too much for him, consider yourself warned.   

Robin Hoods Bay is a maze of tiny, narrow streets, packed with charming old-world cottages that appear as though they’ve been plucked right out of a fairytale. These give way to a beautifully ragged coastline and the juxtaposition is what I love the most. 

I highly recommend adding it to your list of villages in England to explore. Believe me, this delightful destination is well worth the steep climb. 

Stay tuned as we continue our tour through the best villages and towns in England!

The Grosvenor Hotel is just 5 minutes away from the beach and has well-appointed rooms.

Bourton-on-the-Water – Cotswolds

Often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” Bourton-on-the-Water is one of my favorite places.  In the heart of the Cotswolds, this storybook location is, as you have probably guessed on the water. 

Five bridges cross over the River Windrush, and a more enviable view would be difficult to come by. People come here for the bridges and the river alone. 

If you like to have lots of things to do while sightseeing, Bourton-on-the-Water will not let you down. Visit the Bakery on the Water on your way to the Dragonfly Maze, and then stop by the Riverside Café for lunch.  

At the end of the day, consider staying at The Mousetrap Inn , a cozy place of rest that offers a garden, bar, and free Wi-Fi.

The array of villages and towns in England is awe-inspiring and can be a little overwhelming. While this list is only a start I hope it helps you narrow down which is best for you.  

Every one of these English countryside towns I have listed has charm and magic in spades. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spend in these places, we are sure you will come away with your own stories to tell.

Reader Interactions

January 22, 2021 at 12:59 pm

I m from Greece .I leave in a town near thessaloniki,in northern Greece. I love these small villages in England .they have colour,they are beautiful

July 19, 2022 at 5:24 pm

Even seeing these pictures of the English countryside takes my breath away I have been to England many times I never. Stop loving this grateful country

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English Village History

An English Village history. Prepared for mature and senior travellers, couples or solo traveller considering joining a small group tour of England's villages .

4 Apr 18 · 7 mins read

The English Village lives in the imagination of anyone who has ever read classic British literature, or watched a BBC costume drama or binged Midsomer Murders. The archetype is of course a bucolic vision of rolling green pastures and ringing church bells, with narrow lanes and pretty cottages. It is both a relic of a bygone era, and the home of a fiercely protected way of life still lived by many thousands of people across the UK. The English village history is a rich and fascinating story, dating back centuries to before the middle ages. So, whether you’re an experienced enthusiast for the characteristic beauty and history of English villages, or if you’re simply curious to discover more and wish to experience them first hand, you should absolutely check out Odyssey’s nineteen-day Small Group Tour of English Villages . This blog post looks at why the archetype of the English villages exists as it does today, and how it first developed. Then, we take a closer look at a few villages that are worth a visit.

The Origins of the Village

The origins of the English village as it is known today can be traced back to 900 AD , when farms began joining together to form larger clusters. This meant more opportunities for collaboration and protection. Villages often began to form often around a river or other water source. When they first formed, many villages were built around some significant landmark such as a mill, a church or manor house. Families migrated from farmhouses as they transitioned to farming communal fields and communal living, as farming increasingly became work that needed many hands. As open fields came into style, this increased the efficiency of the practice, farmers cold share horse and ox-teams for ploughing the fields, and allow certain fields to lie fallow while other fields were used, so they could become fertile before being used again.

Today, there are thousands of English villages and, as one would expect, they usually have prettysmall populations. According to the 2011 census, the population of largest village in England, Ecclesfield, is around 32,000, however many villages have a population of just a few hundred.

According to Martin Wainwright, in his book The English Village: History and Traditions, England owes its pattern of village settlements to the Anglo-Saxons who first arrived in the fourth century AD. Replicating the structure of their habitats at home in northern Germany, the Anglo-Saxons “built close to means of communication, along ridges, in valleys, or at the edge of a navigable river, but high enough to avoid winter floods.” Wainwright credits this strategic positioning with the durability of villages. As Normans conquered the Saxons, the social system dependent on the structure of the village remained, with many of the villages ruled over by a manor house or castle, to which the villages gave a portion of their produce, in addition to whatever they would give to the church.

While the social structure of the village was by no means ideal, with much room for oppression and exploitation by those who held onto the power, the system meant that residents and farmers had access to a number of suppliers such as blacksmiths, joiners, and mills, which, through the centuries of the medieval period, became increasingly sophisticated. They charged for their services, and paid dues to the lord of the manor who, in turn, protected them.

Throughout the Middle Ages, individual villages rose and fell, yet the fundamental model remained. It even endured the black death in the fourteenth century, when the disease is believed to have wiped out a third of England’s population.

“In most regions and localities there is a distinct pattern in their siting and their distribution, which is closely related to topographic features, drainage and soil conditions. It needs to be emphasized here that the sites of the large majority of present day English villages were first chosen and occupied long ago when techniques of farming were very undeveloped and when rural people were highly dependent upon the natural environment and what it could provide.”

But while many villages share a common history, they are each a unique product of their own history. Looking deep into the past of any village is usually fascinating, if only because it will likely go back centuries, having been shaped . Following are just a few examples of the hundreds of villages with histories that are worth knowing. So, once you’ve finished this blog, go out and do your own research, as much of the pleasure of learning about the long and strange history of the English Village is a pleasure of discovery.

Today, Ditchling is able to remain picturesque and true to its roots because residents maintain strict rules about what residents can do to their houses, even going so far as to limit the colours that they can be painted. At the centre of the village is the beautiful St. Margaret’s Church, the oldest part of which was built in the 12th century. Around St. Margaret’s, there are a number of standing stones, a popular tourist attraction, which suggest the area has a pagan history.

Ditchling is also the home of the Wings Palace, or Anne of Cleves House , which is said to have formed part of Henry VIII’s annulment settlement with Queen Anne, his fourth wife (there are several such houses that go by this name in the area).

Very different from Ditchling, but equally picturesque, Port Isaac is a community in North Cornwall that is perhaps best known as the home of the TV series Doc Martin. It was also used as the location for the 1970s series Poldark, and scenes from the films The Shell Seekers and Oscar and Lucinda were filmed there. Due to the fame that comes with being a TV shooting location, it has continued to increase in popularity with tourists who wish to see to the rugged and beautiful landscape up close

A beautiful fishing village, Port Isaac has narrow alleys, 18th century homes, and a number of extraordinary walks. Its fishing pier was first constructed during the reign of Henry VIII. The village itself was first developed around the 14th century, as its usefulness as a port for trade, and a fishing centre increased. Today, it’s population is listed as only 721. If you are visiting Port Isaac, it’s recommended that you park in one of the car parks located at the top of the village, and walk to the harbour on foot. This is because street access is very limited, due to narrow streets and cobbled paving.

