From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged coastlines of Cornwall, England is brimming with charming and scenic towns that feel like they’ve stepped out of a storybook. These towns are perfect for a romantic weekend, cultural escape, or relaxing countryside retreat.
In this guide, we explore the most beautiful towns in England—each offering a unique blend of history, nature, and quintessential English charm.
Top 15 Most Beautiful Towns in England
Bibury, Cotswolds
County: Gloucestershire
Why Visit: Described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England,” Bibury is famed for its honey-coloured cottages along Arlington Row and its peaceful riverside setting.
Highlights:
- Arlington Row (iconic photo spot)
- River Coln walk
- Bibury Trout Farm
Keywords: Bibury Cotswolds, charming towns England, historic villages
Rye, East Sussex
County: East Sussex
Why Visit: Cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and boutique shops define this hilltop town just a few miles from the coast.
Highlights:
- Mermaid Street
- Rye Castle Museum
- Camber Sands beach nearby
Keywords: Rye East Sussex, medieval towns England, South Coast charm
Ludlow, Shropshire
County: Shropshire
Why Visit: Known for its historic market town atmosphere, black-and-white Tudor buildings, and gourmet food scene.
Highlights:
- Ludlow Castle
- Weekly farmers’ market
- Michelin-starred restaurants
Keywords: Ludlow Shropshire, foodie towns England, historic English towns
Whitby, North Yorkshire
County: North Yorkshire
Why Visit: A picturesque coastal town with a Gothic twist, Whitby offers dramatic sea views, ruined abbeys, and Dracula legends.
Highlights:
- Whitby Abbey
- 199 Steps
- Seafood restaurants and boat rides
Keywords: Whitby seaside town, coastal England, Yorkshire towns
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
County: Wiltshire
Why Visit: Often called the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe feels frozen in time, with stone cottages and no visible modern additions.
Highlights:
- Historic market square
- Film locations (War Horse, Stardust)
- Walking trails in the Bybrook Valley
Keywords: Castle Combe village, scenic towns UK, Cotswold hidden gems
Clovelly, Devon
County: Devon
Why Visit: A unique privately-owned fishing village with steep cobbled streets and car-free charm leading to the harbour.
Highlights:
- Donkey transport
- Craft shops and seafood cafés
- Clovelly Court Gardens
Keywords: Clovelly Devon, unique English towns, historic fishing villages
St Ives, Cornwall
County: Cornwall
Why Visit: Famous for golden beaches, turquoise waters, and an artsy vibe, St Ives is a favourite among creatives and surfers.
Highlights:
- Tate St Ives
- Harbour beach and surf schools
- Scenic coastal walks
Keywords: St Ives Cornwall, art towns England, beach towns UK
Lavenham, Suffolk
County: Suffolk
Why Visit: A medieval wool town with over 300 listed timber-framed buildings, including the famous Crooked House.
Highlights:
- Little Hall Museum
- Afternoon tea at The Swan
- Harry Potter film location
Keywords: Lavenham Suffolk, timber towns England, medieval architecture UK
Bakewell, Derbyshire
County: Derbyshire
Why Visit: Nestled in the Peak District, Bakewell is known for its stone bridges, riverside charm, and the original Bakewell Tart.
Highlights:
- Chatsworth House nearby
- Bakewell Old House Museum
- Scenic walks by the River Wye
Keywords: Bakewell Peak District, food towns UK, Derbyshire countryside
Alfriston, East Sussex
County: East Sussex
Why Visit: A peaceful countryside village surrounded by the South Downs, ideal for walking, wine tasting, and historic sightseeing.
Highlights:
- Alfriston Clergy House (first National Trust property)
- South Downs Way trails
- Rathfinny Wine Estate
Keywords: Alfriston South Downs, wine villages England, East Sussex villages
Hawkshead, Lake District
County: Cumbria
Why Visit: A traditional Lakeland village with Beatrix Potter connections, whitewashed cottages, and alpine charm.
Highlights:
- Beatrix Potter Gallery
- Hill Top (her former home)
- Nearby Grizedale Forest
Keywords: Hawkshead Cumbria, Lake District towns, Beatrix Potter village
Fowey, Cornwall
County: Cornwall
Why Visit: A sailing town with dramatic estuary views, boutique shops, and literary links to Daphne du Maurier.
Highlights:
- Harbour and boat trips
- Fowey Estuary trails
- Literary Festival (May)
Keywords: Fowey Cornwall, estuary towns UK, sailing towns England
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
County: Warwickshire
Why Visit: Birthplace of William Shakespeare, filled with half-timbered buildings, theatres, and riverside gardens.
Highlights:
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- River Avon boat trips
Keywords: Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare, literary towns England
Burford, Oxfordshire
County: Oxfordshire
Why Visit: Known as the “gateway to the Cotswolds,” Burford is filled with historic inns, quaint shops, and a beautiful medieval church.
Highlights:
- The High Street (stone houses and antiques)
- Tolsey Museum
- Cotswold Wildlife Park nearby
Keywords: Burford Cotswolds, Oxfordshire villages, best English market towns
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
County: North Yorkshire
Why Visit: A dramatic clifftop fishing village with winding lanes and smuggler legends.
Highlights:
- Fossil hunting on the beach
- Cleveland Way coast path
- Local pubs with sea views
Keywords: Robin Hood’s Bay Yorkshire, coastal walks England, historic seaside towns
Best Time to Visit England’s Prettiest Towns
- Spring (April–June): Blooming flowers, ideal for walking
- Summer (July–August): Peak season for coastal towns and festivals
- Autumn (September–October): Beautiful foliage and fewer crowds
- Winter (November–December): Cosy pubs, Christmas markets, and festive charm
Travel Tips for Visiting England’s Most Beautiful Towns
- By Car: Offers flexibility to explore remote and scenic routes
- By Train: Many towns (e.g., Rye, Whitby, Stratford) are accessible by rail
- Walking Routes: Towns like Alfriston, Castle Combe, and Hawkshead are great stops on hiking trails
- Stay Overnight: Local B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels offer a more immersive experience
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Conclusion
From seaside hideaways to storybook countryside villages, the most beautiful towns in England are rich in character, history, and charm. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family day trip, or a solo sightseeing adventure, these picture-perfect places offer timeless beauty and unforgettable memories.
FAQs
1. What is the prettiest town in England?
Bibury in the Cotswolds is often cited as the prettiest town or village in England, thanks to its iconic Arlington Row, peaceful riverside, and timeless charm.
2. Which are the best small towns to visit in England?
Top small towns include Castle Combe, Rye, Lavenham, and Clovelly, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
3. Are England’s beautiful towns good for a weekend getaway?
Yes! Many are within 1–3 hours of London or Manchester, making them ideal for weekend escapes and short breaks.
4. Can you visit these towns without a car?
Several towns (e.g., Rye, Stratford-upon-Avon, Whitby) are accessible by train, while others may require a car or local taxi for full access.
5. What is the best region for scenic English towns?
The Cotswolds, Cornwall, Lake District, and East Sussex are home to some of the most beautiful and photo-worthy towns in England.
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