England and Wales are renowned for their unusual yet charming villages. Some are divided in two, filled with mysteries, or gracefully nestled on cliff edges. This summer is the ideal time to explore these intriguing enclaves off the beaten path.
In my book, Extraordinary Villages, I have catalogued 50 such marvels. These villages, often overlooked by tourist guidebooks, offer an unparalleled adventure. I stumbled upon the beautiful irony of Sunk Island in the Humber - how can something be both sunken and an island? Further, large parts of Norfolk exist without roads or place names – an intriguing enigma for explorers.
If you wished to traverse all these 50 villages, it might take months! However, for an exciting weekly plan, I have curated a list of seven unique villages – the Magnificent Seven. It includes two cosy Welsh communities and five northern and Midlands jewels in England. Enjoy your incredible exploration journey.
Arnside, Cumbria
One of the extraordinary villages to visit in England and Wales is the picturesque seaside village of Arnside in Cumbria. Situated just half an hour away from Windermere, Arnside offers a unique experience in a world of its own.
With its fast-flowing rivers and the battle they wage against the tides of Morecambe Bay, Arnside holds a fascinating history. The village has witnessed the unfortunate loss of many lives due to its treacherous quicksands. Across the River Kent estuary, a solemn reminder of this perilous past can be found at Cartmel Bay, where unmarked graves serve as a cemetery. Despite this tragic history, Arnside has much to offer and is definitely worth a visit.
When visiting Arnside, staying at a comfortable and convenient hotel is essential. You can find a variety of Hotel deals in Wales on hotels-wales.com for a pleasant stay during your exploration. Being in close proximity to Windermere, you can easily venture out to discover the natural beauty of the Lake District National Park while enjoying the comfort of a well-located hotel.
For those interested in exploring more destinations in the UK, tophotels.com offers a comprehensive guide to the top hotels across the country, allowing you to plan your travels with ease and find the best accommodations for an unforgettable experience.
Strolling along the lively promenade, you'll find a variety of charming shops and cafes, including the renowned Posh Sardine tearooms. Interestingly, the name "Posh Sardine" is actually an anagram of Arnside shop, reflecting the village's playful side.
For nature enthusiasts, the period between March and October is particularly captivating as this is when the Arnside bore charges in, creating a dramatic spectacle. Coastguards remain ever-vigilant, equipped with binoculars and ear muffs to protect themselves from the deafening roar. When the sirens sound, it's a clear message that it's time to swiftly leave the sands.
Arnside, a charming coastal village in England, offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Tim Cross, a former coastguard, was amazed one moonlit night as he waited beside Arnside’s distinctive railway viaduct, along with numerous visitors, to witness the awe-inspiring 10-metre bore, a powerful display of nature's forces.
For those seeking adventure, it’s possible to traverse Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands under the guidance of the Queen’s Sandwalker, Michael Wilson, who took over from the renowned Cedric Robinson. This invigorating round trip, under strict supervision, offers a glimpse into the treacherous tidal bay, serving as a rite of passage for Arnsiders.
Downham, Lancashire
Discover the charming village of Downham, nestled below the majestic Pendle Hill. As you approach, you'll find no conspicuous signs announcing its presence, and once you arrive, you'll realize there's no indication that you've reached your destination. This idyllic haven in the Ribble Valley forgoes modern signage, refusing to allow television aerials, satellite dishes, overhead cables, or even road markings – except for the occasional imprints left by passing cattle. It almost seems as though the villagers are living in a time capsule or have meticulously prepared the stage for a period drama. One can't help but imagine a fictional realm akin to Downham Abbey, with only the modern intrusion of cars giving away the village's true era.
Since 1558, Downham has been owned by the Assheton family, with the current guardian being Ralph Assheton, the second Baron Clitheroe of Downham. Known for his aversion to street furniture, he explains that his motivation stems from a desire to preserve beauty while avoiding unsightly elements. He humorously recalls the agreement to place a bus timetable next to the telephone box, but astutely points out that there is no need for a sign indicating the bus stop. This raises the question of whether the traditional red telephone box may soon become obsolete in this charming village that seems to exist outside the bounds of time.
In the quaint village of Downham, a deeply ingrained medieval structure pervades. The local church and Downham Hall can be found nestled on a ridge, flanked by a collection of 32 estate cottages organised meticulously into two clusters. Towering in their backdrop, with its silvery aura occasionally interspersed with a brooding countenance, stands the isolated mountain known as Pendle Hill, uncoupled from the Pennines and standing at a remarkable 557-metres.
