10 pretty fairytale towns in the UK 

It’s no coincidence that the UK, with its beautiful landscapes, ghostly castles, and hidden misty moors, stands at the centre of countless myths and legends.

Fairytale towns in the UK have fuelled the wild imaginings of authors, artists and visitors for centuries.

In this post, I share 10 of my favourite fairytale towns in the UK, so you can discover enchanted villages and impossibly pretty settings.

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1. Castle Combe, The Cotswolds

Nestled in the heart of The Cotswolds, Castle Combe is a perfectly preserved medieval village with a history going back to the 11th century.

Complete with a medieval market, an ancient Catholic church, a towering faceless clock, and houses of honey-coloured Cotswold stone; it really feels as though time has stood still here.

By day, you can stroll around town and drink with the locals in old-age pubs: The Castle Inn and The White Hart.

Come night, rest in the ivy-clad Manor House Hotel, and end the day with a hearty meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant, The Bybrook.

Before you visit, have a read of my guides:

• 10 charming things to do in Castle Combe
• 5 beautiful hotels in Castle Combe 
• 6 best pubs and restaurants in Castle Combe

2. Rye, East Sussex

Labyrinthian cobbled streets, half-timbered lodgings, and oil lamps hanging from old posts; there’s nothing more fairytale-like than Rye, a seaside village in East Sussex.

I love meandering down Mermaid Street and finding houses with bizarre names like “House with Two Front Doors” or “The House Opposite.” 

Dating from a turbulent past, you’ll find Rye’s iconic walls and medieval gates: the Landgate, Strandgate, Baddings Gate and Postern Gate.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months then I’d recommend hopping on a short bus to nearby Camber Sands. Here you’ll find a huge golden sandy beach. 

Discover more charming medieval towns in the UK.

3. Clovelly, Devon

Once a property of the first Queen of England, Clovelly is an old fishing town perched atop a 400ft wooded cliff in the Torridge district of Devon. 

But this isn’t your typical fishing village. Clovelly is entrenched deep in English history with its previous Royal owners, particularly William the Conqueror himself.

This is the perfect haven for anyone looking to escape urban commotion. 

Enveloped by the smell and sound of the Atlantic, walking through the lanes of Clovelly feels like being teleported to the olden times.

There are no cars here, apart from winding cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and the relaxing image of tiny bobbing boats anchored to an ancient stone quay.

Discover more of the best seaside towns in Devon.

4. Lacock, Wiltshire

Just half an hour’s drive from Bath is a popular destination known for its quintessential English village appeal: Lacock.

Its name means “little stream” in Old Saxon, which refers to the Bride Brook river cutting through the town.

You may even be familiar with its historic lanes and quaint cottages, as they were constantly featured in films and TV shows, including Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter: The Half-Blood Prince.

5. Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby

Cradled between Scarborough and Whitby is another impossibly pretty fishing village with red tile-roofed sandstone cottages, Robin Hood’s Bay. 

Surrounded by breathtaking coastal panoramas, this is one of my favourite destinations in Yorkshire. 

Narrow cobbled streets lined with quirky stone dwellings that have been there for centuries make for an interesting treasure hunt.

While here, be sure to visit the Old Coastguard Station, now transformed into a National Trust site, featuring fascinating marine animals.

And while you’re at it, listen to spooky stories and age-old tales to make your skin crawl in the Ghost Walk.

6. Polperro, Cornwall

On the South Cornwall shore lies an intriguing coastal stretch with whitewashed lodges hugging steep, lush hillsides and encircling a tiny harbour.

Welcome to the fairytale UK town of Polperro.

Unspoilt from the outside, the gravity-defying town features a maze of worn stone cottages and olden bridges dating back to the times of the Old Saxons.

Polperro is a creative haven for artists, with its tall cliffs, winding paths, hidden coves, and cerulean beaches.

As a traffic-free town, navigating Polperro is easy. So finding great antique shops and enjoying a pint in one of its pubs are as easy as it gets. 

Discover more of the best towns in Cornwall or read my guide to the best things to do in Cornwall when it rains.

7. Hawkshead, Lake District

If you ever decide to visit the Lake District, remind yourself to add Hawkshead to your itinerary.

The medieval market town provides an untainted peek of a forgotten past, from its cobbled squares and courtyards to stone abodes and verdant hills.

The beloved children’s writer, Beatrix Potter, once roamed Hawkshead’s streets.

What once was her husband’s office has now been turned into the Beatrix Potter Gallery, a pilgrimage hotspot for the celebrated author’s devotees.

Discover more of the best towns and villages in the Lake District.

8. Portmeirion, Wales

Overlooking the Afon Dwyryd in Gwynedd, before the river reaches Bae Ceredigion, is an Italian-style village, Portmeirion.

It’s known for its colour-washed edifices and romantic Baroque-style architecture. 

Bringing the vibe of the Mediterranean to the Welsh countryside, this unique community has been featured in countless films, most notably in The Prisoner, a ‘60s classic.

Traversing its iconic alleyways, I always find myself in awe of its Riviera-inspired houses flaunting abundant gardens. 

After hopping between fascinating souvenirs and book shops, I recommend staying in a 19th-century Gothic castle turned into a cosy hotel, Castell Deudraeth.

It’s a complete cultural immersion.

Discover more places in the UK that look like they’re abroad or unearth the most amazing UK castle stays.

9. Portree, Isle of Skye

Nestled between the imposing Ben Tianavaig and Suidh Fhinn is Portree.

As the Isle of Skye’s capital town, it’s a must-visit for its incredible harbour, dramatic landscapes, and cultural heritage.

The 200-year-old community has been around since the 1860s, founded by the then Lord MacDonald.

With all its rugged appearance, Portree is a great starting point for exploring Skye Island. There are a few good sit-down restaurants and cafes, but I mostly come here for the views.

Drive north of Portree where breathtaking windswept terrains, heart-dropping plunges, and fascinating sea formations abound.

Continue past Loch Leathan, find the Old Man of Storr, and get close to the iconic 160 ft giant rock formation.

10. Staithes, North Yorkshire

Once a busy fishing port, Staithes is a celebrated townlet in North Yorkshire. 

Sandwiched between two massive headlands, Staithes boasts a rich maritime history of fishing, boat-building, smuggling, and piracy going as far back as the 15th century.

Presently, it’s become a living museum of the port’s fascinating heritage. Still, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here.

Staithes Heritage Centre is a great place to start, where you can learn about the notorious Captain Hook’s life.

I know you’ll also love snaking around the colourfully cobbled High Street and participating in the hunt for eight painted optical illusions scattered around the town.

Have you visited any of these fairytale towns in the UK? Let me know in the comments below!

For more UK inspiration, you may also like:

• 30 ideas for your UK travel bucket list
• 12 must-visit hidden gems in the UK
• 12 amazing foodie breaks in the UK
• 9 three-Michelin star restaurants in the UK