Table of Contents
- Stepping Off the Tourist Trail
- Shere, Surrey
- Clovelly, Devon
- Castle Combe, Wiltshire
- Polperro, Cornwall
- Alfriston, East Sussex
- Broadway, Worcestershire
- Staithes, North Yorkshire
- Lacock, Wiltshire
- Osmotherley, North Yorkshire
- Warkworth, Northumberland
- Do’s and Don’ts for Visiting Lesser-Known Villages
- Conclusion: The Heart of England Lies in Its Villages
Stepping Off the Tourist Trail
Have you ever felt the urge to just wander—to leave the crowds behind and see a different, quieter side of England?
On a recent trip across the English countryside, I decided to do exactly that. Armed with a notebook, a camera, and a healthy dose of curiosity, I set off in search of those secret places you hear whispers about — the ones that don’t always make it into the glossy travel brochures.
What I found were villages so charming and untouched, they felt like stepping straight into a storybook. Stone cottages, lazy rivers, locals who actually smile and chat — it’s all real, and it’s all out there, waiting.
So come along — here are 10 hidden gems in England that completely stole my heart.
Shere, Surrey
Imagine a village straight out of a period drama — that’s Shere.
Nestled in the Surrey Hills, Shere is all about old-world charm. I wandered through cobbled lanes, ducked into the 12th-century St. James’ Church, and treated myself to a decadent cream tea at Hillesden Tea Rooms.
The gentle walk along the River Tillingbourne, with its stone bridges and sleepy sheep, felt like a scene from The Holiday — and yes, this village was a filming location!
Getting There:
🚆 Train from London to Guildford (1 hr), then a short bus ride or taxi.
Clovelly, Devon
No cars, no chaos—just the sound of the sea and donkeys trotting down cobbled streets.
Clovelly clings to a cliffside with whitewashed cottages tumbling down towards a turquoise harbour. I left my car at the top and walked (or should I say meandered) down, soaking up the slow pace.
Lunch was fresh seafood right by the water, and a chat with a local fisherman who proudly told me his family had lived here for generations.
Getting There:
🚆 Train from London Paddington to Barnstaple, taxi to Clovelly.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Dubbed “the prettiest village in England,” and trust me — it lives up to the hype.
I got there early (top tip!) and had the winding, honey-coloured streets all to myself. Without a single modern shopfront or TV aerial in sight, Castle Combe feels blissfully frozen in time.
I sipped coffee at The Old Rectory Tearoom and strolled down to the famous stone bridge, snapping the kind of photos dreams are made of.
Getting There:
🚆 Train to Chippenham, taxi to Castle Combe (15 mins).
Polperro, Cornwall
Tucked into a snug cove, Polperro is a jumble of crooked cottages, narrow alleys, and salty sea air.
I devoured the best fish and chips of my life at The Three Pilchards before setting off along the coast path to Looe — the sea glittering to one side, wildflowers to the other.
Polperro has a romantic, almost mythical feel, and honestly, I didn’t want to leave.
Getting There:
🚆 Train to Liskeard, then bus or taxi to Polperro.
Alfriston, East Sussex
Alfriston feels like a secret garden hidden inside the South Downs.
After a breezy walk along the South Downs Way, I curled up with a good book from Much Ado Books — one of the loveliest little independent bookshops I’ve ever seen.
I also visited Alfriston Clergy House — a magical step back into the early days of the National Trust — and finished the evening with a pint by the fire at The Star Inn.
Getting There:
🚆 Train from London Victoria to Polegate, then short taxi ride.
Broadway, Worcestershire
At the foot of the Cotswolds escarpment lies Broadway—a picture-perfect village of wide green spaces, elegant Georgian architecture, and antique shops galore. I strolled down High Street, browsing art galleries and stopping at Tisanes Tea Room for lavender shortbread and Earl Grey.
Later, I walked up to Broadway Tower, which offers sweeping views across 13 counties. It was one of the most tranquil afternoons of my trip.
Getting There: London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (90 mins), then a short taxi to Broadway.
Staithes, North Yorkshire
Staithes is like stepping into a painting. Tucked between cliffs on the North Sea coast, this fishing village is full of steep winding streets, colourful cottages, and maritime charm. It was once home to Captain James Cook and now draws artists and photographers from all over.
I spent the afternoon sketching, visiting tiny art studios, and watching the tide roll in from the harbour wall. There’s a wildness to Staithes—like it hasn’t changed in centuries, and doesn’t intend to.
Getting There: Train to Whitby or Saltburn from London King’s Cross (4–5 hours), then local transport to Staithes.
Lacock, Wiltshire
Harry Potter fans — this one’s for you.
Lacock Abbey, with its ancient cloisters and medieval charm, stole my heart and a living, breathing snapshot of old England.
Known to Harry Potter fans for its abbey (used in several films), Lacock is more than a movie set. With its medieval layout, timber-framed buildings, and quaint shops, it feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel.
Lacock Abbey was the highlight of my visit. Beyond the filming locations, it’s steeped in history—it’s where photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot lived. I also recommend the Sign of the Angel, a 15th-century inn serving exquisite English fare.
Getting There: Train to Chippenham (1.5 hrs from London), then a short taxi.
Osmotherley, North Yorkshire
If you love walking trails and cozy village pubs, welcome to your new favourite spot.
Nestled on the edge of the North York Moors, Osmotherley was the surprise star of my trip. This village is a walker’s paradise, sitting at the intersection of three major trails. I hiked a section of the Cleveland Way and then returned to the village for a pint at The Golden Lion.
I chatted with hikers from all over the world, each with stories of the moors and hills nearby. If you love the outdoors but want a quieter alternative to the Lake District, Osmotherley is for you.
Getting There: Train to Northallerton from London King’s Cross (2.5 hrs), then local taxi or bus.
Warkworth, Northumberland
Dominated by the ruins of an impressive medieval castle, Warkworth is a coastal village with serious character. I walked through the village to the river and hired a rowing boat to reach Warkworth Hermitage, a medieval chapel carved into the cliffside.
Warkworth Beach is just a short stroll away and one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in England—wide, quiet, and clean. A cream tea at Bertram’s was the perfect way to wrap up my visit.
Getting There: Train to Alnmouth from London King’s Cross (3.5 hrs), then a 5-minute taxi.
Do’s and Don’ts for Visiting Lesser-Known Villages
✅ Do:
- Chat with locals — they’re the true heart of the village.
- Respect the slow pace and peaceful atmosphere.
- Support local cafés, shops, and artisans.
- Plan your travel in advance — public transport can be sparse.
❌ Don’t:
- Park where you shouldn’t — village lanes can be tiny.
- Leave litter — protect these beautiful spaces.
- Expect 24-hour convenience — many places close early.
- Rush! Part of the magic is soaking it all in slowly.
Conclusion: The Heart of England Lies in Its Villages
The cities may dazzle, but it’s in the villages that England reveals her true soul.
Each cobblestone, crumbling castle, and village green I visited whispered stories of centuries past and everyday beauty.
If you’re craving authenticity, slow adventure, and the kind of travel memories that linger long after the trip is over, trust me — these hidden gems are waiting with open arms.
Now tell me — which one are you adding to your bucket list first? 🌸
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