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Want to add some colour to your travels? You’ve come to the right place!
The UK is home to some of the most stunning villages and small towns and some of them are particularly colourful.
Not only are these places beautiful but they also are great photo spots!
From the rugged coastlines of Scotland and Wales to the serene villages of England, here are the most colourful villages and small towns you can visit in the United Kingdom.
1. Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Located on the Isle of Skye, Portree is the island’s largest town.
It’s famous for its colourful harbour. Here you will find a line of painted houses and pubs set against a backdrop of green hills and the clear waters of its bay.
It’s absolutely stunning and a great place to take photos.
I particularly recommend going there before sunset time because the colours of the sky reflect in the water.
PHOTO TIP: There is a view point just above the harbour but if you walk a bit further up to the Portree trail parking, you will get even more amazing views.
Also, from Portree, you can explore the rest of the isle of Skye and stunning places like the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing or the Fairy Pools.
2. Portmeirion, Wales
Located in North Wales, Portmeirion is one of the most unique villages in the UK. It genuinely feels like you are abroad!
It was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and is the reproduction of a typical Italian village.
Its pastel-coloured buildings, exotic gardens, and sandy beaches transport visitors to a Mediterranean paradise, making it a unique architectural marvel in the UK.
GOOD TO KNOW: You need to buy a ticket to visit Portmeirion. This can be done on the official website.
It’s also worth noting that it’s not dog-friendly.
3. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Located in the Western part of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is one of the UK’s gem. It’s such a beautiful destination with stunning beaches and a great place to see puffins or even whales.
But the town I want to mention here is Tobermory. It’s the main town on the island and is famous for its postcard-perfect waterfront.
Here you’ll find a row of brightly coloured buildings alongside the promenade of the harbour.
It’s incredibly pretty!
You will find a lot of local shops here including the local ice cream van and several pubs serving delicious seafood.
Unlike Skye, there is no bridge that links Mull to mainland Scotland so you will need to take the ferry.
4. Appledore, Devon, England
Appledore is located in North Devon, near the town of Westward Ho! And is a great village to visit if you want to stay away from the crowds.
It’s a fishing village characterised by its narrow winding streets and pastel coloured fishermen’s cottages.
You’ll enjoy walking around and taking photos with all the beautiful houses.
Make sure to also walk on the promenade by the harbour. The views are fantastic and there is a local ice cream van.
5. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tenby is located in Pembrokeshire in South Wales. It’s a must-see if you are visiting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Here you will find loads of houses painted in soft pastel colours as well as Georgian houses, mediaeval walls and stunning views of the sandy beaches and turquoise sea.
It’s a picturesque seaside resort in Wales that is ideal for a day trip. Make sure to also visit Tenby Castle and go to the beach.
6. Aberystwyth, Wales
Aberystwyth is a well known seaside resort in Wales. It’s a bigger town than the other mentioned in this article which means there are more things to do.
The thing that sets it apart is that it has beautiful Victorian and Edwardian buildings that line the seafront, painted in a palette of pastel colours.
If you head to the promenade, you can enjoy the views of the colourful houses as well as the sea.
On a nice and sunny day, you’ll also enjoy spending some time on the beach or playing games at the Pier.
I also particularly recommend going to Constitution Hill. It boasts stunning views of the town. You can either walk there (which will take about 1 hour) or take the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway.
7. Dartmouth, Devon, England
Dartmouth is a charming coastal town located in South Devon.
Its colourful and vibrant harbour, lined with historic buildings and boats is simply a paradise!
It’s so quaint and as you wander through the streets, you’ll notice the array of pastel-coloured houses that add to the town’s picturesque setting.
Dartmouth is not just about the views; it’s also rich in history, with the imposing Dartmouth Castle guarding the entrance to the estuary.
This is a great site to visit and is part of the English Heritage so if you are a member you can visit for free.
For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of walking trails offering stunning views of the Dart River and beyond.
VISITOR TIP: Make sure to go to the local shops and cafes in town. They are so cute and they have delicious cream teas!
8. Westward Ho!, Devon, England
Unique not only for its name but also for its vibrant atmosphere, Westward Ho! is a seaside village in North Devon with a punch of character.
Famous for its long sandy beach and colourful beach huts, it’s a perfect destination for families and beach lovers.
The village is named after the novel by Charles Kingsley, and it lives up to its adventurous spirit. You’ll find everything from surfing and kite flying to rock pools and historical buildings here.
FUN FACT: Westward Ho! Is the only town in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name.
The beach huts are a must-see for their rainbow of colours. They are colourful and great photo spots.
Another colourful street is Golf Links Rd where you can find a row of painted houses and even one with the colours of B&M!
The Northam Burrows Country Park, adjacent to the beach, is also worth visiting especially if you like walking.
9. Lavenham, Suffolk, England
Last but certainly not least, Lavenham takes you back in time with its mediaeval charm and vibrantly painted timber-framed houses.
This Suffolk village is often regarded as one of the best-preserved mediaeval villages in England. Walking through Lavenham, you’ll be captivated by the crooked houses and narrow streets.
The village’s market square is a great starting point for exploring, with plenty of cafes and shops offering local crafts and treats.
Map of the colourful villages in the UK
I hope this article has given you some inspiration. If you know of any other colourful village in the UK that should be included, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments.
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