Alfriston, East Sussex
If you’re in South Downs National Park or exploring the Cuckmere Valley, be sure to call Alfriston, says Teresamachan. “The Cotswolds have a gorgeous atmosphere these days, but don’t put it off. The thatched-roofed minister’s house, the first building that the National Trust bought for £ 10 in 1896, dates back to the 14th century. There’s a lovely church and village greens (Tye), a must-have old English inn, a manor garden, and a flower-filled patio for loose-leaf tea. Head to The Singing Kettle. ”
West Yorkshire, Saltaire
Built by the philanthropist Sir Titus Salt for the workers of the gristmill, this beautiful Victorian model village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small tiered cottages are gathered around a giant salt mill (saltsmill.org.uk) that houses one of the world’s largest collections of Hockney’s artwork. The Saltaire United Remodeled Church is one of Britain’s greatest Victorian architectural gems. Near West Yorkshire, there are plenty of great walks before you finish your day with a bitter beer from the Saltaire Brewery.
Higher Bock Hampton, Dorset
Dorset has hundreds of small settlements like the Higher Bockhampton. Deep in the English countryside, this beautiful settlement is surrounded by rolling hills, full of small paths and high hedges. The village is where Thomas Hardy was born and where he wrote his first five books. Notice his cottage (nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage), which is now a property of the National Trust.
Walberswick, Suffolk
The wooden bridge from the picturesque village of Wolver’s Wick to the beach is always crammed with children clasping the clubbing line and plastic bucket. Climb over the ridges of the dunes and into the magical light of the Suffolk coast to see why so many artists are portraying this long, empty beach.