Head to the south of England to appreciate these picturesque towns and villages where life moves at a slower pace.
DK England's South Coast
View BookRye, East Sussex
Located near the coast of East Sussex, the charming town of Rye was once one of the main Channel ports. With its houses jutting out at unlikely angles, cobbled Mermaid street has hardly altered since the 14th century.
Hastings, East Sussex
The seaside resort town of Hastings is a thriving fishing port. The lovely Old Town features narrow, characterful streets lined with quirky independent shops, cosy pubs and Fisherman’s huts. Nearby is the site of the famous 1066 battle between William the Conqueror and Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson.
Steyning, West Sussex
The charming little town of Steyning below the South Downs is full of well-preserved timber-framed houses from the Tudor era and earlier. Just to the southeast of the town centre are the gaunt ruins of Bramber Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey defensive fort.
Shaftesbury
Swoon-worthy Shaftesbury, with its cobbled streets and 18th century cottages, is often used as a setting for period films. Picture-perfect Gold Hill is lined on one side by a wall of the demolished abbey, founded by King Alfred in 888.
Sherborne, Dorset
Few British towns have such a wealth of unspoilt medieval buildings as Sherborne. The Abbey Church and Sherborne castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, are particular highlights.
Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Featuring a magnificent medieval tithe barn and ancient cottages, Cerne Abbas exudes history. The village’s most famous attraction is the Cerne Abbas Giant, a huge chalk figure carved into the hillside nearby.
Fowey, Cornwall
A tangle of tiny steep streets gazing out across the estuary, Fowey (pronounced Foy) is a charming village in south Cornwall. Getting out on the water is a must here – the gentle estuary is ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding.
Charlestown, Cornwall
Situated on the outskirts of St Austell, Charlestown is an unspoilt harbour with UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The harbour will be familiar to fans of Poldark and Taboo, as it was used as a filming location in both series.
St Mawes, Cornwall
Often described as England’s answer to St Tropez, the pretty village of St Mawes has been an exclusive holiday resort since Edwardian times. Set on the lush, rolling Roseland peninsula, the village is made up of idyllic whitewashed cottages and townhouses with gleaming slate roofs.
St Ives, Cornwall
The historic fishing town of St Ives is like nowhere else in Britain. Its intricate mesh of lanes backs onto a bustling quayside and a quartet of sandy beaches, with lovely views at every turn. Famous for its prestigious artistic heritage, the town is home to scores of small galleries and studios.
Boscastle, Cornwall
The pretty village of Boscastle is bisected by the River Valency, which runs down the middle of the main street to the fishing harbour. Within the village, you’ll find the unique Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
Clovelly, Devon
One of the loveliest villages in Devon, Clovelly clings to a steep cliff. Rows of neat whitewashed cottages unfold down towards a picturesque harbour.
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