These Picturesque English Villages Take You Back in Time

[Carmen Elsa Irarragorri Wyland]

England is famous for its rural villages that look like they are frozen in time. Strolling through a traditional village with rural charm is an ideal way to escape the city and is a must-see if you are visiting Blighty (British slang for England) from abroad. Here is a list of 10 of the most picturesque locations that will get you packing your bags for a countryside journey.

1. Bibury, Gloucestershire

This picture perfect Cotswold village is filled with countryside scenes worth visiting. Arlington Row with typical stone cottages is a notable sight to see. Nearby there are remains of a hillside fort, which overlook the village. There are also teahouses and protected buildings, such as the Jacobean style Bibury Court, which are popular sights. The town is split in two by the River Coln, filled with trout and wildlife. 

2. Ambleside, Lade District, Cumbria

This village is located within the Lake District National Park. Flowing under the well known Bridge House is the River Rothay, which feeds into 12 local watermills. The village has a considerable amount of pubs for its size, frequented by tourists and students from the local University of Cumbria. For more beautiful scenery, you can visit nearby Stock Ghyll Force, a 21-meter (69-foot) waterfall.  

3. Lamberhurst, Kent

This quaint Kentish village is home to several historic houses, such as the Victorian Ladham Houses and the Georgian Finchcock House. Explore the rural Bedgebury Natural Pinetum and Forest or enjoy wine at Lamberhurst vineyard. The area also boasts the Sprivers Horsmonden garden and the romantic Scotney Castle, complete with a moat and formal gardens. 

4. Castleton, Peak District National Park 

This village is known as the Gem of the Peaks, and is a popular tourist destination in the summer months. There are many attractions to keep you busy and the town has several holiday cottages for an extended stay. If you are not exploring the many walking paths that surround the hill-hugged town, you can visit the Peveril Castle or the Odin Mine. There are also four Castleton underground caves worth visiting. 

5. Polperro, Cornwall

This scenic harbor village is a delightful choice for seeing the Cornish coast. No cars are allowed into the village, but you can walk or take a horse and cart ride. Explore the town's local shops and homes, or walk along the river estuary. You can take a boat trip to a nearby island, where dolphins and seals can often be spotted. There is also a heritage museum where you can learn about the village’s fishing and smuggling history.

6. Clovelly, Devon

This village is built on the cleft of a steep cliff and is surrounded by dense woodlands, and endless views of the sea. The private town has an entrance fee and to preserve its village feel, forbids motorized vehicles on the cobbled high street. You will see donkeys and sledges bringing goods up and down the hills. The town has lovely narrow lanes, whitewashed cottages, a pub and a few shops.

7. Castle Combe, Wiltshire 

Castle Combe is the quintessential English village with lanes lined with typical Cotswold homes, and a Market Cross dating back to the 14^th century.  The town’s buildings and surrounding countryside are registered as conservation areas. You can enjoy a stay at the picturesque Manor House Hotel. The village was also featured in the 1967 movie Doctor Doolittle. 

8. Haworth, West Yorkshire

Charming Haworth is known for the Brontë sisters, with the striking Pennine moors, where you can feel like you're in Wuthering Heights. The village is otherwise known for its preserved railway. The cobbled high street features several tea shops, stores and pubs. You can visit the former home of the Brontë sisters at the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The village has several traditional festivals and hosts a 1940s weekend.

 

9. Amberley, West Sussex

Lying at the foot of South Downs is pictorial Amberley. The village is noted for its thatched roof houses. While visiting this pretty village you can visit the Amberley Working Museum, with industrial machinery and antique agricultural tools. The museum hosts an annual beer festival, otherwise enjoy a pint at one of the many local pubs. The local castle has been converted into a hotel if you fancy an overnight stay. 

10. Flatford, Suffolk

This tiny Suffolk village is best known because of its depiction in English painter John Constable’s works. The enchanting village, with thatched roof cottages and lush greenery, is a feast for the eyes with its picture-perfect sights. The remote village holds listed buildings such as the 15^th century Medieval Hall House, pictorial Willy Lott’s cottage, granary barns and charming 16^th century Bridge House.