The UK villages that’re perfect for cobbled-street wandering, cosy pubs & long walks in the countryside

If your ideal UK getaway includes cobbled lanes, misty moors and a pint in a cosy pub after a countryside stroll, you’re in the right place. Northern England is packed with impossibly pretty villages, each with its own quirks, history and quaint tearooms where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Here are 15 of the best villages to visit if you’re dreaming of slower days, countryside wanders, and local charm.

1. Haworth, West Yorkshire

Famous for: Brontë sisters, cobbled charm, moorland magic

This atmospheric village clings to a steep hillside, with an old-world high street that hasn’t changed much since the Brontës lived here. Independent bookshops, vintage boutiques and tearooms line the cobbles, while the surrounding moors inspired Wuthering Heights.

Things to do: Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, ride the steam train from the heritage station, browse quirky shops.
Where to eat: Cobbles & Clay for coffee and cake; Haworth Steam Brewery for a local pint.
Getting there: Easily reached from Keighley (regular trains from Leeds/Bradford).
When to visit? Visit midweek in autumn: fewer crowds, golden colours and shopfronts adorned with autumn decor.

Nearby walks
You're spoiled for choice with scenic moorland trails, but my absolute favourite is this circular route up to Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse thought to be the inspiration for Heathcliff’s home in Wuthering Heights.

2. Marsden, West Yorkshire

Famous for: Moorland edges, canal paths, underrated charm

Tucked in the Pennines, Marsden blends industrial heritage with rugged beauty. The canal towpaths are perfect for ambling, and the village itself is surprisingly arty, filled with independent coffee shops, pre-loved book stores and cosy pubs aplenty.

Things to do: Explore Standedge Tunnel (Britain’s longest canal tunnel), stroll beside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, browse the local craft shops.
Where to eat: Riverhead Brewery Tap serves excellent ales; Crumbals on the Corner is great for brunch.
Getting there: Direct trains from Manchester or Huddersfield.
When to visit? Time your visit with the Marsden Jazz Festival in October for autumn festivities.

Nearby walks
The surrounding moors are full of rambling possibilities, but for a unique route straight from the village, try this loop up to the Framing the Landscape frames.

3. Castleton, Derbyshire

Famous for: Caves, castles and dramatic ridges

This Peak District gem ticks all the boxes: historic cottages, show caverns, the ultimate pick of scenic hikes, and a hilltop ruin with panoramic views.

Things to do: Tour the Blue John Cavern, walk up to Peveril Castle, cosy up in a tearoom, browse the outdoor shops.
Where to eat: The George is a top pub pick; try Three Roofs Café for lunch.
Getting there: Best by car; or train to Hope station (+ 30-min walk).
When to visit? Arrive early for sunrise at Mam Tor, a short hike with a huge payoff. Mam Tor is a popular route due to its close proximity to the parking point, and often gets a bad rep for being crowded. But if you’re a solo female like me, places like Mam Tor are my favourite types of sunrise walks: beautiful views, with lots of people around during peak days (meaning you never have to hike alone in the dark).

Nearby walks
You’re in the absolute heart of Peak District walking country, but if you're looking for a short but dramatic route straight from the village, don’t miss this beautiful walk to Cave Dale.

4. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Famous for: Smugglers’ past, steep lanes, coastal beauty

This former smuggling village tumbles down to the sea in a tangle of narrow alleys. It’s as photogenic as it gets, with sea views, fish and chip shops on every corner, and fossil-strewn beaches.

Things to do: Walk the coastal path to Whitby, explore the old fishing cottages, hunt for fossils.
Where to eat: The Bay Hotel is legendary; Tea, Toast & Post is a sweet café stop.
Getting there: Bus from Whitby or Scarborough; parking at the top of the village.
Tip: Walk the old railway line for an easy scenic loop above the cliffs.

Nearby walks
There’s an amazing network of coastal and clifftop trails here. For a classic walk along the coastline, I recommend this point-to-point walk to Whitby. Just plan ahead as you’ll need to travel back to the starting point via bus (and don’t miss visiting the beautiful Whitby Abbey while you’re there!).

5. Heptonstall, West Yorkshire

Famous for: Hilltop solitude, Sylvia Plath’s grave, cosy pubs, timeless feel

Perched above Hebden Bridge, Heptonstall feels like West Yorkshire’s best secret. Its quiet lanes, twin chapels and moorland views feel like a scene straight out of a 19th century novel, with nothing to do except slurp tea and watch passersby on the cobbles.

Things to do: Visit the ruined church and graveyard, browse the tiny museum, walk to nearby Hardcastle Crags.
Where to eat: Pop down to Hebden Bridge for cafes, art shops and pubs galore, or find cosy cafes and pubs in Heptonstall centre.
Getting there: A short but steep walk up from Hebden Bridge takes you to the village centre. Train station and plenty of transport links in Hebden.
When to visit? Arrive early on a misty morning so you can feel like you’ve stepped straight inside a Brontë novel.

