cobbled

Van-life traveller Lana says this gorgeous UK village with cobbled streets and turquoise waters is so ‘quaint and dreamy’ it’s like stepping back into the past

This pretty UK village has narrow cobbled lanes and cute shopfronts that will make you feel like it’s the good old days.

Lana, who explores Britain while living in her van, is encouraging people to make the journey to Clovelly in north Devon.

The content creator said: “I had a solo trip to this quaint and dreamy little place with the most picturesque scenery! It was like stepping back in time with no cars allowed and had a kind of a Greece feel to it with the cobbled streets, bright white houses, hanging flower baskets over looking a turquoise ocean.”

She adored spotting donkeys at the top of the village, as well as taking in the breathtaking vistas and indulging in a scrumptious afternoon tea.

Clovelly boasts dramatic views over the Bristol Channel, a small working harbour, and a really distinctive layout that makes a visit feel like an experience rather than just a stop-off.

People come for the cobbled main street that drops steeply down to the water, the photogenic cottages and flower-filled walls, and the slower pace created by the fact cars don’t use the village streets.

Another reason if feels like stepping back to the past is that goods are traditionally moved by handcarts, and you’ll often see donkeys referenced as part of the village’s heritage.

If you’re planning on visiting, Lana said there’s an entrance fee for the village as it has remained privately owned since Elizabethan times. Visitor charges are roughly £8.75 per person.

Clovelly Court Gardens are an absolute must-see when exploring this famous village, boasting immaculately maintained grounds and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses.

Be sure to pop into the Kingley Museum or head up to Mount Pleasant – widely regarded as the finest picnic spot in the village

There are also a handful of charming pubs, craft workshops to get stuck into, as well as shops stocking unique and handmade goods.

For ale fans, the Clovelly Brewery sits proudly at the top of this stunning village.

But Lana warned: “It’s on a steep cliff so be prepared for a bit of a walk and don’t be like me and wear flip flops – which also broke so that was interesting on steep cobbled paths.”

Lana recommends visiting on a weekday where possible to sidestep the crowds – and people agree that it’s well worth the journey.

Commenting on the viral video showcasing the village’s stunning beauty, one user said: “Beautiful Clovelly, worth the £9 per adult. Absolutely stunning the £9 ticket is valid for seven days so definitely worth it. Visited the garden too – bought a little plant.”

Another said: “I visited Clovelly some years ago, it’s lovely.” And a third added: “Clovelly, prettiest village ever, been few times.”

Amersham market town in Buckinghamshire is accessible via the Metropolitan Line and offers Cotswolds-style charm with cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages and rolling hills

With spring now in full swing and the weather hopefully turning warmer and brighter with each passing day, it can be a real treat to escape the chaos of London and discover somewhere new. The good news is, you won’t need to venture far to find a picture-perfect market town that ‘feels like the Cotswolds‘.

Travel-loving couple The Weeshas regularly take to Instagram to share their top tips for exciting places to explore, whether closer to home or further afield. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to head for a day trip, the duo have shared footage from their visit to a charming little town that’s reachable via the London Underground, yet feels worlds away from the capital.

“This charming town is 50 minutes from London by tube,” they wrote on the video, which featured clips of the stunning-looking destination.

They also added in the post’s caption: “Nope, that’s not the Cotswolds. You can visit the English countryside without leaving the London Underground map.”

The footage went on to reveal a courtyard complete with a clocktower, framed by a beautiful border of blooming flowers. It then cut to a shot of a bridge, its wooden fence adorned with an array of plants and flowers. The video also showcased a stunning fountain, cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages, and a river winding its way through the village.

So where exactly is this picturesque market town, and how do you get there? The couple explained: “Just hop on the Metropolitan Line and in under an hour, you’ll arrive in Amersham, the last stop on the line – and one of England’s most charming villages, with cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages, cosy pubs, and rolling Chiltern hills.”

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, Amersham is a market town and civil parish situated 27 miles northwest of central London. You may well recognise it, even if you’ve never set foot there before.

The town has earned quite a reputation for its appearances in well-known films and television programmes, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Midsomer Murders and Cuckoo.

Made up of two distinct areas – Old Amersham and Amersham-on-the-Hill – the town’s history stretches back to pre-Anglo-Saxon times, even earning a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086.

