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The prettiest UK towns and villages to visit this summer
Stray from the big cities to discover these postcard-worthy corners of the country.
There's no shortage of golden beaches, rolling countryside and bustling cities in the UK, offering endless opportunities for holidays and day trips. For those who wish to trade high-rise skylines for scenic hamlets, the quieter wonders of inland and coastal locations are well worth exploring. Pastel houses, ancient castles and cobbled streets dot fairytale towns and villages across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
From streets filled with bookshops to quaint island shores, there are plenty of eye-catching spots to lay a picnic blanket this summer. Here are the UK's prettiest towns and villages to visit for a summer day trip or staycation.
1. Castle Combe, Cotswolds
The Cotswolds village of Castle Combe is a quintessential English town, with quaint streets, stone houses and lush greenery. Surrounded by the Cotswolds National Landscape, the bridged village is home to 13th-century churches, traditional pubs and intimate bed and breakfasts. The town is a popular setting for blockbusters, including Stardust and War Horse, and it's no wonder the charming area is regularly voted the most beautiful in Britain.
Where to stay: The Old Museum offers charm, character and home comforts. The rustic holiday home features one double bedroom, comfortable seating areas and a fully equipped kitchenette. The area is ideal for hiking, and guests benefit from amenities in the local village just a short stroll away.
2. Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Portmeirion, a charming Italian-style village in Gwynedd, is an ideal spot for a relaxed weekend in North Wales. The coastal village was created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925, completed around 50 years later, as an example of architecture's ability to enhance natural beauty. The pastel buildings, piazza and Gwyllt Japanese gardens transport you from rural Wales to Italy and Japan without ever leaving the UK.
Where to stay: Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth sits on a private peninsula overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary. The hotel has an award-winning brasserie, acres of woodland and is close to Snowdonia National Park. A spa, on-site bar, quirky room decor and complimentary breakfast welcome visitors.
3. Port Isaac, Cornwall
Narrow streets and whitewashed cottages line the 14th-century fishing harbour of Port Isaac. The quaint Cornish haven, which served as the setting for the popular TV series Doc Martin, is ideal for fishing, boat trips and coastal walks. Gentle hills and rugged Cornish cliffs complement the neatly packed streets, lined with charming boutiques, sweet shops and traditional bars and restaurants.
Where to stay: Port Gaverne, a 17th-century hotel and restaurant, features cosy rooms with nautical decor just a five-minute walk from Port Isaac. The coastal accents and traditional old bar cultivate a quirky character fitting for the ancient fishing village.
4. Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Experience the CBeebies classic Balamory in real life in the Isle of Mull's capital, Tobermory. The rainbow houses were based on its colourful waterfront, and with rows of vibrant townhouses, it's clear to see why they stood out. Boat trips from Tobermory allow visitors to get up close to the Scottish isle's natural beauty and wildlife, including puffins, whales, eagles and otters.
Where to stay: Western Isles Hotel has a relaxed atmosphere, local cuisine and sea views across Tobermory Harbour. Spacious doubles and family suites are fitted with comfortable beds and walk-in showers, and breakfast is included.
5. Portrush, County Antrim
Portrush, a small seaside town in Northern Ireland's County Antrim, is home to white sand beaches and pastel houses, set on a mile-long peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. The once-humble fishing village is the perfect base to explore Giant's Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route, making it a popular spot for holidaymakers, especially since the dramatic medieval ruins at Dunluce Castle were used in Game of Thrones.
Where to stay: Just 800 metres from Whiterocks Beach, Elephant Rock Hotel exudes character and Irish charm. Buffet breakfasts are included, while a terrace, in-house bar and lounge await guests in stylish sea-view rooms.
6. Cockington, Devon
The chocolate-box village of Cockington sits beside popular Torquay on the so-called "English Riviera". Old thatched cottages, rural countryside and Cockington Court manor house are sure to charm, with visits best enjoyed with a Devon cream tea at Weavers Cottage Tea Garden. Take a walk back in time past the water mill, Norman churches and cricket green to escape city life.
Where to stay: Orestone Manor is a charming country house featuring sea-view suites, private hot tubs and inviting Georgian decor. Neighbouring a secluded sandy beach, it's a 15-minute drive from Cockington's centre.
7. Welford-on-Avon, Warwickshire
With Tudor timber-framed thatched houses on Boat Lane, waterside walks on the River Avon, and a traditional 20-metre tall Maypole, Welford-on-Avon is one of Warwickshire's prettiest villages. Align a visit with the annual Maypole dancing festival for a spin around one of England's tallest Maypoles before visiting one of Welford's three pubs: The Bell Inn, The Four Alls and The Shakespeare Inn.
