The prettiest UK towns and villages to visit this spring

Stray from the beaten track to discover these postcard-worthy corners of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There’s no shortage of golden beaches, rolling countryside and charming cities in the UK, with endless opportunities for holidays and day trips on the British Isles. But for anyone who wants to discover somewhere new to take in the sights this spring and summer, the quieter wonders of lesser-known inland and coastal locations are well worth exploring.

Pastel houses, ancient castles and cobbled streets dot fairytale towns and villages in the UK, with hidden gems delighting in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. From streets filled with bookshops to small-town home-from-homes and quaint island shores, there are plenty of eye-catching spots slightly off the usual tourist path. With options to stroll past traditional thatched houses and upgrade your afternoon tea view, here are the UK’s prettiest towns and villages to visit during the milder seasons.

Read more: The most beautiful beaches in Cornwall to visit this summer. The Cotswolds village of Castle Combe is the image of a quintessential English town, with quaint streets, stone houses and lush greenery all staples of a stay. Surrounded by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the bridged village is home to stunning 13th-century churches, traditional pubs and intimate bed and breakfasts. The tranquil environment is a popular setting for blockbusters, including Stardust and War Horse, and it’s no wonder the charming area is regularly voted the most beautiful in the UK.

Portmeirion, a charming Italian-style village in Gwynedd, is an ideal spot for a relaxed weekend in North Wales. The coastal village was created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925 – with the project completed around 50 years later – as an example of architecture’s ability to enhance natural beauty rather than destroy it. The pastel buildings, piazza and Gwyllt Japanese gardens will take you from rural Wales to Italy, Japan and back without ever having to leave the UK.

Narrow winding streets and whitewashed cottages line the 14th-century fishing harbour of Port Isaac. The quaint Cornish haven, which acts as the setting for the popular TV series Doc Martin, is the perfect place for fishing, boat trips and coastal walks. Gentle hills and rugged Cornish cliffs complement the neatly packed streets, themselves lined with charming boutiques, sweet shops and traditional bars and restaurants.

Port Gaverne, a 17th-century hotel and restaurant, features cosy rooms with nautical decor just a five-minute walk from Port Isaac. The coastal accents and traditional old bar cultivate a quirky character – fitting for the ancient fishing village. Experience the CBeebies childhood classic Balamory in real life in the Isle of Mull’s capital, Tobermory – the rainbow houses were based on its colourful waterfront – and with rows of vibrant townhouses, it’s clear to see why they stood out. Boat trips from Tobermory allow visitors to get up close to the Scottish isle’s natural beauty, as well as see a range of extraordinary wildlife, including puffins, whales, eagles and otters.

Read more: 8 of the best Scottish islands for rugged coastlines and picturesque villages. Portrush, a small seaside town in County Antrim, is home to idyllic white sand beaches and pastel houses, all set on a mile-long peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The once-humble fishing village is the perfect base to explore Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route making it a popular spot for holidaymakers in peak season – especially since the dramatic medieval ruins at Dunluce Castle were used as a filming location in Game of Thrones.

One of the best preserved medieval villages in England, Lavenham in the Suffolk countryside is formed of timbered cottages, 15th-century churches and magical woodlands. The market square is lined with Tudor architecture, listed buildings and independent local shops that once traded wool (and now sell quilted jackets). Famous for its role as Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the charming backdrop of cosy tea rooms, a traditional English guildhall and crooked houses are not to be missed on a UK staycation.

This one is for all bookworms, bibliophiles and collectors. World-renowned as the “town of books”, the market village of Hay-on-Wye – on the border between England and Wales – not only boasts more than 20 bookshops, but also enchanting streets, galleries and Hay Castle. This literature hotspot and cultural hub has second-hand and antiquarian bookshops that open year-round, and its location on the River Wye means that you’re only a short stroll away from secluded reading spots hidden in the hills and woods of Brecknockshire.

The Isle of Skye’s capital, Portree, sits in a sheltered bay surrounded by rolling hills, walking routes and a loch dotted with boats. A former fishing town, Portree’s rustic harbour is lined with rows of rainbow stone cottages and is a popular base from which to explore the island’s fairy pools, dramatic rock formations and spectacular scenery. Head to Colour House Viewpoint, next to the Royal Hotel, at sunset for the best views across the bay.