So what’s there to do in Amersham that makes it worth the trip? You can take a leisurely stroll through Old Amersham, perusing boutique shops and antique stores. Weather permitting, a walk through the Old Amersham memorial gardens is a must, along with a visit to St Mary’s Church, which dates back to around 1140 A.D.

When hunger strikes, the travelling duo suggest grabbing a meal at The Crown Inn or The Kings Arms, which featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

“This makes for a slow, scenic, and budget-friendly day trip from London,” they wrote in their post’s caption. To reach the destination, just hop on the Metropolitan Line from Baker Street to Amersham Station (Zone 9). A return ticket will set you back roughly £10.

Tourist, Samuel Carceres confessed he was ‘unaware places in England like this exist’ after visiting a picturesque medieval town that is just two miles from the coast

If you’re after a quintessentially British location to explore that’s perfect for a weekend away, an escape in the south of England comes highly recommended. “I can’t believe places like this in England exist,” confessed visitor, Samuel Caceres in a TikTok video.

The Spaniard shared footage of himself standing on a cobbled hillside street, taking in an array of Tudor architecture after making the journey to the Sussex town from London. “It’s famous for one of the prettiest streets in the UK – Mermaid Street,” Samuel explained as he descended the slope. “This medieval street dates back to the 12th century.”

The town he’s referring to is Rye, where Samuel kicked off his visit by tucking into a “delicious brunch” at the Whitehouse restaurant.

“I then wandered through the town’s charming little alleyways,” he added, passing independent shops including The Mint Arcade and Curious and Curiouser.

Samuel continued: “There is so much to do here – from climbing the church’s tower to take in the sweeping views – to exploring the church’s grounds and postcard-perfect streets.”

He proceeded to tell his followers they simply ‘can’t miss” the chance to enjoy a pint at the Mermaid Inn – an historic hotel and restaurant that “feels like stepping inside a Tudor castle”.

Samuel also highlighted Rye’s Watchbell Street, drawing attention to the “stunning viewpoints” it provides of the surrounding countryside overlooking the River Tillingham.

He concluded his visit at the “famous” Cobbles Tea Room, where he savoured an afternoon tea. “It was cosy, welcoming, and perfect for homemade scones and a warm cup of tea,” Samuel enthused.

He wrapped up his travel recommendation: “You need to add Rye to your bucket list – it’s the perfect daytrip.”

And he provided additional details in a caption: “Rye is a storybook town full of crooked lanes, medieval charm, and smuggler legends. Once a major port and part of the historic Cinque Ports, Rye lost its seaside access as the coastline shifted, but not its character.

“In the 18th century, it became a hotspot for smuggling, with secret tunnels said to run beneath old inns like The Mermaid Inn. Writers like Henry James found inspiration here, and festivals like Rye Bonfire Night still light up the cobbled streets.”

How to Get to Rye

Discover Sussex has the following advice for those wishing to travel to Rye:

By Car – If you are driving, there are many car parks in Rye including Rope Street car park, the Cattle Market car park (not Thursdays) and Cinque Ports Street car park, which are all within walking distance to the town centre.

By Train – Rye has a beautiful Grade II listed train station, which is located north of the town centre and is only minutes from the high street. Trains run approximately every hour from London St Pancras, which require one change at Ashford International, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

Set against the backdrop of narrow cobbled lanes and ancient Georgian architecture with independent shops and a thriving antique scene, is a picturesque UK town

A charming English town offers a glimpse into bygone eras, with its narrow cobbled lanes and more than 400 listed buildings, set against diverse landscapes.

The historic town of Petworth in Sussex has an undeniable charm with its 17th-century Georgian architecture, ancient stone cottages and winding cobbled alleyways. There are hidden treasures around every narrow corner of this pretty town, brimming with independent boutiques and cosy cafés, as well as delicatessens and welcoming pubs.

It’s conveniently located just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and approximately 50 minutes from Portsmouth, offering a delightful day out among its unspoilt surroundings. It was even named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the UK’s most beautiful towns, due to its picturesque location.

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But it’s Petworth’s flourishing art and antiques scene that truly stands out. The medieval town, boasting over 400 listed buildings, has an array of galleries and more than 30 antique shops where visitors can discover ancient gems.