Where to stay: Three Ways Farmhouse is a family-run bed and breakfast on a working farm in Weston-on-Avon. Free bicycle use, a highly rated a la carte breakfast menu and an outdoor seating area are available.
8. Lavenham, Suffolk
One of the best preserved medieval villages in England, Lavenham in Suffolk is formed of timbered cottages, 15th-century churches and magical woodlands. The market square is lined with Tudor architecture, listed buildings and independent shops that once traded wool. Famous for its role as Godric's Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, the charming backdrop of cosy tea rooms, a traditional English guildhall and crooked houses is not to be missed.
Where to stay: The Great House Lavenham Hotel is a boutique guesthouse in the heart of Lavenham with five individually designed rooms and a French-influenced restaurant.
9. Hay-on-Wye, Powys
This one is for all bookworms, bibliophiles and collectors. World-renowned as the "town of books", the market village of Hay-on-Wye on the border between England and Wales boasts more than 20 bookshops, enchanting streets, galleries and Hay Castle. This literature hotspot has second-hand and antiquarian bookshops open year-round, and its location on the River Wye means secluded reading spots in the hills and woods of Brecknockshire are a short stroll away.
Where to stay: If exposed wooden beams, stone fireplaces and rich history are your desires, The Old Black Lion Inn is just the place. Neighbour to the Lion Gate and walks in the Bannau Brycheiniog, traditional rooms are ideal to cosy up with a good book.
10. Downham, Lancashire
At the foot of Pendle Hill, Downham's village green, scenic brook and limestone cottages, owned by the Assheton family since 1588, make it a serious contender for a summer stroll. Unspoilt by overhead wires and satellite dishes, the small town offers keen walkers or cyclists a bite at acclaimed gastro pub the Assheton Arms, with a seasonal ice cream shop near the car park in summer.
Where to stay: Greendale Teahouse and Rooms in Downham offers comfortable and colourful rooms with countryside views and a traditional tearoom stocked with artisanal breads and homemade cakes.
11. Portree, Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye's capital, Portree, sits in a sheltered bay surrounded by rolling hills, walking routes and a loch dotted with boats. A former fishing town, Portree's rustic harbour is lined with rows of rainbow stone cottages and is a popular base to explore the island's fairy pools, dramatic rock formations and spectacular scenery. Head to Colour House Viewpoint next to the Royal Hotel at sunset for the best views across the bay.
Where to stay: A few steps from Portree Bay, Cuillin Hills Hotel boasts spectacular views, an award-winning restaurant, The View, and stylish decor in modern rooms. The calm atmosphere and various whiskies make it an ideal home-from-home on the Isle of Skye.
12. Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
The largest town in County Fermanagh has frequently been named the UK's friendliest. Enniskillen's welcoming waterfront setting is a particular attraction, with impressive history at the 15th-century Enniskillen Castle and the Marble Arch Caves formed over 340 million years ago. In the town centre, the Enniskillen Buttermarket hosts local jewellers and cafes with Irish produce, and the idyllic area around Lough Erne's two connected lakes is a dream for a long hike or relaxed stroll.
Where to stay: Belle Isle Castle and Cottages offers guests a fully equipped kitchen, terrace and car rental service six miles from Enniskillen Castle. Options include courtyard and detached three-bedroom cottages, some with loch views and log-burning stoves.
13. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby's quirky streets, lively harbour and moorlands are full of character. Pristine sands, the North York Moors National Park and the gothic Whitby Abbey on the East Cliff create a dramatic Yorkshire landscape that begs to be discovered. The seaside town was even a setting for Bram Stoker's Dracula. In summer, Whitby's golden beaches are a hit, offering coloured huts, ice cream vendors and salted fish and chips. Take a dip or catch your breath after climbing the 199 Whitby Abbey steps.
Where to stay: The Horngarth apartments in central Whitby feature a clean, spacious king room with a comfortable bed. Just metres from Whitby's gardens, museums and train station, it's ideal for a couple wanting a weekend away.
14. Beddgelert, Eryri
Beddgelert, a village built of stone in the heart of Eryri National Park, is a spot of classic Welsh beauty. Its proximity to Snowdon, the Welsh Highland Railway and rocky slopes brings a back-in-time feel. The town has a magical namesake, rumoured to be named after the hound Gelert, a beloved Welsh folktale about Prince Llywelyn's faithful dog. Arched stone bridges zig-zag across the River Colwyn, leading to blooming gardens and the Sygun Copper Mine.
Where to stay: Ty Afon River House has cosy bedrooms, complimentary continental breakfasts and leafy gardens. The secluded country house includes a terrace with panoramic views of North Wales scenery, and Snowdonia's famous hiking trails are a short walk away.
