Looking for the prettiest villages in England the English Countryside that you MUST see?
England villages are just so cute and it is definitely worthwhile to visit a few on your England Vacation.
Prettiest Villages in England in the Countryside
So before we consider what are the prettiest villages in England, let’s firstly consider what exactly is a village? According to our handy resource Wikipedia, a village in England is something that:
- Does not have a regular agricultural market;
- Does not have a town hall or a mayor;
- Should be located near open fields as seen on aerial maps.
With that in mind, here are some of the most quaint and REALLY pretty villages in England that you need to check out.
Villages in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is a cool county to explore in the East of England.
It is also home to some of England’s best villages. Here are some unmissable villages in Bedfordshire.
Aspley Guise
Aspley Guise is a darling village in the western part of Bedfordshire.
If you are interested in history, Aspley Guise is not just a pretty village in England but a very old village.
Aspley Guise dates back to a grant of 15 hides in 969 by King Edgar.
One of the most beautiful and unmissable parts of the village is St Botolph’s Church.
Elstow
Elstow is another exceptionally pretty village in Bedfordshire.
One of the reasons that it is so visually appealing, especially if you are not from the UK, is due to the presence of the traditional thatched cottages.
Elstows claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of famous English writer, John Bunyan.
One of the best things to see in the village of Elstow is the Moot Hall, a mediveal markey hall which dates back to the 1500s. These days it is a museum dedicated to John Bunyan’s life.
Old Warden
If you are looking for a small, sleepy and very traditional village you can’t go past Old Warden while in Bedfordshire.
Despite Old Warden being s small, sleepy village in England, with traditional thatched cottages, it doesn’t mean there is a shortage of interesting things to do in the area.
One pretty cool thing you can do in Old Warden is that you can book a stay at Queen Anne’s orange summerhouse in the woods – a very unique and quintessentially English experience.
The village itself is quite interesting with a mix of different style of architecture from swiss chalet style to gables or thatch.
If you are interested in aviation you will also love Old Warden as it the old Warden airfield is an open museum of aircraft relics from yesteryear.
Don’t miss the 12th century church of St. Leonard in Old Warden and Hare and Hounds pub for a traditional English ale.
Barton-le-Clay
Barton-le-Clay is a stunning village in Bedfordshire on the edge of the Barton Hills.
If you want to visit a village in Engand with fabulous countryside, Barton-le-Clay is a great pick as the village is surrounded by stunning green, lush countryside.
One of the most famous buildings in town is a chequered stone church dedicated to St.Nicholas. The church has been in use for 800 years and is still used as a place of worship today.
If you are a fan of stained glass, inside the church has particularly beautiful stained glass.
If you are interested in stained glass another church in England with amazing stained glass including a full stained glass museum inside is located in Bury St Edmunds.
Silsoe
Another fabulous choice for a village in Bedfordshire is the village of Silsoe.
The most famous, unmissable thing to see in Silsoe is Wrest Park, French Chateaux style mansion. If you love beautiful gardens, you will have a field day here with over 90 acres of garden to explore.
There is also a lovely church in the village called St James that is worth checking out.
Willington
Willington is a great village in England to explore for those included in Tudor history.
The village is made up of Tudor farm buildings which now belong to the National Trust.
The Manor House, one of the most famous buildings in Willington was once owned by Sir John Gostwick who entertained Henry VII at the manor.
Other cool things to see in Willington include the Church of St. Lawrence, made of bluff stone.
Villages in Cheshire
Cheshire is a great place to visit in northwest England
It is also home to some of England’s best rural villages with half-timber and local red sandstone buildings.
Alderley Edge
Alderley Edge is a pretty village in Cheshire located about 3 miles South of Wilmslow.
Not only is Alderley Edge home to many of England’s rich and famous, it has some interesting legends associated with it including the Wizard of the Edge legend.
The legend goes that a farmer was walking along the edge while he was approached by a wizard (posed as an old man) who wanted to buy his horse. He followed the wizard to his home where he saw lots of men sleeping. The wizard told the man that they would be ready to fight should England need them.
There is of course more detail to the Wizard of the Edge legend however, we made a long story short for you.
