Although Hastings is mostly associated with the Battle of Hastings (which actually took place in Sussex), the picturesque fishing port has many beautiful sights and fun activities on offer. The old quarter charms visitors with its medieval remnants scattered along winding alleyways, while the high street delights with antique shops, quaint cafés and seafood restaurants. For breathtaking views, head east and ride the UK's steepest funicular railway up to Hastings Country Park. Other must-see attractions include the town’s iconic pier, Hastings Castle, St. Clements Caves and the historic Battle Abbey.
Surrounded by spectacular woodland and the Grampian Mountains, beautiful Braemar is a paradise for golfers, climbers and hikers. As the highest and most mountainous area in the UK, Braemar offers more than 65 miles (105km) of walks and cycle routes, while a visit to the 17th-century Braemar Castle is a must for history buffs. Stay in this Scottish village on the first Saturday in September to experience the annual Highland Games, where you might spot a royal or two in attendance.
Situated just a mile (1.6km) outside Cornwall’s St Austell, Charlestown takes visitors back to the Georgian era with its well-preserved historic port and stunning properties, from quaint fishermen's cottages to sophisticated Georgian houses. The beautiful harbour once played a key part in exporting copper and importing coal, but today it's a popular filming location, seen in the likes of Poldark, Doctor Who and 2010’s Alice in Wonderland.
Hidden in a narrow valley along the Ceredigion coast, Llangrannog is a picturesque seaside town that offers breathtaking views, a serene riverside and even a small waterfall. Above the waterfall lies the village’s historic heart, complete with an old church, while the beachfront features more modern buildings and what was once a bustling commercial port. The local beach’s standout feature is Carreg Bica, a striking rock formation that, according to legend, was once a giant’s tooth.
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Nestled on an island in charming County Fermanagh, Enniskillen benefits from a charming waterside location. Enniskillen Castle, built in the 15th century, features two museums: the Fermanagh County Museum, which showcases traditional culture and crafts, and the Inniskillings Museum, where you can discover the area’s military past. To visit another impressive site, hop on a bike and cycle three miles (5km) to Castle Coole while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. For shopping head to the Buttermarket, where you can find several shops, cafés and galleries.
Tucked away in a sheltered bay on Loch Carron, Plockton is one of western Scotland’s most attractive fishing towns and hosts regular regattas. Thanks to its breathtaking lake scenery and mountain vistas, this picturesque village has been the setting for several films and TV series, such as the BBC’s Hamish Macbeth and The Wicker Man. With a community that thrives on farming and fishing, don't leave Plockton without grabbing a bite at one of the pubs along the shore.
Conveniently situated between Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil was once the iron capital of the world, and today is one of Wales' most charming old villages. Among the must-sees is Cyfarthfa Park and Castle, which covers 160 acres and overlooks the town. In the town centre you can spend your days visiting the Cyfarthfa Museum, several churches and even the ruins of a Norman castle.
Receiving royal status in 2021, Royal Hillsborough is a cosy village and civil parish nestled in County Down, only 12 miles (19km) from Belfast. The historic town is mostly known for its Georgian architecture, specifically Hillsborough Castle. The mansion was built in 1770 and functions as the royal family’s official residence when staying in Northern Ireland. Another must-see is the memorial to the 3rd Marquess of Downshire, which resembles Nelson's Column in London's Trafalgar Square. For a tranquil stroll through the surrounding nature, explore Hillsborough Forest Park and lake too.
This quaint town nestled at the foot of Glenarm Glen is truly unique but rarely visited. Georgian streets and beautifully preserved architecture give way to stunning landscapes: take a hike through the neighbouring forest, head down to Glenarm Marina or discover the 16th-century Glenarm Castle with its walled garden. Visit in May to experience the town in full bloom during its annual Tulip Festival.
Located just 35 miles (56km) south of Belfast, the coastal town of Dundrum is probably best known for its impressive castle, which has many paths leading up to it from the town centre and incredible seaside views along the way. For more scenic walks, explore the Murlough Nature Reserve and Mourne Mountains. Game of Thrones fans might recognise some spots in the region too – the popular television series shot several scenes here.
With roots that can be traced back to the Roman Empire, Chester features a host of ancient and medieval structures dotted around the modern city. Between boutiques and high-street stores you’ll find timbered buildings and cobbled Roman roads. Immerse yourself in Chester’s history by taking a walk around the city walls, old towers, gates and the UK’s largest amphitheatre.
A perfect destination for anyone who loves to be out on the water, Kesh is a fishing village on the banks of the Kesh River in Fermanagh. The waterside town invites visitors to hire a boat and discover the lough, river and surrounding area. If you prefer being on land, Kesh also has a lovely high street, as well as Muckross Quay, where you can watch fishermen at work while the sun sets over the tranquil water.
These are the UK’s prettiest small towns and villages
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If this town’s name sounds familiar, you might have read or watched the popular The Da Vinci Code – Roslin’s Rosslyn Chapel plays a key role in the story. The late-Gothic chapel is often associated with theories surrounding the Knights Templar or the Freemasons, but there is more to discover in this Scottish village than just its history. Located only seven miles (11km) south of Edinburgh, Roslin was also home to the world’s first cloned sheep, Dolly, which was created in 1997 at the Roslin Institute.
Durham may be a small city, but its rich history and charm offer plenty for visitors to explore. Wander along cobbled streets to admire the majestic Durham Cathedral and the city’s iconic castle. Discover a variety of cafés, boutiques, museums and artisan workshops, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic river. As evening falls, the Gala Theatre promises top-notch entertainment. Just outside the city, in the Vale of Durham, you’ll also find England’s largest open-air museum, the Living Museum of the North.
