From stunning summer flowers to pretty patterned homes that catch the sun, there is nowhere better to live than a colourful, characteristic town or village in the UK during the Summer months. They also provide some of the perfect places for friends and family to visit too! So if you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration on where are the most colourful places to live in the UK, then look no further! We have hand-picked 10 of the UK’s most colourful locations, from hidden coastal villages with multicoloured cottages, to towns that burst into bloom. Let’s take a look...
Lavenham is one of Britain's finest medieval villages. It features original Tudor buildings, many of which have been painted pink and yellow, combining colour with history.
“Lavenham offers the perfect backdrop with fine historic buildings, the National Trust Guildhall and the church of St Peter and St Paul with the tallest village church tower in England,” says Discover Lavenham. “The village plays host to live events, car rallies, and has been an inspirational location shoot for TV productions and films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One.”
Property talk: You can find a beautiful Grade II Listed detached home for around £400,000, or a Grade II Listed manor home for up to £1,600,000.
This small town has an iconic row of multicoloured houses lining the port.
“Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre,” says Visit Scotland. “Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft. It boasts excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking and boat cruises plus plenty of shopping.”
Property talk: A A family home in the area will cost less than £500,000, while a two-bedroom traditional cottage on the island will start at £145,000.
This town on the Isle of Mull in Scotland is famous for its colourful homes.
Fun Fact: Feel like you recognise this location? It plays homage to the scene of Balamory, the children’s television programme on CBeebies!
Visit Scotland says: “It is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland, thanks to the colourful houses and a sheltered bay where, legend has it, one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion.
“Built as a fishing port in 1788 on a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbour and rises into the hillside beyond. Main Street is a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.”
Property talk: A detached home with five bedrooms can cost £300,000, while a magnificent home on the Ardnamurachan peninsula nearby costs just over £1,000,000.
The colourful location of Notting Hill is significantly busier than some of our other favourites, but the pastel colours of this London borough are hard to pass by. From bright, lively shopfronts, to the glittering carnival every August, this is the capital’s most colourful spot, by far!
Lonely Planet says: “Fashionable Notting Hill is one of London's most iconic neighbourhoods. Best known as host to the world’s second biggest carnival (after Rio’s Mardi Gras) and home to the famous Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill is also a serious destination for culture buffs and those on the hunt for a quintessential London experience.”
Property talk: A studio apartment in the area starts at around £350,000. Expect to pay over £19,000,000 for the privilege of owning a semi-detached family home here.
Looking for things to do in Notting Hill? Check out The Best Bits Of Notting Hill.
From the sandy yellow beach to the twinkling blue sea, Looe is certainly a colourful Cornish town.
“The seaside town of Looe keeps visitors entertained all year round and is still very much a working fishing port,” says Visit Cornwall. “Start your day early and you can watch the day’s catch being auctioned on the quay and pick up some fresh fish for yourself.
Fun Fact: Looe is famous for its food and many eateries in the town that serve up award-winning fare, from fish and chips near the river to gourmet menus in smart restaurants perched on the hill overlooking the stunning harbour.
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The colourful village of Portmeirion has an admission fee to enter during the day, however visitors can choose to holiday here, staying overnight in local hotels or self-catering cottages.
Fun Fact: Architect Clough Williams-Ellis took over 50 years to design and build Portmeirion, which has backstreets, pretty buildings and Italianate architecture. The colourful buildings take inspiration from the fishing port of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
Property Talk: Nearby, you have the town of Perthmadog, where a sea-front two-bedroom terraced home can cost as little as £275,000 and a thriving B&B property costs up to £1,200,000.
Finchingfield is a pretty, dainty village in Essex, characterised by winding country lanes arranged around the large duck pond and village green. It makes for the perfect community hub perfect for raising young children, or retiring to in later life.
“There are three charming pubs, a post office, general store, a health centre and a primary school. Visitors can even buy a copy of the newsy parish magazine, the Villager, from the local post office,” says About Britain.
Property talk: Period cottages start at around £325,000. Property in the area can be expensive, with Grade II Listed country homes nearby costing up to £4,775,000.
This popular city features an iconic row of coloured houses, which reflect into the picturesque canal. From the local stately homes to explore, to the nearby Mid-Yare National Nature Reserve which leads into the Broads National Park, it’s a beautiful place to live.
“Norwich stands alone. Its geographical separation from the spreading sameness of other English cities has infused it with a rich character all of its own, an invigorating mix of past and present; of openness and offbeat charm,” says Visit Norwich.
Property talk: A two-bedroom flat or terraced home can cost around £150,000. Historic homes with over six bedrooms can cost from £400,000 up to almost £1,600,000.
With over 500 Listed buildings, this historic market town has a quiet charm!
Here you will find colourful homes hidden down the narrow side streets, as well as the colour of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the doorstep.
“Ludlow has many things to offer - from walking the streets of this historic town and visiting Ludlow Castle and St Laurence's Church, to a meal at one of Ludlow's restaurants,” says Ludlow.org.uk.
“It is an ideal base for walking and walkers wishing to explore the hills, valleys and forests of The Marches. Ludlow also offers gentler walking opportunities into the surrounding countryside, and Whitcliffe Common, with its panoramic views, overlooks the castle and town - is an essential visit for any newcomer to Ludlow.”
Looking for attractions and activities to do in Ludlow? Click here.
Property Talk: Grade II Listed 17th Century Farmhouse with more than five bedrooms can cost up to £675,000. Terrace homes start at £97,500.
Cobh is an Irish town, and home to one of the most important ports of emigration in the country.
Interesting Fact: This was the port where the Titanic set off on its ill-fated maiden voyage!
You have a stunning view of the town from sea, with row upon row of colourful homes to welcome visiting cruise ships to shore!
This Irish town is one of the most important ports of emigration in the country, and was even the place where Titanic set off on its ill-fated maiden voyage. The view of the town from the sea is stunning, with row upon row of coloured homes to welcome cruise ships.
“The waterside town is steeped in history, awash with culture, full of great restaurants and bars, and has lots of attractions within a short distance of each other,” says Visit Cobh.com. “There’s oodles of fun things to do for everyone, from families to the adventurous and those seeking culture and heritage.”
Looking for things to do in Cobh this Summer? Visit tripadvisor for the 10 Best Things To Do In Cobh.
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