Are the grey Gothic towers of the UK’s cathedrals no longer doing it for you? Well, maybe it’s time to pay a visit to some of the more vibrant corners of the country. We may be known for our overcast skies, but we’ve more than made up for it at ground level.
From the vibrant London borough of Notting Hill to the charming Scottish harbour town of Portree, here’s our pick of the most colourful places in the UK.
Portree, Isle of Skye
One of Scotland’s prettiest towns is Portree, located on the Isle of Skye. Defined by its iconic row of multicoloured, waterfront houses backdropped by dramatic cliffs, this harbour town isn’t just a treat for your eyes – it’s a holistic sensory gift. While you’re here, you can go swimming, pony-trekking, cruising, shopping and more.
Notting Hill, London
You’ll find colourful homes in every borough of London, but none more distinctive than those in Notting Hill. One of the City’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Notting Hill is characterised by its pastel-coloured homes and bright, lively shopfronts.
In August, Notting Hill becomes even more colourful, when one of the world’s largest glittery carnivals takes over the streets. But it’s an amazing destination to visit regardless of the season. – certainly, a suitable place to kick off your vacation of colour.
Portmeirion, Wales
From Ludlow, hop over the border into Wales and head north, finally arriving at the colourful town of Portmeirion. Inspired by the port town of Portofino along the Italian Riviera, Portmeirion took over five decades to design.
It features an array of beautiful homes, a network of narrow backstreets and lots of Italianate architecture. You will have to pay an admission fee to spend the day in this pretty Welsh village, but it’s well worth a visit.
Lavenham, Suffolk
Head about two hours north of London to reach Lavenham, one of our favourite medieval villages in England. It boasts an impressive collection of well-preserved Tudor buildings painted in yellow and pink, making it a perfect mix of culture, colour and history.
Lavenham is so picturesque that it was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One. Notable buildings to check out include the National Trust Guildhall and the Church of St Peter, which has the tallest village church tower in the nation
Ludlow, Shropshire
Over 200 miles almost directly west of Norwich, you’ll find Ludlow close to the Welsh border. This historic market town’s population is a little over ten thousand, yet it’s home to over 500 listed buildings.
But we think Ludlow’s charm largely comes from the colourful homes that line the narrow side streets. Still haven’t had your fill of colour? Head over to the nearby Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Speaking of historic towns, explore some of the UK’s most popular destinations, including the beautiful Georgian city of Bath and its ancient Roman baths and the royal town of Windsor, on one of our fantastic day tours from London.
