A Journey Through 28 Picturesque Villages in Scotland, England & Wales
From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the honey-coloured cottages of the Cotswolds, and the dramatic landscapes of Wales, Britain is home to some of the world’s most enchanting villages.
Each location tells its own unique story through distinctive architecture, rich history, and breathtaking surroundings that have inspired writers, poets, filmmakers, and artists for centuries.
Whether you’re drawn to whitewashed fishing harbours, medieval market towns, or remote Highland communities, these villages offer a glimpse into Britain’s diverse heritage and timeless charm.
Here at Absolute Escapes, we take pride in crafting award-winning self-drive holidays that showcase the very best of Britain. Our expert team is ready to share their local knowledge and help you plan your ideal getaway. Contact our specialists to create your perfect journey.
Join us as we explore some of the most picturesque villages across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Scotland’s Hidden Gems
Falkland, Kingdom of Fife
Nestled beneath the Lomond Hills in the heart of Fife, Falkland holds the distinction of being Scotland’s first conservation village. Many of its picturesque houses date back over 300 years, clustering around the magnificent Falkland Palace. This royal residence, commissioned by King James IV as a “pleasure palace” for falconry and hunting, later became a beloved retreat of Mary Queen of Scots.
More recently, the village found fame as the setting for 1940s Inverness in the hit series Outlander.
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Staffin, Isle of Skye
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Trotternish Ridge, Staffin is a photographer’s paradise. White cottages dot the landscape overlooking Staffin Bay, where visitors can marvel at 160-million-year-old dinosaur footprints discovered in 2002.
The village serves as the gateway to The Quiraing, an otherworldly landscape created by ancient landslides, offering one of Scotland’s most spectacular hiking experiences.
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Elie, Kingdom of Fife
This charming coastal village in the East Neuk boasts beautiful beaches, two golf courses, and a historic 16th-century harbour that’s now a haven for yachts. Elie offers a quintessential Scottish seaside experience – the village cricket team even plays their matches on the beach!
For the adventurous, the Elie Chain Walk provides an exhilarating coastal scramble, while the Fife Coastal Path connects the village to nearby St Monans.
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Comrie, Highland Perthshire
Known affectionately as “The Shaky Toun” due to its history of seismic activity, Comrie charms visitors with its flower-filled main street and excellent cafes.
This Highland Perthshire village offers superb walking opportunities, including the scenic route to Melville’s Monument past the dramatic Deil’s Cauldron waterfall. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Comrie Croft provides free trails and a welcoming tea garden – perfect for post-ride refreshments.
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Shieldaig, Wester Ross
This former fishing port on the North Coast 500, whose name means “village of the herring” in Viking language, perfectly captures the essence of Highland coastal life. Built in the 1800s to attract fishing families, Shieldaig today offers an escape from the modern world with its stunning views of the Torridon Mountains and tranquil harbour setting.
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Luss, Loch Lomond
This conservation village, which has existed since Medieval times, sits perfectly positioned on Loch Lomond’s western shore. The immaculately maintained cottages and floral displays create picture-perfect scenes, while the pier offers magnificent views of Ben Lomond – one of Scotland’s most iconic Munros.
Water sports enthusiasts can try wakeboarding, kayaking, or water skiing, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy peaceful loch cruises with a glass of wine in hand.
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St Abbs, Berwickshire
This dramatic coastal village, named after 7th-century Northumbrian princess Aebbe, clings to the rugged Berwickshire coastline. The village’s striking setting, surrounded by towering cliffs teeming with seabirds, makes it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
The St Abbs Visitor Centre provides excellent insights into the area’s rich history and diverse marine life, while the surrounding Nature Reserve offers spectacular coastal walks.
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Crinan, Argyll
It’s simply impossible to resist adding another location along Scotland’s coast, with a special mention to Crinan, a tiny harbour village in Argyll. This pretty, unspoilt village looks out across Loch Crinan to Duntrune Castle.
Crinan is famous for the Crinan Canal (known as “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”) which runs from Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura. The canal was designed by James Watt and Queen Victoria sailed through in 1847.
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Lochranza, Isle of Arran
Positioned dramatically on a shingle spit extending into the sea loch, Lochranza epitomizes the rugged beauty of Arran – often called “Scotland in miniature.” The village is dominated by its atmospheric 16th-century castle ruins, while the Isle of Arran Distillery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning single malt.
The Arran Coastal Way passes through the village, offering wonderful opportunities to spot red deer and golden eagles.
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England’s Quintessential Villages
Port Isaac, Cornwall
Hidden among Cornwall’s rugged coastline, Port Isaac charms visitors with its maze of cobblestone streets, including the famously narrow Squeezy Belly Alley.
This 14th-century fishing village, known to millions as the filming location for Doc Martin, epitomises the allure of Britain’s coastal communities with its whitewashed houses and bustling harbour.
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St Mawes, Cornwall
Snugly situated at the tip of the Roseland Peninsula within Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies St Mawes. Home to a small population of around only 700 permanent residents, St Mawes certainly holds its own and was named the UK’s best coastal destination.
With its harbourfront peppered with picturesque buildings, the hive of activities in the surrounding waters and the Mediterranean-like weather thanks to its position within the Gulf Stream, St Mawes is the ideal hotspot for visitors to take in all the charm of this Cornish gem.
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Clovelly, Devon
Stepping into Clovelly feels like entering a living museum. This privately owned village, once belonging to the Queen of England, maintains its historical character with cobblestone streets and colourful cottages cascading down to a turquoise harbour.
Perhaps most charmingly, goods are still transported by donkey and sledge along the car-free streets.
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Appledore, Devon
The pretty pastel-coloured houses of Appledore are sure to put a smile on your face. The village was built on a tradition of fishing and boat-building which still continues today. Pop into the North Devon Maritime Museum to explore its maritime past.
