Get Yourself Out There – Nine Picture Perfect Villages

If you’re a regular visitor to our Muddy Matches dating blog, you’ll know that as well as sharing our expertise and experience in the countryside dating field (no pun intended), we also love to help you and your countryside connections explore the UK countryside with our guides to all things rural. Today though, as well as our favourite long-distance hikes, day walks and beautiful beaches, we’re revealing our favourite picture-perfect villages. So, if you’re looking to #GetYourselfOutThere on a UK staycation and enjoy the best that our country has to offer, read on!

1. Broadway, Worcestershire

Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a haven of honey-coloured cottages and houses, picturesque streets, idyllic countryside views and much, much more. A saunter along its tree-lined high street reveals high end boutiques and antique shops, peppered with quant tearooms and gift shops. If you’re planning a visit to the Cotswolds, make sure your trip takes in night or two here so that you can fully appreciate the old-fashioned hospitality and cutting edge cuisine, as well as the miles of gentle walking which surround the village. Find out more here.

2. Stamford, Lincolnshire

With no fewer than thirty pubs and five parish churches, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in this outrageously attractive town. There are over 600 listed buildings, dating from the 15th century timbered variety to the elegance of Georgian architecture and, half way between London and York, it’s super-accessible too. Taste fresh Lincolnshire cuisine (sausages, cheeses, meats, gins) or linger over afternoon tea at The George. For horsey types, it’s just a canter away from the world-famous Burghley House Trials.Find out more here.

3. Lacock, Wiltshire

Dubbed ‘the quintessential English village’, Lacock is a remarkably unspoilt market town which will charm you with its warm stone buildings. Nestled in green countryside, step back in time or use it as a starting block for long walks up on the Salisbury Plains. You might even recognise locations from some of your favourite films and TV Shows as you explore, too. Find out more here.

4. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

If you love a pork pie, you’ll have heard of Melton Mowbray. Home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie, and one of only six licensed makers of Stilton cheese, a visit to this quaint town is a British food-lover’s dream. A visit to Belvoir Brewery is a must too, to wash down all the pastry and dairy that you’ll, no doubt, inhale on a trip here. Find out more.

5. Disley, Cheshire

A stone’s throw from the Peak District National Park, Disley is a little-known jewel. For active types, seek out the start of the Gritstone Trail and follow it for 35 miles of breathtaking scenery over wild moorlands, rocky outcrops and Derbyshire’s iconic peaks. You can also seek out the former home of Lord John Hunt, who led the first successful Mount Everest expedition in 1953, if you need inspiration for your next long-distance hike.

6. Ross on Wye, Herefordshire

Known for its book festival, Ross on Wye is also a wonderful base for explorations into the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. Achingly beautiful, this town is set along the banks of the River Wye and has such gorgeous features as its 16th century market hall and Goodrich Castle, as well as Symonds Yat, not far away. Plan your trip here.

7. Seahouses, Northumberland

This colourful fishing village is like nowhere else in the UK. Home to UK’s oldest operating smokehouses, there are signs of the areas past and present fishing heritage everywhere you turn. And, and this we love, it’s just a short boat journey over to the Farne Islands, where you’ll be in bird watching heaven. If not, the rugged shorelines will leave you enchanted. Find out more here.

8. Biddenden, Kent

We don’t the Weald of Kent gets enough attention, so let’s champion all that’s great about Biddenden, tucked away in the heart of the Kent countryside. Yes, it may have a Michelin-starred restaurant, but you can also explore the nearby vineyard which produces award-winning white, red, rosé and sparkling English wines as well as the local cider. For National Trust lovers, you’ll be spoilt for choice with several gardens, castles and mansions close by, and walkers can walk to their hearts content along the Kent coastline. Find out more.

9. Grasmere, Cumbria

‘The loveliest spot that man hath ever found’, said William Wordsworth, who called Grasmere, on the banks of Grasmere Water, home for 14 years. Stay here for a few days and revel in the majestic scenery of the Lakes, wild swim in the quiet depths of Rydal Water and stretch your legs as you take in a peak or two. Refuel in one of the many pubs, cafes and restaurants and stock up on the local speciality, Grasmere Gingerbread, to see you through the rest of the year. Plan your visit here.

#GETYOURSELFOUTTHERE #MUDDYDATING