These are the most beautiful villages in Great Britain

Great Britain is full of fairy-tale villages that exude British charm away from the big cities. Whether located on the coast or surrounded by hills and forests, the houses, alleys, and front gardens create an idyllic setting.

Thus, when traveling through Great Britain, you must choose: Do you prefer a cozy fishing village or a picturesque town in the interior? For some inspiration, the writers of the British news magazine 'Daily Express' have chosen their favorite villages.

The village of Castleton is located at the end of the Hope Valley in the heart of the Peak District National Park. The area is considered one of the most beautiful in the north of England and is characterized by gentle hills and green pastures.

The ruins of Peveril Castle, built in 1086, still stand over the village. Those who climb the steps to the castle are rewarded with spectacular views of the landscape.

In Castleton, pubs and restaurants invite you to linger, and you can buy jewelry made from the rare semi-precious stone Blue John in shops. This stone is only found worldwide in the Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern, both located near Castleton and can be visited.

Additionally, one of the most beautiful ridge walks in England begins in Castleton. The Great Ridge Walk stretches 10.5 kilometers through the most impressive parts of the Peak District and up to the summit of Mam Tor. Known as the 'shivering mountain,' it offers a breathtaking view.

Only 14 kilometers from the English city of Canterbury, the village of Chilham is located on the banks of the River Great Stour. The hallmark of the village is the timber-framed houses with their triangular roofs.

Above the village sits Chilham Castle, offering a spectacular view over the Stour Valley. The castle itself now serves as a center for retreats and is surrounded by approximately 300 acres of gardens, wild forests, a lake, and a vineyard. The gardens are open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from May to September.

The village of Merthyr Mawr is situated in the south of Wales, surrounded by the nature reserve of the same name. The area is home to the highest sand dune in Wales, also known as the 'Big Dipper.' Numerous hiking trails lead over sandy terrain to the coast.

The village itself consists of thatched cottages and an old stone church. Only about five kilometers from the village center are the ruins of Ogmore Castle. This historical site can be visited free of charge, making a visit to Merthyr Mawr a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Approximately three hours' drive from London, the charming village of Bibury is located on the River Coln. The heart of Bibury is the Arlington Row, with its row of limestone cottages. Walking along here, you'll understand why Bibury is also called the 'village of the fairies.'

Not far from Arlington Row is the Bibury Trout Farm, England's oldest working trout farm. You can catch a fish and grill it right on the farm. End the day with a cold beer at The Catherine Wheel, the village's only pub.

Robin's Hood Bay is a picturesque fishing village with cobbled streets, a sandy beach, and dramatic cliffs. Located on the coast of North Yorkshire, it takes its name from the English hero Robin Hood, who is said to have hidden in the surrounding forests.

In addition to historical buildings like the 15th-century Saint Stephen's Church, Robin's Hood Bay also boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene. You can explore art galleries and craft shops, and during the annual Robin Hood's Bay Folk Weekend, there is plenty of live music to enjoy.

To learn more about the village's history, visit the Robin Hood's Bay Museum. Beautiful coastal hiking trails also wind around the village.

In the heart of Dorset County in the southwest of England is the village of Milton Abbas. It is famous for its thatched cottages lined up along a single street. About a ten-minute walk from the village center is the historic Milton Abbey church, impressive with its grand architecture and idyllic setting surrounded by forests and hills.

Every two years, the otherwise quiet Milton Abbas turns into a colorful festival. On the last Saturday in July, the village hosts the 'Milton Abbas Street Fair.' The street is lined with numerous stalls selling food, crafts, and drinks. The next street fair will take place on July 26, 2025.

Milton Abbas is also on the Jubilee Trail, a 145-kilometer hiking trail through Dorset. The trail runs from Forde Abbey near the Somerset border to Bokerley Dyke at the Hampshire border.

The small fishing village of Mousehole is located at the southwestern tip of Great Britain in the county of Cornwall. Today, about 900 people live in the small stone houses clustered around a harbor.

Cozy alleys lined with cafes and shops lead through the rows of houses. Mousehole is famous not only for its beauty but also for its Christmas lights. Starting as early as September, locals prepare the intricate lighting that illuminates the entire harbor wall.

Additionally, every two years, the Sea Salts & Sail Festival takes place in Mousehole. Among other activities, a sailing parade celebrates the village's maritime history. The next festival will occur in 2026.

A total of 19 villages made it into the ranking. According to British authors, these British villages are also worth visiting:

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net, and the best travel deals on our deal page.