A small village in the UK is surrounded by untouched natural beauty and looks like it has been frozen in time. Although thrilling cities like London and Edinburgh always prove to be popular for short breaks in the UK, the real charm is found in the UK’s small towns and villages. From seaside towns in the south of England to remote locations in rural Scotland, Britain boasts a host of visit-worthy villages, many of which make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
People have praised one tiny village, which is only home to less than 1,000 people, for its surrounding scenery, friendly locals and old-time feel. The village is Aldbury in Hertfordshire, in the Bulbourne valley of the Chiltern Hills, a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This tiny village really feels like it has been frozen in time, and the local boozer has been in operation for well over 200 years.
The village’s official website says that the fields around it are virtually untouched, while the village itself has remained largely unaltered for generations.
The local pub, The Valiant Trooper, first opened in 1752, and after a brief closure, it was renovated to become a more modern countryside pub.
Meanwhile, the village’s original stocks and a whipping post date back to the late Middle Ages. They were once used for public punishment and humiliation, but can now be visited by locals and tourists in the area.
For those visiting the area and exploring The Chilterns, there is plenty on offer in Aldbury and its surrounding areas. Visitors enjoy going to Aldbury Stocks, which has been described by TripAdvisor reviewers as a good example of Medieval history in Britain.
There is also Ivinghoe Beacon, a hiking trail that people have called beautiful, with amazing countryside views. “The views are spectacular en route through the Ashridge Estate, especially from the Beacon itself,” said one review.
Aldbury is also near the larger Tring, which is home to the Natural History Museum Tring, Tring Park and Ashridge Estate.
When one Reddit user asked for some hidden towns and villages to visit in the UK, one person was quick to hype up Aldbury. They wrote: “Aldbury, near Tring, Herts. You’ll recognise it for all the times it’s been used in film and TV as a typical rural village scene.”
As well as The Valiant Trooper, you’ll find The Greyhound in Aldbury, another stunning countryside pub that is perfect for a post-hike pint and meal. It serves up British classics that will feel like a wonderful reward after exploring the countryside all day.
