Where are the most beautiful places to live in the UK this autumn? From seaside towns to hidden villages, we have scoured the country to find the prettiest locations. Some are bustling centres, and others are perfect for a quieter pace of life, but they all make fantastic places to live.
1. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tenby is a coastal town in the stunning county of Pembrokeshire. It is well known for its community atmosphere, a great selection of restaurants and cafes, and the beautiful surroundings in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
“With just one look you can see why Tenby is a very popular place to live and take a holiday to,” says Claire Badham from Fine & Country Pembrokeshire.
“This medieval fishing village has ancient town walls, four beautiful golden sandy beaches, a working fishing harbour surrounded by colourfully painted Georgian town houses, and quaint cobbled streets.”
• A two-bedroom flat with sea views in the town centre can cost upwards of £500,000. Further from the coast, you can get a similar sized property for under £150,000.
2. Bakewell, Derbyshire
This Peak District town is full of cosy coffee shops, traditional pubs and, of course, the traditional Bakewell Tart, which was created here in the 20th century.
“With it's beautiful, old stone buildings and cobbled streets, there are adorable little shops on every row and the village has such a cosy feel to it,” says Emily Jepson from Fine & Country Derbyshire.
“The village is in the heart of the countryside and is surrounded by nature and such beauty. It's a great place to immerse yourself, whether that's in the shops or the woodland.”
• In the area surrounding the town, you will find mansions with price tags of more than £1,500,000. Two-bedroom cottages in the town start at £200,000.
3. The Gower, Swansea, Wales
The Gower Peninsula was the first place to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it isn’t hard to see why. It has beautiful scenery, and the Rhossili beach has been crowned as the best in the UK.
“The Gower encompasses so many spectacular places, people, and activities. Being a coastal peninsula, the fabulous views across the land and out to see are forever changing due to the weather and you can enjoy beach walks, shopping days and woodland explorations. There are fabulous local culinary delights, fabulous Welsh locals, camping, boating and a host of other amazing activities. The choice is endless,” explains Beth Evans from Fine & Country Swansea.
• Detached country homes with great views can cost up to £2,000,000. Three-bedroom semi-detached homes in a more urban part of the peninsula start at £150,000.
4. Bath, Somerset
The city of Bath is well known for its stunning Georgian architecture, and is popular with tourists. It is also a great place to live, with an impressive arts scene and a plethora of festivals.
“Bath is the sort of place that stops you in your tracks,” says Sarah Rae from Fine & Country Interior Design. “With quiet cobbled streets running alongside the canals and rivers, it’s utter Englishness makes Bath a continental wonder. Sweeping crescents of immaculate Georgian architecture laced with layers of music on every corner makes you feel like you’re in a period drama. Wherever you look, there's a corner of such classical beauty that it makes you stop and stare.”
• Period properties synonymous with the area are highly-sought after. You could pay more than £2,000,000 for a detached house with over five bedrooms. A one-bedroom apartment in a popular area can cost £250,000.
5. Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
Hailed as the birthplace of modern tourism, it is no surprise that Ross-on-Wye has long been a magnet for visitors. It is the gateway to the Wye Valley, located midway between the cathedral cities of Gloucester and Hereford.
The 13th century St Mary’s Church stands at the heart as a conspicuous landmark seen for many miles around. The centre of the town is famed for its 17th century Market House and Tudor-framed homes. Now a bustling market town, it has markets every Thursday and Saturday and a wide range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
“It is a perfect place to raise a family,” says Michael Berry, Partner at Fine & Country Ross-on-Wye. “There is a wide range of excellent schooling at all levels within the town and surrounding areas, sports and recreation are in abundance to suit most needs and outdoor pursuits are a plenty along the river and in the nearby Forest of Dean.”
• A five-bedroom detached house with land can cost more than £600,000. Two-bedroom apartments start at £125,000.
6. Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
This popular city sits between beautiful coastline and the South Downs National Park, so there is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy.
“The population is buzzing with families, university students, energetic retirees and enthusiasts of everything,” explains Dominique Scott from Fine & Country Brighton and Hove. “Art, theatre, music, walking, tennis, football, bridge… there’s a club or association for everyone. I love living here because of the beautiful scenery and I always feel lucky looking out at the sea and sky.”
• Five-bedroom luxury homes with sea views can cost upwards of £3,000,000. Four-bedroom terraced homes start at £400,000.
7. Staithes, North Yorkshire
Once the largest fishing port in the North West, Staithes is a photogenic fishing village, and one of the most beautiful on the east coast. It has a small sandy beach, sheltered by the harbour, and the winding streets with a mix of houses make it an endearing place to call home.
It is on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and the towering, rugged cliffs are in keeping with the landscape. The stretch of coast is sometimes referred to as the Dinosaur Coast and is a popular spot for fossil hunters.
• Three-bedroom homes can cost as little as £125,000, while a six-bedroom home can be bought for over £315,000.
8. Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Lincoln offers an experience rich in history combined with independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture, as well as a wealth of places to eat and drink.
The city is easy to navigate, as it is split into ‘Uphill’ – the home of the Cathedral Quarter - and ‘Downhill’, which has the main shopping area. They are connected by the aptly named ‘Steep Hill’, so be ready to do some climbing.
The town is also home to England’s oldest inland harbour, and it is a great place for some al fresco dining or to go on a boat trip.
• A five-bedroom detached house in a popular area can cost £700,000. You can find a two-bedroom flat for £100,000.
9. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Cambridge is known around the world for its famous university, but there is a lot more to the city to discover. From punting on the River Cam to exploring independent shops, there is plenty to see and do.
Many locals choose to navigate by bike, so grab a cycle and go exploring. Don’t forget to explore the grounds of the University of Cambridge to see the beautiful buildings and explore the university library, which houses some of the oldest books in the country.
• A five-bedroom detached or semi-detached home in the city centre can cost more than £1,500,000. A one-bedroom flat can cost £200,000.
10. St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives is one of the most beautiful towns in the South West, where artist Barbara Hepworth created her famous sculptures. Today, it is a magnet for surfers and for those looking for a quieter pace of life. There are beautiful fisherman’s cottages dating back to the 13th century.
• You could buy a three-bedroom terrace in a great location with sea views for £800,000. A two-bedroom flat can cost around £200,000.
Are you looking for your dream home? Contact your local Fine & Country office today.