Explore the breathtaking charm of the UK with our guide to '100 of Britain's Most Beautiful Places to Visit.' Discover the untouched countryside, ancient castles, quaint villages, and cosmopolitan cities. Learn about their rich history, unique attractions, and hidden gems.
Dartmouth
Perched on the western flank of the River Dart estuary, Dartmouth unfurls a vibrant tapestry of narrow tidal waterways and charming cobbled streets, rendering it one of Devon's crown jewels. Its longstanding association with the Royal Navy, underscored by the imposing Britannia Royal Naval College perched atop a hill, lends it an aura of historical gravitas. Absorb this heritage by embarking on a boat expedition to Dartmouth Castle and Bayards Cove Fort. A detour to the breathtaking Blackpool Sands, just a short drive away, will perfectly round off your Dartmouth experience.
Salcombe
Nestled among Devon’s finest landscapes, Salcombe captivates with its enchanting harbor views framed by crystal-clear waters. The harbor serves as a serene refuge to dolphins and vibrant fishing vessels. Against this aquatic tableau, the town's pastel-shaded homes present a charming spectacle. The inviting Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary is an aquatic delight, flanked by rolling verdant hills and sheltered sandy alcoves waiting to be explored. To get a taste of Devon’s finest, opt for waterfront dining, with Salcombe's eclectic array of dining establishments providing everything from chic brasseries to relaxed terraces.
Mam Tor
Mam Tor, nestled in the heart of the Peak District, holds the promise of unrivaled panoramic vistas from its 517-meter-high vantage point. Frequently lauded as one of England’s top walking destinations, it boasts unimpeded views across the Hope Valley. Its moniker, 'Mother Hill', is a nod to the smaller hillocks huddled beneath it, and the unstable shale layers contributing to frequent landslides have earned it the endearing nickname of 'Shivering Mountain'.
Lavenham
A trip to Lavenham is akin to stepping into an impressionist painting, with its abundance of half-timbered edifices and whimsically crooked storefronts. The village is a riot of color, its buildings awash with a medley of hues ranging from Suffolk pink to burnt orange. Gastronomes will be delighted by the fare on offer, with The Great House and Number Ten promising culinary experiences par excellence, The Angel serving up delightful pints, and The Butchers offering delectable treats for your picnic basket. Round off your visit with a decadent ice cream or a rich hot chocolate from Hadley's.
Cambridge
Packed with medieval charm, Cambridge is a city that knows how to get your attention with its grand college buildings, olde-worlde pubs and quintessentially English scenes of punting along the River Cam. There’s no doubt the Gothic architecture of King’s College and Trinity College steals the show. Inside the 16th-century College Chapel, ornate wood carvings, stained glass windows and an extraordinary fan-vaulted ceiling compete for the limelight. Aside from its historical buildings, Cambridge is a cultural city with a colourful art and music scene.
Bradford on Avon
The old mill town of Bradford on Avon teases the senses with its Cotswold stone cottages and 13th-century bridge where the view across the river and to the hill beyond has become a familiar scene of the Wiltshire landscape. To rival this view, climb up to St Mary’s Tor, where on a clear day you can see over to the Mendip Hills, Marlborough Downs and the Westbury White Horse. In the town, an array of restaurants and independent boutiques invite you in from the narrow streets. The Shambles, once a medieval marketplace, is a popular shopping area with half-timbered buildings that now house cafés and gift shops.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is acknowledged as being the most complete Regency town in Britain and is known as “The Western Gateway to the Cotswolds’. The town's refined elegance emerged thanks to its importance as a spa town. Cheltenham's famous tree-lined promenade in the heart of the town dates back to 1818 at the height of the Regency period. The town, synonymous with heritage and architecture, also offers a fantastic mix of theatres, parks, museums and even a heated lido. Pittville Park opened in 1825 and is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham featuring the magnificent Pitville Pump Room and even a boating lake.
Lower Slaughter
Close to Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter is one of the most photogenic villages in the Cotswolds. Sitting beside the little River Eye, the village's most famous landmark is its converted 14th-century watermill. Two pretty footbridges cross the stream which runs through the village, and limestone cottages sit next to the glistening water. The Water Mill Museum and a café which sells hand-churned ice cream in the village are worth a visit.
Isle of Mull
Located amongst the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland lies the beautiful Isle of Mull. With an abundance of wildlife and natural rugged beauty, the island offers white-sand beaches, sparkling lochs and cascading waterfalls alongside dramatic mountains and ancient forests. The charming waterfront town of Tobermory showcases a colourful spectrum of houses and overlooks Calve Island. The town’s famous whisky distillery was established in 1798 and offers interesting tasting tours.
A stylish boutique guesthouse that seamlessly blends contemporary design with Georgian charm