The two English villages 140 miles apart named the prettiest in the world

If you’ve ever spent time exploring the peaceful beauty of an English village, you’ll know the irresistible charm they hold.

The UK is filled with picturesque villages that seem almost too perfect to be real.

From rolling hills to winding streets, these hidden gems offer a sense of tranquility that’s hard to match anywhere else.

Recently, two UK villages have gained international recognition, with their timeless beauty now being celebrated among the world’s most picturesque destinations.

Experts at Faraway Furniture have recently compiled a list of the world’s most Instagrammable villages by scouring the most popular spots on social media.

At the top of the UK list, Bibury, a charming village in the Cotswolds, earned an impressive fourteenth place globally.

Often called the ‘most beautiful’ village in England by the artist William Morris, Bibury is renowned for its iconic Arlington Row. This row of quaint medieval cottages, originally built as weavers’ homes in the seventeenth century, has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.

The cottages, with their honey-hued stonework and steeply pitched roofs, sit beside the peaceful River Coln, creating a picture-perfect scene.

You can meander along the banks of the river, enjoy a quiet afternoon in the village’s charming tea rooms, or explore St. Mary’s Church, which dates back to the twelfth century.

Further north, Staithes in North Yorkshire also made the list, ranking seventeenth in the world.

Nestled on a hillside that overlooks the rugged coast of Yorkshire, Staithes was once one of the North East’s largest fishing ports, and its maritime history is still very much alive today.

The village’s winding cobbled streets and cosy cottages evoke a sense of old-world charm, while the small beach offers a perfect spot to enjoy the sea air.

Staithes is also home to the Staithes Heritage Centre, which offers insights into the village’s fascinating history as a thriving fishing community.

For those who love coastal walks, Staithes provides plenty of scenic clifftop paths with sweeping views of the North Sea.

The village’s unique location, combined with its coastal beauty, makes it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Bibury and Staithes are now in esteemed company, joining some of the world’s most celebrated villages on a list that includes destinations like Burano and Cinque Terre in Italy, and Hobbiton in New Zealand.

These villages are not just Instagram favourites, but also places with rich histories, vibrant cultures, and striking landscapes.

Whether you’re wandering through Bibury’s historic streets or enjoying the dramatic views from Staithes’ clifftops, these charming villages are perfect examples of the UK’s breathtaking beauty.

Here’s the full list of the world’s most Instagrammable villages, according to Faraway Furniture:

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

2. Reine, Norway

3. Oia, Greece

4. Burano, Italy

5. Colmar, France

6. Hallstatt, Austria

7. Alberobello, Italy

8. Hobbiton, New Zealand

9. Shirakawa-go, Japan

10. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

11. Wegen, Switzerland

12. Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

13. Popeye Village, Malta

14. Bibury, England

15. Ortahisar, Turkey

16. Fenghuang Ancient Town, China

17. Staithes, England

18. Júzcar, Spain

19. Palangan, Iran

20. Simiane-la-Rotonde, France

These stunning villages, scattered across the globe, offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them dream destinations for travellers seeking peace, charm, and unforgettable views.