One of the most sought-after destinations for vintage items is Petworth Antiques Market, home to more than 40 dealers selling everything from beautiful furniture to ornaments and a vast collection of homeware. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”

After an afternoon spent uncovering vintage goodies, visitors can sample the flavours at one of their eateries, with The Hungry Guest on Middle Street standing out as one of the town’s finest establishments. Offering seasonal, locally sourced, fresh and artisanal dishes, the restaurant truly enhances Petworth’s culinary reputation.

There’s also a selection of welcoming pubs, including The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn and The Angel Inn. But beyond the town centre, Petworth serves as a haven for avid walkers.

There are diverse terrains easily accessible from the charming town, including the dramatic chalk hills of the South Downs National Park and the ancient woodland of The Mens Nature Reserve. However, Petworth House and Park remain the town’s crown jewel, with its expansive 700-acre parkland encircling the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Guests can take time touring the historic stately home and uncover an outstanding collection of world-class art and sculptures. The estate stands as one of the finest surviving examples of an English landscape crafted by the celebrated Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Another striking feature at Petworth Park is the hundreds of deer that roam freely around the sprawling grounds. They can be readily observed, or visitors can take in the breathtaking vistas of the South Downs while wandering through the grounds.

The National Trust park has undoubtedly placed Petworth firmly on the map and is a favourite among visitors. Particularly after featuring in major film productions, such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as Netflix’s hit drama Bridgerton. Visitors

After a visit, one holidaymaker enthused: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the family’s history. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”

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The medieval town boasts cobbled streets, Tudor architecture and rich history – including the reportedly ‘haunted’ Inn that dates all the way back to 1420

Preserved precisely as it was during mediaeval times, this picture-perfect town boasts a rich history, which is vividly displayed through its stunning architecture.

Nestled in East Sussex, Rye is a hilltop town featuring cobbled streets, charming buildings and a deeply-rooted history. Many buildings remain untouched to preserve their original character, serving as key attractions for the town’s tourism and heritage.

Just two hours from London, this scenic destination isn’t quite a seaside location, but it’s near enough to provide the perfect stopping point between your journeys to the coast.

Indeed, over the years the town has shifted further inland, due to changing coastlines, and whilst no longer on the waterfront, it was once home to a bustling port, now reclaimed by nature.

During mediaeval times, when the town was firmly established with its layout and architecture, it served as a major seaport and ‘cinque port’, which helped to protect against French invasions.

Today it provides the ideal day trip with independent shops, boutique hotels, delicious food spots, and historical landmarks.

Mermaid Street

This charming high street in Rye is frequently described as one of the most attractive in the entire country, with beautifully constructed buildings positioned along a delightful cobbled lane.

One visitor said on TripAdvisor: “A very quaint cobblestone street from the early mediaeval times; some of the buildings were outstanding and well worth a visit and walk up the hill.”

Another visitor commented: “Mermaid Street was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Rye, and I recommend you set aside at least half an hour to explore this stunning street and take some great photos.”

This charming lane features timber-framed houses from centuries past, many of which enjoy protected status to preserve their historical significance.

Several of the properties, for instance, display plaques bearing distinctive names, including The House with Two Front Doors and The House Opposite, and tourists frequently stop to take photographs outside them.

Whilst it remains a picturesque, Instagram-worthy spot today, it was previously quite the opposite, regarded as one of the town’s most deprived areas. An 1891 census showed it had a notorious reputation as a rat-infested street where more than 70 children crammed into cramped homes, generating a chaotic environment in the locale.

Situated at the very centre of the road, and believed to have given the street its name, is the Mermaid Inn, a hotel that’s been described as one of Britain’s most haunted.

Haunted Hotel

Spanning more than 600 years, this establishment, which offers bed and breakfast accommodation, is a genuine historical treasure, complete with spine-chilling tales to match.

The Mermaid Inn boasts cellars originating from 1156, whilst the structure itself dates to 1420, providing an authentic step back in time for guests and day-trippers alike.

With its sloping ceilings, creaking floorboards and labyrinth of staircases, the building is brimming with character and has been modernised to accommodate an excellent restaurant and two bars, alongside a spacious patio.

For visitors not planning an overnight stay, exploring indoors remains an option. Fortunately, on the final Sunday of each month the proprietor provides a guided tour through the historic rooms as you journey back through the centuries.

After visiting the hotel, one guest said: “We have stayed at the Mermaid Inn a few times before and have never been disappointed. If you go to Rye, you really have to stay at The Mermaid.

