14 September 2023 , 13:24
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A beautiful village widely thought to be the inspiration for one of Britain's most famous fictional places has been judged to be the prettiest in the country.
If you've ever turned on Radio 4 at 7pm on a weekday, then you've heard the beloved cast of the Archers squelching down the muddy tracks of Ambridge, an idyllic settlement tucked in the made-up county of Borsetshire.
While Ambridge may not exist, since the world's longest running soap opera launched 73 years ago, rumours have swirled about part of the village being modelled on Inkberrow in Worcestershire - not far from where the Grundys supposedly make their hay.
The Archers' watering hole The Bull took inspiration from Inkberrow's The Old Bull Inn, a pub which dates back to the 1600's, and is once said to have been the stop-off point for William Shakespeare, as he was travelling to Worcester to collect his marriage licence to Anne Hathaway.
Grassington came in third in the list (Geograph)Today the dog friendly Tudor boozer sits at the heart of a undeniably beautiful village which has been ruled to be the best looking in the country by StressFreeCarRental.
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The village has spectacular views of Bredon Hill and the Malvern Hills, and on clear days to the Black Mountains in Wales. It is a good base if you fancy a walking holiday, close as it is to the Cotswolds, Birmingham and the West Country. There are plenty of cycle lanes and horse-riding bridleways around Inkberrow.
There are some magnificent walks from the village, including the popular Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe. Grassington was also transformed into the fictional market town of Darrowby during the filming of Channel 5’s series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.
The UK's prettiest villages
1. Inkberrow, Worcestershire
"This village in the heart of the countryside is lined with chocolate box houses and miles of beautiful walks through the picturesque surroundings. Inkberrow and its surrounding villages are packed full of charm and serenity in rural Worcestershire," the rental firm writes.
2. East Budleigh, Devon
Second on the pretty list is East Budleigh in Devon, which is just a few miles from the sea and is known for its unspoilt beauty. With a rich history and thatched cottages nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, East Budleigh certainly offers a sense of tranquillity to visitors. Arguably its biggest claim is that it is linked with Budleigh Salterton two miles to the south - the home of fictional posh radio adventurer Giles Wembley-Hogg.
3. Grassington, North Yorkshire
In third place is the picture perfect village of Grassington in North Yorkshire, which has plenty of walking trails for drivers to get out and stretch their legs. With its stone cottages, this former lead mining village certainly ticks the box when it comes to quaint architecture. The bustling cobbled market square is fringed by shops offering local foods, speciality gifts and arts and crafts, cosy cafés, restaurants and hotel.
4. Crovie, Scotland
Crovie in Aberdeenshire is a small coastal village comprising a single street of houses right on the sea edge. Cars must be left at the south end of Crovie, making this sweet village a perfect stop-off for those wanting to stretch their legs in the beautiful Scottish countryshire.
5. Solva, Wales
This bustling village lies along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and features sweeping landscapes of the exposed cliff face. A perfect spot for some peace and quiet, Solva has brightly coloured cottages and gorgeous panoramic views.
6. Broad Campden, Gloucestershire
This thatched village in the heart of the famed Cotswolds is set in the rolling countryside. Like something from the front of a postcard, Broad Campden is a beautiful village all year round.
7. Hawkshead, Cumbria
Hawkshead in Cumbria is a sweet market village featuring rows of white-washed houses with independent stores, boutiques and coffee shops. There is a strong sense of charm throughout the village, lined with cobbled streets and blooming flowers.