Five Inland UK Villages Perfect to Visit in Spring

While the coast often steals the limelight, the inland villages of Britain offer a quieter, arguably more charming, springtime experience. From stone cottages to ancient woodlands, here are five inland UK villages that are picture-perfect for a spring visit (and you might never have heard of):

1. Bibury, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

Often described as "the most beautiful village in England", Bibury lives up to the hype, especially in spring. Located on the banks of the River Coln, its iconic row of weavers’ cottages, Arlington Row, is framed by blooming gardens and the soft golden light of the Cotswold stone. Enjoy a gentle riverside walk or explore the tranquil grounds of Bibury Trout Farm. Wildflowers and lamb-dotted fields complete the springtime postcard.

2. Haworth, West Yorkshire

Literature lovers and nature walkers alike will find plenty to love in Haworth. Known as the home of the Brontë sisters, this atmospheric Yorkshire village is set against the sweeping moorlands that inspired Wuthering Heights. In spring, the rugged hills soften under a cloak of heather and early blooms, and the cobbled streets come alive with festivals and local crafts. Take the historic steam train on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway for a nostalgic journey through the rolling countryside.

3. Lacock, Wiltshire

Preserved almost entirely as it was centuries ago, Lacock is a time-traveller’s dream. Managed by the National Trust, its unspoiled charm has made it a favourite filming location for period dramas and movies (including Harry Potter). In spring, wisteria creeps along the medieval stone buildings, and the Abbey grounds erupt with daffodils and bluebells. Don’t miss the peaceful river walk or a cosy cream tea in one of its traditional tearooms.

4. Clun, Shropshire

Tucked away in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Clun is a hidden gem for lovers of peace, poetry, and walking trails. The River Clun meanders through the village, overlooked by the ruins of a Norman castle. Spring in Clun is delightfully serene – the hillsides are full of primroses and wood anemones, and bird song echoes in the valley. Clun also hosts the quirky Green Man Festival in early May, celebrating folklore and the arrival of spring.

5. Castle Combe, Wiltshire (Cotswolds)

Another Cotswolds treasure, Castle Combe feels more like a film set than a real place – and for good reason. Its perfect cottages and quiet streets have starred in numerous films. With no new buildings since the 1600s and no visible satellite dishes or streetlights, it's a window into a different era. In spring, hanging baskets and garden borders explode with colour, and walks through the surrounding woodlands offer bluebells, birdlife, and bubbling brooks.