We’re often reminded of how lucky we are here in the UK, to have such incredible scenery on our doorstep. This is particularly prevalent here in the north of the country, with world-renowned spots like the Lake District, Peak District and beautiful Forest of Bowland, many of which could be categorised as fairytale-like.
From cobblestone streets and colourful cottages to medieval castles and ruins, the UK is filled with destinations that feel straight out of a storybook. Now, the team at Betway Casino has analysed towns and villages across the UK to name the most fairytale‑like of them all, based on a range of key ‘fairytale’ indicators.
What were the results based on?
Each metric was chosen to reflect the elements that make a destination feel enchanting, from historic character to picturesque scenery. The team created a seed list of 40 places based on travel and news articles, which they then measured against the following metrics to establish the top 10 most fairytale-like destinations:
- Distance to closest airport (as the crow flies)
- Distance from the closest castle (by road)
- Number of listed buildings
- Number of forest walks within three miles
- Population size — with smaller communities scoring higher for their quaint, village‑like appeal
Hawkshead, Lake District named UK’s most fairytale-like destination
Hawkshead, in the Lake District, has been crowned the UK’s most fairytale‑like destination. This charming, car‑free market village is home to just 519 residents and is located 75 miles from the closest major airport (Manchester), giving it a peaceful, close‑knit atmosphere that feels a world away from the fast pace of modern life.
Rich in heritage, the village is characterised by whitewashed cottages, narrow cobbled lanes, and 69 listed buildings that preserve its historic charm. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, Hawkshead also boasts 124 forest walks within three miles, while the majestic Wray Castle can be explored less than four miles away, making for a perfect storybook setting.
Which other locations were named most fairytale-like?
Beddgelert takes second place, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park – still just a 2.5 hour drive from Manchester. The village is home to just 450 residents and 115 listed buildings, giving it a timeless feel, and just over a mile away sits Dinas Emrys, a fortress ruin woven into legend as the site where the red dragon triumphed, giving Beddgelert an extra sense of mysticism.
Keswick comes third, the second Lake District location to rank in the top three. With 115 nearby forest walks for visitors to explore and 51 listed buildings within the town, Keswick is a destination that blends natural beauty with storybook charm. Another spot with a traditional, cobbled high street and small town charm, Keswick is beautifully framed by the gorgeous fells of Latrigg and Catbells and of course the lakes the national park is famous for, including the iconic Derwentwater.
The most fairytale-like locations in the UK
- Hawkshead — Cumbria
- Beddgelert — Gwynedd
- Keswick — Cumbria
- Oban — Argyll and Bute
- Tobermory — Isle of Mull
- Plockton — Highland
- Clovelly — Devon
- Hay‑on‑Wye — Powys
- Rye — East Sussex
- Helmsley — North Yorkshire