The most quintessentially British town has been named, and it’s a hidden gem – with a bustling high street and surrounded by rolling hills, it’s as British as tea and scones
When one conjures up images of England, iconic landmarks such as Big Ben or Stonehenge may immediately come to mind.
However, the true essence of England is encapsulated in the allure of its market towns. These quintessentially English towns, nestled amidst undulating hills and boasting meandering lanes and vibrant high streets, are as British as a cuppa and a scone.
The most picturesque and authentically British town has just been unveiled by Independent Cottages. After scrutinising publicly accessible data on various key factors including the town’s age, Google ratings, and the number of independent shops and markets, the experts have crowned the most ‘quintessential’ among these English jewels.
Topping the list is the enchanting market town of Bridport in Dorset. This stunning coastal village brims with history and charm. Dating back to 1086, visitors can delve into the town’s rich past as they wander its streets lined with Georgian and Victorian edifices, and visit local museums like the Bridport Museum and nearby Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Bridport is also renowned for its diverse boutique shops. Roy, proprietor of Clocktower Records, that the area can evoke a sense of “moving back in time”. He added: “There have been more opportunities for more people to start their own businesses here because there’s been so many small shops and small units.
“The other upside of this is we have a street market and that attracts a lot of footfall so if you want to be in a business it has a lot of footfall throughout the year.”
Bridport not only boasts markets brimming with antiques, Dorset-made handmade soaps, and art ideal for a leisurely stroll on a crisp winter day but also serves as a portal to the famed UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. This charming town is merely the starting point for exploring the stunning vistas along Dorset’s coastline, reports the Express.
If you want to check out any of the other quintessential market towns in the UK, the full list is below.
1. Bridport, Dorset
2. Stockport, Greater Manchester
3. Devizes, Wiltshire
4. Beverley, Yorkshire
5. Bromley, Greater London
6. Faversham, Kent
7. Romsey, Hampshire
8. Richmond, Yorkshire
9. Kingston upon Thames, London
10. Bolton, Greater Manchester
