When people think of England, they often picture London or Oxford, but the country’s true charm lies in its villages. These places feel like stepping back in time, with cobbled streets, stone cottages, and historic pubs.
Over the last decade, I’ve travelled across England, exploring its most beautiful towns and villages. I’ve shared many of them on my YouTube channel and written detailed guides here on my blog, such as the most beautiful towns in West Sussex, the prettiest villages in Kent, and my recent video about Whitby.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite villages – from hidden gems to famous spots you’ve probably seen in films, plus a couple of extra villages like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay that I recently visited.
Whether you’re planning a trip to England or looking for a weekend break, this list will help you discover beautiful villages, with tips on where to stay and the best things to do in each.
Bibury, Cotswolds
Bibury is often described as “the most beautiful village in England,” a title given by William Morris, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the Cotswolds, Bibury is famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages, especially along Arlington Row, which is one of the most photographed spots in the country.
I’ve visited Bibury a few times, and while it’s a small village, it can get very crowded, especially during weekends and peak seasons. The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the evening before sunset, when it’s quieter and the light makes it even more magical.
When you visit, stroll along the River Coln, take photos of Arlington Row, and explore the nearby trout farm. Films like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust were shot here, adding to its timeless charm.
If you’re in London, visiting Bibury as part of a Cotswolds Villages and Oxford full-day tour is a great introduction to the Cotswolds, giving you the chance to explore several villages in one day
If you want to stay overnight, The Swan Hotel is a lovely option, located right by the river with beautiful views and classic Cotswold character.
Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole is a quaint fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall. It used to be the main port until the 16th century, when the Spaniards burned the entire village to the ground. The only surviving building still stands today and was featured in the Poldark TV series.
When I visited Mousehole, I loved wandering its narrow streets, discovering beautiful galleries, small independent shops, and cosy restaurants. Although it’s a small village, there is plenty to do and see, attracting everyone from holidaymakers to photographers and history lovers.
The main attraction is Mousehole Harbour, where you can walk along the harbour wall and enjoy spectacular views across Mount’s Bay. On a calm day, it’s the perfect spot to sit and watch the fishing boats go by.
For a place to stay, The Ship Inn offers comfortable rooms right by the harbour, with great food and beautiful sea views.
Rye, East Sussex
Rye is one of the most beautiful villages in England. This charming medieval town in East Sussex feels like stepping into a fairytale. Less than two hours from London, it’s perfect for a day trip or weekend break.
One of its highlights is Mermaid Street, often called one of the most photographed streets in the country, with its cobbled lane and historic houses. At the end of Mermaid Street, you’ll find St Mary’s Church, built around 900 years ago. If you’re up for it, climb the tower for panoramic views over the town and the surrounding countryside.
Just a short drive away is Camber Sands, a long stretch of golden dunes, ideal for a relaxing beach day. Some people might prefer to rent a bike and cycle to the beach. You can even hire a fat tyre e-bike to explore the area with ease and enjoy the coastal views.
If you’re staying overnight, The Mermaid Inn offers a unique experience in a historic building right on Mermaid Street.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Next on the list is Corfe Castle, a picturesque village set in the stunning countryside of Dorset. The village is famous for its iconic castle, which has been standing for nearly 1,000 years, and it’s one of the most well-preserved and impressive ruins in the country.
Corfe Castle is one of the most beautiful villages in the UK. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and range of activities, it’s no wonder it’s become such a popular destination.
Beyond the castle itself, the village offers plenty to see and do. You can explore quaint shops, relax in cosy pubs, and enjoy some great local restaurants. If you love the outdoors, Corfe Castle is surrounded by amazing hiking and cycling trails that take you through the rolling hills and beautiful landscapes of the area.
The first time I visited Corfe Castle, I joined a Jurassic Coast day tour. It’s a great way to explore not just the village but also other parts of the Jurassic Coast without worrying about driving or parking.
If you’re staying overnight, Mortons Manor is a lovely hotel just a short walk from the castle.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England and one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds. Walking through this village truly feels like stepping back in time; no new houses have been built here for over 400 years, so it has kept its authentic, old-world charm.
Castle Combe is also a popular spot for photography. Its picture-perfect streets and historic bridge have gone viral on social media many times. While visiting the village should definitely be on your list, it’s important to remember that this is a residential village, so please be respectful of the locals.
This fairytale village is located just over 10 miles north of Bath and around 100 miles from London. This means you can easily plan a day trip from either London or Bath. If you’re staying in Bath, you can join a private Cotswolds day tour with pickup or a small group Cotswolds experience tour to explore Castle Combe and other nearby villages.
If you want to stay overnight, The Manor House Hotel offers luxury rooms and beautiful gardens right in the village.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby is a historic coastal town in North Yorkshire, famous for its dramatic abbey ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Whitby had been on my list for so long, but since it’s quite far from where we live in Surrey, we finally visited when we were in York, as it’s just a short drive away, making it an ideal day trip if you’re exploring Yorkshire.
In my Whitby video, I shared the best things to do in this charming town. You can walk up the famous 199 steps to reach Whitby Abbey and take in panoramic views over the harbour and the North Sea. The town itself is full of narrow streets lined with independent shops selling everything from traditional sweets to local crafts.
Don’t miss trying fresh fish and chips by the harbour. Whitby is known for having some of the best in England. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can take a boat trip to see the rugged Yorkshire coastline from the water.
For a comfortable stay, Saltmoore offers modern rooms with sea views and an excellent location near Whitby beach and the town centre.
