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26 July 2025

England’s Most Beautiful Chocolate Box Villages Revealed

A new ranking highlights quintessential English villages known for their historic charm, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, drawing visitors old and new alike.

England’s countryside is famed for its idyllic villages, often resembling the charming scenes once gracing Cadbury’s chocolate boxes. Recently, Independent Cottages unveiled a list spotlighting the most beautiful and perfect "chocolate box villages" across England, evaluated through a blend of historic significance, architectural charm, online buzz, and natural beauty. From the rolling Cotswolds to the heart of Buckinghamshire, these villages offer a glimpse into quintessential English heritage and picturesque landscapes.

Among the top contenders is Broadway in Worcestershire, hailed as the "Jewel of the Cotswolds" and securing an impressive 8th place on the list. With 158 listed buildings dating back to 1066 AD, Broadway nestles beneath Fish Hill on the western Cotswold escarpment, close to the Gloucestershire border. The village is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), enhancing its appeal to visitors seeking both history and natural splendor. Its honey-colored Cotswold stone cottages and horse chestnut-lined High Street have lured travelers for centuries. The Broadway Cotswolds website describes it as a "memorable place to stay and a perfect base" for exploring the region, especially as it lies on the 102-mile Cotswold Way national walking trail stretching from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Broadway's popularity is reflected online, boasting a search volume of 600 and 467 TikTok posts, underscoring its modern-day allure alongside its historical roots. Nearby Worcestershire villages Bretforton and Inkberrow also made the list, ranking 32nd and 33rd respectively, highlighting the county's rich tapestry of charming settlements.

Further north in Buckinghamshire, Great Missenden claims the 12th spot. This village, with 122 listed buildings and a suggested age dating back to 1086 AD, is steeped in cultural significance. It’s famously known as the home of Roald Dahl, the beloved author behind classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG. Dahl moved to Great Missenden in 1954 with his first wife, Patricia Neal, and lived there for 36 years until his death in 1990. His writing hut, where he penned many of his children’s books, is preserved and displayed at the Roald Dahl Museum, making the village a pilgrimage site for literature fans.

Great Missenden also gained recognition from TV audiences, featuring in several episodes of the long-running ITV series Midsomer Murders. Beyond literary ties, the village boasts Missenden Abbey, an 800-year-old historical site, and Boug’s Meadow, a charming wildflower haven. The Great Missenden Food Festival, held at Easter and during the summer bank holiday weekend, draws families to enjoy local flavors and community spirit.

Heading northwest, Croston in Lancashire earned the 29th place on the list. Though smaller with 54 listed buildings and a history dating back to 601 AD, Croston offers its own unique charm. It’s not located within an AONB but still captivates visitors with its “picture postcard cottages” and a 15th-century cobbled packhorse bridge crossing the River Yarrow. The village’s name, meaning "Town of the Cross," commemorates a 7th-century Wayside cross used by Celtic missionaries bringing Christianity to northern England. While the original cross disappeared during Cromwell’s era, a new one was erected in 1950.

Visitors to Croston can stroll along Church Street, praised as one of Lancashire’s best-preserved rows of 17th-century cottages. Drinkhouses Lane offers a glimpse into the village’s industrial past, featuring 18th-century three-storey handloom weavers' cottages. Online interest is modest but steady, with a search volume of 350 and 178 TikTok posts, including popular mentions of the "Croston pumpkin patch."

Lastly, Bampton in Oxfordshire was ranked 21st among England’s most beautiful chocolate box villages. Situated about five miles southwest of Witney, Bampton features 147 listed buildings and dates back to 1070 AD. The village gained fame as a filming location for the ITV drama Downton Abbey, with the old Grammar School building doubling as the fictional hospital and St Mary’s Church prominently featured. Bampton is described as a "lively village" with a thriving arts scene centered around the Ox Arts Gallery, which hosts a rotating program of exhibitions.

Bampton’s cultural heritage is further celebrated through its Morris Dancing tradition, held each late May Bank Holiday during the Bampton Day of Dance. The village’s historical significance is underscored by its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, marking it as a longstanding English settlement. Its picturesque setting offers a peaceful retreat from urban bustle, attracting visitors seeking both history and tranquility.

These villages exemplify the enduring appeal of England’s rural heritage, blending centuries-old architecture with vibrant community life and natural beauty. Independent Cottages’ ranking, which factors in historic buildings, age, natural surroundings, and digital footprint, highlights how these timeless locales continue to enchant both traditional visitors and a new generation discovering them through social media.

From the literary legacy of Great Missenden to the Cotswolds charm of Broadway, and the historic streets of Croston and Bampton, these chocolate box villages invite exploration and appreciation of England’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s wandering cobbled lanes, enjoying local festivals, or simply soaking in the pastoral scenery, these villages offer a sweet escape into the heart of English tradition.