Cover Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswolds, is one of the hidden gems in the UK countryside (Photo: Getty Images)
Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswolds, is one of the hidden gems in the UK countryside (Photo: Getty Images)
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Tatler contributor, Gracie Brown, who’s born and bred in the UK, reveals some true hidden gems in the English countryside
Stunning old English castles and freshly baked goods await you on your next trip to the UK. Often bashed for its “bad weather”, the UK is home to many underrated villages oozing with the cosy vibes you’ve been yearning for this fall.
Whether you enjoy long walks on the beach, historic monuments or coffees in independent cafes, the UK is offering everything we’ve been looking for to embrace the season. Explore artisanal bakeries serving up traditional English treats in the quaint village of Bakewell, or rent a rowboat in Knaresborough and put your hand-eye coordination to the test. If you’re a lover of all things mythical and spooky, Haworth should be top of your list. Take in the magic of the English countryside and watch the leaves change colour in these underrated gems.
Read more: Literary escapes: travel writers who inspire wanderlust
1. Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswolds
In recent years, the Cotswolds has gained growing interest from a long line of A-listers, with the likes of Ellen DeGeneres and the Beckhams choosing this region for their residences. Tucked away inside, dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water offers riverside photo opportunities on arch stone bridges, waterfront house watching and quaint bakeries serving up fresh scones with jam and cream. Stop by the motor museum and the model village for wholesome activities alongside the river Windrush, which runs through the village.
2. Haworth, West Yorkshire
Above The spooky vibes of Haworth are a perfect draw for autumn
The spooky vibes of Haworth are a perfect draw for autumn
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Haworth is a haven for book lovers and those who are autumn-obsessed. This cosy and slightly spooky village is home to multiple independent bookstores full to the brim with nooks for reading. Quirky apothecaries line the streets, offering shoppers a uniquely witchy and wonderful shopping experience. Known for being the village where the Brontë sisters grew up, boutique stores sell handmade decor and souvenirs for you to bring a piece of the village home. If you’re a fan of the literary siblings and an avid hiker, you may also enjoy Brontë Falls and Top Withens, the farmhouse many believe to have inspired the classic Wuthering Heights.
3. Folkestone, Kent
If you prefer the sea to rivers, Folkestone should be next on your British travel bucket list. Along the harbour, a delicious restaurant called Little Rock plates up fresh local seafood for tourists and locals alike, while entertainers settle in to play live music for passers-by to enjoy and dance along to. Enjoy dinner and a pint by the coast in one of the town’s many dimly lit, homely pubs. Located just an hour away from London, Folkestone is the perfect seaside escape from the city if you're short on time.
4. Bakewell, Derbyshire
Above Browse through the many artisanal shops at Bakewell, Derbyshire
Browse through the many artisanal shops at Bakewell, Derbyshire
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Bakewell is a paradise for dessert enthusiasts and sweet treat lovers—a severely underrated getaway. The town boasts the original Bakewell pudding shop. Born in the town itself, Bakewell tarts are a delicious traditional English sweet pastry, and as you can imagine, the area is full of them. A short drive away is the bewitching Chatsworth House, known for being the filming location for Pride and Prejudice, where thousands of romance enthusiasts flock every year, yet often skip over the wholesome town of Bakewell, situated just next door.
5. Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Located on the Isle of Wight, the village of Shanklin offers visitors thatched cottages dating back as far as the 1600s, and a Christmas shop open year-round. It’s also home to the Shanklin Chine nature reserve, which looks like a sight pulled straight from a fairytale. The reserve’s natural history, beach lookout spot and charming tea house are daytime highlights. In the evening, the reserve and its waterfall take on a magical glow, with colourful lights lining the path.
6. Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Knaresborough offers couples the uniquely romantic experience of renting rowboats to drift along the river. While out on the water of the River Nidd, guests can take in views of the town’s beautiful railway viaduct and the surrounding countryside. Antique shops filled with unique treasures and fresh produce markets line the inviting streets, and for a bird’s-eye view, visitors can stroll up to Knaresborough Castle. Finally, head to Mother Shipton’s Cave, the oldest visitor attraction in England, to make a wish in the cave’s wishing well and soak up some enchanting, witchy history.
7. Fowey, Cornwall
Above The Cornish town of Fowey and its church
The Cornish town of Fowey and its church
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Fowey invites its visitors to enjoy every flavour of Cornish fudge you could imagine from one of the town’s many independent bakeries. Pair your fudge with a mug of coffee, enjoyed by the harbour while watching the boats go by. After a morning spent browsing the town’s many boutiques and artisanal food shops, just a short stroll away, take in stunning views from St Catherine’s Castle—and why not even catch a ferry across to the nearby coastal village of Polruan?
8. Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
In Matlock Bath, visitors can enjoy fish and chips nestled in the Peak District, then stop by the arcade to joyously gamble away their spare pennies. After an afternoon of cheerful games and delicious savoury snacks, ride the Heights of Abraham cable car to unimaginable views of the English countryside. At the top, explore historic caverns, gardens, a museum, and fuel up on baked goods and caffeine from their cafe with a view. Eat the local ice cream and end the day with a wander into the cavern for its extraordinary underground light show.
9. Petworth, West Sussex
Above A whole bunch of male fallow deer relaxing in the grass in Petworth, United Kingdom
A whole bunch of male fallow deer relaxing in the grass in Petworth, United Kingdom
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For wildlife lovers and nature wanderers, Petworth is an absolute must. Pay a small fee for entry into the gorgeous Petworth House, where you’re invited to feast your eyes on the building’s remarkable architecture and interior design. Just outside the house, Petworth Park is home to more than 700 deer, which roam freely. Entry to the park is free, and visitors are invited to explore the 700 acres of land and enjoy marvellous views on their strolls. Known also for its superb antique shops, the town has no shortage of loveable boutiques selling treasures you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
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Gracie Brown is a regular contributor at Tatler Asia, focusing on fashion, style, travel and dining content.
