The UK offers an abundance of golden beaches, rolling countryside and bustling cities, but for those seeking a quieter escape, its inland and coastal hamlets provide a fairytale charm. Pastel houses, ancient castles and cobbled streets define these scenic spots across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Castle Combe in the Cotswolds is a quintessential English village with stone houses, a 13th-century church and traditional pubs. It has been used as a filming location for movies such as Stardust and War Horse. Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales, is an Italian-style village created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, featuring pastel buildings, a piazza and Japanese gardens.
Port Isaac in Cornwall offers a 14th-century fishing harbour with narrow streets and whitewashed cottages, known as the setting for the TV series Doc Martin. Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is famous for its colourful waterfront, which inspired the CBeebies show Balamory, and offers boat trips to see puffins, whales and eagles.
Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a seaside town with white sand beaches and pastel houses, serving as a base for exploring Giant's Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route. Its Dunluce Castle ruins were used in Game of Thrones. Cockington in Devon is a chocolate-box village near Torquay, surrounded by lush greenery.