Some English villages have a history that goes all the way back to the Neolithic period, and Avebury in Wiltshire is one of them. We also happen to visit it on our Small Group Tour of English Villages . With a population of around 500, Among the most gorgeous features of Avebury village are the many thatched roofs, which adorn many of the houses and even the pub, The Red Lion. It claims to be the world’s only pub enclosed by a stone circle. This is because Avebury also home to Avebury Henge , a site of a number of spectacular standing stones. Unlike Stonehenge (which is around a 40 minute drive away from Avebury), access to Avebury Henge is free of charge, and it is a far larger site.

Avebury has a number of buildings well worth viewing, including the parish church, St James’ Anglican, which began its life as an 11th century Saxon nave. Also worth seeing is the Avebury Manor House and Garden, a national trust property next to the church that dates back to the sixteenth century. While the house is privately occupied, a section of it is open to the general public. The gardens are especially beautiful , with medieval walls partitioning garden rooms with raised walks.

In Gloucestershire, Bibury is located on the River Coln. When the 19th century craftsman William Morris described Bibury, he called it “the most beautiful village in England.” Another village recorded in the Domesday Book, it is referred to as Becheberie, and recorded as being held by St Mary’s Priory at Worcester.

The village is characterised by yellowish seventeenth century stone cottages. The village was once based around a mill, and many of these cottages would have been occupied by weavers who supplied the cloth. A visit to Bibury isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Arlington Row, likely among the most photographed scenes in The Cotswolds (it’s also notable for appearing on all UK passports issued since 2010, and featuring in Stardust and Bridget Jones’s Diary).

The largest building in Bibury is Bibury Court, a Jacobean country house that was built in the sixteenth century, and extended into 1633. From 1968 to 2015 it served as a hotel, but it is now a private residence.

Odyssey Traveller

Odyssey runs a small group tour dedicated to visiting English Villages that runs for 19 days. However, we also run a great range of tours covering the entirety of the British Isles. If you’d like to find out more, click here! Or give us a call on 1300 888 225 and see what you can find that suits your needs.

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The prettiest villages in England

By Leonie Cooper

Blessed with a bounty of beautiful villages, it’s difficult to travel too far in England without stumbling across a perfectly picturesque place to put your feet up and watch the world – or at least a tiny but lovely part of it – go by. From Cumbria to Cornwall , and with Yorkshire , Norfolk, Surrey, Kent , Devon and more on the way, we’ve pulled together 10 of the prettiest, worth visiting not just for their village greens, historic pubs and dreamy views, but some much needed calm in a hectic world.

While the masses flock to St Ives, you’ll find the breathtaking Zennor a 10-minute drive west – or slightly longer if you decide to walk down the rocky Cornish coastal path . The nearby cliffs and moors might look foreboding, but this historic village offers a folklore-filled and tucked-away charm. Visit the 12th-century church St Senara and find its famous medieval mermaid carving before hiking up to the bronze age burial chamber Zennor Quoit. No stay is complete without a pint and a ploughman’s lunch at The Tinners Arms, a Grade II listed pub favoured by writer DH Lawrence.

If it’s good enough for one of the greatest romantic poets of all time, then it’s good enough for us. William Wordsworth called Grasmere ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’ and we can see why – the Lake District ’s best-loved village is green and gorgeous. Visit Wordsworth’s former home Dove Cottage and graveside at the ancient St Oswald's Church and stay at the secluded Forest Side, a grand gothic mansion with a Michelin-starred restaurant that prides itself on using the finest Cumbrian produce. Wild swimmers will be splashing with joy at the prospect of dipping in Lake Grasmere and neighbouring Rydal Water.

Found in the poetically named Evenlode valley in the Cotswolds , Kingham might be small and secluded, but this cosy village also boasts a reputation as something of a food-lovers hot spot. The Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit are known for their high-end British dining and both act as bijou hotels. Daylesford Organic farm shop and restaurant is also nearby, as is yearly foodie fest The Big Feastival, which happens on land belonging to Alex James, rock’n’roll cheesemonger and bassist with Brit-pop icons Blur.

William Morris knew a thing or two about beauty and it was Bibury that the artist, writer and activist called ‘the most beautiful village in England’. A picture-perfect spot in the Cotswolds, Bibury is best known for the National Trust -protected Arlington Row and its charming weavers’ cottages, which date back to the 14th century. You can even stay in one of them – cottage No. 9 – or try the relaxed old coaching inn The Swan Hotel on the banks of the tranquil River Coln. The 15th-century Catherine Wheel is the only pub in the village, but it’s a friendly boozer with local drinks and food courtesy of Stroud Brewery, Rave Coffee and Bibury Trout Farm.

Flora Vesterberg

Erin Florio

CNT Editors

Maddalena Fossati

Heptonstall

A restorative hike up the hill from the bohemian market town of Hebden Bridge sits the storied Heptonstall, a medieval Yorkshire village made up of cobbled streets and cottages with views over the bucolic Pennine valleys that surround it. There’s a strong literary tradition here – poet Sylvia Path's grave can be found in the churchyard, linked forever to the village where her husband Ted Hughes was raised. It’s also the setting for Ben Myers’ acclaimed novel The Gallows Pole , which is being made into a BBC series by director Shane Meadows in 2021. Find cask ales, pub grub and an open fireplace in The Cross Inn, which dates back to 1611.

Great Massingham

When it comes to village greens, Great Massingham isn’t messing about. This rural Norfolk beauty spot has one of the lushest in the land, dotted with ponds that you can gaze upon from your seat at The Dabbling Duck, a pub and B&B with a game -centric menu and their own Mucky Duck gin. Stay in luxe Hill Farm barns, which has swimming pool , tennis court and sauna, and pop into The Cartshed tearoom for a hefty Huntsman’s Platter complete with local and highly delicious Norfolk Dapple cheese.

In the middle of the incredible Kent Downs, you’ll find Chilham, accessible by both ​​the North Downs and Pilgrims’ Way for the hardy hikers amongst you. It has not one but two castle and a Norman keep built in 1174 as well as a stunning Jacobean mansion from 1616 with gardens designed by the legendary Capability Brown. Used as a location for the BBC’s 2009 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma – it’s that quintessentially English – Tudor timbered houses line the village’s historic market square, including the allegedly haunted, but still absolutely delightful, White Horse pub.

East Prawle

Situated on South Devon ’s bracingly beautiful coastline, East Prawle is surrounded by rural farmland and feels like you’ve taken a trip to the end of the earth, but in the best possible way. The independent Pigs Nose Inn isn’t just a great pub, but also a music venue of note, with artists like the late reggae innovator Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry gracing their stage. Pick up pasties and pastries from family-run Piglet Stores and Cafe and take them down to nearby Lannacombe Beach, a sandy, rugged outcrop perfect for a paddle.

