12 Most Charming Small Towns in the UK
Covering the bulk of the British Isles and all its distinct environments, histories, and cultures, the United Kingdom is replete with charming towns. Spread across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, as well as the individualized counties that lie within, the "Small Island" could take a lifetime to explore. But for those on a tighter timeline, these twelve entries offer a top-to-bottom taste of the harbors, the countryside villages, the wild and verdant highlands, and the cobbled medieval old towns. Come prepared for long walks through antiquitous streets filled with photogenic landmarks, but also pack a good book for those rainy days spent in the window booth of an old tavern or fresh-faced coffee house. Let us begin on the coasts of Cornwall.
Port Isaac, Cornwall
The camera loves Port Isaac (aka Portwenn). This 14th-century North Cornwall fishing village has been the setting for multiple acclaimed productions, including the long-running Doc Martin TV series and the film Fisherman's Friends – a true story about an a capella shanty group that made it big in the UK music industry (but still performs, on occasion, in its beloved hometown). It is easy to see how the old-fashioned way of life, cozy surroundings, and tight-knit community inspired music with such compelling narratives woven in. Wander the narrow streets (including one of the tightest in Britain: Squeezy Belly Alley), hike into the breezy coastal hills to take in the full expanse of the whitewashed cottages, or get in touch with Port Isaac's roots by venturing out on the water for some fishing, or simply a scenic boat tour.
Mevagissey, Cornwall
Another charming Cornwall town (in fact, there are many) can be found on the Southern shore of the historical/ceremonial country. Mevagissey is blessed with idyllic twin harbors, complete with colorful accents offered by the fishing boats and rows of terraced homes nestled within an otherwise rugged coastline. The small, hidden beaches, delicious seafood restaurants (the fish n' chips is especially popular), ice cream parlors, and quaint shops spread amongst the slim, time-capsule streets make this a cherished summer getaway. But the winters are not without a subtle appeal. Taking refuge from the capricious Celtic Sea in one of the many weathered pubs gives Mevagissey a warm, communal feel.
Canterbury, Kent
Kent County's medieval walled city of Canterbury has charmed visitors for more than a millennium. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is split by both arms of the Great Stour River and overseen by the dramatic and historically significant Anglo-Gothic/Romanesque Canterbury Cathedral, which stands in the heart of the Old Town. Next to it, the subterranean Canterbury Roman Museum shows off mosaics, ruins, and other ancient artifacts, as well as artistic renderings of the city that belonged to the famous empire that preceded the British empire. Continue to stroll the cobblestone streets, and you will be treated over and over to exquisite retailers, fancy brunch spots, and, of course, a host of traditional pubs (be sure to download the Canterbury Beer Trail Guide to help narrow down the options).
Inverness, Scotland
Inverness is a moderate-sized city in Northern Scotland with an undeniably small-town feel. The "Highlands Capital" sits at the transition between Beauly Firth and Moray Firth, as is marked by the bisecting River Ness. This river then snakes its way South for approximately seven miles to the iconic Loch Ness – the purported home of the world-famous monster. But this body of water is so much more than a gimmick. Sitting on the pebbly shore of Lochend or Dores Beach, staring out to the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, or feeling the wind against your face while boating across this long and narrow waterway are legendary experiences in their own right. The cherry on top is Urquhart Castle, which fights obstinately against the ravages of age, keen to keep watch over the loch for another thousand years.
With all that said, don't overlook the city herself. Head up to the red-bricked, neo-Norman Inverness Castle, which affords sweeping views of Inverness from atop its central hilltop. Other subtle charms include wandering the botanical gardens on a sunny day, perusing Leakey's Bookshop (the second-largest second-hand dealer in Scotland), and washing down pub grub with some traditional cask ale.
Rye, East Sussex
Clusters of red brick buildings topped with red roofs, interspersed with white-paneled, brown-striped Tudor houses, all encircled by green coastal pastures – such is the scene of this adorable East Sussex town. Like nearby Canterbury, Rye is a cobbled medieval village that delights modern-day visitors with locally-owned shops, coffee houses, no less than 25 antique dealers, and other charming establishments. For a crash course in quaint, bee line for Mermaid Street, with its 15-century homes and inns, and then walk towards Church Square, passing the Lamb House and the Church of Saint Mary. Cap off the exploration with a climb up Ypres Tower at the Rye Castle Museum, where the sand dunes and beaches of Camber can be seen just a few miles away.
Hay on Wye, Wales
Hay on Wye, or simply Hay, is known as the "World's First Book Town" – a proclamation that is well justified. Even though this relaxed market town in Powys, Wales, has less than 2,000 residents, it operates 14 independent bookshops. Bibliophiles will need an entire weekend to sift through the shelves (for new releases, second-hand classics, and rare, antiquitous finds) at each unique vendor. Hay also benefits from lovely surroundings. A day paddling on the adjacent Wye River or hiking through the Black Mountains and rolling moorlands of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, which begins right on Hay's doorstep before sprawling far to the South and wide to the West. Pay a visit to the two-faced Hay Castle on your way into the wilderness.