Experience incredible Highland Perthshire by visiting one of the region’s most charming towns, Pitlochry, and admire the surrounding views while diving into one of many outdoor activities the area has to offer. Not only is the region ideal for golfing, fishing and hiking, but also for exciting pastimes like mountain biking and bungee jumping. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Blair Castle and Gardens to learn about the history of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. For a taste of local whisky, book a tasting at Blair Athol Distillery.
This Northern Irish town has a remarkable history stretching all the way back to St Patrick in the 5th century. Armagh is characterised by its church spires, cobbled streets and historic buildings, making it one of Northern Ireland's greatest gems. Dive into history by visiting the 18th-century Armagh Robinson Library, Roman Catholic Cathedral, medieval crypt beneath it and St Patrick’s Church.
Neighbouring the more widely visited Manchester, Salford is a lively city with a fascinating history and beautiful scenery. Learn about Salford's past by visiting Ordsall Hall or walking one of its heritage trails, which lead past a range of fascinating sights. At the Lowry visitors can immerse themselves in local art and theatre while the Quays has a varied selection of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.
In this riverside village, visitors can marvel at historic Welsh architecture and the untouched nature surrounding it. The town is famous for Cenarth Falls, a series of beautiful waterfalls and rock pools that look like they've jumped from the pages of a fairy tale. If you're lucky, you might even see salmon leap out of the water. Other highlights include an 18th-century bridge, a stunning riverside walk, the National Coracle Centre and a 13th-century flour mill, which overlooks the waterfalls.
This Devon gem has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 and is located on the western border of the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park. Full of historic sites, Tavistock serves up a range of fascinating buildings to marvel at, such as Tavistock Abbey, as well as an abundance of local shops on its high street, and a pannier market selling everything from cakes to clothing. To experience the surrounding nature take a stroll down River Tavy or hike up Brent Tor, which overlooks the whole town.
Established in the 7th century as a monastery by St Laiseran, Holywood didn’t become a proper village until it was rebuilt in the early 17th century as a market town. The Northern Irish village grew fast when the railway arrived in 1848, and it became fashionable with wealthier Belfast residents looking for a seaside break. You can still see some of the impressive mansions that were built here during this era. Spend your trip exploring the parish church, priory and Transport Museum.
This popular fishing village lies on the west coast of Wales and boasts two sandy beaches for water sports, offering fun outdoor activities for everyone. Walk along the Ceredigion coast to enjoy an incredible panorama of the seaside town and its surroundings. If you get lucky you might even spot a dolphin or orca swimming offshore.
Rich in history, Stirling has a lot to offer visitors, from a spectacular backdrop of the Trossachs National Park to Stirling Castle. Combine a shopping spree with sightseeing by visiting the Old Town and the Victorian Stirling Arcade. Other sights include the National Wallace Monument, Loch Lomond and the Church of the Holy Rude, while come evening you can retreat to a cosy pub for a traditional meal.
Step into history, myth and the great outdoors in one of Northern Ireland’s prettiest towns. With the foot of Slieve Martin on one side and the coast of Carlingford Lough on the other, this picturesque town is home to the enchanting Fairy Glen, with a circular walk that takes you through scenic woodland, riverside and parkland. Throughout Rostrevor you can discover an abundance of historical sites, such as Cloughmore, the Mourne Wall and Bagenal’s Castle.
Discover this unspoiled town in the Northern Highlands and experience Scotland’s wild nature. A fishing village at heart, Ullapool is located on the shores of Loch Broom and is an outdoor activities paradise for adventurous visitors. Go hiking, climbing or take a ferry ride to the Outer Hebrides. For golfing fans, the picturesque village offers a golf course with the most amazing backdrop too.
Step into this enchanting medieval walled city and explore the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, a revered pilgrimage site that continues to draw visitors from around the world. Beyond the cathedral, discover other impressive religious landmarks, including St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, both steeped in history. To fully experience the charm of Canterbury, consider joining a guided walking tour. These tours not only highlight the city's key attractions but also lead you through its maze of cobbled alleyways, past independent shops and into hidden corners brimming with stories from the past.
A lively university city, Bangor has a long history well worth exploring. Visit Bangor Cathedral, which can be traced back to the 6th century, and the Bishop’s Palace that has been transformed into a museum. Here you can discover local artefacts showcasing Welsh culture and history. Other must-sees include the Bangor Garth Pier, the second longest in the country and voted Pier of the Year 2022 by the National Piers Society, and the high street – the longest in Wales.
Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin, is one of England's most charming medieval towns. Located near the Welsh border, this ancient market town boasts nearly 800 listed buildings, including notable landmarks like Shrewsbury Castle and Shrewsbury Abbey. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through The Quarry, a beautiful riverside park, or embark on a boat trip along the River Severn. To see the town in full bloom, plan your visit in early August to coincide with the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show, one of the country's best horticultural events.
Meaning ‘little bay’ in Scots Gaelic, Oban is an adorable village situated on Scotland’s west coast, surrounded by beautiful countryside and impressive cliffs. Small galleries and independent shops are dotted throughout the seaside town, while on the waterfront you can discover the ruins of Dunollie Castle or take a short boat ride to Kerrera, the closest island to Oban.
In our opinion, Deal in Kent is the UK’s most underrated destination. Often overshadowed by nearby Whitstable and Margate, Deal offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Once a smuggler’s haven, this seaside town is now celebrated for its colourful Georgian townhouses and its historic pier, the last fully intact leisure pier in Kent. Visitors can explore Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII, or enjoy walks along the pebble beach with views of the English Channel. For a unique seaside experience, stop by Hut 55, a charming beach hut café serving homemade sandwiches and cakes.