The UK’s best towns and villages

The two best small towns in the UK are within an hour-and-a-half drive of each other – in the neighbouring counties of Somerset and Wiltshire.

More than 9,000 Which? members rated the inland towns and villages they'd visited, with the top spots going to Wells in Somerset and Avebury in Wiltshire. They were followed by other highly rated towns in every corner of the UK – from Scotland to Dorset – and North Wales to the Lake District.

They may be geographically smaller than many of the destinations in our surveys for the best and worst cities or seaside towns, but they pack a lot into a small space.

With their historic buildings, rural charm and quirky, independent spirit, the highest-rated towns are worth a visit any time of the year. 

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The best-rated town or village in the UK: Wells, Somerset, 83%

The awe-inspiring cathedral at the heart of Wells bumps it up to ‘city’ status, but the scale and charm of the place feels more like a medieval country town.

The 13th-century cathedral, with its elaborately carved west façade, is an outstanding piece of early English Gothic architecture. Nearby Vicars’ Close is a rare example of a complete medieval street and still inhabited by the clergy today. More secular pleasures are to be found at the twice-weekly markets, quirky independent shops and various festivals – the combination meaning Wells scored five out of five for tourist attractions and attractiveness.

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Other highly rated towns and villages

Avebury, Wiltshire, 82%

Few places in the world can match Avebury's unique setting, where the world's largest stone circle encompasses thatched cottages, Georgian houses and a 19th-century pub. Unlike the better-known Stonehenge, Avebury Stone Circles and Henge has no entry fee and you're free to wander around the ceremonial site, which dates all the way back to around 2850 BC and 2200 BC. Unsurprisingly, Avebury got five-stars for scenery, attractiveness and tourist attractions.

The site is maintained by the National Trust, as is Avebury Manor: a 16th-century country house where rooms are dressed to reflect different periods of its history, from Tudor to the 20th century.

Corfe Castle, Dorset, 80%

The ruins of Corfe Castle are picture-book perfect, helping the village of the same name to score four stars for its attractions and scenery.

It's thought that the hilltop fortress, rising above the misty landscape, was the inspiration behind Kirrin Castle – the focus of Enid Blyton's children’s book Five on Treasure Island. The children's author loved this place and frequently holidayed here. The village also has a quaint, story-book quality with its tea shops, second-hand bookshop and village store.

Port Sunlight, Merseyside, 80%

Port Sunlight was built by the Sunlight Soap mogul William Hesketh Lever to house his workers in a community of cottages and leafy boulevards. This concept of an ideal village, just a 15-minute drive from Liverpool, continues to draw visitors with its fascinating mix of architectural styles across 900 listed buildings.

Despite its small size – it has fewer than 1,500 residents – Port Sunlight got five stars for attractions. One to see is the Lady Lever Art Gallery, a beautiful, neo-classical building home to a fine collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings.

The highest-rated town or village in Wales: Llangollen, Denbighshire 79%

Despite its rural location on the banks of the River Dee, Llangollen has long been known for its freewheeling, independent spirit. Famously, the Ladies of Llangollen eloped here from Ireland to live in Plas Newydd (a substantial Gothic mansion, now a museum) in the 18th century – attracting visitors such as Byron, Shelley and Wordsworth.

It still has an impressive calendar of arts events. There's also the option of a narrowboat trip over Pontcysyllte, the highest canal aqueduct in the world at 38m, or a trip on the steam railway – which trundles through the valley whistling cheerfully as it goes.

The highest-rated town or village in Scotland: Melrose, Scottish borders 78%

The three peaks of the Eildon Hills provide the backdrop to this most Scottish of towns. Small, ancient, and built of red sandstone, it grew up around the abbey, now ruined, which was established in 1136 and still houses the heart of national hero Robert the Bruce, buried in a casket in the grounds. 

The St Cuthbert’s Way, a 62-mile walk to Holy Island, also starts at the abbey, but there are more leisurely options. These include two National Trust for Scotland gardens: Priorwood, with beautiful views across the abbey, and Harmony Garden, with its flowering bulbs and Georgian manor house.

Otherwise, Melrose is a place to potter, stopping for refreshment at one of countless tea rooms or enjoying a wee dram at one of the charming old inns.