While it may be tempting to escape the UK’s grey skies and drizzle for sunnier climes in the new year, there’s plenty to explore right on your doorstep – whether rural idylls, seaside escapes or culture-rich weekend retreats.
Each of the towns and villages packing out England’s 48 counties has its own unique attractions and charm – and many smaller spots are easily overlooked in favour of well-known beauty spots in the Cotswolds and the Lake District.
The sheer number of places dotted around the country can be overwhelming, however, which is why travel experts at Love Exploring have – to some degree at least – narrowed it down for you.
They have compiled a list of the most underrated towns and villages in each of England’s 39 historic ceremonial counties, with lesser-known spots ranked alongside more established destinations that suffer from falling short of their more popular regional competitors.
Some small hamlets have been overlooked because of their size, Love Exploring writer Cath Pound suggests, such as Stevington in Bedfordshire, which boasts a tiny population of just 550.
Home to a 13th century church, a Grade-II listed manor house set amid charming historic architecture and a lively community, it may not outshine rival Georgian village Woburn, but there’s plenty to write home about here too.
Hartington in Derbyshire is often also disregarded in favour of its more well-known counterparts Bakewell and Buxton, but a prominent string in this market town’s bow is the converted youth hostel set up in 17th century manor house Hartington Hall – set within acres of beautiful countryside and hardy stone cottages.
Milford on Sea in Hampshire is Love Exploring’s recommendation for an under-the-radar seaside break, meanwhile – offering less crowds than other parts of the county including the New Forest and Winchester and also a quieter alternative to other seaside towns on the southern coast.
Lined with colourful beach huts, the seaside village is also home to Hurst Castle, offering history buffs the chance to explore the fortress built by Henry VIII which served as a prison for King Charles I during the English Civil War.
Among other hidden gems highlighted by the travel company are Dorchester-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, which counts a 12th-century abbey, bi-annual arts festival and endlessly peaceful Hurst Water Meadow among its attractions, and Petworth in Sussex.
Sussex holidaymakers might choose to visit the more populous and bustling Rye or Lewes, but a sojourn to Petworth will pay off in beautiful cobblestone streets packed with independent shops and restaurants, a 700-acre deer park and an impressive 37 antique businesses in a half-mile radius. If that doesn’t merit a visit, we don’t know what will.