Nearby walks
You’ll find moorland walks in every direction, but for a peaceful woodland walk straight from the village, don’t miss this beautiful walk to Hardcastle Crags.

6. Bamburgh, Northumberland

Famous for: Bamburgh castle (the real-life Bebbanburg from The Last Kingdom), big skies and coastal calm

With its dramatic clifftop castle and windswept beach, Bamburgh is a postcard waiting to happen. It’s also the perfect base for exploring Northumberland’s coastline, within easy reach of one of the UK’s most underrated national parks (in my humble opinion).

Things to do: Tour Bamburgh Castle, walk the vast beach, spot puffins from nearby Seahouses.
Where to eat: The Potted Lobster for seafood; Copper Kettle Tea Rooms for scones.
Getting there: Car is most convenient; buses available from Alnwick.
When to visit? The light at golden hour on the castle is insane, pack your camera, a cup of tea, and sit back and watch the sun rise over the coastline.

Nearby walks
You’ve got the entire coastal path to play with, but if you want a scenic stroll with sea views and castle backdrops, head out on this stunning circular at nearby Holy Island (where you may recognise a certain causeway from 28 Years Later).

Want to explore more of the local area? Check out this Northumberland Travel Guide.

7. Goathland, North Yorkshire

Famous for: TV nostalgia, a Harry Potter filming location, steam trains, open moorland views

Fans of classic TV might recognise Goathland as Aidensfield from Heartbeat (I can’t believe I’m officially old enough that Heartbeat is now considered a classic 🫣). Outside of its TV and Film references, Goathland is a quiet moorland village with cobbled streets, quirky shops, and a vintage station.

Things to do: Ride the steam train along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, explore nearby Mallyan Spout waterfall.
Where to eat: Goathland Hotel (the Aidensfield Arms!), and Beck Hole’s Birch Hall Inn is a must.
Getting there: Steam train or car via Pickering/Whitby.
Tip: Stop for a drink at the teeny-tiny Beck Hole pub nearby (blink and you’ll miss it).

Nearby walks
From waterfalls to open moorland, there’s a lot to choose from on Goathland’s doorstep. For a route with a bit of everything (waterfalls, woodlands, moorland views + passing steam trains), don’t miss this easygoing walk to Thomason Foss and Mallyan Spout.

8. Grasmere, Cumbria

Famous for: William Wordsworth, lakeside serenity, classic fells, world-famous gingerbread

Possibly the prettiest of the Lake District’s villages, Grasmere combines literary heritage with mountain views and lakeside charm (and lots and lots of tasty gingerbread).

Things to do: Visit Dove Cottage, stroll Grasmere lake, float on the lake at Faeryland, stock up at Grasmere Gingerbread.
Where to eat: The Jumble Room for something special; Green’s Café for veggie options.
Getting there: Bus from Windermere or Ambleside; limited parking. I much prefer visiting Grasmere by bus/train, with plenty of transport links making the day stress-free.
When to visit? Arrive in spring when daffodils line the lakeshore, or visit in winter for snow-capped backdrops. Summer is a peak time for most of The Lake District, and while absolutely beautiful, except crowds.

Nearby walks
Grasmere is a hiker’s dream. You can take your pick from strenuous fells, easygoing viewpoints, or lakeside heaven in pretty much every direction you look. To make a full day of Lake District exploration, spend the day on this incredible point-to-point walk, combining two of the UK’s most-loved long-distance trails: The Eamont and Wordsworth Ways.

Without a car? Check out this car-free travel guide for a full day of Lake District exploring.

9. Baslow, Derbyshire

Famous for: Gateway to Chatsworth, peaceful charm

A quiet and elegant village just outside the Chatsworth Estate, Baslow is a great place to stay or stop on a Peak District ramble.

Things to do: Explore Chatsworth House and gardens, walk Baslow Edge, shop at the local deli.
Where to eat: The Prince of Wales has a solid menu; The Devonshire Arms is classic.
Getting there: Bus from Bakewell; car is easiest.
When to visit? Winter is best, when Chatsworth House is fully kitted out in all its festive glory (and don’t miss the vibrant Christmas Markets on the estate).
Tip: Walk from Baslow into the estate for a scenic approach to Chatsworth.

Nearby walks
Curbar and Baslow Edge offer some of the best gritstone views in the Peaks and it not to be missed. Or for an easygoing walk straight from the village, don’t miss this gentle walk to Chatsworth.

10. Matlock Bath, Derbyshire

Famous for: British seaside meets inland spa town

A strange and wonderful mash-up of arcade town and spa retreat, Matlock Bath has been delighting visitors since the Victorians.