Some of the best things to do in Alderley Edge include enjoying the amazing views from Cheshire Plain. There are also many restaurants in the village to enjoy.
Villages in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire has some incredibly pretty villages.
Here are some of the prettiest villages in Gloucestershire
Snowshill
Snowshill is a small village in England in Gloucestershire, located near the town of Broadway in the english countryside
It is called Snowshill as if it is ever snowing in England there is a fair chance of finding snow here.
For history buffs Snowshill is also a great place to go as a bronze pin, a dagger, and a spear-head dated around 2100 BC to 1600 BC were discovered here making it a very old town.
One of the best places to visit in the village is the Snowshill Manor, a sixteenth century country house. The owner of this house, Charles Paget Wade, was a collector.
Nowadays you can visit Snowshill Manor and see Charles Paget Wade’s collections including unusual furniture and musical instruments.
Charles Paget Wade was a quirky man so his belongings, collected between the years 1900 and 1951, are all quite unusual.
If you love Lavender, make a stop in the Snowshill Lavender farm while in town. Here is the location of all the best Lavender fields in the UK.
Upper Swell, Gloucestershire
Adding to the list of the most beautiful villages of England, Swell village cannot be ignored. Swell village is located in the west of the town Stow-on-the-Wold in the english countryside.
Swell village comprises of two main sentiments, Upper Swell and Lower Swell.
Upper Swell is particularly beautiful. A river runs through the the village lined with golden stone cottages.
A small church named St Mary is located in Upper Swell. The historic church is built in the 12th century.
The unique thing about this village is that it has extensive routes for walking and biking through the English countryside.
Broad Campden, Gloucestershire
Broad Campden is a small village located in Gloucestershire.
The village is known for its charming beauty. There is also a cute church called St Micheal’s in the village. If you are in Broad Campden on a Sunday visitors are welcome.
One of the unique attributes of the Broad Campden is the quintessentially English thatched cottages. The village is surrounded by very pretty countryside and great walking tracks.
One of the must see places in Broad Campden is a 17th century Quaker Meeting House. The house became popular after it was featured in the film Father Brown.
Stanton, Gloucestershire
The village of Stanton is 2.5 miles southwest of the large village Broadway.
It’s an ideal place for tourists as there’re many historic buildings and rich landscapes to explore.
The infrastructure of the village is mainly honey-colored Jurassic limestone. For this reason, it is internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
The village’s enchanting beauty is at its peak when it rains as the colors of the buildings are brightened when wet. A perfect time for a romantic date in the rain with your sweetheart!
Villages in Worcestershire
There are some fabulous villages located in Worcestershire England if you find yourself in this area of the UK.
Ombersley, Worcestershire
Another beautiful village in England is Ombersley village, located 5 miles away from the city of Worcester in the english countryside
This village not only holds historic value but is also known for its natural beauty.
The name of the village derives from the Royal Forest which the village was a part of until 1229.
Ombersley is a very pretty village due to the architecture which include half-timbered houses.
If you are looking for food, there is some great restaurants and pubs between the Malvern and Shropshire Hills.
Broadway, Worcestershire
One of the most beautiful villages in England is definitely the village of Broadway – a tourist hot-spot in England.
Broadway is a large village and visually appealing village in England located in the county of Worcestershire. It also goes by the name ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ due to the amazing rural life you can enjoy there.
If you are looking for a pretty village, Broadway truly has everything you could wish for – lush green gardens lined with red chestnut trees and honey-colored limestone buildings from the 16th century.
If you are video game fanatic you might recognise Broadway from the video game Forza Horizon.
Hiking lovers will appreciate there is great hiking opportunities in the Broadway hill.
Note: Winter can be a magical time of year to visit Broadway as on occasion it snows in the village.
Abberley, Worcestershire
Abberley is a village in England, located in the Abberley Hill slopes in the English countryside, between the River Severn and River Teme.
The population of Abberley is very low (only around 800) making it a very quaint village in the English Countryside.
The oldest part of Abberley surrounds the 12th century parish church of St Michael. If you are visiting Abberley in Worchestershire don’t miss the amazing Abberley Clock Tower.
