At first glance, it's the archetypal muddy boots Peak District village, with an agreeably high number of cosy pubs and lush green hills to scramble up. But it's what's underneath that makes Castleton special. A network of caves is open to exploration, each cave having its own quirks. Speedwell Cavern takes you through former mine tunnels in a boat. Treak Cliff is one of only two places in the world where the semi-precious Blue John stone is found and the Peak Cavern was once home to a rope-making industry. Stay B&B style at the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn pub from $145.
See visitpeakdistrict.com.
Behind the glorious honeyed limestone uniformity of the dreamy main street, where some buildings are more than 600 years old, lie plenty of surprises. The Court Barn has been a major home of the Arts and Crafts design movement since the turn of the 20th century, the Noel Arms offers outstanding Sri Lankan curries, others play host to cheesemakers and lavender sellers. At the end of May, Chipping Campden hosts the Cotswold Olimpick Games, a decidedly rural version of the Olympics that has been running since 1612. Stay among the lush gardens, bubbling spa baths and massage showers of the beautifully done-up Cotswold House (cotswoldhouse.com) from $250.
See cotswoldhouse.com.
Easily the most surreal village in Britain, Portmeirion was the baby of Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. He took a small peninsula, and decided to build a completely out-of-place Italian-style village there. It looks rather like a movie set, somewhat detached from the real world, and is best known as the place where '60s cult TV show The Prisoner was filmed. Artists' studios, film presentations about Williams-Ellis' vision, Renaissance-esque statues and brightly coloured cottages add to a thoroughly bizarre landscape to walk through. Stay inside the village's castle – Castell Deudraeth – from $206.
See portmeirion-village.com.
Bray has a delightfully pretty spot on the banks of the River Thames, but most people are too busy taking photos of their food to notice how picturesque the rest of the village is. Bray notches up an astonishing seven Michelin stars – three of which go to the Fat Duck, the jewel in Heston Blumenthal's ever expanding empire. The slightly more relaxed, pub-style Hinds Head also belongs to Blumenthal and has a star of its own. Another three go to the Waterside Inn, run by the Roux dynasty responsible for London's Le Gavroche. Stay at the luxurious Bray Cottages from $677 a night.
See thefatduck.co.uk, waterside-inn.co.uk, hindsheadbray.com.
Steep cobbled streets and typical West Yorkshire stone houses make Haworth easy on the eye, although literary heritage is the main drawcard. The Bronte sisters lived in the parsonage here, which is now a museum devoted to their lives and works. It's only a short walk from there to find yourself on the wild, Heathcliffian moorland, and the steam train enthusiasts can take a chug down the Keighley and Worth Valley line from the station. Stay at upmarket B&B Wilsons of Haworth from $185.
See Haworth-village.org.uk.
It's the literary connections that ensure Grasmere rises above its myriad pretty Lake District competitors. Romantic poet William Wordsworth lived there for 14 years, and his former home Dove Cottage is now a museum. Samuel Taylor Coleridge supposedly came up with part of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner while strolling across the fells from the village. The lake and craggy rock outcrops make for perfect opportunities, and the shops selling gingerbread – a much-milked local speciality – provide sustenance. Stay at the indulgent Daffodil Hotel and Spa from $187.
See golakes.co.uk.
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