Things to do: Ride the cable car to the Heights of Abraham, walk Lovers' Walks along the river, explore quirky shops.
Where to eat: The Fishpond for pub grub; lots of classic chippies.
Getting there: Train direct from Derby or Nottingham.
When to visit? Matlock Bath is best visited in autumn for the Illuminations festival.

Nearby walks
The Derwent gorge and Lovers’ Walks both offer lovely trails, but this walk to England’s scariest path is not to be missed.

11. Hartington, Derbyshire

Famous for: Cheese, stone cottages, Derbyshire Dales

In the heart of the White Peak, Hartington is small but perfectly formed with a famous cheese shop and riverside paths aplenty.

Things to do: Visit the cheese shop, wander along the River Dove, explore limestone dales.
Where to eat: The Devonshire Arms; or pick up picnic bits from the village store.
Getting there: Car is best; limited buses from Buxton.
Tip: Combine with a walk to Dovedale for a full day of Peak District exploration.

Nearby walks
There are lush dale-side trails in every direction, but if you’re after a route that combines three dales in one, don’t miss this circular walk around Biggin, Wolfscote and Beresford Dales.

12. Grindleford, Derbyshire

Famous for: Woodland escapes, riverside charm, famous station café

Tucked between rugged gritstone edges and gentle river paths, Grindleford is a walker’s favourite — and home to one of the most iconic café stops in the Peaks.

Things to do: Visit Padley Gorge, explore the Longshaw Estate, enjoy riverside rambles.
Where to eat: The Grindleford Station Café is famous (proper chips, no fuss); Maynard Hotel for something smarter.
Getting there: Train direct from Sheffield or Manchester.
When to visit? Arrive early to have Padley Gorge mostly to yourself — especially magical in autumn.

Nearby walks
You're truly spoiled for choice here, but if you're looking for a scenic wander through woodland and along the river, you can’t go wrong with this walk to Padley Gorge and Carl Wark.

13. Hardraw, North Yorkshire

Famous for: England’s highest single-drop waterfall, stone barns, Dales tranquility

A tiny hamlet tucked into the Yorkshire Dales, Hardraw is best known for Hardraw Force — a dramatic single-drop waterfall hidden behind the most quaint pub. The village itself is not to be missed: peaceful, stuck in time, and surrounded by beautiful Dales countryside.

Things to do: Visit Hardraw Force (entry via The Green Dragon Inn), relax in the riverside meadows, explore nearby Hawes.
Where to eat: The Green Dragon Inn is a classic; pop over to Hawes for more choices.
Getting there: Best by car; short drive from Hawes. Some local buses stop nearby.
When to visit? Visit after rain for the most dramatic view of the waterfall.

Nearby walks
From gentle riverside strolls to high-level hikes across the fells, you’re spoilt for choice this side of the Yorkshire Dales. But if you’re looking to make a day for it, definitely don’t miss this uphill ascent to the UK’s highest pub (The Dragon’s Ascent Challenge).

14. Holme, West Yorkshire

Famous for: Wild scenery, a true “edge of the moors” feel, Last of the Summer Wine country

Small but wonderfully rugged, Holme sits at the edge of the Peak District with panoramic views across the Holme Valley. It’s a proper hill village with a strong local identity and no shortage of scenery.

Things to do: Explore the old stone cottages and local reservoir walks, take a scenic drive over Holme Moss.
Where to eat: The Fleece Countryside Inn (cosy pub with big views).
Getting there: Best by car, limited public transport options from Holmfirth or Huddersfield.
When to visit? Arrive for golden hour — this place catches the light beautifully. The surrounding walks are best visited in autumn when the October colours are on fully display.

Nearby walks
There’s wild walking in every direction, but for a cosy woodland stroll, check out this circular to Ramsden and Riding Wood Reservoirs.

15. Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire

Famous for: Geographic centre of Great Britain, Forest of Bowland charm

This quiet village lies in the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB, surrounded by green valleys, fells and riverside paths. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and just remote enough to feel like a real escape.

Things to do: Visit the BT phone box marking the centre of Britain, follow the River Dunsop, soak up the tranquillity.
Where to eat: Puddleducks Tea Room is a must for cake and countryside views.
Getting there: Best by car; limited public transport from Clitheroe.
When to visit? Visit midweek and you might have the valley to yourself.

Nearby walks
It’s a walker’s paradise — you can go big or keep it easy. For a gentle riverside ramble with proper postcard moments, head out on this gentle route to Langden Brook.

Whether you're craving cobbled lanes, dramatic coastlines, or riverside rambles, these Northern villages offer the perfect excuse to slow down and soak up the scenery. From well-loved favourites to hidden hamlets, each one is a firm favourite of mine and they're even better with a brew (or a pint) in hand.

Got a go-to village I’ve missed? Pop me a message on Instagram, I’m always looking for new places to explore.🌿

15 Picture-Perfect Villages in Northern England for Countryside Lovers