Not to be confused with Ripley in Surrey – though that’s pretty damn cute as well – this North Yorkshire idyll is a gem. It was rebuilt in the 1830s by the Ingilby family with a brand new design based on a French model village featuring great Gothic touches everywhere you look. Not far from the equally impressive Harrogate, Ripley Castle is one of the finest stately homes in England and is worth a visit for the walled garden alone. Get your just desserts at Ripley Ice Cream shop, famous throughout the county for its sweet, creamy cones.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Six miles south of Whitby is a fishing village with a difference. Robin Hood’s Bay is a glorious maze of intricate cobbled streets situated around a quaint, historic port, giving you a peek into its fascinating history as a smugglers paradise. Buy authentic nautical clothing at Berties of Bay, drink Baytown Brewery beer, seek out one of the regular folk music nights at one of the many welcoming local pubs and stay at the cliff-top Victoria Hotel, which featured in the acclaimed 2017 Daniel Day-Lewis film, Phantom Thread .

10 Beautiful English Villages

Known throughout the world for their beauty, the quintessential English village is a magical escape for urban city-dwellers.

Quaint cottages nestled around a village green or bordering little rivers and surrounded by rolling countryside, there are dozens to enjoy across the British Isles.

Here are 10 of our favorite English villages.

1. Abbotsbury, Dorset

With nearly a hundred structures listed by English Heritage for their historic or architectural interest, Abbotsbury will surprise and delight.

Surrounded by hills and sat within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Abbotsbury is only a mile inland from the English Channel coast.

Abbotsbury’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey was founded by one of King Cnut’s nobles from Scandinavia.

Abbotsbury comprises a long street called Rodden Row filled with pretty thatched cottages, some dating to the 1500s and built using stone from the ruined 11th-century Abbey.

Notable for its fine coastal views, the road between Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock reveals an 18-mile section of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site famous for fossil discoveries in the 19th century.

2. Clovelly, Devon

Noted for its steep cobbled main street and stunning views over the Bristol Channel, Clovelly is a privately owned English village with over 800 years of history.

Descending 400 feet to the pier, Clovelly’s main street is too steep for wheeled traffic and uses sleds for deliveries of goods and collection of refuse.

Donkeys used to haul the sleds uphill, but now goods are delivered to the top of the street and the sleds are pulled down the slope by hand, leaving the donkeys free to entertain holidaymakers.

Charles Kingsley’s 1855 British historical novel Westward Ho! which celebrates England’s victories over Spain in the Elizabethan era, mentions this part of North Devon and helped make Clovelly a popular tourist destination.

Captured by artists for its richness of colour, the scenery along the South West Coast Path National Trail from Clovelly to Hartland Quay is particularly spectacular.

3. Dedham, Essex

Formerly a rich wool town and market town, Dedham is a flourishing commercial village, with good old-fashioned shops like a butcher, grocer, delicatessen, and art shop.

Lovely colourful Georgian and Elizabethan timber-framed houses line the High Street.

Nestled along the River Stour on the border between Essex and Suffolk counties, Dedham is frequently rated as having some of England’s most beautiful water-meadow landscapes.

Even on a crisp winter morning, a walk along the River Stour is idyllic, with its rows of evenly-spaced pollarded willow trees.

Dedham is “Constable Country” where famed English Romantic painter John Constable set up his easel to paint iconic scenes.

Revered as one of the greatest British paintings and currently hanging in the National Gallery, London, “The Hay Wain” of 1821 depicts a rural scene on the River Stour with “Willy Lott’s Cottage” in Suffolk on the left and the Essex meadows on the right.

You can visit the famous 16th-century cottage today at Flatford in the heart of the Dedham Vale.

4. Hambleden, Buckinghamshire

Meaning “crooked or irregularly-shaped hill” in Anglo Saxon, Hambleden is a beautiful little village just north of the River Thames about 40 miles west of London.

Hambledon was granted a royal charter in 1315 to hold a market in the village and a fair on St Bartholomew’s Day, August 24, every year.

The brick and flint cottages in the centre of the village have dormer windows topped with red tiles.

Hambleden served as a base for US soldiers in the build up to D-Day 1944 and was depicted as the training ground for Easy Company in the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers.

Used as a location for several films including Disney’s 1996 “101 Dalmatians” and Warner Bros. 1998 “The Avengers”, Hambleden also played host to Johnny Depp and Cristina Ricci for a month-long location shoot during filming for Tim Burton’s 1999 gothic horror “Sleepy Hollow”.

Dating from the 14th century, St Mary’s church has an intricately decorated ceiling and a tower with eight bells.

Hambleden’s village post office also serves as the local shop and cafe.

5. Hawkshead, Cumbria

An important wool market in medieval times, Hawkshead in the Lake District sits in a valley to the west of Windermere and east of Coniston Water.

Originally owned by monks of 12th-century Furness Abbey, once the second-wealthiest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in the country, Hawkshead became prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries.

English Romantic poet William Wordsworth was educated at Hawkshead Grammar School and English writer Beatrix Potter lived nearby, marrying a solicitor from Hawkshead.

Hawkshead’s timeless atmosphere encourages visitors to explore its alleyways, overhanging gables, and medieval squares.

St Michael and All Angels Church in Hawkshead is considered to be one of the best Lake District churches.

Constructed in rubble stone with a slate roof, the 12th-century chapel was extended in 1300 and the north and south aisles added 200 years later.

Listed as a Grade I building of exceptional interest, the interior is thickly whitewashed with five-bay arcades consisting of segmental arches on round piers.

6. Lacock, Wiltshire

Unspoiled and owned almost entirely by the National Trust conservation organization, Lacock’s pristine appearance makes it a popular tourist spot.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book manuscript record of 1086, Lacock was later granted a market and developed a thriving wool industry during the Middle Ages.

Lacock village has been used as a film and television location, most notably the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, a series of Downton Abbey, and brief appearances in two Harry Potter films.

Related post:  To many, Colin Firth IS Mr Darcy … .

St Cyriac’s Church was founded in the 14th century and dedicated to the Norman saint, St Cyriac.

Lacock has two public houses and a number of shops in its High Street including a grocery store, a bakery, gift shops and a National Trust shop.

7. Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Built on the banks of the River Eye in Gloucestershire, records exist showing that Lower Slaughter has been inhabited for over 1000 years.

A 19th-century water mill sits at the west end of the village, complete with an undershot waterwheel and a chimney for additional steam power.

Dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, the 13th-century Anglican parish church was enlarged in 1866, with the spire and peal of six bells benefiting from a recent restoration.

Several small stone footbridges join the two sides of the Lower Slaughter community that is divided by the river.

Honey-coloured Cotswold sandstone adorns the beautiful homes in the village, many with mullioned windows and other embellishments such as projecting gables.

8. Nether Wallop, Hampshire

Derived from the Old English words waella and hop, which together mean “the valley of the springing water”, Nether Wallop was once the site of an ancient battle between Britons and the invading Jutes, in which the Britons were victorious.

Nether Wallop is one of three beautiful villages known as The Wallops, with the other two being Over Wallop and Middle Wallop.