“As soon as you walk into this place, you feel the atmosphere of its history, a real step back in time, a time to leave the fast pace of life behind as you enjoy this wonderful place, a feeling of privilege of actually staying there.”

Yet it has a reputation of another kind entirely, thanks to its considerable age, having witnessed countless visitors pass through its doors, while others seemingly refuse to depart, as their spirits linger on.

Multiple rooms are believed to harbour various ghosts, each with their own unique tales, and some guests actively request these particular rooms for precisely that reason.

Take Room 19, the Hawkhurst room, where a guest once reported encountering a gentleman perched on her bed, dressed in period attire. Meanwhile, Room 1 is haunted by a lady in white, or grey, who prefers to sit in a chair beside the fireplace – her favoured haunting location.

In fact, their website catalogues every spectre said to inhabit its premises and the tales that have evolved over time as guests continue to report eerie encounters during their stay. One such instance is tied to room 10, with Fleur De Lys.

The website reveals: “Several years ago, a bank manager and his wife were awakened to find a man walking through their bathroom wall and across the centre of the room. They were so frightened that they spent the rest of the night downstairs in one of the lounges and made the porter bring all their luggage downstairs, plus their clothes.”

Located an hour from London, this National Trust village features half-timbered Tudor buildings and a grand castle with world treasures

Venture just an hour from London to discover this fairytale village, transporting you backwards through time as its period buildings recreate a world from centuries past that has largely vanished today.

Chiddingstone stands as one of Britain’s finest preserved Tudor villages, making it an exceptional discovery for heritage enthusiasts and anyone seeking respite from life’s relentless pace.

The settlement is largely owned and maintained by the National Trust, helping safeguard its centuries-old structures and character which consistently attract inquisitive travellers.

This Kent village is cherished for its unmistakably English charm and period architecture, featuring half-timbered properties with stone-hung gables and red-tiled roofs. What’s more, it boasts an impressive castle and a bustling high street, perfect for leisurely wandering.

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The castle

Whilst the castle’s exterior presents stunning architecture, typical of what you’d anticipate seeing across England, its interior offers quite the juxtaposition.

What renders the structure so distinctive is its museum, which houses collections from across the globe spanning different eras and civilisations – Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart and Jacobite and Buddhist. Everything is accessible to visitors between March and October, allowing them to experience an entire world under one roof.

Beyond its impressive collections, the venue itself is steeped in history and magnificence, as guests explore the corridors of a 16th-century residence. Within, they can admire the Great Hall, discover a Victorian kitchen, library, and servant’s hall, and delve into its fascinating past in the Streatfeild room.

Henry Streatfeild was the figure who dramatically transformed the property during the 1800s, moving away from its Tudor design to mirror that of a mediaeval fortress.

Though, it was collector Denys Eyre Bower whose stewardship of the castle witnessed it evolve into a cultural landmark, sharing his passion with visitors worldwide.

One guest commented on TripAdvisor: “What a lovely property, from the massive holdings on display throughout the home to the acres of relaxing grounds. The reception gal was quite informative upon our arrival as to the layout for our self-guided tour as well as answering our questions post-tour. Don’t miss this gem.”

This year, guests can purchase a day ticket and enjoy complimentary returns for an entire year. Current door prices are £15.25 for an adult and £10.50 for a child, with reduced rates available for those who book online beforehand.

High street and village

With its genuine half-timber Tudor structures and cobbled walkways, wandering along the high street of Chiddingstone Road feels like stepping back through the centuries. Notable highlights include a café, shop and the 15th-century pub.

The historic Chiddingstone Stores and post office, which dates back to 1453, is situated within a traditional Tudor building and continues to function as such today.

Similarly unchanged is the village pub, known as the Castle Inn, boasting a welcoming atmosphere and superb beer garden.

It retains its Grade II*-listed status with numerous original features intact, including delightful fireplaces, tiled floors, oak panelling and bars. One visitor described their experience at the Castle Inn as ‘atmospheric’.

They commented: “If you’re looking for a traditional, friendly, country pub, this is it. Clean and friendly, with everything you need on your doorstep that goes with a village pub. Highly recommend.”

The village name, Chiddingstone, is believed to originate from the enormous sandstone located outside the settlement. Whilst unconfirmed, the ‘Chidding Stone’ is thought to mark where it all started, with several folklore tales surrounding its origins.