England’s countryside is stitched together with villages that seem designed to be discovered, to be happened upon. Maybe you catch a glimpse of one from a train window and think, “That looks like something from Tolkien! Where’s that?” Fishing villages that seem suspended in time, somewhere in the 1700s, idyllic country villages where the pub has an open fire and fine cask ales, towns associated with England’s great artists and thinkers… At Bespoke England Tours, we love helping families discover the kinds of places that don’t always make the big lists but are sure to leave lasting memories.
The following blog shares some of our favourite English villages for families planning to hit the road. And if you want to turn your getaway into a guided tour experience, explore our Custom Tours of England and Britain.
Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare and Tudor Streets
Even if your children aren’t quoting Hamlet yet, Stratford-upon-Avon is a hit with families. Pay tribute to the English language’s greatest bard, William Shakespeare, in the very town where he was born! Visit Shakespeare’s Childhood Home and then enjoy a quiet riverside walk.
The town’s half-timbered buildings look straight out of a storybook, and the local shops and cafés are welcoming to little legs and big appetites. As a bonus, it’s an excellent first stop in a broader tour of the Midlands or the Cotswolds.
Broadway: A Gateway to the Cotswolds
Broadway is the kind of place that instantly makes you want to linger. There’s a long, wide, high street lined with golden stone buildings and independent shops, and just behind it, walking trails and meadows that invite you to stretch your legs. Families can hike or drive up to Broadway Tower, a curious little turret with big views and a herd of red deer nearby. There’s also a playground at the village green and several excellent places to eat.
The Cotswolds are always a popular choice with our guests. For more information, check out our Cotswolds Tour from London.
Bude: Cornwall’s Coastal Charm
Cornwall is full of postcard-ready villages, but Bude stands out for its relaxed vibe and child-friendly coastline. The beaches here are ideal for sandcastle-building, bodyboarding, and hunting for creatures in tidal rockpools.
There’s a seawater pool that’s safe for little swimmers and a canal path perfect for scooters and slow walks. The village centre has a cheerful mix of surf shops and cafés – nothing too polished, just easygoing and authentic. It’s also less hectic than the southern Cornish hotspots, which makes it a smart pick for families wanting space to breathe.
Eyam and Hathersage: History and Hills in the Peak District
Just a short drive apart, Eyam and Hathersage make for a perfect combined stop.
Eyam, often referred to as the “plague village,” has a profoundly moving story. This community chose self-sacrifice to protect others during a tragic time of plague in the Middle Ages. Eyam offers a valuable opportunity for kids to engage with history.
A short drive away, Hathersage is filled with fresh air and breathtaking scenery. Picture gritstone edges, rolling hills dotted with sheep, and stunning views that seem to stretch endlessly. The village is also connected to both the legend of Robin Hood and the story of Jane Eyre, providing plenty to discuss during your journey between the two villages.
Haworth: Steam Trains and Windswept Moors
Best known as the Brontë sisters’ home, Haworth also offers big skies, cobbled streets, and the Yorkshire moorland rising just beyond the village. Families often enjoy the steam railway ride from nearby Keighley, and the Brontë Parsonage Museum has just enough atmosphere and storytelling to keep everyone interested.
Henley-on-Thames: Perfect for Riverside Picnics
Henley manages to be smart without feeling stiff. Its riverside setting makes it perfect for a family picnic, and you can rent a boat or take a gentle cruise for a new view of town.
There are parks, walking paths, and a nice rhythm to the place, especially on sunny days when everyone is outdoors. It’s also close to other Thames Valley favourites like Marlow and Windsor.
Finchingfield: A Village Green Worth the Detour
Finchingfield looks like someone built an English village for a film set and then forgot to take it down. Ducks waddle across the green, a windmill watches from a distance, and tea rooms spill out onto flower-framed pavements. There’s not a lot to do here, but that’s the charm! It’s a peaceful pause, perfect for a leg stretch and a quiet lunch on a longer drive.
Planning Your Family Road Trip with Bespoke England Tours
No matter how many villages you’d like to see, be it two or ten, we’ll help you build a journey that works for your family. Our private countryside tours are entirely tailored: your pace, your priorities, your comfort. You’ll travel in a spacious Mercedes with a knowledgeable driver-guide who knows the quiet backroads and the best pub stops, and we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
Some families like a loose structure with room for the unexpected; others prefer a set plan from start to finish. Either way, we’ll make sure your trip has just the right mix of adventure and ease – and, of course, a few hidden gems that might not be in the guidebooks. Browse our sample itineraries for our Guided Tours in Great Britain.
If you’d like a quote for a bespoke day trip or multi-day tour please include the following information in your enquiry: Name Cell/mobile number. Travel date(s). Tour(s) or destination(s) interested in. Any other relevant information. We will reply within 2 working days.