Arguably, the best time of year to visit Abberley is Spring when the hills surrounding the village are green and lush.
Villages in Yorkshire
There are also some very pretty villages located in Yorkshire in the English countryside. Here are our favourites:
Muker, North Yorkshire
Another very pretty village in England goes by the name of ‘Muker’ and is located in North Yorkshire in the district of Richmondshire.
In times past Muker was primarily a mining village. These days, the village runs on agriculture and tourism.
The infrastructure of Muker is largely from the 18th century. You will notice the use of ‘stone walls’ which were popular in the 18th century.
If you are wondering what time of year to visit, Muker is at its peak in terms of beauty in the Spring when there are lush green fields and blooming wildflowers everywhere.
This village is not only beautiful but has a long history. The village dates back to the Norse settlement. It was rebuilt in 1580.
Aberford, Yorkshire
Continuing with the prettiest villages of Yorkshire, Aberford in the english countryside of Yorkshire is up there with the best.
Aberford is a large village in England located in West Yorkshire.
Aberford village is known as “a place of special architectural and historical interest” because of the many historic buildings with unique designs in the village.
If you love the outdoors, take a visit to Aberford in the warmer months of the year. At the South end of the village of Aberford, there is a great camping site where tourists can pitch a tent and enjoy the English countryside.
The weather is pleasant in Aberford throughout the year, but it can be windy at times so don’t forget your windshield when making a visit.
Azerley, North Yorkshire
Azerley is a village in England located in the Harrogate District.
It is a small village about 4.5 miles north-west of the city of Ripon.
Azerley is famous for its gardens and and the Azerley Tower. Walking routes perfect for hiking and cycling can be found near the village.
Spring is the best time to visit when the flowers are in bloom.
Bradley, North Yorkshire
Bradley is a village located in the district of Carven, North Yorkshire, about 2 miles away from the town of Skipton.
The village itself is divided into two parts known as High Bradley, and Low Bradley, collectively known as Bradleys Both.
Don’t miss the Perry Farm Park in Bradley – a great place to go for a leisurely stroll by the river. Pack a picnic lunch as there are many places to enjoy a picnic lunch at the park.
Don’t miss local favourite bar “The Spot” in Bradley. A strange green jelly drink is served there.
Villages in Cumbria
There are some very pretty villages located in Cumbria. Here are our favourites:
Grasmere, Cumbria
The list continues, and we find another charming village in England, which goes by the name Grasmere. Grasmere is located in the district of South Lakeland, Cumbria.
Grasmere’s claim to fame is that a famous English poet who goes by the name “William Wordsworth” spent 14 years of his life in this pretty English village.
The nature-loving poet nicknamed this village ‘The Loveliest Spot That Man Hath Ever Found.’ It that is not reason enough for you to visit Grasmere I don’t know what is.
Grasmere village provides visitors with an excellent view of lush green grasslands and the rocky hill called Helm Crag.
The beauty of the town is at its pinnacle during the spring season. For this reason, unsurprisingly, it the peak time of year for tourists.
Don’t miss the famous gingerbread shop in Grasmere, it is worth a stop!
Hawkshead, Cumbria
Another lovely village in England is Hawkshead, located in the north of Esthwaite Water, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
The delightful whitewashed buildings make the beauty of this village quite significant.
Other popular activities in the village include visits to the pub or a walk by the Esthwaite Water which provides breath-taking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Villages in Devon
There are some very pretty villages located in Devon. Here are our favourites:
Beesands, Devon
Adding more to the list of the prettiest villages in England, Beesands in Devon in the english countryside definitely makes the cut.
Although Beesands is a tiny village it could be the most beautiful village in England.
The village of Beesands is located near Start Bay. The village is a popular tourist destination because of the shingle beach located there.
The astounding views over the Start Bay provide an excellent platform for those who wish to practice their photography skills.
Due to being a fishing village, don’t miss trying some of the delicious crab and lobster, a Beesands speciality from one of the restaurants in town.
It is believed that during the 1950s, Keith Richards’ family used to spend their holidays in Beesands.
People regularly visit the Chapel in Beesands village as it is the only Chapel in the village.
