Some villages in Britain are unmistakably upper class, with their thatched cottages, quaint schools and chi-chi high streets.
Little wonder they’re a pull for those with pockets deep enough to afford a home in such a smart location, from the likes of Daniel Craig and David Beckham to the royals and even the King.
‘Who can blame them, with village locations boasting beautiful green spaces, lower crime rates, good schools, cosy pubs and charming homes with individual character?’ says Yopa estate agent’s national franchise director, Steve Anderson.
Now property experts from across the country have helped the Mail choose Britain’s most desirable villages – from recognisable names in the home counties to more unconventional choices in Scotland and North Wales.
Does your favourite village make the list? Read on to find out.
Roundhay, West Yorkshire
This sought-after community is famous for its parkland and prestigious properties. Think scenic walks, boating on the lake and picnics amidst lush greenery, says Tom Kirk, chief executive at Preston Baker Estate Agent. ‘With its excellent schools, thriving local shops and proximity to the vibrant amenities of Oakwood and Moortown, Roundhay provides an enviable lifestyle for families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the city.’
Roundhay is famous for its parkland, scenic walks, boating on the lake and picnics amidst lush greenery
Dirleton, East Lothian
A historic village dating back to the 12th century, Dirleton is famed for its picturesque castle. It appeals to those who appreciate heritage and golf courses as well as a peaceful countryside atmosphere. According to bespoke estate agent Liam Gretton, the area attracts a mix of affluent locals, retirees and holiday home owners. ‘Prices range from about £400,000 for traditional cottages to over £2.5 million for larger country homes,’ the firm says.
Dirleton attracts a mix of affluent locals, retirees and holiday home owners
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Home to David Cameron and his fellow chumocracy in the Chipping Norton set, ‘this is as posh as it gets’, says Michelle Niziol, director and owner of IMS Property Group based in Bicester and Oxford. The town itself is also very picturesque, with a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Chipping Norton is very picturesque, with a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants
Scarcroft, West Yorkshire
Key to Scarcroft’s posh appeal is its equestrian vibe thanks to the Hellwood Racing Stables and a riding centre at Scarcroft Hall. The village’s rural location, backing onto Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve yet sitting on the outskirts of Leeds, is also a factor. There’s a good primary school, golf club, and pub – the Inn at Scarcroft which dates back to 1852.
Scarcroft has a good primary school, golf club, and pub – the Inn at Scarcroft which dates back to 1852
Newtown Linford, Leicestershire
Newton Linford is a real magnet for millionaires who have made their home behind lavish gated mansions. Local amenities include a private members club and close proximity to Bradgate Park. There is also a rare police box. According to Rightmove, the majority of sales in the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £1,975,600.
Newton Linford is a real magnet for millionaires who have made their home behind lavish gated mansions
Alderley Edge, Cheshire
This enchanting village sits within what’s known as the Cheshire Golden Triangle, three locations which comprise the poshest part of the Cheshire countryside. ‘Alderley Edge has become a favourite location to call home by footballers and TV stars for its high-end shops and private homes,’ says Liam Gretton. ‘David and Victoria Beckham have been associated with the area before their move to Spain in 2003.’
Alderley Edge has become a favourite location to call home by footballers and TV stars for its high-end shops and private homes
Haigh, Greater Manchester
Posh may not be a word routinely associated with Wigan. Yet tree-shrouded Haigh raises the game, not only because of the imposing Haigh Hall, built between 1827 and 1840, and the restored Haigh Windmill, originally used to pump water to Haigh Brewery. It is also home to Haigh Woodland Park, with its winding woodland trails and manicured gardens.
Haigh Hall was built between 1827 and 1840
Bishopthorpe, North Yorkshire
Situated just a stone’s throw away from York’s city centre, Bishopthorpe exudes a timeless elegance, says Tom Kirk, CEO at Preston Baker. ‘The village boasts tree-lined streets, charming cottages, and a vibrant community atmosphere. There are great local amenities including cosy pubs, artisan shops, and scenic riverside walks along the River Ouse.’
Bishopthorpe boasts tree-lined streets, charming cottages, and a vibrant community atmosphere
Abersoch, Gwynedd
Variously called the Welsh Riviera and Cheshire by-the-sea, this seaside village on the Llyn peninsula in North Wales is a hub of affluence thanks to its expansive golden beaches and high end shops. Abersoch is also where you’ll find Wales’ most expensive street, Benar Headland. Last year, a beach hut sold for £191,000, while uber smart caravan park The Warren has a helipad.
