Pretty Places

[christianb]

As the overwhelming majority of us who use these forums are what you might call 'aesthetes', I thought I'd make it my first port of call...

Basically, I'm planning on creating a new section for my website (http://www.nightsinthepast.com) which will be a guide to the most unspoilt/loveliest villages in England and nice old places to stay therein or thereabouts. As such, I'd be interested in any suggestions which might not be on the list I've started. And if they are it just adds further to their case for inclusion.

I'm looking only for the places rather than the accommodation (I'll deal with that later) and specifically those with populations that are quite small (less than 2000). So, for example, I'd say villages such as Great Budworth in Cheshire, Stanton in Gloucestershire and Helford in Cornwall (not far away from me!).

And there's no need to suggest Castle Combe or Bibury. Safe to say, they're down already.

Any thoughts gratefully received...

 

[JoceAndChris]

Well, round here, Hough-on-the-Hill with the delightful Brownlow Arms springs to mind - soft rolling hills, clip-clopping horses, divine food and wine. The village is completely tiny and perfect. Then there's The Manners Arms in Knipton, another lovely village in the very untalked about Vale of Belvoir. Again the food is scrumptious, and each bedroom was decorated in a scheme picked out by the Duchess of Rutland, Emma, (who for some reason never replied to my invitation to tea!) From the bedrooms you can see gentle baa-ing lambs.

 

[philpjuk100]

Castle acre,norfolk,an abbey,some earth works and a great pub!

 

[christianb]

Many thanks Joce and PhilpJuk. Suggestions will be duly looked in to!

Truth is, I'd also like to do the same thing for Scotland and Wales at some point, but I reckon putting together the England section alone is going to take half of eternity.

 

[Pford75]

Finchingfield in Essex
Thaxted in Essex
Burnham Overy Staithe in Norfolk
Hingham in Norfolk
Grassington in Yorkshire

 

[Schoolmarm]

Not telling my favourite lost villages in case they get too busy. :twisted:

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Croston in Lancashire

 

[Schoolmarm]

Oy! Thats getting too near :lol:

 

[christianb]

Not telling my favourite lost villages in case they get too busy. :twisted:

I'm glad you have such faith in my little site's ability to rouse the masses, Schoolmarm!!

 

[Schoolmarm]

:lol: :lol:

 

[TimM]

Heptonstall, W Yorks; Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire; Low Newton by the Sea, Northumberland, Tissington, Derbyshire... how do you choose?

 

[Nigel Watts]

Great idea and great resource - especially the details of historic houses you can stay in. Just been to one you mention, the Bail House in Lincoln. More up market B&B than proper hotel, but a convenient place to stay and very firendly manager.

Stayed here a few years ago: http://www.oldhousehotel.co.uk/ in Wickham, Hants. Good place from which to visit the museums in and around Portsmouth.

 

[Penners]

Not telling my favourite lost villages in case they get too busy. :twisted:

My sentiments entirely.

But as regards your own neck-of-the-woods, Christian, how about St Mawes, St Just-in-Roseland, Flushing, Mylor - in fact just about anywhere around the gorgeous Carrick Roads estuary.

Happy childhood memories!

 

[Nigel Watts]

http://www.mermaidinn.com/ in Rye? Not been there for many years but it is certainly ancient.

 

[Schoolmarm]

Heptonstall, W Yorks; Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire; Low Newton by the Sea, Northumberland, Tissington, Derbyshire... how do you choose?

Nooo Heptonstall was the one I was trying to hide!!

 

[vicky whitworth]

Hindon St George, Somerset, Winsford, Exmoor, Branscombe, Devon (bit touristy, excellent NT tea shop in an old bakery), Topsham, Devon.

 

[Me!]

Mylor - in fact just about anywhere around the gorgeous Carrick Roads estuary.

Places like The Pandorra Inn

 

[Penners]

Heptonstall was the one I was trying to hide

Well, I'm not surprised that you're so ashamed of Heptonstall, 'Marm. I've been there. Pah! What a dump! I'd recommend everyone to avoid it like the plague.

Ugly modern architecture, boring landscapes, unwelcoming people.... give it a wide berth.









I hope that does the trick. :wink:

 

[TimM]

Nooo Heptonstall was the one I was trying to hide!!

Did I say Heptonstall? I meant Surbiton

 

[Penners]

Surbiton, oh Surbiton, I still hear your sea winds blowin'
I still see her dark eyes glowin'
She was 21 when I left Surbiton

Glenn Campbell (who was never very good at geography)