Lacock, Wiltshire
Lacock is a stunning medieval village less than a 30-minute drive from Bath and only 50 minutes from Stonehenge. This charming village, owned and managed by the National Trust, feels like it’s frozen in time, thanks to its beautifully preserved medieval and Georgian architecture.
It’s also famous as a film location, having featured in popular movies and TV series like Pride & Prejudice, Downton Abbey, and Harry Potter. If you want to make the most of your visit, you can join a Stonehenge and Lacock day tour from Bath to explore both historic sites in one day without worrying about transport.
If you’re staying overnight, The Sign of the Angel is a beautiful 15th-century inn offering comfortable rooms and traditional dining right in the heart of the village.
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Shaftesbury is a charming village located in the hills of North Dorset, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We visited Shaftesbury while on a road trip from London to Cornwall, and it was the perfect stop to stretch our legs and take in the views.
One of the town's most famous landmarks is Gold Hill. The ancient cobbles became famous after featuring in the popular 1970s TV advert for Hovis bread, which shows a boy pushing up Gold Hill to deliver a loaf of bread before freewheeling back down to the baker’s shop.
Visitors to Shaftesbury can wander up Gold Hill and take in the stunning views across Blackmore Vale, which is described as “one of the most romantic sights in England”.
But Shaftesbury has much more to offer than just Gold Hill. The town is steeped in history. The High Street is lined with beautiful Georgian buildings, and there are numerous museums and galleries to explore.
For an overnight stay, The Grosvenor Arms offers stylish rooms and a cosy atmosphere, just steps away from Shaftesbury’s main sights.
Aylesford, Kent
Aylesford is a small, picturesque village in Kent that’s perfect for a peaceful day out. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Maidstone or around an hour from London, making it an easy getaway. We stopped here on one of our weekend trips, and it was such a relaxing place to wander around.
The village has free short-stay car parks on both sides of the river, which makes your visit hassle-free. And when I say "short stay," you can actually park for up to 23 hours! You can start exploring the village from a small walking path right next to the car park that leads onto the main street. Stroll around, cross the medieval five-arched bridge, and enjoy food and drinks at the 16th-century riverside restaurant.
Grassington, North Yorkshire
Grassington offers a true taste of rural England. Located in the Yorkshire Dales, this charming village has cobbled streets, stone cottages, and stunning countryside views. It’s no surprise that Grassington has become a popular spot for visitors exploring the Dales.
When we visited, I loved walking around the village centre, which is full of shops selling local food, gifts, and arts and crafts. You can find unique souvenirs, sample local treats, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially during their seasonal markets and festivals.
Beyond the village itself, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside, with miles of scenic walking and cycling routes across the Yorkshire Dales.
For somewhere to stay, The Devonshire Grassington offers cosy rooms and is perfectly located for exploring the village and nearby walking trails.
Amberley, West Sussex
Amberley, at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex, is without doubt one of the prettiest little villages in England. If you’ve never heard of this small village, take it as a good sign and consider it a hidden gem.
It is located in the South Downs National Park and is a great place for a day trip. When we visited, we loved how peaceful it felt, away from the busy tourist spots. If you enjoy outdoor activities and walking, Amberley is the perfect choice. There are many hiking trails that lead from the village, including a stretch of the long-distance walking route, the Monarch’s Way, which runs alongside the River Arun.
The South Downs Way, a recognised National Trail, also passes very close to the heart of the village. It’s a popular route for walkers and cyclists alike.
For a unique experience, you can stay at Amberley Castle, set within a stunning historic castle with beautiful grounds and luxurious rooms.
Marazion, Cornwall
Marazion, the oldest town in Cornwall, is one of the most unique places to visit in England. When you’re in town, visiting St Michael’s Mount is a must. This hilltop castle is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Cornwall and can be reached on foot at low tide or by boat at high tide.
Marazion is famous for its castle, which is absolutely stunning, but it certainly isn’t the only attraction around. When we visited, I loved walking through its quaint streets, lined with lovely old cottages and merchants' houses, it felt like stepping back in time.
On a warm sunny day, Marazion Beach is perfect for relaxing. You can search for crabs and starfish in the rock pools, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot seals. For something more adventurous, take a boat trip and go dolphin watching.
For a comfortable stay with views of St Michael’s Mount, Marazion Hotel offers modern rooms in a great location near the beach and village centre.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque fishing village just a short drive from Whitby. After exploring Whitby, we visited Robin Hood’s Bay, and it was the perfect addition to our day. Some people choose to walk the coastal path between the two, which is a popular route with stunning views, but if you’re short on time, the drive only takes about 10 minutes.
The village is full of character, with narrow, steep streets leading down to the sea, lined with charming stone cottages and traditional pubs. It’s a great place to wander around, grab an ice cream, and explore the small independent shops.
When the tide is out, you can go fossil hunting or explore the rock pools on the beach. Robin Hood’s Bay is also part of the Cleveland Way National Trail and is popular with hikers exploring the Yorkshire coastline.
Stanton, Cotswolds
Stanton is one of the most beautiful villages in England, located on the edge of the Cotswold Hills. It’s famous for its honey-coloured limestone cottages and historic church. The village hasn’t changed much in the last 300 years and offers exactly what you’d expect from a typical Cotswolds village.
When I visited, I loved how peaceful Stanton felt compared to some of the busier villages nearby. There are no shops or restaurants here, just a pub at the end of the village with amazing views. It’s the perfect place for a quiet stroll, taking in the traditional cottages and the surrounding countryside.