The UK is famous for its luxurious towns (Image: Getty)
The UK is famous for its picturesque towns and villages – and people travel from across the globe to visit them. Each have their own distinct histories and architecture and it is no wonder that so many have been used as idyllic settings for films and TV series. A great many are pretty affluent, containing many really rather expensive houses and other posh features such as top restaurants and boutiques.
Now, Britain’s 15 “poshest” towns have now been named, which are said to be perfect for a spring mini-break. The Telegraph has issued the list as the weather turns, and spending time sauntering about outside becomes a more pleasant prospect. The settlements come complete with “comely high streets, shops we can’t afford, fancy bakeries, big, fat stately homes and a certain air of gentility”, the publication says. The places outlined are located in England, as well as Wales and Scotland, and contain art galleries, exciting restaurants, lovely hotels and even celebrity locals.
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Harrogate is located next to the Yorkshire Dales (Image: Getty)
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
This town is called “the definition of posh”, complete with its Royal Regatta. Park Place, one of Britain’s most expensive homes at £1.4million is nearby. Places to visit in Henley include the River the Rowing Museum, and food lovers will like Pavilion, an cookery school, and the Golden Ball. There’s also Asquiths, a seller of high-end teddy bears.
Bruton, Somerset
Bruton is called “the Notting Hill of the South West”. It is home to global gallery Hauser and Wirth on the 18th century Durslade Farm. There is also a reconstructed Roman villa, gardens, a swanky hotel and plenty of luxurious places to stop for a bite to eat.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Harrogate is notoriously posh, and has been since it became popular as a Victorian spa town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It is known for its traditional restaurants and cafes. There is also the Mercer Gallery, which is housed in the town’s oldest remaining spa building. In addition, there are shows to see at the Royal Hall.
Salcombe is a prime example of a posh UK seaside town (Image: Getty)
Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe is apparently the most expensive place in which to buy a home on the British coast, with houses costing £970,657 on average, according to Lloyds. It boasts great beaches and the subtropical Overbeck’s garden.
You can catch a ferry across the estuary, and enjoy gin at Salcombe Distillery. Later, why not get some ice cream or seafood and pop by a local farm for some produce to take home?
Ludlow, Shropshire
Medieval Ludlow has more than 500 listed buildings, a ruined castle, and an impressively large parish church. It is a great place to visit for foodies as well as history buffs, as the town hosts the UK’s original food festival.
There are also three eateries in the Michelin Guide.
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
This Welsh town was first made fancy by Victorian shipping bosses choosing to build their mansions there. It has lovely pebble beaches and parkland, as well as great views of the Bristol Channel.
Enjoy a Michelin Star meal at Home by James Sommerin and grab something else if you’re still hungry at a bakery. There’s also Griffin Books to buy your next read from inside Grade II-listed Windsor Arcade.
The Prince and Princess of Wales went to university in St. Andrews (Image: Getty)
Holt, Norfolk
This Georgian town is a favourite due to its famous Gresham’s School.
As regards shopping, there is the Bakers and Larners department store, which was established in 1770, as well as other boutique shops and eateries. If you want to travel onwards, the North Norfolk coast is accessible by steam train.
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The town is famous as the setting of Midsomer Murders, and is now seen in the Marlow Murder Club. Its author Robert Thorogood lives there.
Food is also brilliant here, as celebrity chef Tom Kerridge runs three restaurants in Marlow: the Butcher’s Tap, the Coach and The Hand and Flowers.
St. Andrews, Fife
Prince William and Kate went to university here, so St. Andrews is bound to be a bit posh, is it? The town’s medieval streets are another recommended spot for history lovers, and there’s a regular ballot for the chance to play a round of glf on the Old Course.
If you’re hungry, there’s Haar, the restaurant where Dean Banks, a finalist on Masterchef: The Professionals, works.
St. Ives is on the Cornwall coat (Image: Getty)
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Away from the horse racing, there are wonderful terraces, prestigious schools and great places to eat.
The Regency spa town is also located within the outstanding Cotswold hills.
Its tree-lined Promenade, the King’s Road is not to be missed, and, if you’re hungry, Lumiere has earned a Michelin star. Cocktails can also be had at the Nook on Five.
St. Ives, Cornwall
Artsy types have long been attracted to St. Ives, and now there’s Tate St Ives. Its latest exhibition on Ithell Colquhoun is available to enjoy until May. The delights of the coast can also be enjoyed, as well as some outstanding places to grab some food and a drink or two.
Stockbridge, Hampshire
Stockbridge has proven very popular, with the town recently recording the biggest rise in houses selling for more than £1million. It is home of the Houghton, the country’s “most-exclusive” fly-fishing club, which was founded in 1822.
As regards food, the Greyhound on the Test is Michelin Guide-rated, and there are plenty of shops offering other products if you’re in the mood for a bit of a spree.
There are more than 600 listed buildings in Stamford (Image: Getty)
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Stamford has been compared to the set of a Jane Austen film, complete with aged houses made from distinctive limestone.
There are more than 600 listed buildings in the town.
The annual Burghley Horse Trials are hosted nearby, and in Stamford itself is a plethora of shops and restaurants, as well as the Stamford Shakespeare Company.
Wilmslow, Cheshire
The first Gail’s bakery to open outside of London opened in Wilmslow.
The high street is full of outlets selling high-end products like Rolex watches and Aston Martins, the town being in Cheshire’s “Golden Triangle”.
This is an area loved by TV stars and footballers. Nearby is Tatton Park, a stunning historic estate.
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Aldeburgh boasts amazing Victorian villas and a beloved shingle beach, which is home to Maggi Hambling’s Scallop sculpture.
Speaking of the arts, Benjamin Britten lived here for many years.
He founded the Aldeburgh Festival, which hosts the greatest classical musicians at Snape Maltings and the Red House, the composer’s former home.
You can also chow down on some great seafood in Aldeburgh.
