Summer is in full swing, and the Cotswolds are once again on everyone’s lips.
This year, the chocolate box region has drawn A-list visitors from Kate Moss to Kourtney Kardashian (and even JD Vance on a countryside kick).
But from the Daylesford’s farm shops to the cobbled lanes of Bourton-on-the-Water, it’s all getting a little… crowded.
While the Cotswolds are quintessential British beauty personified, they’re not the only quaint corner of the country worth your time.
The UK is full of villages just as pretty, landscapes just as dreamy and pubs pouring pints for half the price — all without the hordes and the social media spotlight.
Here, we look at under-the-radar alternatives that still feel like a well-kept secret.
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Where to head if the Cotswolds crowds aren’t quite your scene
1.Bruton, Somerset
If the Cotswolds are the glossy front cover of the UK countryside, Bruton is the quietly cool indie title tucked on the shelf.
This Somerset market town is the perfect blend of rural charm and artistic edge. Its narrow high street is filled with artisan cafés, independent shops, and cosy pubs that will make you feel right at home.
Alongside its quaint village vibe and peaceful countryside walks, Bruton has earned a reputation as a hub of creativity. Hauser & Wirth, a world-class gallery set in a restored farmyard, is the cultural centerpiece of the area and a must-visit for art lovers.
Nearby, King Alfred’s Tower rewards visitors with panoramic views across the rolling Somerset countryside. Add in the artisan bakeries and antique shops, and Bruton proves that rural charm and cultural buzz can happily coexist – all while remaining delightfully under the radar.
2.Stamford, Lincolnshire
This Lincolnshire gem is known for its perfectly preserved Georgian streets, cobbled lanes, and honey-coloured stone houses, giving it the same quintessential English-town charm that draws visitors to the southwest countryside.
Stamford is the quieter, yet to be mainstream, younger sibling of the Cotswolds, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking charm without the crowds.
Compact and walkable, the town is lined with independent cafés, boutique shops, and cosy pubs, there’s no shortages of places to stop for a coffee, browse for antiques, or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Beyond the streets, the town sits on the banks of the River Welland and is surrounded by rolling farmland, perfect for gentle countryside walks.
Burghley House sits just outside the town, with sweeping gardens that offer a taste of history, and scenic strolls that feel straight out of an English country painting.
Between its historic streets, riverside charm, and cultural highlights, Stamford delivers the same sense of countryside character and beauty as the Cotswolds, but in a more relaxed, intimate setting.
3.Petworth, South Downs
Petworth brings the same timeless charm that you’ll find in the Cotswolds, with a quieter feel. The town is filled with traditional pubs and small businesses, and beyond the village, while its location in the South Downs adds an extra layer of picturesque beauty.
Surrounded by sweeping landscapes, Petworth delivers the same sense of open-air freedom that makes escaping the city feel like a true reward, combined with cultural highlights that rival the Cotswolds.
A visit to Petworth House, with its renowned art collection and landscaped gardens, is an essential part of any trip.
Putting a South Downs twist on the relaxed countryside atmosphere that summer staycationers crave, this corner of southern England combines character, beauty, and village charm – all just an hour from London.
4.Corfe Castle
In the heart of Dorset, Corfe Castle’s narrow streets lined with charming stone cottages and elegant tearooms feel like a step back in time. Unlike the more polished towns of the Cotswolds, this village has a storybook quality that feels delightfully undiscovered.
With cobbled lanes weaving between cottages and views stretching across the Dorset coastline, it’s a fabulous spot to escape for the weekend.
The castle ruins provide the backdrop to the town’s undeniable charm, wander the scenic trails or hop on the Swanage railway to explore.
Set against the rolling Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle offers the same picturesque charm as the Cotswolds, but with a richer historical atmosphere and sweeping coastal views that give it a distinctly Dorset edge.
