Great Britain: These are the most beautiful villages for a holiday

Great Britain is full of fairytale villages that exude British charm, far from the big cities. Some are located on the coast, others are surrounded by hills and forests, and the cottages, alleys, and front gardens create an idyllic setting.

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So, when traveling through Great Britain, you're spoiled for choice: Would you prefer a cozy fishing village or a picturesque town in the heartland? If you're looking for some inspiration, the authors of the British news magazine "Daily Express" have chosen their favorite villages.

The village of Castleton lies 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 rolling hills and green pastures.

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The ruins of Peveril Castle, built in 1086, still tower over the village. Those who climb the steps up to the castle will be rewarded with spectacular views of the countryside.

Castleton's pubs and restaurants invite you to linger, and shops sell jewelry made from the rare semiprecious stone Blue John. This stone can only be found in the world in two caves, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern. These are located in the immediate vicinity of Castleton and can be visited.

Castleton is also the starting point of one of England's most beautiful high-altitude hiking trails. The Great Ridge Walk leads 10.5 kilometers through the most impressive parts of the Peak District and up to the summit of Mam Tor. Known as the "trembling mountain," it rewards visitors with breathtaking views.

The village of Castleton in Derbyshire is so beautiful.

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Just 14 kilometers from the English city of Canterbury, the village of Chilham lies on the banks of the River Great Stour. The village is characterized by its timber-framed houses with triangular roofs.

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Chilham Castle stands above the village, offering spectacular views over the Stour Valley. The castle itself now serves as a retreat center and is surrounded by approximately 121 hectares of gardens, wild woodland, a lake, and a vineyard. The gardens are open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from May to September.

The typical houses in Chilham, Kent.

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The village of Merthy Mawr is located in South Wales , surrounded by the nature reserve of the same name. The area is home to Wales' highest sand dune, also known as the "Big Dipper." Countless hiking trails lead across sandy ground to the coast.

The village itself consists of thatched cottages and an old stone church. Just five kilometers from the village center are the ruins of Ogmore Castle. This historic site is free to visit, making a visit to Merthyr Mawr a perfect blend of nature and culture.

A thatched house in the village of Merthyr Mawr.

Source: IMAGO/Danita Delimont

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About a three-hour drive from London lies the enchanting village of Bibury on the River Coln. The heart of Bibury is Arlington Row, with its rows of limestone cottages. Strolling along this path will show you why Bibury is also known as the "Fairy Village."

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

The famous Arlington Row in Bibury, Gloucestershire.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

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

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

If you'd like to learn more about the village's history, visit the Robin Hood's Bay Museum. There are also beautiful coastal hiking trails around the village.

Located in the heart of the Dorset county in southwest England is the village of Milton Abbas. It is famous for its thatched cottages, which are lined up in a row along a single street. About a ten-minute walk from the village center is the historic Milton Abbey. It impresses with its imposing architecture and its idyllic setting, surrounded by woodlands and hills.

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Every two years, the otherwise tranquil town of Milton Abbas transforms 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 located on the Jubilee Trail, a 145-kilometer walking trail through Dorset. The trail runs from Forde Abbey on the Somerset border to Bokerley Dyke on the Hampshire border.

Milton Abbas with its rows of thatched houses.

Source: imago/robertharding

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

Cozy alleys lined with cafés and shops lead through the rows of houses. But Mousehole is not only famous for its beauty, but also for its Christmas lights. Starting in September, locals prepare the elaborate illuminations that illuminate the entire harbor wall.

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Every two years, Mousehole also hosts the Sea Salts & Sail Festival, which celebrates the village's maritime history with a sailing parade, among other events. The next festival will take place in 2026.