Britain’s unsung villages
You may not have heard of them – but these communities offer the very best of rural life
We’ve all heard of Bibury, Salcombe and Wells, with their thatched cottages, harbours and stunning countryside. But what if you’re searching for the good life yet lack a hefty budget?
Thankfully, there are dozens of villages that are under the radar but brimming with character. Here are the very best . . .
SABDEN, LANCASHIRE
SET against the brooding bulk of Pendle Hill — of Pendle witches fame — this east Lancashire village is in the heart of the Forest of Bowland (it previously nabbed one of the main prizes at the Lancashire Best Kept village Competition). There are a couple of pubs and primary schools, while the former union
Mill is now a centre for local businesses. Good access to Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
THORNHAM, NORFOLK
A SMALL coastal village about four miles east of Hunstanton packed with historic cottages. The beach and surrounding marshes at Thornham provide a beautiful area for walking. Food
ies are well catered for with very good restaurants close by including the renowned Thornham Deli, Cafe and Store, situated next to the village Hall. There’s a choice of primary schools, while it’s just over an hour to Norwich and 40 minutes to King’s Lynn.
ALBRIGHTON, SHROPSHIRE
WITH a village green, Norman church, half-timbered Tudor and
Georgian frontages and a main street lined by lime trees – this is a striking village. ‘With history on every corner, there’s an almost bygone era charm to living here,’ says Philip Wigley, of Albrighton Property Wise Homes. ‘There’s a real sense of community spirit, some fantastic pubs, sports teams and pride in our lovely village.’
Trains are direct into Birmingham New Street in 26 minutes.
WEOBLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE
PRONOUNCED ‘weblee’ and ten miles from Hereford, this is a wellpreserved Tudor village.
The highest rated location in the county in a list of Britain’s most stylish places, Weobley’s high street bustles with independent shops, boutiques and local businesses so everything you need is just a footstep away.
AUDLEM, CHESHIRE
THE Shropshire union Canal — famed for its 15 steep locks — loops its way through this south Cheshire village. Among the fixtures are a trio of pubs and a newsagent that’s traded for more than 150 years. Community spirit keeps the village looking pristine all year round — residents pay a voluntary annual fee to put out flags and flowers across the summer months and a volunteer committee keeps it all looking good.
SOLVA, PEMBROKESHIRE
CLOSE to St Davids, the village is split into upper and lower Solva and its position at the mouth of an estuary meant it became a thriving port in the 17th and 18th centuries. The natural harbour is still busy and visitors flock to learn about its industrial heritage based on quick lime-making.
Despite occasional sea mists, its restaurants, pastel- coloured buildings, narrow passageways, former granaries and the wooded Gribin headland explain why Solva has been named one of the poshest and prettiest places in Britain. ‘Life by the coast doesn’t get more heavenly,’ says Sarah Harlow, owner of Blueberry Cottage in Solva.