9 Nicest Small Towns In The UK
Across the UK, travellers can discover nice small towns whose atmosphere and attitude are just as pleasant as their landscapes. Just off the Scottish mainland, there’s an island town with a brave Viking heritage and an abundance of Neolithic prehistoric monuments. Heading south, travellers will find a coastal town that’s essentially the historic and spiritual “Home of Golf.” Then, in Wales, folks can visit a town with a mighty medieval castle at the edge of the country’s largest and most beautiful national park. And in England, it’s worth taking the time to explore the town in the heart of the country’s UNESCO-honoured Lake District National Park, as well as the coastal village in Cornwall with the ultimate picture-perfect backdrop.
These towns may look very nice from a distance, but they’re even better when experienced in person. With this in mind, let’s check out nine of the nicest small towns in the UK.
Kirkwall, Scotland
Derived from the Norse name Kirkjuvágr that means "church on the bay," the town of Kirkwall in the Orkney archipelago looks and feels like hallowed ground by the North Sea. Speaking of churches, St Magnus Cathedral was founded by Norwegian Vikings in 1137, and its red and yellow sandstone construction evokes a uniquely Nordic take on Romanesque architecture and design. Just beyond town, folks can step into an ancient monument at Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic burial tomb established around 2000 BCE. And farther west, Skara Brae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves a Neolithic settlement that locals inhabited from around 3180 BCE to 2500 BCE, and it opens up to some incredible Atlantic Ocean vistas.
Heading back to town, travellers will find a very nice and pleasant place to stay at The Lynnfield. This country house-style boutique hotel offers plush, uniquely furnished, and pet-friendly guest rooms, along with a tasty in-house restaurant and a perfectly laid-back lounge and bar.
Braemar, Scotland
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, some 78 miles south of Inverness and 58 miles west of Aberdeen, is the mighty mountain town of Braemar. For those coming to explore the Scottish Highlands, take heart that Braemar is close to the exceptional trails at Mar Lodge National Nature Reserve, which is also a great place for bird lovers to spot red grouse, skylarks, and even the occasional golden eagles in the wild. For a more thrilling journey into the Cairngorms wilderness, Linn o’ Dee is a beautiful rocky gorge that also serves as an inviting starting point for hikes up the UK’s second highest mountain at Ben MacDui. Then, for anyone wanting to experience some local history, Braemar Castle is a must-see-and-do to take in the grandeur of this classic hunting lodge built by John Erskine, the 2nd Earl of Mar, in 1628.
A short drive from the castle leads to another grand local landmark, The Fife Arms. This five-star and two Michelin Key boutique luxury resort with refined Celtic-style accommodations, an extensive in-house visual art collection curated by owners Iwan and Manuela Wirth, a stunning selection of on-site dining establishments, and even the Albamhor Treatment Rooms offering soothing spa services and amenities like saunas, rainforest showers, and PT Pod private workout spaces.
St Andrews, Scotland
Anyone seeking the ultimate “Home of Golf” will find it some 56 miles north east of Edinburgh at St Andrews, a spectacular Scottish seaside town that also offers plenty to satisfy folks who aren't keen on hitting the greens. Speaking of those visitors, they can discover all sorts of historic treasures at the Wardlaw Museum, a special spot on the University of St Andrews campus (that itself dates back to 1413!) with some six centuries’ worth of artefacts, visual art, and scientific research. Then, to the north of town, West Sands Beach extends for some two miles of prime North Sea shore and well-preserved wild sand dunes. And then, of course, St Andrews Links offers eight award-winning golf courses, including the legendary Old Course where the sport of golf was first played over six centuries ago.
In case anyone wants to spend some extra quality time by the old course, the Old Course Hotel rolls out a very warm and regal welcome. Often hailed as one of Europe’s finest luxury hotels, the Old Course Hotel not only provides easy access to the Old Course links, but it also sports the wondrously healing Kohler Waters Spa, an all-star lineup of chef-driven pubs and restaurants, and a selection of 175 opulent rooms and suites.
Conwy, Wales
Shifting to the wonderful North Wales coast, we reach the majestic medieval town of Conwy, about 56 miles west of Liverpool (England). A key highlight here is Castell Conwy, a massive fortification (and now, UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by King Edward I from 1283 and 1287, during his campaign to conquer Wales. Meanwhile, Conwy Morfa Beach to the west of town is a large sandy bay that’s picture-perfect for strolling and surf fishing. And to the south, Eryri National Park (also known as Snowdonia) is Wales’ largest national park at 823 square miles, and it’s chock full of mountain wilderness trails and quiet forest environments worth exploring.
Just outside of town, travellers can escape to another world of rich history and timeless elegance at Bodysgallen Hall. One of three historic house hotels that are now part of the National Trust, this grand 17th century country house includes a vast expanse of lush gardens, a flavourful farm-to-table restaurant that hosts afternoon teas and lavish dinners, an inviting full-service spa, and a charming lineup of comfortable rooms and cottages.
Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Just 24 miles north of Caerdydd (or Cardiff), Merthyr Tydfil is a fascinating town that combines an iron-clad industrial backstory with a present-day love for simple natural beauty. To understand how and why Merthyr Tydfil became the “Iron Capital of the World,” visitors can check out Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery and tour this 1825 manor built for Ironmaster William Crawshay II, and they can stay to peruse the museum’s extensive British art collection. For another fun throwback, folks can hop aboard the Brecon Mountain Railway and ride a fully restored vintage steam locomotive up into the open mountain wilderness. Speaking of those mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (also known as Brecon Beacons) spans across 519 square miles of massive mountains, challenging hiking trails, tranquil lakes ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, and even perfect opportunities to do nighttime stargazing thanks to its famed dark skies.
Between the town and the heart of the national park, Llwyn Onn (Ash Grove) offers a convenient and beautiful mountainside location, and they exude warm Welsh hospitality with their lovely guest house rooms, glamp sites for those wanting more al fresco style accommodations, an adorable animal farm, and a full hot breakfast served every morning.
Windermere, England
Not only does Windermere sit by England’s largest lake, but this town also lies in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with England’s tallest mountains. Scafell Pike is the tallest of all the mountains (at 978 metres, or 3,209 feet) at Lake District National Park, and it’s a perfectly “big hill” to suit adventure-seeking hikers and climbers. Then, there’s Lake Windermere, the largest lake in the park at an idyllic spot for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Back on dry land, Windermere Jetty Museum shares many stories from the community’s 200 year-old nautical history, and they even offer sailing excursions on their restored heritage vessels.
Heading back towards the central village, guests will find Cedar Manor, an elegant Victorian country house that now serves as an inviting boutique hotel with thoughtfully designed rooms and three delectable dining spaces.
Bamford, England
Tucked into the rugged and verdant expanse of Peak District National Park, right in between Manchester and Sheffield, is the beautifully bucolic village of Bamford. Thanks to its location in the national park, Bamford abounds in wonderful walking trails, including those leading to the Bamford Edge sandstone rock formation that itself is quite the sight to behold, and the area offers incredible views of the Hope Valley below. Nearby, explorers will also find the Bamford Moor Stone Circle, a surviving monument from the Bronze Age settlement that once thrived here. And for another amazing adventure in the open wilderness, the Hope and Win Hill Circular trail leads up to the 462-metre (or 1,516-foot) Win Hill summit that sports panoramic views of the valley and Ladybower Reservoir.
Down by the reservoir, travellers can check into the Yorkshire Bridge Inn and stay in a 200 year-old establishment with a pub that continues to serve classically tasty English fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Even better, the inn has 14 cosy bedrooms, and overnight guests are treated to a full breakfast.
Henley-on-Thames, England
Around 38 miles west of London, Henley-on-Thames offers a quieter and more pleasant side of English life by the River Thames in the Chiltern Hills of Oxfordshire. Just outside of town, Greys Court is a 75-hectare estate with a legacy dating all the way back to the 14th century, and an idyllic setting with lush walled gardens and gorgeous Chiltern views. Meanwhile, for those wanting to get out and experience the Chiltern wilderness, Warburg Nature Reserve that spans across orchid-adorned grasslands and natural habitat for animals like deer and red kites. And closer to town, Badgemore Park has a Robert Sandow-designed 18-hole golf course and the FOCUS at Badgemore Park gym complex full of state-of-the-art fitness equipment and expert-led classes.
Or, for anyone wanting a more leisurely and easygoing experience at Henley-on-Thames, they can stay and play at Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery. This locally-owned business crafts their own award-winning English wines and beers, and they have a B&B with lovely guest rooms and a proper farmhouse breakfast.
St Ives, England
Near the tip of England’s South West Peninsula, St Ives may be the ultimate place to enjoy an illustrious Cornwall coastal holiday. Thanks to its location by the Celtic Sea and the high quality of its natural light, St Ives has grown into a top-notch artists’ village, and Penwith Gallery is the place to go to tour three art galleries and a sculpture courtyard that are part of a larger arts complex with ten artists’ studios. A short walk away, folks will find an inspiring setting at Bamaluz Beach, a secluded-feeling sandy beach that’s a locals’ favourite. And to the west, Porthmeor Beach is a stupendous stretch of shore for surfing, swimming, and tidepooling.
Just south of the harbour, travellers can discover another wondrous local gem at Henry’s (previously known as 27 The Terrace). The wonderfully restored Georgian home sports an ideal location near St Ives’ galleries and Porthminster Beach, and it’s a posh boutique hotel with nine well-designed guest rooms, a private and relaxing walled garden, and a bar-restaurant serving contemporary British bistro-style cuisine.
Not Only Do These Towns Look Nice, But They Feel Great to Visit As Well
The UK has many small towns that showcase a nicer and calmer side of British life. Kirkwall is a uniquely scenic island town in the northern reaches of Scotland, one with Neolithic monuments and curiously Viking vibes. Staying in Scotland, St Andrews has been playing golf like no other for over 600 years. Then, in Wales, Merthyr Tydfil combines a sturdy industrial heritage with timeless natural beauty. Speaking of natural beauty, it’s also worth shouting out the English village of Windermere at the heart of Lake District National Park. And down at the Cornwall coast, St Ives seamlessly blends artsy vibes and seaside charm. No matter which town you find the nicest, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a great time at any of these exceptional British small towns.