This seaside village on the Llyn peninsula in North Wales is a hub of affluence thanks to its expansive golden beaches and high end shops
Solva, Pembrokeshire
Behold Solva, an old fishing village with a pretty harbour and a sandy beach at the end of an inlet at St Brides Bay. Located in the northern half of Pembrokeshire, houses here are tastefully painted in sugary colours among boutique gift shops, galleries and a general store.
Solva is an old fishing village with a pretty harbour and a sandy beach at the end of an inlet at St Brides Bay
Shalbourne, Wiltshire
Set in the North Wessex Downs, this village pulsates with posh communal life thanks to its cricket club, tennis club and gardening and environment groups, among other things. There’s a 12th Century church and thatched-roof houses which date back to the Elizabethan era. In the last year, properties had an average price of £839,971.
Shalbourne pulsates with posh communal life thanks to its cricket club, tennis club and gardening and environment groups
Beaulieu, Hampshire
This Hampshire village pushes the posh quota thanks to its 16th Century high street and artisan shops while being on the doorstep of both the New Forest and Buckler’s Hard, a hamlet on the banks of the Beaulieu River which is part of the 9,000-acre Beaulieu Estate.
This Hampshire village pushes the posh quota thanks to its 16th Century high street and artisan shops
Elie, Fife
One of a string of harbour villages in this historic corner of Fife, Elie’s village green and eclectic architecture dates back to the 17th Century. Its five beaches offer watersports and, for further diversion, there are tennis courts and bowling on hand. There’s also an abundance of restaurants including the Ship Inn, dishing up delicious local seasonal food in a dreamy location.
One of a string of harbour villages in this historic corner of Fife, Elie’s village green and eclectic architecture dates back to the 17th Century
Warkworth, Northumberland
Located on a loop of the River Coquet, Warkworth is best known for its well-preserved medieval Warkworth Castle. Set within an area of outstanding natural beauty, the high street is framed by the castle as well as a 12th Century church and bustles with artisan shops,
Warkworth is best known for its well-preserved medieval Warkworth Castle
Brancepeth, County Durham
Situated in a conservation area five miles from Durham, this village is home to a 12th-century castle, ivy-covered cottages and a golf course by the same architect who designed Wentworth.
This village is home to a 12th-century castle, ivy-covered cottages and a golf course by the same architect who designed Wentworth
Ombersley, Worcestershire
Black and white timber homes create a quintessentially smart village feel in Ombersley which offers good schools and magnificent views of the Shropshire and Malvern Hills. So lots of scope for posh activity such as golf and fishing, as well as genteel walks through the meadows and woodland.
Black and white timber homes create a quintessentially smart village feel in Ombersley
Virginia Water, Surrey
‘The area houses some of the UK’s most expensive streets amidst Windsor Great Park,’ says Liam Gretton of Virginia Water. Rumoured residents include Elton John. Average prices range from around £900,000 to estates worth more than £15 million. The area is served by Virginia Water station with trains to London Waterloo. Nearby schools are ACS International School and Bishopsgate School. In the 18th Century, its lake was a popular royal retreat.
The area houses some of the UK’s most expensive streets amidst Windsor Great Park
Hightown, Merseyside
Hightown is a quaint coastal village with the metro buzz of Liverpool city centre only a short commute away. Residents can enjoy coastal walks along stretches of sand and shingle, while peacocks have been spotted in the high street. Gastropub The Pheasant Inn has been named among the top 50 pubs in the UK.
Hightown is a quaint coastal village with the metro buzz of Liverpool city centre only a short commute away
Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
This smart village in the Misbourne Valley, just 33 miles from London, bristles with posh credentials including historic streets, heritage coaching inns and medieval churches. It’s also home to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.
This smart village in the Misbourne Valley, just 33 miles from London, bristles with historic streets, heritage coaching inns and medieval churches
Sunningdale, Berkshire
Residents of Sunningdale have the best of both worlds, since the village sits on the edge of open country with easy access to London. Within walking distance of Windsor Great Park and Chobham Common, the community also benefits from shops, excellent transport links and super smart schooling.
