Spring is when the UK’s prettiest villages are at their absolute best – trees heavy with blossom, verges dotted with cow parsley and wildflowers, and longer, lighter days bringing a fresh softness to even the quietest corners.
Whether you’re planning a countryside walk or an easy weekend escape, these are the villages that come into their own at this time of year, with gardens, hedgerows and surrounding landscapes all bursting back into life.
1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Frequently used as a filming location, Castle Combe’s honey-coloured cottages and medieval market cross feel almost untouched by time. Look out for the Bybrook River running clear beneath the bridge, with fresh greenery along its banks and early wildflowers appearing on nearby woodland paths.
2. Bibury, Gloucestershire
Often described as one of England’s most beautiful villages, Bibury is known for Arlington Row, a line of 17th-century weavers’ cottages owned by the National Trust. At this time of year, wildflowers scatter across the meadows and the River Coln moves quickly and clear – ideal for a gentle riverside walk.
3. Dunster, Somerset
With its colourful cottages, village green and historic buildings, Dunster is one of Somerset’s prettiest villages. Gardens spill into the streets, verges are bright with flowers and the whole village feels gently in bloom.
4. Abbotsbury, Dorset
With its honey-coloured cottages and sheltered setting, Abbotsbury is one of Dorset’s prettiest villages. The nearby Subtropical Gardens are full of colour, while blossom and wildflowers appear along the lanes and in the surrounding countryside.
5. Broadway, Worcestershire
With its wide high street and elegant Cotswold stone buildings, Broadway lends itself to a slow wander. Head out towards Broadway Tower and you’ll start to see the colour come through along the verges and field edges.
6. Kersey, Suffolk
One of Suffolk’s prettiest villages, Kersey is known for its timber-framed houses and ford. The greens are lush and bright at this time of year, with blossom and early flowers lining the wonky rooftops and pretty lanes.
7. Cartmel, Cumbria
A small village with a big reputation for food, Cartmel is at its loveliest before the summer crowds arrive. Don't miss the surrounding fields and hedgerows filled with wildflowers .
8. Chilham, Kent
Centred around a neatly kept square, Chilham has that easy, classic Kentish feel. In spring, the orchards nearby fill with blossom, and footpaths out of the village are lined with wildflowers.
9. Alfriston, East Sussex
Set within the South Downs, Alfriston gathers around a wide village green edged by medieval buildings. From here, the Cuckmere Valley opens out into fresh green fields and chalk grassland, with wildflowers starting to show across the slopes.
10. Great Tew, Oxfordshire
With its thatched cottages and mellow stone houses, Great Tew feels quietly tucked away. In spring, blossom hangs over low stone walls, gardens are full of early planting and the verges are thick with fresh greenery.
11. Tissington, Derbyshire
This Peak District estate village is known for its neat stone cottages and well-kept feel. Daffodils line the lanes, and early blossom begins to appear in the gardens, with the surrounding fields turning a vivid green.
12. Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire
Set along the River Eye, this peaceful village is known for its old mill and low stone bridges. The footpath towards Upper Slaughter is particularly picturesque at this time of year, with cow parsley, green fields and early wildflowers along the way.
13. Turville, Buckinghamshire
Tucked into the Chiltern Hills, Turville is known for its timber-framed cottages, village green and hillside church. Check out the surrounding slopes, bright green and dotted with wildflowers, with blossom showing in gardens and along the lanes.
14. Lavenham, Suffolk
Famous for its timber-framed houses, Lavenham is one of Suffolk’s most photogenic spots. Wisteria and blossom spill across its crooked streets, with colour gathering around doorways and in cottage gardens.
15. Clun, Shropshire
Set within the Shropshire Hills, Clun is known for its black-and-white cottages, stone bridge and quiet riverside setting – a dream spot for wildflowers enthusiasts.
Our pick of staycation essentials
Quencher® H2.0 FlowState™ Tumbler | 0.8L
Stay cool and hydrated in style – this new buttery-yellow floral design from Stanley exudes summer country charm. It will keep your drink cold all day, plus fits perfectly in car drinks holders for road trips.
OGDEN Hiking Boots
These sturdy boots, made in Lancashire, are super stylish and comfy enough for long days exploring. Available in a range of colours for men and women.
Whatever you do, don't forget to pack sun protection. Even if it doesn't look all that sunny, if you're anything like us, you WILL get burned. This water-resistent UVA & UVB spray makes application effortless, so there really is no excuse.
