7 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In The UK
The United Kingdom is filled with enchanting villages that feel lifted from the pages of a storybook. In places like Fordwich and Lacock, England, visitors find centuries-old buildings, tranquil riverside paths, and charming pubs that capture the magic of small-town life. These communities blend history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, creating inviting settings for slow exploration. The cobbled streets, ancient landmarks, and scenic surroundings of these seven towns will have you pinching yourself and living happily ever after.
Lacock, Chippenham (England)
The picturesque village of Lacock, just east of Bristol, boasts remarkably preserved buildings from the 18th century, with some dating as far back as the 13th century. At its center stands the 14th-century Lacock Tithe Barn, originally used by nuns to store grain and now a popular attraction for visitors interested in its historic architecture. Just steps away is the Red Lion, a historic Gothic pub and hotel offering Folly Road craft beers, excellent meals, and cozy rooms for a peaceful escape from city life.
Lacock is also well known as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. The Potter’s House sits on the village’s northeastern edge, while Lacock Abbey provided sets for Hogwarts scenes, including Professor Snape’s potions classroom, and now features the charming Courtyard Tea Room. The abbey itself is also a museum, where visitors are invited to explore the grounds and pets are welcome, making it a delightful destination for families and pet owners alike.
Clovelly, Devon (England)
On the southwestern end of the country sits the harbour village of Clovelly. Once owned by William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda of Flanders, it was acquired by the Hamlyn family in 1738 and remains privately owned by them today. Clovelly Beach, a pebbly stretch of shoreline at the north end of the village, is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing. Beside the beach is the Red Lion Hotel, where guests can enjoy scenic views of Clovelly Bay from well-appointed rooms and dine on excellent meals during their stay.
Visitors can also explore the Clovelly Waterfall, a hidden gem just south of the hotel, and the village itself is historic and picturesque. Attractions such as the Kingsley Museum and the Fisherman’s Cottage highlight Clovelly’s past and show how local fishing families once lived. Meanwhile, small local shops throughout the village offer artisanal goods, including pottery, soap, and silk.
Bakewell, Derbyshire (England)
On the River Wye in the heart of the Peak District sits the market town of Bakewell, best known for its famous Bakewell pudding. In the center of town is the Rutland Arms Hotel, which has welcomed guests since 1804 and remains a beautiful and historic place to stay. The hotel features a calm eatery and coffee house for breakfast and can host events, functions, and weddings. A short walk away is the Joiners Arms Pub, where visitors can enjoy local beer on tap in a rustic and inviting setting.
East of the town center is Chatsworth House, once the home of the Duke of Devonshire and owned by the Cavendish family since 1549. The estate, including its 1,000 acres of land, is open to the public and features historic rooms filled with art and artifacts. Nearby is Haddon Hall, a medieval-style country house built in the 12th century and formerly home to the Dukes of Rutland. Like Chatsworth, it is open to visitors, who can explore the Elizabethan walled gardens and admire the Hall’s traditional medieval architecture for a memorable experience.
Castle Combe, Cotswolds (England)
The village of Castle Combe has carefully preserved Medieval buildings and the Bybrook River running through it. Across the street from St. Andrews Church is the Old Court House, which was built in 1490 and is one of the oldest buildings in the region. The interior of this private vacation rental is something straight out of a fairy tale, with a sitting room featuring a fireplace from the time period, which also has King Henry VIII's Coat of Arms painted above it, and wonderful guest rooms that have been lovingly renovated to add modern amenities without losing the building's historic charm. Not too far from downtown is the Old Stables, a coffee shop serving freshly made pastries and homemade coffee. Meanwhile, the Market Cross was built in the 14th century when the village was granted permission to hold a traders' market and still sits proudly in the center of town.
Fordwich, Canterbury (England)
Just over an hour east of London sits Fordwich, England’s smallest town, known for its rich history and storybook charm. Visitors can explore the George and Dragon Stour Valley and Canterbury Walk, a beautiful 9-kilometer (5.7-mile) trail offering lush views of grasslands, trees, and the River Stour. Just across from the trail is the George and Dragon Pub, a welcoming stop for hearty food and drinks.
Fordwich Town Hall, built in 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII, is a notable 16th-century landmark that can accommodate up to 35 people and often hosts civil ceremonies such as weddings and vow renewals. Nearby, the Fordwich Arms is a 1930s gastropub with an oak-paneled dining room that serves locally crafted dishes and drinks, enjoyed either by the firesides in winter or on the riverside terrace in summer.
Inverie, Highland (Scotland)
In the Scottish Highlands, on the Knoydart Peninsula, sits the remote village of Inverie. Its fairy tale setting comes from the surrounding mountains and nearby Loch Nevis, which also happens to be the only way in and out of the village. Knoydart House is a luxury four-star lodge that offers guests sweeping views of Loch Nevis and the surrounding landscape from their very own private hot tub.
Within walking distance of Knoydart House is the Knoydart Pottery and Tea Room, a welcoming place to enjoy freshly prepared coffee, tea, and pastries, along with more beautiful views. Also nearby is the Old Forge, a community-owned pub boasting drinks, live music, and great food, including a weekly Sunday roast.
Hay-on-Wye, Powys (Wales)
On the eastern edge of Wales, right on the border with England, sits the market town of Hay-on-Wye. In the center of town is the Blue Boar Pub, where guests can enjoy excellent British and Welsh dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nearby on Castle Street is the Bluestone Gallery, a peaceful space where visitors can browse and purchase paintings, glassware, jewelry, ceramics, and sculptures.
Hay-on-Wye Booksellers is one of the town’s many bookshops, offering a wide selection of new and pre-owned fiction and nonfiction, and a short walk away stands the Hay-on-Wye Clock Tower, an 1881 landmark whose Gothic design adds to the town’s storybook charm. Close to the tower is the Seven Stars Bed and Breakfast, which provides a quiet and comfortable place to stay while exploring this historic community.
Your Fairy-Tale Adventure in the UK Awaits
Travelers seeking whimsical charm will enjoy wandering through towns and villages like Clovelly and Hay-on-Wye, where historic cottages, peaceful lanes, and lively local traditions create a sense of timeless wonder. Each community offers its own blend of culture, scenery, and heritage, inviting visitors to step into a world shaped by stories and landscapes. These towns show how small places can feel magical in the most memorable ways.