With its many old thatched cottages, Nether Wallop has featured in books and TV as one of the prettiest villages in England.

For over 200 years the village pub, The Five Bells, was the centre of village life and the community social hub, where villagers met to eat and enjoy real ales.

Related post:  The History and Tradition of Social Networking in Britain .

Related post:  18 Gorgeous English Thatched Cottages .

9. Polperro, Cornwall

Tightly-packed ancient fisherman’s cottages, a quaint little harbour, and pristine coastline combine to make Polperro a well-loved tourist destination.

The name Polperro is derived from old Cornish “Porthpyra” meaning “harbour named after Saint Pyran”, a 5th-century Cornish abbot and patron saint of tin miners.

Recognised as a fishing settlement as early as the 13th century, smuggling helped local fishermen boost their income from as early as the 1100s.

High taxation of imports caused by Britain’s wars with France and America made it worthwhile for spirits, tobacco, and other goods to be smuggled from Guernsey and elsewhere.

19th-century Coast Guards and the threat of stiff penalties eventually deterred the smugglers.

Typical old fisherman’s cottages in Polperro had storage for fishing nets on the ground floor with steps leading to the living accommodation above.

Polperro legends include the ghost of smuggler Willy Wilcox who disappeared whilst hiding in the beaches’ labyrinthine caves.

The Spirit of the Forest is said to come down from the woods above the village and leave sweetmeats at the homes of the poor during times of great economic hardship and foretells of good fortune for the recipients.

10. Staithes, North Yorkshire

Once a thriving fishing village, Staithes is now a center for tourism within the North York Moors National Park.

Derived from Old English, the name Staithes means “Landing Place”.

Staithes has a sheltered harbour, bounded by high cliffs and two long breakwaters.

More than half of the houses are second homes of outsiders from cities such as Leeds and York.

Villagers still practice local traditions, with many of the local women buying Staithes bonnets and local men singing in the Staithes Fisher Men’s Choir.

In the late 19th century, there were 80 full-time fishing boats putting out to sea from Staithes.

Now there are a handful of part-time fishermen still plying their trade in traditional fishing vessels called cobles.

Staithes’s most famous resident, James Cook worked as a grocer’s apprentice in 1745, beginning a lifelong passion for the sea.

• Tags Cottages , quaint , quintessential , thatched , village , villages

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English Villages | What Makes The Perfect Village In England (With Examples)

So what exactly makes for the perfect English village?

We had a go at answering that question with our list of the vital elements of a perfectly quintessential English village .

We’ve split them up into essential criteria – the things we reckon a village must have – and optional items that enhance an English village and make it stand out.

The Attributes Of A Great English Village

There are an estimated 3,000 English villages (depending on your definition) and so, to make a village extra special, it should really have as many of the following items as possible:

Old Country Church

It would be difficult to imagine a perfect village in England without a pretty country church somewhere in the centre. Indeed it would have been unthinkable several hundred years ago for any settlement of more than a few houses not to have a church. And for that to have been the most impressive building there.

Many of these churches were started sometime after the normal conquest in 1066, and built on over the next several hundred years, and so there are a whole range of styles and features.

However many an English village has a similar square tower – as opposed to a dome common in continental Europe – with a nave, or main section, housing the congregation’s seating.

Most would also have an altar for communion and a pulpit or lectern for preaching and, almost certainly, they would be of the Church Of England (ie protestant Anglican) denomination.

Many larger villages may have non-denominational or even Catholic church as well, but these would likely to be in less prominent more modern buildings.

The village vicar is (or was) a key member of a village community and it’s likely that the vicarage is also one of prettiest village buildings too.

A Fine Village Pub

Public Houses, or pubs for short, are a very British institution.

They are nominally the same as bars in other countries: places to sit and have a drink or perhaps have something to eat. But they are often much more of a central community meeting point – many look like someone’s house with a living room full of people drinking beer – than a pure commercial bar would suggest.

A traditional pub will have a tap room, or ‘snug’, much more sparsely furnished than the lounge, which would attract a better class of patron (yes, the English class system is still alive and well in pubs).

Many of them are owned by a brewer in order to sell their branded ale. Others are so called ‘free houses’ which sell many types of beer.

In recent years pubs, faced with competition from other forms of entertainment and supermarkets selling alcohol, have expanded to sell great food and wine.

But a ‘proper’ pub should still sell ‘real ale’ – the particularly English type of non-gassy room temperature served dark ale that is an acquired taste (to say the least) for visitors.

Villages will normally contain at least one pub – although an alarming number have closed in recent years – which is a great meeting place for everyone in the village.

Pretty Cottages

It goes without saying that a pretty English village has to have pretty buildings, especially its many houses.

Such cottages will often be built with local stone giving them a distinctive look.

Good examples would be sandstone Cotswold cottages and Yorkshire Dales cottages made with the local limestone. Other elements could include a thatched roof (made of straw), a pretty well kept garden or half timbered walls from the Tudor era (see last month’s issue).

Whatever the type of cottage, it is vital that they be pretty.

Village Green (Optional)

Many villages (particularly those in low lying regions) grew up around an area of common land, able to be used by all villagers, often for feeding sheep and the like.

As this requirement receded they were often turned into village greens or common park like areas for the use of the village.

They’re often the site for the annual village fête, travelling fayre or cricket match. There’s something very very English about a cricket match being played on the village green.

Water (Optional)

Villages situated on a river, lake, sea or other waterway are often the prettiest. A babbling brook flowing past the main street, say, or the sea lapping against the harbour wall, is a lovely addition to a pretty village.

This is usually achieved by default – villages would only spring up around a water source – but it’s still lovely for a village to have some water nearby, even if it’s not a necessity these days.

History and heritage (Optional)

Another great village attribute is a fine history.

We don’t just mean age here – although a good village is likely to be several hundred years old.

We mean it has played a part in some of England’s long and varied history such as being host to a historic event or home to a famous resident.

Towton in North Yorkshire, for example, was home to the bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses.

And Ayot St Lawrence in Hertfordshire was the home of playwright George Bernard Shaw.

Weird Traditions (Optional)

There are some weird and wonderful village traditions in England, all of which we think enhance the place.

Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, for example, is made much the lovelier by holding an annual cheese rolling race, and Ottery St Marys is much more interesting due to its flaming tar barrel processions every year.

Great English Village Examples

Here’s a great selection of the hundreds of pretty villages around England.

We’ve chosen what we reckon to be the prettiest of the main types or locations of village – upland, coastal, Lake District etc – but really could have listed several hundred given the number of gorgeous example there are across the country.

Anyway here are our choices:

Great Tew, Oxfordshire

We start with an archetypal English village: Great Tew in Oxfordshire.

Here you’ll find a pretty country church surrounded by pretty thatched cottages. Although strictly speaking in the Cotswold Hills, it isn’t a typical Cotswold village – the stone is the reddish ironstone rather than the honey coloured sandstone of the Cotswolds (see below for a good example).

