You feel as though you've been transported back in time or into a book as you enter Castle Combe. Its reputation as "the prettiest town in England" cannot be questioned.

Castle Combe is the greatest village in the Cotswolds, brimming with beauty in the form of immaculately kept homes constructed of honey-colored Cotswold stone and narrow alleys bordered with blooming flowers. In this old village, there is beauty everywhere you look. There is always something lovely to photograph, from the historic water pump in the town center hidden behind blooming flowers to the stone market cross and the renowned walls of St. Andrew's Church. The faceless, working medieval Castle Combe Clock can be found inside the church. In this picture-perfect setting, don't expect to encounter big-box stores, billboards, or tourist attractions. Its beauty mostly stems from the absence of overt commercialism, making it one of the best small towns in England. Be sure to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, or baked goods from the makeshift markets put up outside people's houses while you stroll around this little paradise.

If you had at least one time wished to experience fairytale life, discover Painswick. Everyone will be surprised after visiting St. Mary's churchyard. The grounds will put you to rest with their 99 magnificent yew trees (a legend holds that the 100th won't grow). For good reason, it has been dubbed the "Queen of the Cotswolds".

Run through the tree tunnel, marvel at the tabletop tombs, and look in the church tower for Civil War treasures. The tombs are from the seventeenth century. The inhabitants are welcoming and inviting, and they often have great stories (and occasionally tea and biscuits) to share if you happen to be here in time for a service. Then, get lost in the winding streets dotted with traditional English houses. The homes here are constructed of Cotswold stone, similar to Castle Combe. You can still see remnants of Painswick's past as a wool town, such as donkey doors on Bisley Street if you look closely enough. Don't miss Rococo Gardens, which in addition to its magnificent gardens also gives breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Even though it's a little outside of town, it's definitely worth a visit.

Cobblestone streets are hard to get tired of, especially when they are bordered by adorable crooked houses. Rye is serene and attractive, located an hour and a half west of Brighton's top tourist destinations.

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and river from this fortified hilltop village. It's simple to understand why this quaint village is at the top of our list of England's best small towns. Start your sightseeing tour on Mermaid Street, making sure to see the timber-framed homes from the fifteenth century. Make it a game to see who can come up with the most unique name, like "The House with Two Front Doors". Explore one of the many hidden corridors before going to Simon the Pieman for the best scone (with cream and jam). The shops should be your next stop. Even while Rye has a few chain businesses, it is best renowned for its vintage and eclectic shops that sell everything from books to antiques. Here, the best spot to enjoy the view is St. Mary's church tower. From here, you can truly appreciate the terra-cotta roofs of the houses below.

Windsor has long been a well-liked tourist attraction, though it gained further recognition as the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding (and as the setting for their first photo with baby Archie). Windsor Castle serves as the Queen's weekend and vacation house and is the largest occupied castle in the world.

The well-known St. George's chapel is located inside this royal house, which is perched on a hill. You have to go up a picturesque, meandering street lined with shops to get there. So stop by the shops and sample some of the delicious fudge that is available here. When you get to the castle, be ready to wait in line because the check-in and security procedures take some time. England is renowned for its magnificent gardens and Windsor won't let you down. In addition to the magnificent castle grounds, Windsor Great Park is located in the town. From the castle, head south, and you'll find the 2.65-mile-long, 5,000-acre Long Walk, which is bordered by trees. Saville Garden is situated inside. The 1951-opened rose garden, which is best viewed from an elevated walkway, is the attraction. The Ascot racecourse and Legoland, a favorite destination for families who enjoy rides, are among the local attractions.

This charming small town is incredibly beautiful. White cottages with floral decorations border the cobblestoned, winding streets. They really exude charm. In North Devon, the village is built into a 400-foot cliff that ends at an old harbor. The harbor, which dates back to the 14th century, is still in use today.

Visitors to this charming small English town will have to make way for donkeys and sleds instead of cars as there are no roads for automobiles. Those wanting to relax must spend the night in this serene, calm retreat. A day trip or short stay here will introduce you to a gentle way of life, unique maritime heritage and high-quality seafood against the backdrop of Bideford Bay. Additionally, the small entry fee is typically waived if you stay in the town. Parking, a short historical film, two museums (Kingsley Museum and Fisherman's Cottage), and admission to Clovelly Court Gardens are all included in the cost. Some people may find it difficult to climb the steep streets, but the view is worth the slightly exhausting climb.

