The most beautiful villages in the UK have been crowned, with the Scottish utopia of Ullapool in the Wester Ross region taking the coveted top spot.
The tiny village in the Scottish Highlands, around 45 miles north of Inverness, won thanks to its lush greenery, blue waters and white sand beaches.
Despite its northerly location, it could be mistaken for somewhere off the coast of Greece in the height of summer.
Though it has a minuscule population of just 1,500 inhabitants, the fishing village is actually the most populated area for miles around, with restaurants and tourist attractions making it an ideal UK holiday spot.
The ranking was led by Big 7 Travel, which asked some of the UK’s leading travel photographers to vote for the nation’s most picturesque towns and villages.
What to do in Ullapool
Ullapool is an important port and tourist destination in Scotland. From nature walks, beach days to art galleries and museums, there’s loads to do.
Explore the village
Beyond its lush natural scenery, the village is home to a thriving arts and crafts scene and there are a number of brilliant art galleries to visit, such as Rhue Art and the Harbour Gallery.
For a dose of history, you can also check out Ullapool Museum, which is housed in a gorgeous Category A listed building.
Here you can learn about social history of Lochbroom through displays on crofting, fishing, the ‘klondykers’ and much more.
If you’re there on the weekend, be sure to check out Ullapool’s Saturday market, where you can buy delicious food and gorgeous ornaments made by local artisans.
Go for a walk
Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Broom, the natural scenery in Ullapool is to die for. The Loch itself is home to seals and a variety of stunning sea birds – hello puffins!
For stunning views of the Loch, head to Ullapool Hill, which can be accessed either by a short, steep walk, or a steep drive.
Ullapool also has many gorgeous nature reserves, including the verdant Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, the well-known Bones Cave, the walk to which takes you along a lovely river trail, or the more off the beaten track Inverpolly Nature Reserve, which allows you to experience Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Canisp — some of Scotland’s most distinctive mountains.
And, if you fancy a proper hike, you can make the short trek up Stac Pollaidh Mountain.
Visit the Wailing Widow Waterfalls
A not-to-miss attraction if you’re visiting Ullapool is the Wailing Widow Falls.
Located just north of the village, and accessible by car, the 50ft waterfall just 40 minutes drive away is a must see. Not to mention, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, Britain’s highest waterfall, is just a short hike away.
Hit the beach
Ullapool is home to a range of beautiful beaches, from pebbled shores to white sands, and they are a must-see for anyone visiting the village, especially in summer.
If you want to feel like you’ve left the UK entirely, head to Achmelvich Beach, a lush beach with the bluest waters. Surrounded by nature, Achmelvich is a great place for whale and dolphin spotting, rock pool fishing and water sports.
To catch a gorgeous sunset, head to the pebbled shores of Ardmair Beach, where you can also spot seals and otters, if you’re lucky.
Ullapool house prices
There aren’t many properties for sale in Ullapool. In the last year, 11 properties were sold in total, according to data compiled by Rightmove.
In the last five years, there have only been 94 properties sold in the little village. Compared with the 1400 sold in Inverness, that’s minuscule.
House prices in Ullapool are currently at an all-time high, with the average property costing £221,922.
This is up 10% up on the previous peak of £201,475, back in 2014.
Other idyllic staycation spots that made the cut
While a big chunk of the villages featured in the Big 7 Travel list are up north — mostly in Scotland, as well as in Cumbria and Northumbria in England — there are three gorgeous villages in the UK’s southwest that made the cut.
Last summer, a survey of 2,000 parents of children aged from under one to 18, found that 53% now go on more staycations than holidays abroad.
The same research crowned Cornwall the best destination for a family staycation, and neighbouring Devon came third.
With its balmy summer climate and breathtaking views, the south coast is ideal for anyone looking for a summer staycation spot this year — why not try one of the most beautiful spots in the UK?
Portloe, Cornwall, England
Portloe, in Cornwall, is the epitome of a peaceful fishing village — authentic, less crowded and utterly idyllic.
With beautiful beaches and access to the famous South West Coast Path, Portloe makes for an amazing Cornish getaway… and totally worth the 5-hour drive.
Big 7 Travel recommends staying at the Lugger Hotel for stunning beach views and great food.
Alfriston, East Sussex, England
Alfriston, in East Sussex, is a stone’s throw away from Brighton.
It’s home to gorgeous thatched-roofed cottages, a whole host of quaint pubs and loads of lovely art and book shops. It’s perfect if you need a hard reset away from city living.
If you’re into hiking, Alfriston offers access to the South Downs Way, leading to the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.
Big 7 Travel recommends staying at the charming Ye Olde Smugglers Inne, which was built in 1358.
South Pool, Devon, England
Number 19 on the list was South Pool, Devon, a more well known spot for staycationers.
The tiny coastal village is the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy a slow paced weekend in the countryside, with incredible scenery, cosy pubs and a Grade I church to visit — St Nicholas and St Cyriac Church, which was built in the 14th century.
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Big 7 Travel recommends staying at the Harbour Beach Club & Hotel, which is right on the beach and just a 15 minute drive from South Pool.
The 20 most beautiful villages in the UK
- Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty
- Tobermory, Isle of Mull
- Port Isaac, Cornwall
- Culross, Fife
- Cushendun, County Antrim
- Dent, Cumbria
- St. Abbs, Scottish Borders
- Cartmel, Cumbria
- Solva, Pembrokeshire
- Laugharne, Carmarthenshire
- Crail, Fife
- Portloe, Cornwall
- Beddgelert, Snowdonia
- Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
- Alnmouth, Northumberland
- Alfriston, East Sussex
- Lower Slaughter, the Cotswolds
- Sonning, Berkshire
- South Pool, Devon
- Turville, Buckinghamshire.
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