Appledore is also known for its lively calendar of local events, with one of the highlights being the annual Appledore Book Festival.
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Grasmere, Lake District
Described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” Grasmere nestles perfectly among the Lake District’s most spectacular fells.
Beyond its literary connections and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, the village offers a gateway to some of Britain’s most inspiring landscapes.
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Coniston, Lake District
Watched over by the majestic Old Man of Coniston, this charming village sits beside the pristine waters of Coniston Lake. Maritime heritage comes alive aboard the Steam Yacht Gondola, where visitors can experience Victorian-era luxury whilst gliding across the lake’s mirror-like surface.
For the adventurous, the village serves as a perfect base for fell walking, rock climbing, and water sports.
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Hawkshead, Lake District
This historic car-free village, with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, captures the essence of Lake District life.
Literary enthusiasts can visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery, housed in a former solicitor’s office where her husband once worked. The village’s connections to both Potter and William Wordsworth make it a cultural landmark as well as a picturesque retreat.
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Bamburgh, Northumberland
Dominated by its magnificent castle rising 150 feet above the coastline, Bamburgh combines dramatic history with natural beauty. The village’s award-winning beach stretches beneath the castle walls, offering views across to the Farne Islands.
Its position within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ensures stunning walks on the Northumberland Coast Path in either direction.
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Warkworth, Northumberland
Set within a meandering loop of the River Coquet, Warkworth presents a perfect medieval settlement. The mighty castle stands sentinel above a village filled with artisan shops and historic buildings.
The 12th-century church adds to the village’s impressive skyline, while the riverside location offers peaceful walks and wildlife spotting.
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Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water delights visitors with its series of elegant low bridges spanning the River Windrush. The village showcases the best of Cotswold architecture, with golden stone cottages and Georgian townhouses lining its streets.
Don’t miss the charming Model Village, a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton itself, complete with miniature gardens and flowing water.
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Burford, Cotswolds
Often called the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford’s sloping High Street offers a pristine collection of architectural history. The town boasts England’s oldest pharmacy and an impressive medieval bridge.
Its ancient merchant houses and almshouses tell stories of wool trade wealth, while the 17th and 18th-century cottages create perfect photo opportunities.
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Castle Combe, Cotswolds
Frequently dubbed ‘the prettiest village in England’, Castle Combe remains remarkably preserved since the 17th century. With no new houses built since the 1600s and a ban on television aerials and overhead cables, the village maintains its historic character.
The iconic view of the bridge and cottages at the southern end has featured in countless films, including Steven Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’.
Staithes, Yorkshire Coast
This former fishing powerhouse, where Captain James Cook first found his sea legs, clings dramatically to the Yorkshire coast. Its jumble of red-roofed cottages cascades down steep cliffs to a sheltered harbour.
Modern-day Staithes has reinvented itself as an artists’ colony while maintaining its maritime charm. The village’s position on the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ adds prehistoric interest to its many attractions.
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Kettlewell, Yorkshire Dales
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Kettlewell exemplifies rural charm with its historic cottages, welcoming pubs, and traditional tea rooms. Many buildings date back over three centuries, creating an authentic village atmosphere.
The annual scarecrow festival transforms the village each August, while surrounding dales offer exceptional walking opportunities.
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Lavenham, Suffolk
This remarkably preserved medieval village showcases some of Britain’s finest timber-framed buildings. With 320 listed buildings, including the magnificent Wool Church, Lavenham stands as a testament to the wealth of the medieval wool trade.
Harry Potter fans might recognise several locations, while art lovers will appreciate the village’s thriving creative scene.
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Burnham Market, Norfolk
Often called Norfolk’s loveliest village, Burnham Market artfully balances sophistication with rural charm. Traditional shops – including a butcher, baker, and candlestick maker – line the village green, alongside art galleries and boutiques.
Despite its popularity with visitors, the village maintains its authentic character and strong sense of community.
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Wales’ Magical Villages
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
This extraordinary village appears as if transplanted from the Italian Riviera to the heart of Wales. Built between 1925 and 1975 by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is a masterpiece of architectural whimsy, featuring colourful buildings, ornate gardens, and stunning views across the Dwyryd Estuary.
Famous as the filming location for the cult TV series “The Prisoner,” the village attracts visitors year-round to explore its Mediterranean-inspired streets and subtropical gardens.
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Solva, Pembrokeshire
Tucked into a deep natural harbour along the Pembrokeshire coast, charming Solva is home to rows of lime-washed fishermen’s cottages and vibrant art galleries. The village splits into Upper Solva, perched on the hillside, and Lower Solva, hugging the harbour where colourful fishing boats bob in the tide.
Ancient lime kilns and the remains of an Iron Age fort hint at the village’s rich history, while the surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers spectacular walking opportunities.
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Beddgelert, Eryri (Snowdonia)
Nestled in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Beddgelert is often called Wales’ most beautiful village. Stone cottages with flowering gardens line the banks of the River Colwyn, creating picture-perfect scenes against the backdrop of Snowdon’s majestic peaks.
The village is famous for the touching tale of Gelert, the faithful hound of medieval Prince Llywelyn the Great, whose grave site draws visitors from around the world. Beyond its legendary connections, Beddgelert serves as an ideal base for exploring Snowdonia’s dramatic landscapes and riding the Welsh Highland Railway.
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Discover Your Own Favourite Village
These villages represent just a small selection of Britain’s most enchanting and picturesque communities. Each offers its own unique blend of history, architecture, local produce, and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
Ready to experience these magical locations for yourself? We offer award-winning self-drive tours throughout Britain & Ireland, allowing you to discover our magnificent homeland at your own pace. Contact us to start planning your perfect adventure.
