Beautiful villages in England

There are countless beautiful villages in England, so if you are considering moving home to make your village dream a reality, read on for guidance.

When planning a move to a village a buyer will often envisage stone-built, historical homes set on winding roads surrounded by lush green countryside. They might even think about how life would be to live in a village and imagine their new home will be within a short walk of the village shop or the local pub and that at the centre of the village there is a duck pond or a green where locals play cricket in the summer months.

Whatever your expectations, high on your priority list will be for the village to be attractive. Luckily there are lots of beautiful villages in England, these are some of our favourites:

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Arguably the most photographed location in the country, Castle Combe in the Wiltshire Cotswolds is easily one of the most beautiful villages in England.

This picturesque village is located on the edge of the Bybrook River. The pretty bridge which crosses the river is a favourite photo opportunity with visitors. Castle Combe has been called ‘the prettiest village in England’ by many a travel guide over the years. The honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages are highly desirable but rarely become available to buy.

Only 13 miles from the nearby city of Bath, with a short drive to nearby Chippenham residents can reach London Paddington in just over an hour.

Bibury, Gloucestershire

Another of our beautiful villages in England is Bibury. This quintessential English village is characterised by traditional Cotswold stone cottages and lush greenery.

It is an exemplary representation of the Cotswold architectural style, with properties often featuring steeply pitched roofs, gables, and mullioned windows.

There are a modest range of amenities, including a selection of local businesses that cater to daily needs. These include a pub, restaurant, and cafe. Reputable educational institutions such as the Cirencester College and the Royal Agricultural University are in proximity, offering academic opportunities.

Bibury’s location affords convenient access to larger towns like Cirencester for additional amenities and transport links. The village lies within a reasonable distance from Kemble railway station, providing efficient connections to London Paddington and other major cities.

Polperro, Devon

Polperro is positioned on the southeast coast of Devon. It is a historic fishing village that has retained much of its original charm and character. The village is a tapestry of narrow winding streets and whitewashed cottages, with the property style here often reflective of its maritime heritage.

Amenities in Polperro are tailored to both the local community and visitors. There are a handful of local shops, eateries, and galleries that showcase the work of local artists. Educationally, families can avail themselves of schools in the vicinity, including Polperro Primary School and Looe Community Academy, with further education options available in Plymouth.

Nearby towns such as Looe provide railway services to Liskeard, which connects to the national rail network.

Castleton, Derbyshire

Castleton, nestled within the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire is the next on our beautiful villages in England list. It is a village that exudes a rich historical ambiance complemented by its natural surroundings. The architecture is dominated by the traditional Derbyshire style, with stone-built houses and cottages that harmonise with the rugged landscape.

The village provides essential amenities such as local stores, traditional pubs, and cafes, alongside attractions like the Norman-era Peveril Castle, showcasing the area’s heritage. Educational needs are served by schools in the vicinity, such as Castleton Church of England Primary School, with secondary options available in nearby towns.

Transport links are relatively convenient, with the Hope Valley railway line running close by, offering services to Sheffield and Manchester, and connecting to the wider UK rail network. The village is also served by a network of buses.

Castleton’s position within the Peak District makes it a prime location for those who value natural beauty and outdoor activities, yet still seek the practicality of nearby conveniences.

Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Lower Slaughter is a serene village that epitomises rural elegance with its unspoiled limestone cottages and riverine landscapes. The architectural vernacular is quintessentially Cotswold, with many of the homes and buildings fashioned from the local, distinctive oolitic limestone, known for its pale golden hue.

The village’s amenities, while modest, cater well to the needs of its residents and visitors, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustle of urban life. Small boutique shops contribute to the village’s charm. For educational pursuits, there is a range of schools in the broader Cotswolds area, with high-performing options for all ages within driving distance.

Transport connections are more subtle, as befits a village of such tranquillity, but the nearby A429 provides a link to larger towns. Train services are accessible in nearby Moreton-in-Marsh.

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, earns its place on our beautiful villages in England list. It is celebrated for its picturesque High Street, flanked by the River Windrush with its beautiful stone bridges. Properties in Bourton-on-the-Water are typically constructed in the warm, honey-coloured Cotswold stone, with many featuring traditional slate roofs and mullioned windows.

Amenities include boutique shops, places to dine, and attractions such as the Model Village and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Educational facilities include the highly rated Cotswold School, and additional options are available in nearby Cheltenham and Oxford.

The village is well-connected by road with the A429 running through it, facilitating access to larger towns and cities. Public transport services also connect residents to surrounding areas.