The village is a great base for walking, after which you can grab a local Wadworth beer or lunch at the Falkland Arms, featured in the Michelin Guide.

Hawkshead, Cumbria

Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District is a great example of a more rugged upland village.

Cars are banned in the village making Hawkshead’s mix of cobbled lanes, rickety houses and small squares is all the more inviting.

The village also has a strong literary history. William Wordsworth went to the local school, the Old Grammar, staying in Hawkshead during his schooling.

And Beatrix Potter (of Peter Rabbit fame) married a Hawkshead solicitor and lived nearby. The solicitor’s office is now home to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, containing many of her illustrations and original writings.

Port Isaac, Cornwall

Cornwall is full of lovely fishing villages, along its cost of cliffs and caves redolent of the smugglers and pirates that plied their trade in years gone by.

We’ve chosen to feature Port Isaac on the North Cornish Coast, a perfect mix of whitewashed fisherman’s cottages and narrow lanes.

It’s also doubles as Port Wenn in the popular ‘Doc Martin’ TV show. Nominally starring staring Martin Clunes, he’s the first to admit that the real star is the pretty village in which it is filmed.

Kettlewell, Yorkshire

We had to include a Yorkshire Dales village and, despite severe competition, chose Kettlewell.

Located in Upper Wharfedale, in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the village is gorgeous jumble of pretty stone cottages. It also has three excellent pubs.

This being upland sheep farming country the village is surrounded by drystone walls, stone barns and windswept farm houses.

All of which can be explored on one of the many walks in the neighbourhood (we’re a particular fan of the Kettlewell – Starbotton – Buckden walk next to the River Wharfe).

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

We could have chosen several pretty places for our choice of Cotswold village.

Bibury has a fine parade of honey coloured cottages built in Cotswold stone; Lower Slaughter has its Old Mill; and Chipping Camden has the pretty Market Hall on its High Street.

However, our vote has gone to the picture perfect Castle Combe on the River Bybrook.

The bridge over the river leads to a collection of lovely Cotswold stone cottages a 14th century market cross and pretty country church, St Andrews.

The village has attracted TV and movie makers over the years.

Most recently it was the setting for the TV drama Doctor Thorne by Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes.

Grantchester, Cambridgeshire

This pretty fenland village is 2 miles south of Cambridge on the River Cam.

It’s a popular pastime to punt up the Cam to the Orchard Tea Gardens in the village, a meeting place for the Bloomsbury literary set in the early twentieth century.

This loose group of writers and intellectuals included writers EM Forster and Virginia Woolf, economist John Maynard Keynes and the poet Rupert Brooke.

The latter was a resident of Grantchester, living in the Old Vicarage.

As well as four pubs, some pretty cottages and a 14th century church, the village also has a large open area called Grantchester Meadows, great for walks.

Here are some of the other posts on English Villages on the site:

ENGLISH VILLAGE POSTS

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Best Villages in England to Enjoy an Idyllic Day Trip

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The idyllic scene of a stereotypical English village is one that epitomizes perfection, and for visitors to the UK from across the globe is an experience everyone should try to add to their itinerary. However, with so many beautiful villages around England to choose from, the ultimate question is where do you visit first. Dependent on where you are traveling in the UK will likely determine which villages are worth exploring, but one thing is for sure, there are ample villages with plenty of unique character that will make you want to return time and time again.

Before exploring some of the best villages in England, let’s address a frequent misconception with regards to the difference between a “village” and a “town”. The concept of a village is certainly very European, and primarily associated with locations around the United Kingdom. A village is a “small community in a rural area”, however, the key difference is that a village does not have a governing authority, whereas a town is governed by local government and authorities.

Best Villages in England

When you think about idyllic villages around England, I am sure there may be many that spring to mind. Those idyllic settings in the Cotswolds from the movie, The Holiday…or perhaps Clovelly, Devon which is infamous for the steep pedestrianized cobbled main street, are locations that are frequently recognized as some of the most iconic around England.

However, we have collaborated with some of our travel blogging friends to bring you a collection of villages that we think should be on your radar for your next trip to the UK. For those of you that reside in the UK, these are the perfect spot for a day trip and you may well stumble across many other picturesque villages as you explore the list below.

Let’s take a look at which villages we will be focusing on and please don’t hesitate to share your favorite English villages in the comments at the bottom of this post.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Finchingfield, grantchester, minster lovell.

Fairytale-like Amberley appears frozen in time. Visiting idyllic Amberley seems like going back to the 19th century. The picturesque village features stunning thatched cottages, a medieval castle, lovely old brick houses, arresting gardens, and breathtaking greenery.

The tiny village of only 600 people is well-liked by artists and nature enthusiasts. The picture-perfect Amberley is set amid unspoiled nature with the beautiful Amberley Wildbrooks Nature Reserve. Close to the reserve, there is the 900-year-old Amberley caste. Today the caste is a top luxury hotel and one of the most romantic venues for weddings, festive celebrations, and retreats in England.

Besides the Amberley castle and the nature reserve, one of the must-see places in the village is the Amberley Working Museum. The open-air museum with more than 40 exhibits of machinery and tools shows the industrial past of Sussex. The museum was even a filming location of James Bond’s A View to a Kill. But the coziest place to pamper yourself with some of the  best British foods  (think of proper English tea with milk, yummy scones with jam and clotted cream or delicious Victoria sponge cake) in the village is Amberley Village Tea Room.

Amberley is only 10 min drive from Arundel and about one hour drive from Brighton. Amberley is also well-connected to London with a direct train line. So if you want to see one of the prettiest villages in England on a day trip from London, you need to check out Amberley.

Click the following link to find the location of Amberley, West Sussex on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Milijana Gabrić from World Travel Connector

A village that has a castle, a beach and a national hero has to be something like perfect. And that’s what you’ll find with the lovely  village of Bamburgh . Bamburgh is located on Northumberland’s coast and is picture-postcard pretty. This is a glorious village in England’s most northerly county.

Throughout this idyllic village, you will find fabulous cozy pubs, a fantastic village green and, of course, the castle, which is in a magnificent position over one of the world’s best beaches.

When visiting Bamburgh you should visit the RNLI (the Royal National Lifeboat Institution) museum, which houses the Grace Darling Museum commemorating Victorian Britain’s great heroine. Grace was just 22 when she worked with her father, the lighthouse man, to row out and rescue survivors of a shipwreck in 1838. Be sure to take a trip to the Longstone Lighthouse which is where Grace Darling lived with her family.

There are some great hotels and cottages to rent in the area, but the best place to stay in Bamburgh is in the castle itself, where you can rent an apartment with stunning views over the coast.

Click the following link to find the location of Bamburgh, Northumberland on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Sara from Northumberland’s Best

William Morris described Bibury as the most beautiful village in England it is hard to disagree. The village is located in the Cotswold’s, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Bibury was first mentioned in the Domesday Book and has changed very little over the centuries.