Hope Cove, Devon
Another lovely & pretty village in Devon is Hope Cove, located 5 miles southwest of Kingsbridge. This village is loacted the sea. Two clean sandy beaches are located here.
The very pleasant weather in Hope Cove is a big drawcard for tourists throughout the year. Some popular activities in Hope Cove include water sports such as boating and surfing.
Hope Cove is not just an ordinary village by the sea, beautiful thatched cottages add to the beauty of this village.
Don’t miss a sunset in Hope Cove. This village boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in England.
Villages in Berkshire
There are some very pretty villages located in Berkshire. Here are our favourites:
White Waltham Berkshire
The list of the prettiest villages in the country England continues, and we come across the village of White Waltham Berkshire.
This village is located in the west of Maidenhead. The area of the village is around 10.44 square kilometers.
It is a moderately populated village with different sorts of people – there are both extreme left and right wing passionate views in White Waltham.
Aside from the interesting people who reside there, history buffs will be interested to know that the village holds some significant history from World War 2.
The White Waltham airfield was the home base of the Air Transport Auxiliary in WW2.
If you are not amused by war history or people watching, you may still enjoy White Waltham for the architecture – the village holds lots of mansions and manors from the past, which are currently converted into country houses.
The best part of the White Waltham village is that the climate is delightful, especially during the summer where a light breeze blows through town.
Cold Ash West, Berkshire
Another very pretty village in England, also located in Berkshire is the village of Cold Ash.
This village is located in the west of Berkshire, 2.5 miles away from Newbury. The area covered by the village is 7.9 square kilometers.
This village is not only considered as one of the prettiest villages of England but also holds historical value. Before the battle of Newbury, the army camped in the village of Cold Ash.
Moreover, Grimsbury Castle, a hill fort located in Cold Ash, dates back to to the iron age.
The village has recently been brought into pop culture by the famous English Author Katherine Webb who chose Cold Ash as the central location of her book ‘The Unseen’ in 2011.
Don’t miss Bucklebury Alley – one of the best streets to explore in the village.
Villages in Cornwell
There are also some very pretty villages located in Cornwell. Here are our favourites:
Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole, located about 2.5 miles south of the town of Penzance, is not just a lovely village but a fish harbor as well. It’s situated on the shore of Mount’s Bay.
The best thing about this village is its very pleasant weather.
Mousehole is a great village to travel to in England as through the village you can find majestic narrow lanes and beautiful stone houses.
There are also lots of fun activities to do in the village including boating and swimming. It is also known for its incredible seafood.
Polperro, Cornwall
The village of Polperro, located 7 miles East of Fowey, is a large fisherman village and a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer.
If you like walking you will adore Polperro as there is amazing coastal walking paths around the village wit views of the beach.
Although it’s a large village, it has narrow streets and therefore no traffic. It truly is a greenie paradise.
Don’t miss eating some seafood in Polperro, as it is located by the seaside, fish and chips are at its prime here.
Villages in Oxfordshire
If you love pretty villages, Oxfordshire is also a great place to go. Here are some of our favourite pretty villages in Oxfordshire.
Kingham, Oxfordshire
Kingham is a lovely village in England located about 4 miles southeast of the town of Oxfordshire.
That’s not all; this village was rated as “England’s Favourite Village” in the year of 2004.
Additionally, the limestone cottages make the village look something straight out of a storybook.If that’s not reason enough to visit Kingham I don’t know what is.
The best time to visit this village is the season of spring as the flowers are in full bloom.
Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire
Adding to the list of the prettiest villages in England, Minster Lovell definitely makes the cut.
The village is comprised of three parts: Little Minster, New Minster, and Old Minster. It is located2.5 miles west of Witney.
Long streets, rounded roofs, and towering steeples give this village a fairytale vibe.
One of the biggest drawcards of this village is the historic ruins by the riverside.
Make sure you try some of the traditional log fire dishes from Minster Lovell – trust me, you won’t regret it.
Villages in Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a great place in England for pretty villages and romantic dates alike!
Here are our favourite villages in Wiltshire.
Castle Combe
Let’s start with one of the most instagrammable villages in England, Castle Combe.
