Revealed: Britain’s best inland towns and villages
An idyllic, medieval city that’s featured in major TV shows and films has come out top in a Which? survey of Britain’s best inland towns and villages.
Wells in Somerset has been a top pick for Hollywood producers over the years – with Hot Fuzz, Wolf Hall and Dungeons And Dragons all filmed there.
More than 9,000 Which? members took part in the poll, and were asked to rank their experiences based on scenery, food and drink, tourist attractions and value for money.
With an overall score of 83%, Wells – one of the UK’s smallest cities – secured first place. Participants rated it highly for its stunning architecture, including a famous cathedral.
Avebury in Wiltshire narrowly missed out and came second with a score of 82%. Not only is it home to a 5,000-year-old Neolithic stone circle and close to Stonehenge, but it also boasts picturesque thatched cottages and a 19th-century pub.
Corfe Castle in Dorset – one of Enid Blyton’s favourite holiday destinations – came third with 80%. It is tied with Port Sunlight on Merseyside, a village that was built to accommodate 900 workers in a nearby soap factory.
The top-rated Welsh destination was Llangollen on 79% thanks to its canal boat cruises, horse-drawn coach trip and beautiful scenery. In Scotland, Melrose emerged victorious with 78%.
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “From famed tourist towns to lesser-known villages, this year’s survey has captured the range of unique destinations the UK has to offer.
“While the picturesque South West took the top spots, there are beautiful towns and villages in Scotland, Wales and from across England in the top 10 – meaning there is a fantastic place to visit on your doorstep no matter where you live.”