One of the biggest attractions in Bibury is Arlington Row. The historic homes of Arlington Row were originally constructed as wool storage buildings in 1380 and later converted into weavers’ dwellings. Opposite Arlington Row is Rack Isle where the cloth was hung to dry by the weavers.

Other Cotswold attractions in Bibury include the Bibury Trout Farm and the picturesque River Colne which runs through the village.

There are a couple of recommended places to eat in Bibury. The Swan Hotel offers a menu of local produce in their brasserie and bar and a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy it. In winter warm up around the log fire at the Catherine Wheel pub after a walk around the village. They also serve delicious meals in the bar or restaurant.

Click the following link to find the location of Bibury, Gloucestershire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Tracy from UK Travel Planning

Often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswold’s”, Bourton-on-the-Water is hands down one of the most idyllic villages in England. Characterized by quintessential stone cottages, this Southern English town is also one of the prettiest Cotswold’s villages out there.

Cutting through Bourton-on-the-Water is the picturesque River Windrush, and the views along the riverbank are simply stunning. In fact, taking a relaxing stroll along the river is the main thing to do in this village. All along the way, you’ll come across cafes, bakeries, and outdoor restaurants. Be sure to stop by Rose Tree Restaurant for a delicious meal, and Bakery on the Water for a cozy afternoon tea.

There are also plenty of unique things to do in town. Stop by the adorable Model Village to see many tiny replicas of this village. You will feel like a giant there! You can also check out the Cotswold Motoring Museum for a large collection of vintage cars. Lastly, if you adore animals, don’t miss Birdland Park & Gardens. You can even spot penguins and flamingos there!

With plenty of activities to offer both adults and children, Bourton-on-the-Water is the perfect place to spend a day or two relaxing in the laid-back Cotswold’s atmosphere.

Click the following link to find the location of Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad

Castleton is a small and quaint village found in the Hope Valley in the beautiful Peak District National Park. Although it’s small, there are many exciting things to do and the village itself is a lovely place to wander around or for a base whilst you explore the national park.

For history lovers, be sure to visit the ruins of Peveril Castle, which you can reach on foot from the village. For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the UK’s most popular walks, Mam Tor , is just on its doorstep, with fantastic views over the Peak District and beyond. Finally, be sure to take in the indescribable views from Winnats Pass – an impressive limestone gorge with beautiful scenery.

There are also impressive Caverns, including Blue John’s Cavern, where you can go on an underground tour to experience the beauty of the Blue John stone, a mineral that has been excavated for centuries.

There are also fantastic places to grab a coffee and cake in the village, for example, Peveril Store. Alternatively, you can enjoy a classic pub lunch and a pint if that’s more your style. The Olde Ye Nags Head is a great place to start, and they offer accommodation too!

Click the following link to find the location of Castleton, Derbyshire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Rachel from Average Lives

When you think about idyllic English villages, the scene of Downham in the heart of Lancashire is perhaps one that is synonymous with this stereotype. This charming village is a perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Manchester to experience a sense of solitude as you admire the historic architecture and quaintness that is epitomized throughout the village.

Downham, Lancashire is located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, only 30 miles north of Manchester and easily accessible if you travel by car. The history of Downham dates back to the mid-15th century and the Assheton family who are responsible for the village and surrounding estate. St. Leonard’s Church stands proudly overlooking the village and dates back to the 15th-century when the village was first established.

After taking some time to explore the village, head to The Assheton Arms to enjoy a pint of their finest brews on tap. Learn from locals about the inherent beauty of Downham is such that it has been used as a location in several films, the most famous being “Whistle Down the Wind” starring Alan Bates and Hayley Mills.

One of the most photogenic villages in Essex is Finchingfield, located near Braintree. It first appears in the Doomsday Book in 1086, where it was listed as a stop between London and Norwich. In modern times, the village sits around a duck pond and village green, with a cute humpback bridge. The cottages surrounding the village are painted in different colors.

The Fox Inn is a great pub overlooking the duck pond, or alternatively Winners Cafe is a great place for a cream tea. For things to see and do, Finchingfield Post Mill is the oldest windmill in Essex, dating back to the 1700s.

During the summer months,  Finchingfield Camping  offers day passes to their lavender farm. Visitors can relax in the lavender fields with a picnic and the small entrance fee also includes ‘cut-your-own’ lavender. They also have fully furnished stargazing Lotus Belle tents for a glamping experience!

Click the following link to find the location of Finchingfield, Essex on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Kylie Neuhaus from Essex Explored and Between England & Iowa

Grantchester is a wonderful, small village in Cambridgeshire, located near the River Cam. It is well known for its old-style thatched cottages and narrow winding streets. This picturesque village is also the home of a medieval Church that dates all the way back to the 12th Century.

Visitors mostly arrive by walking or during the hotter months by pole punting up the river. There is plenty to see along the journey and loads of wildlife. Also, the water in Grantchester is quite clean, making it one of the best spots for swimming in Cambridgeshire (in nature). It’s also one of the  best spots for walking in Cambridgeshire  and is surrounded by idyllic trails and beautiful nature reserves.

There are some great pubs and shops in Grantchester with a popular pub being the Red Lion, located near Grantchester Meadows and the River Cam. This pub has an open wood fire, so during the colder months you can sit in this pub and cozy up near the fire with a hot drink. 

With all the beautiful old-style buildings, wildlife, and rich history, Grantchester is one of the most picturesque and idyllic villages you can visit in England.

Click the following link to find the location of Grantchester, Cambridgeshire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Alice from Adventures of Alice

If you’re on the lookout for the best villages in England to visit and you find yourself up north, Hathersage offers an excellent day-out adventure for visitors who wants to spend time in an idyllic rural village.

Due to its sought-after location, Hathersage in more recent years has become a popular tourist destination with people looking for  places to visit in the north of England  that are within easy reach of the main cities. Located around 10 miles south-west of Sheffield you’ll find all the characteristics of traditional village life in the countryside.

Many come here in search of the prince of thieves legend which can be discovered at Robin Hood’s cave. Another popular thing to do is to hike up to Stanage Edge where you can get amazing views of the Peak District.

Places such as the George Hotel which is known for its fine character and authentic pub food are popular with those in search of accommodation so you can book a room if you want a longer stay. Whether you visit on a weekday or a busy bank holiday afternoon, you won’t be disappointed with what you find.

Click the following link to find the location of Hathersage, Derbyshire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Dan from Urban Abroad

The little town of Hawkshead is located in the Lake District around 40 minutes west of Lake Windermere. Hawkshead isn’t a huge tourist destination and just small enough to be charming. If you’re on a road trip through the UK and looking for the best villages in England this is the perfect choice.

The Lake District is known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. Hawkshead is a prime example and great for a day trip. Stroll through the historic streets, admire the ancient houses and go for a hike through nature in the nearby Grizedale Forest.