This mountain is steeped in a dark history that draws hikers from all around; its notoriety from a 1612 incident in which the lives of 10 women were tragically claimed by hanging, in the wake of murder allegations, remains. At the time, the region was riddled with lawlessness and anarchy.
Despite its storied past, Downham embraces an endearing sort of wildness. The village patriarch, now in his nonagenarian years, climbs Pendle Hill daily, likely in pursuit of cellular reception. His son, meanwhile, strives to manage the demographic diversity of the village, termed rather playfully as playing 'God' or 'balancing the population'. The evidence, so it seems, is in his favour with a near-even distribution across three age groups amongst the 100 tenants: those aged over 65, those in their thirties, and those under the age of 18. However, recent times have seen some change in the village, conferring a contemporary touch to its timeless charm. The local pub, Assheton Arms, and the village store have sadly succumbed to the impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown. As Ralph, likely the patriarch or son, is on the hunt for fresh managerial talent, this could be your calling.
Youlgrave, Derbyshire
Youlgrave, a charming village in England, is known for its beautiful Georgian-era water tank and quaint cottages. The village takes great pride in its water supply, which has been sourced from underground streams since the establishment of Youlgrave Waterworks in the 1860s.
Unlike major water companies such as Severn Trent Water, Youlgrave has remained fiercely independent when it comes to its water source, much to the frustration of its would-be competitors. Severn Trent Water has attempted to take over, underestimating the determination of Youlgrave's residents. The water is processed in a small bunker located in a corner of a field, where a remarkable web of wires, pumps, and gauges can be found.
A local plumber named John Wardle once made a bold claim about Youlgrave's water, stating that it is as distinctive as champagne and he could identify it blindfolded, even in a blind taste test against Severn Trent water. Intrigued, we put his assertion to the test not once, but thrice, and he proved himself right each time. Read more
Ensconced within the heart of the village, secured by hefty iron grates, lies a historic circular stone fountain. This was once the hub of the community, where women steadily lined up with their pails, patiently waiting to fill them. The wait was so extensive that they brought their needlework to pass the time; legend has it one woman even managed to complete an entire sweater. Nestled behind this nostalgic focal point, you'll find Thimble Hall, dubbed the UK's tiniest freestanding domicile. Its dimensions are a cozy 3.6 by 3.1 metres, with a modest height of just 3.7 metres. An austere ladder serves as the link between the first and ground floors. This petite abode, which fetched £39,500 back in 1999, has sadly remained uninhabited to date. Numerous ideas have been proposed for the hall, ranging from a delightful ice-cream shop to an arts and crafts hub, to an intriguing thimble museum. Regrettably, the charming hall stands vacant to this day.
Trevor and Froncysyllte, Wrexham County
Explore the fascinating world of Pontcysyllte, a village that derives its name from the remarkable aqueduct that connects the neighboring villages of Trevor and Froncysyllte. The aqueduct, known as Pontcysyllte (meaning 'the bridge that connects'), holds the prestigious title of a world heritage site since 2009, placing it in the same league as iconic wonders like the Statue of Liberty and the Great Wall of China.
Situated on the border between Cheshire and Wales, Trevor and Froncysyllte perch high above on either side of the aqueduct, providing breathtaking views for visitors. Designed by Thomas Telford, this architectural marvel carries the Llangollen canal an impressive 38 meters above the River Dee. To catch the full splendor of the aqueduct, make sure to take in the awe-inspiring vista from the vantage point of the old packhorse bridge.
Discover the rich history and charm of these extraordinary villages, and immerse yourself in the remarkable beauty of the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and its surroundings.
Trevor and Fron, two neighboring villages, offer contrasting experiences for visitors. While Fron is often overlooked as a mere stopover for boats returning over the aqueduct, Trevor boasts an array of attractions. Wander through Trevor and you'll find a bustling canal basin that not only offers boat trips and day hire but also a charming waterside pub and a visitor center.
Connected by a 300-meter canal, the distance between the two villages may seem short, but for passengers on the unguarded side, it can feel like an eternity as they peer into the seemingly endless abyss. In fact, the brochure poses an intriguing question: "Do you possess the courage to cross it? And if you do, are you fearless enough to look down?"
To catch a glimpse of the captivating scenery and experience the unique charm of both Trevor and Fron, a visit to these extraordinary villages in England and Wales is a must.
Froncysyllte had its revenge on Trevor by achieving fame through its male voice choir, which has won the prestigious Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod four times. Not only were they signed by Universal Music and their album, Voices of the Valley, sold over a million copies, but they were also given the opportunity to tour New York, solidifying their success and popularity.
Imagine the tranquility of waking up in your bedroom and seeing narrowboats gracefully floating above your head, offering a picturesque scene.
