Selworthy, Exmoor, Somerset

Part of the National Trust owned Holnicote Estate (pronounced honeycot) on Exmoor, Selworthy is a quintessential village of charming thatched cottages and a historic church, painted white and perched on the side of a hill with incredible views across the Vale of Porlock to the high moors. The prettiest part is the Green and the chocolate box cottages that stand at its edge, warm and mellow, softy, softly transporting you back to a time when all was well in the world – or at least here, in this quiet corner of the national park.

The cottages look as if they have stood there for centuries but in fact were built in 1828 as homes for the pensioners who worked on the estate. They have such endearing names - Ivy’s Cottage, Postman’s Cottage, Clematis Cottage and Periwinkle Cottage; the latter is now a popular tea room with a garden that has views you could never tire of, the neighbouring Clematis Cottage is the gift shop and gallery. There are car parks at the edge of the village, testament to its popularity and how many people want to come and see this little place, a world away from the push and shove of life. If it's a little too busy for your liking take one of the footpaths that lead from the village up through the woods, picking up part of the South West Coast Path to Selworthy Beacon. Feast your eyes on the panoramic views, stretching out across the Bristol Channel; you may be lucky enough to spot red deer feeding in the fields, or Exmoor ponies grazing on the heaths.

All information correct at the time of writing