Hawkshead is also home to the popular chocolate factory where visitors can make their own chocolates and later take them home. The Old Cobblers Cafe is one of the best spots in town for a cup of coffee or a tea as you warm up from the most likely cold weather. Have a piece of cake or a sandwich and enjoy the quaint atmosphere in this beautiful town.

Click the following link to find the location of Hawkshead, Cumbria on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Once the home of perhaps the greatest literary family in British history, Haworth has become a mecca for those that loved the work of the Brontë sisters. It’s not simply the cobbled pathways and the step main street leading up to the parsonage with it beautiful, niche and boutique shops to wander around that will attract you to this little gem in Yorkshire, but also the wide, expanding, views of the rolling moors that stretch as far as the eye can see and said to be in part, the inspiration for many of the girls works, including Wuthering Heights .

The vintage feel is also a draw to this charming little village, and wandering around, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped back in time. No visit would be complete without opening the door to the treasures held within The Cabinet of Curiosities, an old apothecary shop, home to display cabinets full of delights simply waiting for a new home. Close by, you will discover Wave of Nostalgia , a shop dedicated to all women, not just the Brontë’s where you will find unique items, feminist reads and locally designed clothing.

For lunch, consider visiting The Fleece Inn , the one-time watering hole of Branwell Brontë, brother to the famous siblings and renowned for its homemade pies, beer selection and warm Yorkshire welcome. It also has rooms available for anyone wanting to spend a night or two to explore not only the village but also Brontë Waterfall and wander the wild rugged moors to Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse, said to be the setting that inspired Emily Brontë’s most famous work. For those less excited by the literature connection there is also plenty of galleries and a gin brewery to explore as well.

Click the following link to find the location of Haworth, West Yorkshire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Tamason Gamble from Travelling Book Junkie

Lacock is a small village nestled in the rolling hills of Wiltshire. It is just a short distance from Bristol and Bath but couldn’t be further from the bustle of the two cities.

Lacock has just four roads that form a square. These were laid out intentionally as part of the medieval planned town and include the church which is where the village started. The village if full of small cottages that have a mix of roof lines, small windows, and tiny doorways. As well as the houses there is the old workhouse, the medieval tithe barn, and the adjacent lock up.

On the edge of the village is Lacock Abbey. This was established in the 13 th  Century and has beautiful gardens. It also has an interesting museum about the history photography as this was where Fox Talbot lived, one of the pioneers of early photography.

Lacock is probably best known as a film location. It has appeared in Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford as well as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price and Wolfman. For such a small village, Lacock has an abundance of pubs and cafes, all of which produce beautiful food.

Click the following link to find the location of Lacock, Wiltshire on G oogle Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Suzanne from Meandering Wild

The quaint and  beautiful Cotswolds village  of Minster Lovell is found in Witney in West Oxfordshire. 

This underrated village is rarely visited but has some beautiful things to see, especially the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall. Set next to the picturesque River Windrush, the manor house was built in the 15th century by one of the richest men in England, but has been left in ruins since the 18th century and is currently looked after by English Heritage. (TOP TIP: The ruins are especially beautiful in Autumn when they are surrounded by colorful leaves).

The village of Minster Lovell also has rows and rows of the chocolate box houses you would expect in any Cotswold’s village, as well as a great pub (The Old Swan) and a stunning spa and hotel called Minster Mill. It is set in 65 acres of beautiful gardens and meadows and offers afternoon tea from Wednesday to Sunday.

Click the following link to find the location of Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Roshni Patel from The Wanderlust Within

The village of Polperro is a very picturesque place in Southeast Cornwall, close to Looe. It is a small place in a tree lined valley with some nice cliffs where the village meets the sea.  Polperro has a beautiful harbor , a nice beach and a tidal pool for swimming.

The cliffs on either side of the village are fantastic for a hike and it’s on the Southwest Coast Path. The harbor is great for a mooch around and is beautiful. You can also go on a boat trip to see the Polperro heritage coast or go on a sea fishing trip.

Dining out in Polperro is fantastic and the restaurants showcase the locally caught seafood. The Three Pilchards is a fantastic pub serving seafood, including scallops and a cold seafood platter. Another notable mention is the Blue Peter Inn, who also does some fantastic seafood dishes.

Polperro is a lovely village to visit for a day trip or use as a base for a Cornwall holiday.

Click the following link to find the location of Polperro, Cornwall on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Rich from RJOnTour

Nestled on the coast of North Yorkshire, Staithes is one of the most picturesque villages in England. Impressive cliff sides, breathtaking coastal vistas, historic harbor and delicious seafood make this  pretty Yorkshire village  a perfect destination for an authentic village experience.

Staithes is best enjoyed by walking. Get lost exploring every nook and cranny of this hidden gem. Visit the harbor – Staithes has a long history of working as a fishing port. Actually, the name ‘Staithes’ comes from a Viking word meaning ‘Landing Place’. Today, you can still see some of the fishing boats docked in the harbor.

Cleveland Way, a popular 110-mile walking trail, runs through Staithes. If you are fond of walking, do the stretch from the center of this village to Runswick Bay. You would get to admire a cracking view of the impressive Yorkshire coastline.

Also, visit the Staithes Heritage Centre. You would get to learn a great deal of history about this village and its connection with Captain Cook – a famous 18th-century explorer who spent his early life here.

The village has a great seafood scene as well. Pop into The Cod & Lobster and try out their fresh seafood dishes.

Click the following link to find the location of Staithes, North Yorkshire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Moumita from Chasing The Long Road

Tintagel is a small village, but it’s absolutely bursting with myths and legends. Sitting high on the cliffs above Cornwall’s epic coastline, Tintagel is home to Tintagel Castle, which is allegedly where King Arthur was born.

This mythology is not necessarily true, but it was an important castle and trading location in the early medieval period. After the myth about King Arthur being born here was conceived in the 12th century, Richard Earl of Cornwall built the castle that we see today. He wanted to associate himself with the legend that was King Arthur!

The castle is easily the most popular of all the things to do in Tintagel , but there’s plenty more to enjoy too. Visit the Medieval post office, learn more about King Arthur at King Arthur’s Great Halls, take in the epic coastline of the area or browse some of the quirky shops.

There are a lot of places for eating too – try the Olde Malthouse pub which dates back hundreds of years.

Many people visit Tintagel on a day trip, but there are plenty of places to stay as well, including a campsite and a grand hotel called Camelot Castle.

Click the following link to find the location of Tintagel, Cornwall on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Claire from Go South West England

Wycoller is a tiny, hidden village in east Lancashire, close to the border with Yorkshire. The village is set on the edge of the narrow Wycoller Beck which flows down off the moors and runs through the village where it is crossed by several picturesque, historic bridges. The handful of houses in Wycoller are gorgeous, with period features like mullioned windows and dates carved into their honey-colored stone. The old dairy is now a tea room which does a roaring trade in ice creams and candy floss on summer afternoons.

