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The prettiest villages in Britain

From idyllic village greens to meandering streams and thatched cottages, the UK is home to an array of picturesque villages.

But which of these chocolate box hamlets ticks all the boxes for the perfect village day out, whether you’re searching for tea rooms, quaint galleries or National Trust charm, here is our pick of the crop of the best countryside villages to visit

1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Picturesque Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England
Picturesque Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England

Tucked away in a Cotswold valley is Castle Combe. Wander around idyllic streets and spot the honey-coloured houses used in films from War Horse to Doctor Dolittle. Just a few miles away is the Georgian city of Bath, Stonehenge and the Wiltshire White Horses as well as the stately home and gardens of Longleat and Stourhead.

2. Polperro, Cornwall

Building at the water's edge and boats moored in the harbour at the quaint fishing village of Polperro, Polperro, Cornwall, England.
Building at the water's edge and boats moored in the harbour at the quaint fishing village of Polperro, Polperro, Cornwall, England.

This charming village in South Cornwall features narrow, winding streets, quaint fisherman’s cottages and a quaint fishing harbour. Car-free, travel around it instead on an old-fashioned tram. Cobbled streets are home to boutiques selling locally made handicrafts. A visit to the harbour for fresh crab is a must as are the coastal footpath walks that lead out from the village.

3. Beddgelert, Gwynedd, North Wales

Snowdonia’s most beautiful village is surrounded by epic vistas, located next to the scenic Glaslyn Gorge. Its two pretty rivers, Colwyn and Glaslyn converge alongside the Welsh stone houses. Visit the winding tunnels of nearby Sygun Copper Mine and marvel at the medieval beauty of St Mary’s Church. Author Alfred Bestall set his world famous Rupert Bear stories in Beddgelert.

4. Bibury, Gloucestershire

Row of quaint stone cottages in the Cotswold village of Bibury, Bibury, Gloucestershire, England.
Row of quaint stone cottages in the Cotswold village of Bibury, Bibury, Gloucestershire, England.

Hamlets don’t come more chocolate box than Bibury, described by William Morris as the ‘most beautiful village in England.’ Visit the charming Arlington Row - idyllic, hobbit-like weavers cottages that date back to 1380. Rack Isle, a National Trust wild English meadow, untouched for hundreds of years is a lovely place to wander around and spot wildlife. Or visitors can head to the Trout Farm where you can catch your own fish from the river Coln for dinner.

5. Crail, Fife, Scotland

Fife Coastal trail. The fishing village of Crail on the East Neuk of Fife. Fishing boats moored. Sheltering mooring and a historic harbour wall. Sunset.
Fife Coastal trail. The fishing village of Crail on the East Neuk of Fife. Fishing boats moored. Sheltering mooring and a historic harbour wall. Sunset.

This enchanting fishing village has cobbled streets that tumble down to a quaint harbour. Hugged by scenic cliffs and surrounded by fishing cottages. Visit the 13th century St Mary’s Church, one of Scotland’s most beautiful ancient churches. Crail Museum, Pottery and Jerdan Gallery are top attractions here and each summer the Crail Festival features concerts and sandcastle making competitions.

By Sophie Tweedale