Top 8 Hidden Villages in the UK You Must Visit
The United Kingdom is a country of lovely traditions, great history and idyllic scenery. The major cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester are well travelled but it is the sleepy countryside and forgotten villages that really get to the heart of Britain. These are some less popular destinations which are a quiet getaway, a place with a slower rhythm of life and with beautiful landscapes that are often hard to describe.
Visiting hidden villages can add a real and fresh touch to your travel plan by including them in your UK tour packages. Whether it is stone cottages hidden in the rolling hills or cobbled lanes that have never been touched by modernity, these off-beat destinations are treasure troves of history, culture and nature. Here is the list of the 8 best hidden villages in the UK that you just have to visit at least once in your life, where time stands still and beauty is immortal.
Here are some top 8 hidden villages in the UK you must visit.
1. Clovelly, Devon: A Coastal Trip Back in Time
Clovelly is an idyllic fishing village clinging to the North Devon shore. Clovelly has a unique steep and cobbled main street which is car free. Rather, goods are transported by donkeys and sledges. This village of the 14th century appears to be frozen: whitewashed cottages tumble down a cliff to a picturesque harbour.
The scenery of the Bristol Channel is amazing and strolling through the narrow streets is like entering a fairytale. Fresh seafood is available in the local pubs and handmade crafts in artisan shops. Clovelly is frequently featured in special United Kingdom tour packages targeting customers who want heritage and sea side tranquility.
2. Portmeirion, Wales: Italy in the Heart of Wales
Portmeirion is no ordinary village- it is a surreal colourful work of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. This village is situated in Gwynedd, Wales and it combines Mediterranean style homes and thick forested area. Colourful pastel-built houses, exotic gardens and the estuary vistas make Portmeirion nothing like any other village in the UK.
Artists, musicians and even filmmakers have been inspired by the village- it was even famously used in a cult TV series The Prisoner. This magical place is frequently included in special UK tour packages that are organized to meet the needs of art connoisseurs and culture hunters.
3. Castle Combe, Wiltshire: The Prettiest Village in England
Castle Combe is a village in the Cotswolds that is frequently referred to as the most attractive village in England. Honey-coloured cottages, a medieval church and a quiet stream flowing through the middle have made it hardly changed since the 1600s. So pretty that it doubles up as a film set (War Horse, Stardust).
Tourists can have afternoon tea, stroll through beautiful walks and visit local markets. Its popularity notwithstanding, it has a silent beauty that renders it an essential visit in most UK tour packages that concentrate on the countryside. The lack of streetlights and street signs contribute to maintaining its antique atmosphere.
4. Polperro, Cornwall: Seaside Artists Retreat
Polperro is a fishing village nestled in the Cornish coastline and it is magical. Polperro has narrow, twisting streets, old inns and a picturesque harbour, and in the past has lived by fishing and smuggling. Nowadays, it attracts artists, writers, and travelers in search of inspiration and peace.
The Polperro Heritage Museum houses the heritage of the village. There are cliff top walking trails that offer spectacular views over the sea and the village centre has galleries and shops selling local crafts. Polperro is one of the most appealing places that many tailor-made UK tour packages to Cornwall cannot resist visiting.
5. Staithes, North Yorkshire: A Smuggler s Haven
Staithes is a small village on the Yorkshire coast, where Captain James Cook lived at some point. Its narrow cottages, crowding together on the steep cliffs, and its romantic scene by the sea, make one think it is out of a historical novel. Its twisting streets and rock buildings have altered little in hundreds of years.
It is a paradise of fossil collectors, artists and walkers. There are rock pools and coastal walks to provide an element of adventure, or Staithes artistic atmosphere encourages visitors to come and relax, and create. It is a well-kept secret on the North Sea coast and a popular destination in niche UK tours with off-grid travellers.
6. Bibury, Gloucestershire: The Classic Cotswold Village
Bibury Village is a village that is one of the most iconic and photographed villages in the UK. The main attraction in this quiet Cotswold village is Arlington Row, a row of weaver’s cottages, which date back to the 14 th century. The village is surrounded by the River Coln which makes it even more idyllic.
You may be a photographer, nature lover or history enthusiast but the beauty of Bibury cannot be overlooked. Traditional English food is offered in small tearooms and country pubs. Bibury is a major attraction in luxury tour packages of the UK that emphasize on the picturesque Cotswolds.
7. Plockton, Scotland: Highland Charm by the Sea
Plockton is a lovely village on the west coast of Scotland overlooking Loch Carron. Plockton has palm trees, (despite its Highland location) due to the warm Gulf Stream. The village has whitewashed cottages and a picturesque harbour, and provides a quiet coastal getaway.
Plockton is ideal for kayaking, walking and sailing. You should not miss out on local seafood, particularly the fresh langoustines. Skye is also near the village; thus it is an ideal halt on UK tour packages that visit the Scottish Highlands and islands.
8. Dent, Cumbria: The Yorkshire Dales Best Kept Secret
Dent is in Cumbria, but within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This small village is sleepy with cobbled streets, old stone buildings and dramatic hills around. Dent is tranquil, and its wild beauty is a favourite with walkers and cyclists.
The Dent Village Heritage Centre and a local brewery should not be missed. The Dales Way long distance path runs close by providing alternative means of experiencing the beautiful scenery. The town of Dent is an unknown yet satisfying inclusion to tour packages in the north of the UK, particularly to those who adore nature.
Conclusion:
There is another side to the UK, a less hectic side of quiet lanes, old cottages and friendly faces, just a short way off the busy streets of the major cities. These secret villages will give you a unique opportunity to observe the country as it used to be without time. Be it strolling across the cobbled streets of Castle Combe or taking a breath of the sea air in Staithes, it is pure magic. Whether you want to add some meaningful, picturesque and memorable experiences to your UK tour packages, these destinations can make your travel itinerary a journey of a lifetime. These hidden treasures do not only reveal the various landscapes that Britain has to offer but also provide a look into the wonderful culture and history that Britain has to offer.
With the increase in tourism, several of these villages have been kept safe and untouched and one can experience a personal feel of the place, with very little crowd. They are an ideal setting to spend your peaceful holidays, romantic getaways or even when you want to spend some time alone. The next time you plan to avail UK tour packages, think beyond the expected and explore these quaint, little villages. They all narrate a story, with the architecture, the people and the setting- stories that you will not forget easily even when your journey is over. It is time to see another face of the UK, the face that is less noisy, less industrial, and just more enchanted.
