So close to France, the United Kingdom is intriguing because of its centuries-old history and cultural plurality. From Scotland to Wales, Ireland to England and Wales, this island territory is made up of four nations with a unique identity. Yet many travellers limit their stay in the kingdom to the capital, London, which shines through its dynamism. We invite you to get off the beaten track and discover picturesque towns in England. Visiting this nation means visiting the kingdom's most famous cities such as London, Liverpool or Manchester, but also pastoral villages where time seems to have stood still. Here is a selection of our favourite villages in England, to extend your stay in the UK for a few days
Southwold, the English charm
In Suffolk County, Southwold is a charming seaside resort perched atop high cliffs. Its fine sandy beaches lined with colourful cabins give it a natural elegance that its city centre, with its many well-kept Georgian buildings, does not betray. A stroll on the pier allows you to enjoy the landscape to the full. Southwold also has the family home of writer George Orwell
Castle Combe, Wiltshire pearl
How can you not fall under the spell of this village of 340 inhabitants? Often cited as one of England's most beautiful villages, Castle Combe has managed to preserve its former charm, thanks in particular to its typical Cotswold stone houses. Nestled in a generous and green countryside, Castle Combe has often served as a setting for films: it is here, in particular, that Steven Spielberg shot Cheval de Guerre. A picturesque stopover to wish
Bibury, so British
The Cotswolds region is one of the most picturesque in England. Among its many villages with undeniable charm, our favorite is Bibury. Bibury's main site of interest is Arlington Row, which is also found on British passports! Built in 1380, this street lined with stone houses is the symbol of local architecture. Originally, these buildings housed a laine store; today, there are guest rooms
Mousehole, a stopover in Cornwall
Cornwall, in the extreme southwest of England, is a county renowned for its beaches and hilly landscapes of rare beauty. The fishing village of Mousehole is ideal for discovering the region. We admire its small port and its granite dock. It is also necessary to taste the local speciality: the stargazy piebald. This pie is made with sardines, eggs and potatoes, an opportunity to succumb to English cuisine!
Snowshill, an exceptional mansion
Snowshill is a charming village in Gloucestershire known for its lavender cultivation and manor house. This building is a very good example of the Cotswold architecture, built in the 16th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was occupied by the poet Charles Paget Wade who transformed it into a real museum. The artist had indeed decided to acquire only objects worth less than £5 for nearly 50 years, thus constituting a unique whimsical and heterogeneous collection. To discover absolutely!
Beaulieu, in the heart of the forest
The New Forest National Park extends over 566 km², between Southampton and Bournemouth. To the south-east of this natural area is a village with an evocative name: Beaulieu. If its exceptional environment alone is worth a visit, there are also many sites of interest such as Beaulieu Abbey, the remains of an abbey founded in the 13th century, or the National Motor Museum, a museum of vintage cars displaying more than 250 legendary vehicles
Lustleigh, so British
In the heart of the fascinating Dartmoor National Park, the village of Lustleigh is organized around its 12th century church. It shelters pretty houses with thatched roofs and a bucolic countryside: it is a real postcard of England! Tea lovers will be able to enjoy a delicious cream tea, the local speciality. The very narrow road that leads to the village also contributes to its charm. However, it is best to avoid it during the high season!
Lacock, a medieval jewel
Lacock is a village in Wiltshire. Founded in the 13th century, its picturesque and almost obsolete charm has enabled it to be used as a backdrop in many films such as Harry Potter. Fans can see Slughorn's house or visit Lacock Abbey, a 12th century abbey that appeared in several episodes of the saga. A true journey to the medieval era also awaits you in its narrow streets lined with Tudor-style buildings.
Bamburgh, facing the sea
Bamburgh is a village of 400 inhabitants in Northumberland. Proudly built facing the North Sea, its castle is one of the treasures of the English heritage. Built in the 11th century by the Normans, it was used as a setting for several films such as Ridley Scott's Robin Hood in 2010. Bamburgh is also linked to the memory of Grace Darling, daughter of the village lighthouse keeper, who saved nine characters from a shipwreck in the 19th century and became a national hero: a memorial has been erected in her memory
Chilham, a typical getaway
Chilham is a charming village in Kent. Its historic centre, lined with half-timbered houses where antique dealers, tea rooms and pubs gather, is as picturesque as you could wish. If the weather allows it, enjoy a fish & chips on the terrace to enjoy this timeless landscape, overhung by a castle from which only the keep is now visible. You must also enter Saint Mary's Church to admire its stained glass windows