Across the beck, you’ll find the ruins of  Wycoller Hall . This was once an imposing country house which was remodeled several times, most notably by its last owner, who died penniless in 1818. The abandoned house caught the attention of Charlotte Brontë, who knew Wycoller well, and she immortalized it as the gloomy Ferndean Manor in her novel Jane Eyre. 

Up on the hill above Wycoller you’ll find a more modern attraction. The Atom Panopticon is a large piece of sculpture, created in 2006 as part of a series of sculptures in east Lancashire, all with astonishing views. The Atom has wonderful views over the rolling countryside, towards Pendle Hill.

Click the following link to find the location of Wycoller, Lancashire on Google Maps and plan a route based on your location.

By Helen from Helen on her Holidays

Whether you are traveling north, south, east, or west, you can be sure that throughout England you are likely to stumble across a picturesque village that is worth exploring. We are delighted to share a collection of some of the best villages across England, but also understand that this barely touches the surface and are always looking to explore new hidden gem.

We would like to reiterate our appreciation to all of the amazing bloggers from across the globe for sharing their insights into their idea of an idyllic English village, and hopefully you will share some of your favorite spots in the comments below.

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A guide to the very best shopping in Moscow

Sep 17, 2019 • 5 min read

While shopping in GUM department store be sure to check out its famous glass roof © Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock

Shopping in Moscow can be quite a daunting experience – you can walk for miles without finding anything but mass-market brands and overpriced boutiques. But, if you do it right, it can also be quite fun. Here are our top tips on how to get the most out of your shopping trip in Moscow.

Shopping malls 

There are many shopping malls all around Moscow, but there three that double as bona fide tourist attractions: GUM, TsUM and Detsky Mir, all within walking distance from each other. GUM is one of the oldest department stores in the country. It’s famous for the glass roof designed by one of Russia’s most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov.  Today it serves as a high-class shopping mall. There are plenty of luxury shops, a supermarket that sells lots of signature Russian goods and several places to eat. Head to the more expensive  Bosco Cafe with a Kremlin view or, for a budget option, try the Soviet-style cafeteria Stolovaya No 57 . GUM also occasionally hosts contemporary art exhibitions in one of its three main aisles.

The Red Square and beyond: a guide to Moscow’s neighbourhoods

TsUM  is another shopping mall from the pre-revolutionary times. It’s the most luxurious store in the city, famous for its paper bags that many Muscovites carry around or post pictures of on Instagram to let everyone know they shop there. Full of haute couture boutiques, TsUM also has a rooftop restaurant Buro , frequented by Russian celebrities. Tsentralny Detsky Mir  children's store is perfect if you are looking for a gift for a kid or want to check out its awesome viewing platform with good views over central Moscow. At just R50 per ticket it’s a steal. 

Food stalls and markets 

There are two food markets that are worth checking out in Moscow.  Danilovsky Market  became the trailblazer of Moscow’s foodie revolution when it got an uplift in 2017. As well as many trendy food stalls, the market also hosts lectures, film viewing and even theatre productions, and it recently opened an antiques section. It’s an architectural landmark, a masterpiece of late Soviet modernism that looks like a UFO. Food at  Usachevsky Market  tends to be a bit more pricey and upmarket. Both markets also sell plenty of fresh produce, local cheeses and cured meats.

Antiques and flea markets 

Shopping can also be a way to get away from the major landmarks and explore some sights off the beaten path. Moscow’s #1 flea market is  Izmailovsky , located in and around the pseudo-historical complex 'Izmailovsky Kremlin' with its colourful walls and domes. Open daily, it’s best to come here on the weekend to catch better deals. Admittedly tacky, Kremlin has a handful of weird museums like the Vodka History Museum or Baba Yaga Museum (Baba Yaga is a Russian fairy tale character). Part of the market had been gentrified into creative cluster Vernissage , with hipster coffee shops, various workshops and Svalka , an enormous two-floor secondhand shop with everything from used books to vintage clothing.

For high-class antiques, rare books and icons head to Antikvarnaya Lavka (Antique Store) just off Bolshaya Nikitskaya street (5 Kalashny Pereulok). Here you can snag a real masterpiece – a painting or a sculpture – but the prices are quite steep. 

Four great day trips from Moscow

If you are looking for a more authentic place with less hustle, one option is the antiques market on the premises of vodka distillery Crystal (4 ul Samokatnaya), which you can reach by taking tram 20 to Samokatnaya ul from the exit of metro Chkalovskaya. The market is located in the basement of one of the red-brick factory buildings. There are plenty of antiques, books and various Soviet-time memorabilia, such as Stalin and Lenin busts. While at Crystal, be sure to check out great works of street art – they are all around the factory premises. 

For die-hard antique collectors there’s also a place right outside of Moscow – Novopodrezkovo market (also know as Levsha market). Take a suburban train from Leningradsky station to Novopodrezkovo (approximately half an hour), cross the tracks to the other side and there you’ll find it – a treasure trove of used books, vinyl records, clothing, paintings and antique furniture.   

Where to shop for Russian designs

Gosha Rubchinskiy might be the only Russian clothing designer of world renown, especially after his collaboration with Kanye West, but there are many more up-and-coming fashion stars worth checking out. One of the places to do it is KM20 , the place Moscow fashionistas, with streetwear brands from all over the world and a lot of very rare items. There's also one of the best vegetarian cafes in Moscow on second floor. 

GUM shopping mall has a two-storey store devoted to Russian designers –  Sektsiya (Section). Section sells products made by 50 Russian brands, from accessories to Heart of Moscow souvenir pins. Plus there’s a bar overlooking the Red Square. 

If you are not into high fashion, but still interested in getting a cool outfit with Cyrillic script, check out the creative cluster centred around two abandoned factories: Flakon and Khlebozavod . One of the biggest stores is Zaporozhets Heritage  at Flakon , which sells clothing and accessories styled after various Soviet pop culture icons. The northern part, Khlebozavod, hosts several shops like Yunost  and Khlebny  that take a more punk-rock approach to streetwear. After shopping, have a pint at a great local craft beer bar Svoboda  or a coffee at Floo .        

Sputnik 1985 is a Russian clothing brand specialising in hoodies and hats with quotes in Cyrillic and retro prints. The store is located in a courtyard on Pokrovka street (19 Ulitsa Pokrovka). 

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• Store Directory
• Hours/Directions
• Chico’s
• Greene Street

Norman’s Hallmark

• Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
• J.Crew Factory
• Jems Jewels & Gold
• Jos. A. Bank
• Jules Thin Crust
• Kumo Asian Bistro
• LensCrafters
• Massage Envy
• Scout & Molly’s
• Sport Clips
• The Good Feet Store
• Trader Joe’s
• Trinity Rehab
• Turning Point
• Waxing The City

Norman’s Hallmark is OPEN at The Shoppes at English Village!

215.693.5451

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Employment Opportunities

• Download Center Map PDF