To experience the beauty of the area firsthand, I decided to take a leisurely stroll back to Trevor along a narrow footpath, carefully avoiding the steep drop and instead enjoying the view of the gentle north/south current that transports an impressive 7 million liters of water daily to Crewe and Nantwich. As I reached the end of my walk, I found myself high above the last cottage, contemplating the soothing sight of narrowboats gently gliding past bedroom windows. This idyllic scene may bring comfort to residents but may also confuse the fish as they witness birds flying beneath them.
Jackfield, Shropshire
The historic Boat Inn in the village of Jackfield bears witness to significant flood levels, as they are marked on its door.
Venturing further down the picturesque Severn valley, you will come across a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed in popular road atlases. Jackfield, albeit a mere remnant of its former self, stands resolute along the riverbank. Once a bustling river port bustling with beer-swilling trowmen and lively establishments, the village now showcases the scars of its tumultuous past.
In 1952, the consequences of industrialists' disregard for water accumulation in clay mine shafts became painfully clear. Jackfield split in two, cascading into the river overnight. Terraced cottages and roads were swallowed by the waters, leaving behind twisted railway lines resembling tangled wire. Within a span of 24 hours, this symbol of the industrial revolution was forever transformed.
This locale captivates visitors with the interplay between nature's retribution and human resilience, offering a unique perspective on the consequences of environmental exploitation.
An encouraging observation is that the village thrives in its quiet seclusion despite a decreased population. The local inhabitants revel in what remains, including an esteemed factory famous for crafting ornate tiles which grace distinguished places such as the Palace of Westminster. A not-to-be-missed stopover is the Half Moon Inn, a standout structure erected on hard rock, contrasting the remainder of the village that sits on sand. Set foot in Mrs Dirk's charming little tin shop that offers an array of sweet delights. A historic brothel has found a new lease of life, having been transformed into a cosy bed and breakfast. Ambling through this village of innumerable fissures reveals a tableau of rooftops jutting out amidst lush foliage in the most whimsical ways, a testament to nature's impressive remediation work. Its allure has grown so much so that Jackfield has morphed into a sought-after residential spot. Those yearning for a quaint holiday cottage might find themselves in a waiting line. Jackfield's charm lies heavily in its enchanting history and metamorphosis.
Badby, Northamptonshire
A glimpse at the imposing Fawsley Hall, ensconced near the quaint village of Badby.
Our intriguing journey concludes with a revelation that will change your perceptions about Northamptonshire. Far from being a tiring passage to cross on the M1, it boasts scenes rivaling the Cotswolds' beauty. Its rolling greenery is punctuated with idyllic cottages, their thatched roofs sitting atop walls of sweetly tinted ironstone. The village of Badby is ruled by the staggering Tudor mansion, Fawsley Hall. An unforeseen piece of its history, it served as a summer shelter for Joseph Merrick, famously known as the Elephant Man, in the dusk of his tragically short life.
Yearning for a respite from his London hospital, Merrick took a journey from Euston settled in a darkened carriage, before it was side-settled at Long Buckby. From there, an obscured horse-drawn vehicle guided him to Badby for the remainder of his journey. Merrick was able to enjoy these country summers due to the influence of a renowned late 1800s actress named Madge Kendal. Kendal was successful in convincing Lady Knightley of Fawsley Hall to offer refuge to Merrick, a 25-year-old profoundly altered by what is currently recognized as neurofibromatosis.
During his time at Badby, Joseph Merrick, also known as the Elephant Man, found solace in the warmth and friendship of Lady Knightley and some of the local villagers. However, not everyone welcomed him with open arms, as fear still lingered in the air. Despite this, Merrick's intelligence, artistic talents, and broad knowledge captivated those who got to know him.
Given the freedom to explore, Merrick delighted in the natural beauty surrounding him. In his letters to his loyal surgeon, Dr. Frederick Treves, he enthusiastically described encounters with foxes and badgers on the Fawsley estate, the vibrant violets he carefully plucked in the nearby woods, and the graceful trout he observed swimming in the River Cherwell. To prevent any unwanted attention, he cleverly disguised himself with a broad-brimmed hat adorned with a veil reminiscent of a beekeeper.
Dr. Treves fondly recalled this period of blissful escape in Merrick's tumultuous life, calling it "the supreme holiday of his life."
Once the lockdown restrictions are lifted, Fawsley Court and its enchanting grounds will once again welcome visitors. For those inspired to follow in the footsteps of the Elephant Man, this majestic setting offers the perfect opportunity to explore his imagined routes. And after a day of discovery, indulge in a delightful cream tea or even something stronger, conveniently available on site.