Clovelly, Devon

Clovelly is a historic fishing village that cascades down a steep hillside to a small harbour on the Bristol Channel. Deservedly considered one of the most beautiful villages in England, it is known for its steep pedestrianised cobbled street. Clovelly’s architecture is characterised by charming 16th-century whitewashed cottages, often with thatched roofs.

While the village’s remoteness contributes to its unspoiled charm, it offers essential amenities to its residents, including a village store, a couple of craft shops, and locally-run seafood restaurants that highlight the area’s maritime culture.

Clovelly is somewhat secluded, with the nearest train stations located in Barnstaple and Bideford, connecting to the main lines. Roads connect Clovelly to the A39 Atlantic Highway, which provides access to the region’s larger urban centres.

St Mawes, Cornwall

St Mawes is a Cornish fishing village and, as with many villages in Cornwall, is extremely beautiful. From St Mawes harbourside to Summers Beach, the village has much to offer. St Mawes is south facing, located on the eastern side of the Fal Estuary which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The shops in St Mawes include a butcher, bakers, post office, and convenience store with other amenities including a doctor’s surgery, dentist, and pharmacy. Visitors often stay at the two exclusive hotels; Olga Polizzi’s Hotel Tresanton and Idle Roads Hotel.

Certain homes in St Mawes are elevated and benefit from panoramic views of both the surrounding countryside and out to sea.

Burnham Market, Norfolk

The largest of the Burnham villages along the North Norfolk Coast, Burnham Market is a beautiful and popular village to both visit and live in. Set slightly inland, Burnham Market is only 2 miles from the sea and within easy reach of several sandy beaches.

Burnham Market is a picturesque village, the green is surrounded by 18th-century buildings and there are a number of shops within the pretty period buildings which include a butcher, fish shops, book shops and delicatessen. Burnham Market also has a doctor’s surgery, a dentist’s surgery, and a primary school.

Rail connections can be found at King’s Lynn where there are direct services to London which take under 2 hours into King’s Cross, stopping at Cambridge midway which takes around 50 minutes to reach.

Kingham, Oxfordshire

Previously named ‘England’s favourite village’, Kingham in Oxfordshire is a very attractive place to live. True to the Cotswold style, there are pretty limestone cottages and houses throughout the village.

Kingham has much to offer residents in terms of amenities. The Kingham Plough pub is particularly popular as is The Wild Rabbit restaurant and Daylesford Farm shop is only a mile down the road.

There is a direct train service from Kingham into London Paddington with the fastest train taking 1 hour 16 minutes, the service stops at Charlbury, Hanborough, Oxford and Reading before reaching its destination.

Bray, Berkshire

Within easy commute of central London, Bray is a particularly attractive riverside village in Berkshire. The houses here are primarily half-timbered and many boast views over the Thames. The most desirable homes in Bray are found within the Fisheries Estate.

The village is a gourmands paradise with several Michelin starred eateries; The Fat Duck, Waterside Inn and The Hind’s Head.

Bray is surrounded by countryside and only a short distance, just over a mile, from Maidenhead from which residents can take a train into London. The drive into London should take under an hour using the M4 motorway.

Ditchling, East Sussex

The picturesque village of Ditchling is located within the South Downs National Park and sits at the foot of Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex which offers 360 views over the Downs. 

There are a variety of shops within the village including a post office, delicatessen and coffee shop along with a museum and several good pubs. There are good schools in the area which include St Margaret’s Primary School which is in Ditchling and others such as Burgess Hill School and Brighton College are within easy reach.

The nearby village of Hassocks, about 2 miles to the east of Ditchling, has a mainline station which offers a direct service into London Bridge and London Victoria. Ditchling is around 9 miles from Brighton and the south coast.

Grasmere, Cumbria

The Lake District National Park is home to several of the most beautiful villages in England, Grasmere is especially sought after.

Grasmere is steeped in local history and culture, once the home of William Wordsworth. Well set for amenities there are several local shops including a chemist and post office and several places to drink and eat including the Michelin star Forest Side.

The village is within easy reach of several nearby market towns; Keswick, Ambleside and Kendal for wider amenities and there are rail services available at Windermere providing connections to Manchester and London Euston.

Finding a village home

England is littered with picturesque villages, some more beautiful than others – If you are evaluating the beautiful villages in England for your property search, finding a village that offers a balance of beauty and amenities is often the key.

There are many more locations that could be included on a list of the most beautiful villages in England, understanding a home hunter’s overall priorities can ensure they find a place to live that is not only easy on the eye but also provides the lifestyle they seek – a professional property finder can assist in finding a home in the perfect location. To discuss your search for a village property please contact us.