Cottagecore Perfection: England’s Most Charming Villages

England is famous for huge, busy cities and iconic spots like Big Ben, but there is a whole other side to this country that feels like you just stepped into a storybook.

Imagine walking down tiny cobblestone streets lined with cute cottages covered in green ivy, or looking out at rolling hills that go on forever. It’s a total switch from the noise and crowds of the city, trading skyscrapers for cozy tea shops and ancient stone walls.

These are the kinds of places where time slows down and the magic of the countryside feels totally real.

Whether you are looking for the honey-colored houses of the Cotswolds or a quiet little town by the sea, these hidden spots are perfect if you are chasing that dreamy cottagecore aesthetic.

We looked at what real travelers had to say to find the absolute best villages that feel like a fairytale come to life. So get ready to explore England’s coziest corners, where every turn looks like a scene from your favorite fantasy movie and the vibes are unmatched.

Highgate Village

Believe it or not, you can find a fairytale village feel without even leaving London. Just a quick Tube ride away is Highgate, a leafy hilltop area that feels worlds away from the city chaos. Its quiet, tree-lined streets are full of cute local shops, old-world pubs, and some truly unique sights.

One standout is Holly Village—a group of Gothic Revival cottages from 1865, surrounded by a private garden. This Grade II listed estate has brickwork details, pointy arches, and little animal statues, giving it serious storybook vibes.

One of the most famous places to grab a drink is The Flask, a super old pub from the 1600s where famous writers used to hang out. For something a bit spooky but beautiful, check out Highgate Cemetery.

It’s a huge, enchanting place from the 1800s with ivy-covered tombstones and cool Victorian statues. You can find famous names like George Michael buried there.

It’s a quiet, atmospheric walk that perfectly mixes history with a touch of gothic charm, adding a unique twist to the village’s cozy appeal.

Shere

If romantic comedies are your thing, Shere is basically perfection. Located just outside London, this sweet historic village has been in tons of movies, but it is most famous as the setting for the Christmas classic, The Holiday. In the movie, characters played by Kate Winslet and Jude Law hang out in a snowy English village that looks totally dreamy. While the famous cottage was actually a movie set built in a field nearby, the village itself is 100% real and just as magical.

You can visit actual filming locations like the White Horse Pub, a cozy place built way back in 1425 where major scenes were shot. Fans love taking photos under the movie poster on the wall or walking across the cute footbridge by the stream.

With its cobblestone streets and duck-filled ponds, Shere gives you serious main character energy and is the perfect place for a cottagecore getaway.

Castle Combe

In the heart of the Cotswolds, you’ll find Castle Combe, a village that many travelers say is one of the prettiest in England. It has a frozen-in-time vibe, with whimsical, car-free roads and honey-colored houses from the 1600s.

It’s so scenic that it has been used as a location for movies and TV shows. Even though its name has “castle” in it, you won’t find one here. Instead, every corner is full of fairytale charm, from ivy-covered buildings to stone bridges over little streams.

For a truly magical stay, The Manor House is a 600-year-old hotel with beautiful gardens. Just a short walk away is the Market Cross, an old structure that shows the village’s history as a market town.

After exploring, you can grab a drink at The White Hart Pub, a classic pub perfect for soaking in the storybook atmosphere. It’s an ideal getaway for anyone wanting to experience a truly enchanting English countryside escape.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” Bourton-on-the-Water is famous for the shallow River Windrush that flows right through the center of town. As a result, tiny stone footbridges cross the water, making the village feel like a miniature world.

Speaking of miniature, visitors can explore The Model Village behind The Old New Inn, which is an exact replica of the town built at one-ninth the original size. Because of this, the experience feels surreal, allowing you to tower over tiny stone houses like a giant.

Meanwhile, when you aren’t feeling like Gulliver, there are plenty of charming things to do in the real village itself.

For example, you can grab a pastry at Bakery on the Water or wander through the Dragonfly Maze, a hedge labyrinth that gives off major Alice in Wonderland energy. If the crowds start to feel overwhelming, then a quick trip to nearby Lower Slaughter offers peaceful walking paths and storybook cottages that are, quite literally, 100% cottagecore goals.