Picturesque Villages
in the UK
When we think of holidays, ideas of white sands, turquoise waters, intrepid adventures and adverse climates spring to mind; not the humble homegrown holidays which can be found under our very noses in the UK. However, there is a trail of quaint, historical and beautiful little villages which are just waiting to be discovered in the South, if you know where to look.
Here's a list of our three favourite southern picturesque villages in the UK.
Lavenham
Woven into the wonderful web of Suffolk’s medieval wool towns and villages, the timber frames, brightly coloured houses and narrow lanes of Lavenham immerse visitors in its fascinating history. Despite its small size, the village epitomises the success of the wool trade in medieval England, often being described as the best example of a wool town in the country. The popularity of its famous blue broadcloth propelled Lavenham to the fourteenth wealthiest town in England during Tudor times, and evidence of this wealth can be seen today in the spectacular St Peter and St Paul’s Grade I listed parish church; regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.
The Guildhall of Corpus Christi, or more commonly known as Lavenham Guildhall, belongs to the National Trust and is one of the most impressive timber framed buildings of medieval England. Inside, there’s a selection of gifts and local produce to browse in a gift shop, and tantalisingly tasty treats await in the beamed tea rooms. In order to fully understand the history of Lavenham and those who lived within it across the centuries, the Guildhall must be visited, and, at the heart of the village, it is the perfect place to begin your tour.
If sampling the tea rooms at the Guildhall isn’t enough to satisfy your taste buds, you can visit Lavenham Farmers Market; officially named the best market in Suffolk. Throughout the year the market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month, and in summer it takes place outside Lavenham Hall. The amount of produce on display is slightly reduced due to Covid 19, however it is still showcasing over twenty of the highest quality artisan producers in the region. Available produce includes Suffolk pork, lamb and venison, local eggs and fresh bread, home baked cakes and pies, pates and chutneys, local sausages, pasties and sausage rolls, homemade jams, charcuterie and fresh, oven ready game (during the season).
Whilst birds of prey await bird enthusiasts at the Lavenham falconry along with archery, ramblers who are keen to explore can embark on one of the several walking trails around the village, all of which can be found here. These walks immerse visitors in both history and the surrounding wildlife, and enable those seeking to walk further distances to visit the equally enthralling nearby villages. Film lovers can take the time to spot the places in Lavenham which have appeared in films, including ‘The Witchfinder General’ (1968), Barry Lyndon’ (1975) and most famously, the De Vere house which acted as Godric’s Hollow in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’ (2010).
Steeple Ashton
Amidst the rolling hills of Wiltshire there is a treasure trove of historical villages sewn into the landscape. Due to its picture-perfect beauty and extensive history, Steeple Ashton won ‘Best Kept Wiltshire Village’ in 1969. The variety of architectural styles which the village has to offer spans across 700 years from Manor houses, to humble cottages, to thatched and cruck-framed houses.
The name ‘Steeple Ashton’ is derived from the village’s most impressive feature; St Mary the Virgin Church. An impressive and awe striking building, the church is described as one of the finest examples of perpendicular gothic architecture in England and was described by author Simon Jenkins in England’s Thousand Best Churches as a ‘fairy castle’. Inside the church you’ll find a chancel, clerestory, north and south porches, and a four-stage western tower embellished with crocketing and pinnacles. This steadfast piece of architecture has survived the effects of both the English Civil War and lightning strikes.
The history of Steeple Ashton stretches as far back as the 9th Century when it was a manorial village. Records show that in 1266 a Royal charter was granted for the holding of a weekly market and an annual fair, and by 1420, the village had become a prosperous settlement which benefited from the local cloth industry. Evidence of the early settlers can be seen by the lock-up gaol and market cross, which are located at the centre of the village.
Formerly the School House, the Village Community Shop in Steeple Ashton offers the perfect place for refreshment. Local cyclists, visitors and walkers flock to the coffee shop inside, which is entirely run by volunteers. If basking in the surrounding historical architecture whilst sipping on high-quality coffee isn’t your thing, then The Long Arms public house is always open for those looking to sample a local pint!
There are also beautiful scenic walks to nearby destinations such as Luffenham Field and Keevil Airfield, which since World War II has been used for military training purposes. Guides for local walks and the village can be purchased at the Village Shop.
Polperro
The quaint historical Cornish fishing village of Polperro will undoubtedly satisfy those wanting to escape the countryside. With its narrow streets and rickety cottages winding their way around the pool of turquoise water in the port, the village is full of charm and character. Horse-drawn carriages and yachts offer a unique way to appreciate the vibrancy which radiates from Polperro’s colour palette. The most popular time to visit is during the summer, when flowers blossom over the cottages and the streets are banned to cars, making Polperro an ideal place to explore by foot.
Since the end of the nineteenth century Polperro has been known far and wide for its art, and there are numerous shops peppered throughout the village which sell jewellery, paintings and pottery. In June each year there is a popular Arts Festival which makes the village buzz with the throngs of visitors. Community spirit continues to permeate throughout Polperro, as shown by events such as the Water Carnival, the Furry Dance, jigs from Morris men or Clog dancers and performances from the famous Polperro Fisherman’s choir. Visitors wanting to amble whilst they listen to the live music can buy souvenirs and refreshments from the nearby newsagents, bakeries and boutique shops.
If embracing the local arts community isn’t to your taste, then learning more about Polperro’s history is sure to enthral you. During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the village was notorious for its smuggling activities; visitors can learn more about this history through exhibitions and photographs in the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing. Centuries ago, Pilchards were the staple food prime food in Polperro, and were processed and packed in factories close to the harbour. Women and children would clean and salt the fish whilst the oil was extracted using large screw presses. They were then packed in barrels ready for dispatch. Polperro is still a working fishing port and at high tide fisherman can be spotted unloading their catch on the quays.
On sunny days, swimmers who are not so keen on wild and rocky shores will enjoy swimming in natural pools further along the coastline. At low tide there is a small beach to enjoy, but those of higher quality can be found a few miles away; National Trust-owned Lantic Bay and Lansallos in the West and Looe and Talland Bay in the East. Other good sandy beaches further along the coast include Downderry, Millendreath and Seaton.
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by Ellie Trent
Freelance travel & culture writer
