An idyllic, medieval city that’s featured in major TV shows and films has been named as the UK’s top tourist destination.
Wells in Somerset, which has been used as a filming location for shows like “Hot Fuzz” and “Wolf Hall,” came out on top in a Which? survey of Britain’s best inland towns and villages.
The city scored an overall rating of 83%, with respondents praising its stunning architecture, including the famous Wells Cathedral.
“Wells is a truly beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors,” said Which? Travel editor Rory Boland. “It’s no wonder it’s been such a popular filming location over the years.”
Here are the top 10 towns and villages in the Which? survey:
- Wells, Somerset (83%)
- Avebury, Wiltshire (82%)
- Corfe Castle, Dorset (80%)
- Port Sunlight, Merseyside
- Llangollen, Wales (79%)
- Melrose, Scotland (78%)
- Dartmouth, Devon (77%)
- Rye, East Sussex (77%)
- Alnwick, Northumberland
- Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Read below for information on each place.
The survey also found that the top three factors that influenced people’s choice of destination were scenery (40%), food and drink (38%), and tourist attractions (35%).
“When choosing a place to visit, it’s important to consider all of these factors,” said Boland. “But if you’re looking for a truly special place to experience the best of what the UK has to offer, then Wells is definitely worth a visit.”
Wells, Somerset
Wells is a beautiful cathedral city in Somerset, England. It is known for its stunning architecture, including the Wells Cathedral, which is one of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture in the country. Wells is also home to a number of other historical buildings, including the Bishop’s Palace and the Vicar’s Close, which is the oldest continuously inhabited street in England.
Avebury, Wiltshire
Avebury is a Neolithic stone circle located in Wiltshire, England. It is one of the largest and most impressive stone circles in the world, and is thought to have been built around 3000 BC. Avebury is also home to a number of other prehistoric monuments, including the Avebury Henge and the West Kennet Long Barrow.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Corfe Castle is a medieval castle located in Dorset, England. It is built on a hilltop overlooking the village of Corfe Castle, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the county. Corfe Castle was built in the 11th century, and was used as a royal residence by a number of English kings.
Port Sunlight, Merseyside
Port Sunlight is a village in Merseyside, England. It was built in the 19th century as a model village for the workers of the Lever Brothers soap factory. Port Sunlight is a well-preserved example of a Victorian industrial village, and is home to a number of interesting historical buildings, including the Lady Lever Art Gallery and the Sunlight Centre.
Grasmere, Cumbria
Grasmere is a village in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It is known for its beautiful scenery, including the lake of Grasmere and the surrounding fells. Grasmere is also home to a number of literary connections, including the grave of William Wordsworth, who is buried in the village churchyard.
Lavenham, Suffolk
Lavenham is a medieval village in Suffolk, England. It is known for its well-preserved thatched cottages and its cobbled streets. Lavenham is a popular tourist destination, and is often referred to as “the most English village in England.”
Llangollen, Denbighshire
Llangollen is a town in Denbighshire, Wales. It is known for its beautiful scenery, including the River Dee and the Llangollen Canal. Llangollen is also home to a number of historical buildings, including the Plas Newydd Estate and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Ludlow, Shropshire
Ludlow is a town in Shropshire, England. It is known for its medieval castle and its well-preserved old town. Ludlow is a popular tourist destination, and is often referred to as “the gateway to the Welsh Marches”.
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Stamford is a town in Lincolnshire, England. It is known for its historic market place and its fine Georgian architecture. Stamford is also home to a number of interesting historical buildings, including the Stamford Town Hall and the Stamford Castle.
Cartmel, Cumbria
Cartmel is a village in Cumbria, England. It is known for its beautiful scenery, including the River Leven and the Lake District National Park. Cartmel is also home to a number of historical buildings, including the Cartmel Priory and the Cartmel Racecourse.
These are just a few of the many beautiful towns and villages that Britain has to offer. If you’re looking for a charming and relaxing getaway, be sure to check out one of these hidden gems.
Andy Halliday is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and an avid camper. He has been exploring the wilderness and camping in the great outdoors for over two decades, and his experiences have inspired him to write about the joys of camping and the beauty of nature.
As a camping enthusiast, he believes that spending time in the wilderness is not just a way to escape the daily grind, but also a way to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Andy has camped in various locations across the country and on two different continents. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with fellow campers.
Through his writing, he hopes to inspire you to venture out into the wilderness and experience the beauty and serenity of camping. Andy articles and guides provide useful tips, advice, and insights on everything from selecting the right gear and equipment to finding the best campsites and hiking trails.