Castle Combe is located about 5 miles northwest of the town of Chippenham and as you would imagine with an instagrammable village, Castle Combe is insanely pretty.
The Cotswolds is known for having insanely pretty villages and Castle Combe is often credited as the prettiest of the Cotswolds so that’s saying something.
If you are visiting Castle Combe be sure to explore the quaint cotswold streets.
Castle Combe is one of the most well known villages in England due to being featured in many films including Stardust and War Horse.
If you love all things old, be sure to check out one the England’s oldest clocks which is still in use in St Andrew’s Church.
Villages in Dorset
Here are our favourite villages in Dorset.
Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Cerne Abbas is a village in England located in the county of Dorset.
The stunning stone houses and the river Cerne are the primary reasons that draw tourists to the village of Cerne Abbas.
Interestingly, there is also 55-meter huge naked figure carved into the hillside. Another reason tourists are drawn to visit!
Every year in June, a popular horticulture event takes place in the Open Gardens of this village. Thousands of visitors attend this event each year.
Villages in Essex
As some would say, the only way is Essex and Essex certainly has some very pretty villages in the English countryside.
Abberton, Essex
Abberton in Essex is located about 4.2 miles south of the town of Colchester.
The village has a very vivid past – it was rebuilt after an earthquake hit the town in 1884.
If you take a drive to Abberton, don’t miss St. Andrew Church, an amazing church built in the 14th century.
If you love nature, you might like to make a visit to the Abberton Reservoir which is perfect if you like long walks or cycling. If you are particularly energetic there is a 19.5 kilometer loop trail at the Reservoir.
Villages in Cambridgeshire
We have spent quite a bit of time in Cambridge and the English Countryside in Cambridgeshire.
Cambridgeshire certainly has its fair share of pretty villages, here are some of our favourites.
Abbotsley, Cambridgeshire
Abbotsley is a historic village in England located 14 miles away from Cambridge.
A magnificent Church known as St. Margaret is one of the most remarkable parts of the village of Abbotsley.
In the churchyard of St. Margaret you can see a war memorial, remembering the Abbotsley men and women who fought and died in World War I and World War II.
One quirky and interesting thing about the village is that every year a scarecrow festival is held in the village.
Don’t miss a pint of beer in the locals favourite pub: eight bells pub while in Abbotsley.
Tadlow, Cambridgeshire
Tadlow, one of the least populated villages In England, is located in south Cambridgeshire about 6 miles north-east of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
If you are in Tadlow, don’t miss the magnificent church known as St. Giles. A roll of honour in the church commemorates those who lost their lives in WW1.
The ideal months for visiting the village of Tadlow are April and May.
Villages in Herefordshire
Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Abbey Dore is a beautiful village in England, located in Herefordshire, within a stunning valley that goes by the name Golden Valley.
Abbey Dore is one of the most popular villages in England, especially in Summer and Spring as the beauty of the village is second to none.
The reason for Abbey Dore’s popularity in the warmer months are due to the fact that large Gardens in the court of Abbey Dore open for the public to view and are in full bloom.
Other than the stunning gardens, don’t miss the church of St. Mary, built in 1147. Unfortunately, it is believed that the historic church is under the risk of collapsing.
Villages in Rutland
If you are looking for villages in Rutland, here are some of the best.
Ayston, Rutland
Ayston is a village in the English countryside, located in the county of Rutland, about 1-mile north-west of Uppingham.
It is one of the least populated villages in England, but definitely not the least beautiful.
The village has very unique and beautiful buildings including deep-colored brick cottages.
The best time of year to visit the village is in Spring when the grounds are lush and green.
Villages in East Sussex
If you are looking for villages in East Sussex, here are some of the best.
Alciston, Wealden
Alciston is a village in England located in the district of East Sussex. C.V.
If you are interested in history, Wedgwood, a famous historian is buried in the church located in this village.
Good Friday brings some interesting antics out in this village. On Good Friday an annual skipping contest is held for the villagers. Hilarious if you ask me.
Don’t miss the local favourite: rose cottage inn pub for some refreshing drinks if you visit Alciston.
Looking for a great view? The Bostal Hill provides a magnificent view of the countryside and Alciston from a distance.