Sunningdale Golf Club and Clubhouse in Berkshire
Sunningdale sits on the edge of open country with easy access to London
Kingham, Oxfordshire
Kingham is one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds with links to opera, organic farm produce and gourmet pub food, says Fergus Mitchell, director of The Cotswold Letting Agency. The village is close to Daylesford Farm, arguably the country’s poshest greengrocer, and is home to Blur bassist Alex James who hosts the annual ‘Big Feastival’ at his farm. It also has a mainline train service to London giving it commuter friendly appeal.
Kingham is one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds with links to opera, organic farm produce and gourmet pub food
Biddestone, Wiltshire
A Saxon village in a Conservation Area, Biddestone has previously held the title of ‘Best Kept Wiltshire Village’. It’s ‘picture perfect’, says Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search. ‘There are large Cotswold Stone properties arranged around The Green as well smaller quaint cottages, an attractive duck pond, village pub The White Horse, a generous cricket ground and tennis courts as well as a Saxon church.’
A Saxon village in a Conservation Area, Biddestone has previously held the title of ‘Best Kept Wiltshire Village’
Shipton Moyne, Gloucestershire
This ancient Gloucestershire village is ‘close to the excellent Westonbirt School and Westonbirt Arboretum, not to mention Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles says Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search. ‘There are large country houses and smaller cottages along the picturesque high street, and the charming Cat and Custard Pot Inn is owned by some of the village residents.’
The charming Cat and Custard Pot Inn is owned by some of the village residents
Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles
Beckington, Somerset
A pretty Somerset village benefitting from easy access to Bath for schools and culture. Budding Beckington students have access to a village pre-school, Ofsted-Outstanding primary school and independent prep school Springmead. There are also tennis and cricket clubs and two good pubs, says Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search.
A pretty Somerset village benefitting from easy access to Bath for schools and culture
Caldy, Merseyside
This area is particularly well-known for its large, secluded homes and breathtaking views of the River Dee and Welsh hills. ‘Often the area is linked to Premier League footballers and celebrities seeking privacy,’ says Liam Gretton. Nearby top-rated schools include Calday Grange Grammar School, famous locally as the school of James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and West Kirby Grammar School.
This area is particularly well-known for its large, secluded homes and breathtaking views of the River Dee and Welsh hills
Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan
With its scenic settings and exclusive residential homes, this village is a favoured Welsh retreat for those looking to enjoy rural charm while still being close to the urban amenities of nearby Cardiff, says Liam Gretton. The market ranges from around £300,000 for modest homes up to £1.5 million for expansive, luxurious properties. Llandough is well-connected with Cardiff making it a posh place to commute from.
With its scenic settings and exclusive residential homes, this village is a favoured Welsh retreat for those looking to enjoy rural charm while still being close to the urban amenities of nearby Cardiff
West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
Known as Scotland’s ‘craft town’, West Kilbride is rich in culture and boasts breathtaking sea views, according to Caryl Spiers, sales manager at Westpoint Homes. ‘It’s a hub of creativity with exhibitions, galleries and studios scattered throughout,’ the manager adds.
‘Anyone who comes to visit takes one look across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and thinks ‘I wish I could see that every morning’.’ For golfers, it’s a short drive from some of the world’s most famous and historic courses including Prestwick, Turnberry, and the Royal Troon.
Known as Scotland’s ‘craft town’, West Kilbride is rich in culture and boasts breathtaking sea views
Studland, Dorset
This small Dorset village is located on a peninsula in the Isle of Purbeck and is close to both Swanage and Corfe Castle. It has an average house price of £1.9m, which has soared by 47 per cent in the last year alone according to Rightmove. Studland is famous for its long, sandy beaches – including a nudist beach.
This small Dorset village is located on a peninsula in the Isle of Purbeck and is close to both Swanage and Corfe Castle
Barrington, Cambridgeshire
This South Cambridgeshire community has one of the longest village greens in Europe, at 22 acres, according to the parish council. Edged by thatched cottages, there’s a historic pub and it’s an easy commute to Cambridge.
Edged by thatched cottages, Barrington has a historic pub and it’s an easy commute to Cambridge
Barston, West Midlands
Rural charm and a smart village lifestyle are found in Barston, just 11 miles away from busy Birmingham. Bordered by the River Blythe, the village has plenty of historic buildings such as the Church of St Swithin which dates from 1721. A cosy local pub and a close-knit community both contribute to its smart rural dream.
The village has plenty of historic buildings such as the Church of St Swithin which dates from 1721