This stunning coastal town was previously a little fishing village. But over time, it has earned a reputation for being a well-liked seaside resort. St. Ives has won numerous awards, including "Best Seaside Town", "Best Family Holiday Destination", and one of the "Top 10 European beaches" for its perfect harbor and clean, soft, sandy beaches.

The charm is enhanced by the small, winding cobble streets, fishermen's cottages, and eclectic shops. This Cornwall hotspot is ideal for people who enjoy the ocean and the sun because it has sheltered coves with shallow water. At Porthmeor Beach, grab a surfboard and ride the waves. You may also rent a windsurfer or try water skiing. If you can't swim, go for a stroll along the waterfront. Spend some time at the spectacular Tate St. Ives, which offers views of the Atlantic Ocean. Booking a hotel in St. Ives well in advance is recommended, especially if you intend to travel there during the busy summer months.

In this charming town close to the River Avon, history is everywhere. Start by taking a tour of Charlecote Park, the Lucy family's elegant Victorian home. Spend some time exploring the public areas of the large grounds; a favorite is a library.

Then, make time to visit Warwick Castle, an example of what would happen if Disney and the Knights of the Roundtable had a baby. The castle is exceptionally well preserved and exudes the same perfect charm as all English castles. Families will like the relationship to the Horrible Histories series, which allows kids to explore a maze of interactive activities that take them from the vile Victorians to the vicious Vikings. These entertaining grounds also include a princess tower, a castle dungeon, and the perennially popular Falconer's Quest, an exceptional birds of prey show. Another significant location is the Lord Leycester Hospital (the term is taken from "hospitality," not "hospital"). This lovely building is a living museum where ex-service members/brethren serve as guides. It has a tearoom with delectable delights and is less expensive than Warwick Castle.

Lyndhurst, which is tucked away in the New Forest region of England, is unquestionably one of the best small towns in the country. William the Conqueror established it as a royal hunting ground in 1079. Today, it serves as a good starting point for people who want to spend the night in The New Forest without pitching a tent.

No matter if you prefer riding, running, or walking, Lyndhurst offers access to a number of forest trails. Be careful with wild animals; in this area, horses, cows, and sheep all roam freely. There are lots of quaint stores and little restaurants throughout the town. A traditional English experience is offered by the charming Peggy May's café, while Tasty Pastries offers fresh baked goods and Cornish pastries. At the top of the list is the Forest Cream Tea, which includes two baked scones, clotted cream, and a pot of tea. St. Michael and All Angels, the parish church in Lyndhurst, should not be missed. Although the stained-glass windows are beautiful, most visitors come to the churchyard to look for a grave. Here is the grave of Alice Hargreaves, who is most known for acting as the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.

This stunning location, which hosts the well-known Henley Royal Regatta (a boat race in early July that draws in thousands of people), was founded as a market town in the 12th century. It has many popular attractions, including River & Rowing Museum, The Hall of Friendship, Henley Royal Regatta, making it well worth a visit.

It is important to walk the Thames Path National Trail. From Marsh Lock to Hambleden Lock, it spans. Or you can get a boat and explore Henley's major draw—the river. One of the top 50 museums in the world is Henley's River & Rowing Museum (by The Times). The river and rowing as an international sport are the main topics. Grey's Court is always fun to visit. Despite its compact size, the National Trust house is interesting to visit, especially in the spring when the wisteria and bluebells in the garden are in bloom. Make time for a break at the popular local spot Chocolate Café, which specializes in chocolate-related treats. A must-try is the hot chocolate in particular. It tastes best when drunk slowly while enjoying the river scenery.

Without seeing Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the region's outstanding small towns, no vacation to the Cotswolds is complete. It has been referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds" because of the numerous low, arched stone bridges that cross the River Windrush.

There are numerous unique stores on the main street that sell everything from sportswear to tea cups to antiques. Additionally, it is crowded with restaurants. Green & Pleasant offers delicious sandwiches, lemon pie, and gluten-free options. For car lovers, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a must-see. It's a pleasure to learn about vintage cars because of the descriptions, which are clever, precise, and funny. Plan to spend at least an hour (or two) here because it is considerably larger than it appears from the outside. It's entertaining to spend an afternoon in the Dragonfly Maze. Find the dragonfly by interpreting the instructions and navigating the maze; don't worry, the charming host will assist you if you run into trouble. Prepare yourself for Birdland, you bird lovers. The nine-acre gardens and woodlands are home to more than 500 feathered friends. At the Flamingo Point Café, spend some time getting to know the flamingo while enjoying a "cuppa".