Catsfield, East Sussex
Catsfield is a village in England located in the district of Rother in the county of East Sussex, about 6 miles north of Bexhill.
Catsfield is a very beautiful village in England with a long history. Don’t miss St Laurence church in Catsfield.
Just 2 miles from Catsfield you will find the 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey. If you are an english history buff, it is super interesting to visit the actual site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.
Villages in Kent
If you are in London, one of the best places to visit for a day outing is the city of Kent. Kent is special to me because it is where my Dad is from!
Kent has some great wildlife too. We saw a cute red fox running around in the daytime at Kelsey Park.
Here are our favourite villages in Kent.
Aldington, Kent
Aldington is a village in England located in the county of Kent, about 8 miles south-east of the town of Ashford.
The pub by the name “Good Intent” in the village, provides an excellent spot for refreshments.
Don’t miss the 12th century church of St. Martin in Aldington.
Villages in Somerset
If you are based near Somerset, here are some of the best villages near Somerset in the English countryside.
Babcary, Somerset
Babcary is a village in England, in Somerset, about 6 miles southwest of the town of Castle Cary.
The village is situated near a river called River Cary. To the north of the village is the Babcary Meadows, which are also known as the “Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest” as they contain a wide variety of herbs and wildlife.
The Babcary Meadows is a great place for a walk in the stunning English countryside.
Don’t miss the church of the Holy Cross in Babcary.
Villages in Suffolk
Here are some of the best villages near Suffolk in the English countryside.
Badley, Suffolk
Badley is a village in England, located in Suffolk. It is one of the least populated villages in England.
Despite it’s small population (less than 100 people live here!), Badley has a fantastic church which goes by the name St. Mary.
Villages in Derbyshire
Derbyshire also has some very pretty villages in England. Here are some of the best:
Calow, Derbyshire
Calow is a village in England located in the county of Derbyshire right next to the city of Chesterfield.
Although this village is small, it is densely populated because of the location of Calow right next to Chesterfield.
Don’t miss Hardwick Hall, an architecturally significant Elizabethan country house.
Duckmanton, Derbyshire
Duckmanton is a village in England located in the county of Derbyshire between the town of Bolsover and the city of Chesterfield.
Duckmanton itself is a remote village comprising of three parts: Long Duckmanton, Middle Duckmanton, and Far Duckmanton.
Don’t miss the walking together memorial statute in Duckmanton.
Villages in Surrey
Here are our favourite pretty villages in Surrey.
Charlwood, Surrey
Charlwood is a village in England located in the county of Surrey.
The village is just adjacent to the London Gatwick Airport so if you are flying into Gatwick it is a great place to check out.
The village itself has a long and interesting history – mesolithic camps dating back to 5000 BC are linked to this village.. The main church in the village, St Nicholas’ church dates back to 1080.
Descendants of one of the villages founding families, the Gatwyck family, who extended the St Nicholas’ church in 1280 still live in the village to this day.
Due to the close proximity to the airport, lots of hotels and airbnbs are located within the village.
Villages in Lincolnshire
Here are our favourite pretty villages in Lincolnshire.
Cuxwold, Lincolnshire
Cuxwold is a village in England located in the county of Lincolnshire in the district of West Lindsey. It is one of the least populated villages in England.
Don’t miss St. Nicholas church, an amazing church in Lincolnshire contructed in the 11th century.
The unique thing about this village is that it was used by the military during the second world war. If there was any mishap during flights, emergency landings took place in Cuxwold.
Today, Cuxwold has become the home of Grimsby Airfield.
Hainton, Lincolnshire
Another lovely village in England is the village of Hainton, which is located in the county of Lincolnshire.
Interestingly, the village is believed to be a site of the medieval settlement. It is also well known for its agricultural production.
Don’t miss St. Marys’ church and the locals favourite pub Heneage Arms in Hainton
Fulstow, Lincolnshire
Fulstow is a marsh village in England located in the district of East Lindsey. It is about 8 miles away from the South of Grimsby.
Don’t miss St. Lawrence church, a 13th century church, and the locals favourite, the Cross Keys Pub while in Fulstow.
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