Stupidly cute villages for minibreaks by train

As summer draws to a close, it’s always a good idea to have some little mini-breaks (or massive-breaks) planned to help manage the inevitable holiday withdrawal symptoms. Luckily there are some almost unbearably idyllic villages across the UK you can visit by train. And you should probably upgrade your ticket, just to cheer you up even more.

Credit: @bousfieldmatt

Brockenhurst

Nearest station: Brockenhurst

As RuPaul would say (sort of), Brockenhurst is serving picture-perfect realness. Perched in the beautiful New Forest National Park, it’s surrounded by woodland and wild ponies and is almost too lovely to be real. Most of the super-pretty buildings date from the 17^th and 18^th century, and wandering around the village streets you’ll see ponies strolling around or deer drinking from the streams. Seriously.

Start your visit at Brookley Road, the main high street, to browse the shops and procure some local goods. Stock up for some strolls, because there are fabulous walks to be had in the local area. If you’re not up for a walk – how about a ride? Head to Brockenhurst Riding Stables and saddle up. If horse power is more your thing, Beaulieu National Motor Museum is just down the road with a massive collection of car memorabilia.

Round off a lovely day with dinner at The Pig, a boutique hotel and restaurant that proudly serves local ingredients. Just try not to have too many drinks and attempt to ride a wild pony. It will not end well.

Credit: @simondeanmccarthy

Great Missenden

Nearest station: Great Missenden

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, Great Missenden (honestly, it just sounds twee, doesn’t it?) has winding streets with half-timbered houses, a 14^th-century church, inns dating from the 16^th century, and a gorgeous rural outlook. You can happily while away a weekend rambling around town, shopping at vintage stores and local artsy spots, eating delicious food and drinking local beers in pubs like The Cross Keys or The Nags Head, and taking country strolls in the hills. And that would be perfect.

But the biggest claim to fame in Great Missenden is Roald Dahl. He lived here, he wrote here, and he was laid to rest here. So this small village is the birthplace of Matilda, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and myriad more. On the high street, you’ll find the flushbunkingly gloriumptious Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. It’s mainly aimed at kids, but anyone who grew up with Dahl’s tales will enjoy it – especially his famous writing shed. There’s also a museum walking trail through the village, which showcases hidden spots that inspired his writing – like the old petrol pumps that feature in Danny the Champion of the World. So find your inner James or Matilda or Charlie – or Veruca, if you like – and have a bit of scrumpdiddlyumptious fun.

Credit: @derekagrist

St Abbs

Nearest station: Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Let’s get rugged. This stretch of coast, from Northmberland up through the Scottish borders, is absolutely stunning. St Abbs perches right on the water just north of Eyemouth, all jagged cliffs and weatherbeaten fisherman’s cottages. It’s perfect for cosying up on an autumn weekend, enjoying windswept walks along the cliffs and spotting loads of seabirds, then settling in with some fresh seafood. The crystal-clear water here is also mega popular with scuba divers, if that’s your jam. And if you’d rather keep your head above water, there are lots of scenic wildlife boat tours.

If you’re thinking this unassuming little village looks familiar, it’s probably because you’re a Marvel fan, a Harry Styles fan, or both. St Abbs became New Asgaard for Avengers: End Game, and starred in Harry’s music video for Adore You. So if you feel the need to run around with a hammer shouting BRING ME THANOS, it’s unlikely anyone will bat an eyelid. Probably.

Credit: @baybythewey

Haworth

Nearest station: Haworth

Get that red dress on, and start your vocal warm ups, because this is the home of Wuthering Heights. OK, the Bronte version, not the Kate Bush version, but we’ll support your right to artistic expression.

Even if it weren’t a literary hotspot, Haworth is a barnstormingly picturesque village. Perched on top of the Pennines and surrounded by rolling moorland (Heathcliff? Is that you?), with its historic cobbled main street and steam railway, it’s a gorgeous spot to while away a weekend. Keep an eye out, as the village has lots of events, including a 1940s weekend and Victorian Christmas festivals. It’s steep here – it’s on top of the Pennines, after all – so be prepared to give your glutes a good workout as you explore.

Reward yourself with a sugar high from the quaint Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop, or a fresh-from-the-keg pint from Haworth Steam Brewing, then march onward to the Bronte Parsonage Museum. This is where Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived, and where they wrote their timeless masterpieces. It’s now a museum dedicated to these three trailblazing authors, and worth the visit to Haworth alone. Unless you’re not a fan of the Brontes or classic literature, in which case, um, there’s a nice pub?

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