The 10 Most Beautiful Villages Outside of Yorkshire

Yorkshire is blessed with some of the UK’s most picturesque villages, but if you’re keen to explore further afield, there are countless charming spots just beyond its borders. From stone cottages in the Cotswolds to fishing harbours in Cornwall, these postcard-perfect villages are well worth the journey. Here are ten of the most beautiful villages outside of Yorkshire to add to your travel list.

1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Credit @vitaliy_bobrovic

Often dubbed “the prettiest village in England”, Castle Combe is a timeless gem in the Cotswolds. Its honey-coloured stone cottages, historic market square, and idyllic countryside setting make it feel like stepping into a period drama. It’s also been a filming location for classics such as War Horse and Stardust.

2. Clovelly, Devon

Credit: @fayazey

Clinging to a steep hillside on the North Devon coast, Clovelly is famous for its cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and breathtaking sea views. With no cars allowed in the village, time seems to stand still here. Fishing boats bob in the harbour, and donkeys still carry loads up the narrow lanes.

3. Portmeirion, North Wales

Credit: Mariia Davidova

A unique and colourful village on the Welsh coast, Portmeirion feels more Mediterranean than British. Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it’s filled with pastel-painted buildings, Italianate architecture, and lush gardens. It’s also the filming location for the cult TV series The Prisoner.

4. Lacock, Wiltshire

Credit: Chris Doel

This perfectly preserved medieval village is owned by the National Trust and is famous for its half-timbered cottages and historic abbey. Lacock regularly appears on screen, featuring in Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, and Downton Abbey. Walking its streets feels like stepping back centuries.

5.Port Isaac, Cornwall

Photo: Bob Radlinski.

If you’re a fan of Doc Martin, you’ll recognise Port Isaac instantly. This traditional Cornish fishing village has a quaint harbour, winding alleys, and whitewashed cottages perched above the sea. Fresh seafood, coastal walks, and dramatic ocean views make it a favourite.

6. Beaulieu, Hampshire

Photo: Daniel Cash

Nestled in the New Forest, Beaulieu is as pretty as it is historic. The village is famed for its 13th-century abbey, riverside setting, and the Beaulieu Palace House. Visitors also flock to the National Motor Museum, but the surrounding thatched cottages and forest trails are equally enchanting.

7. Rye, East Sussex

With its cobbled streets, medieval half-timbered houses, and sweeping views of the Sussex countryside, Rye is one of southern England’s most photogenic villages. Mermaid Street, with its leaning Tudor buildings, is one of the most photographed streets in Britain.

8. Grasmere, Lake District

The Lake District is dotted with charming villages, but Grasmere stands out for its poetry, beauty, and serenity. Once home to William Wordsworth, it boasts stunning mountain views, stone cottages, and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. A perfect stop on any Lake District escape.

9. Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton-on-the-Water is beloved for its low stone bridges crossing the River Windrush. Its riverside cottages, traditional tea rooms, and model village make it one of the UK’s most visited and photographed rural spots.

Final Thoughts

While Yorkshire’s villages are unbeatable in their own right, the UK is filled with enchanting destinations just waiting to be discovered. From the rugged coastlines of Cornwall to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, these villages prove that beauty can be found in every corner of the country.

So, if you’re planning your next road trip, why not venture beyond Yorkshire and see these postcard-perfect spots for yourself

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