Portrush, Northern Ireland
Pop over to Portrush for a change of scenery, dialect, and even a new island. At the very top of Northern Ireland, this seaside resort town offers several spacious, tastefully utilized, and blue-flag-rated beaches on either side of its mile-long peninsula – all within minutes (walking) of the train station. The three main drags that flow up and down town sport seafood restaurants, waterfront arcades, and even a chipper amusement park to brighten family vacations. Those yearning to explore more of the Causeway Coastal Route can cruise East to the basalt columns of Giant's Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or West to Binevenagh (a worthy recipient of the formal "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" designation), for a thorough immersion in quintessential Irish scenery.
Clovelly, Devon
Back in Britain, the privately owned (formerly by the Queen of England), carless, cliffside fishing village of Clovelly also enjoys an outstanding waterfront location – this time on the Hartland Devon Heritage Coast. In contrast to Portrush, this community adopts a more reserved, traditional approach, which only sweetens the deal (and the aesthetic) for those fond of a quaint getaway. Only revealed to the public in the mid-1800s, the entire place is now a historic landmark (i.e., National Trust site). Surrounded by steep, bushy bluffs, the rustic harbor grants access to Clovelly Bay. The simple and rocky Clovelly Beach awaits on the North side, while the elegant Clovelly Waterfall lies a short walk away (to the Southeast). While coastal walking is one of the premier pastimes in these parts, save some strength in your legs for the ascent up High Street – the only thoroughfare into the heart of the community (but maybe you can snag a ride on one of the donkey-propelled carts).
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
Bisected by (you guessed it) the River Avon, this Wiltshire town/civil parish is a splendid side-trip for anyone visiting Bath – just ten minutes away by train. BOA has even been described as a mini version of its popular neighbor (but with a fraction of the tourists). Here, history emanates from every corner. Start a self-guided walking tour at the photogenic Town Bridge—the many arches date anywhere from the 14th to 18th century. There is also a small "lock up," which began as a chapel but became a holding cell for prisoners in the 17th century (open to the public each September during the Heritage Open Days Festival). Next, shuffle over to the Church of St. Lawrence – thought to have been erected in the early 11th century (though by some accounts, much earlier), and one of England's best preserved Saxon buildings. Next, slip through "The Shambles" – a short but sweet commercial alleyway that connects Market Street to Coppice Hill – once filled with medieval stalls and still home to several 15th-century buildings.
Castle Combe, Cotswolds
From Bradford on Avon, it is only a short drive to Castle Combe – a serene village in Cotswolds that has provided a backdrop for several major feature films (including Dr Dolittle, Stardust, The Wolfman, and War Horse). Cream-colored brick buildings topped with bark-brown tiled roofs line "The Street" – one of only a few roadways in town. The surrounding Area of Natural Outstanding Natural Beauty (which, in the United Kingdom, garners similar privileges and protections as a national park) is filled with rolling green hills and plots of farmland that stretch for 787 square miles. This makes Cotswold the largest AONB in England and Wales. Thanks to its traditional accommodations, a small collection of cozy coffee shops and pubs, and pleasant local hikes, Castle Combe is a perfect base camp for exploring Southeastern England.
Portmeirion, Wales
Wales has a wealth of charming towns – whether nestled in the countryside, like Hay on Wye, or standing proud on the West Coast, like our next stop, Portmeirion. This colorful, Baroque-style village of Gwynedd county was envisioned by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was only recently completed (by UK historical standards) in 1976. Along with its Mediterranean-esque facade, Portmeirion is complemented by The Gwyllt – a 70-acre sub-tropical forest surrounding the village (filled with hidden lakes, secret gardens, rare flowers, some of the largest trees in Britain, 20 miles of trails, and brilliant views of some coastal coves) – and the sandy beaches along Dwyryd Estuary; a veritable trifecta of charm.
Ullapool, Scotland
In Northwestern Scotland, on the Eastern shore of Loch Broom, Ullapool represents one of the wildest sides of the United Kingdom. This rocky, wonderfully undeveloped waterfront faces the imposing, often snow-covered, almost Scandinavian-like mountains of coastal Highlands and is backed by Meall Mhor (aka Ullapool Hill) – an inspiring, cairn-topped, windswept lookout. Whimsical footpaths wander about these unspoiled features, beckoning the 1,500 permanent residents, and adventurous visitors, on fair-weather days (they're not as rare as you may think, Ullapool even has a golf course). For some more structured outings, head just three miles South along the shore to arrive at Leckmelm Gardens, and less than ten miles further on, the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, with its mile-long canyon and impressive waterfall, will complete a memorable day. Ullapool offers all types of accommodations – from fancy B&Bs to youth hostels and campgrounds, making it a worthy HQ for extended explorations.
Surrounded by deep blue, often moody waters, filled with green pastures and modest, grass-covered mountains, and lined with a nice blend of rocky and sandy shorelines, the United Kingdom's environments set quite a cozy stage. Sprinkle in timeless harbors, cobblestone villages, and classic British amenities, and you have yourself a sure-fire recipe for a delightful excursion. While any one of the UK's constituent countries could easily fill a lengthy list, start with these twelve charming small towns for a broad and memorable overview.
