5 of The Prettiest Streets in The UK

As someone who is passionate about UK travel, I thought it was about time I shared my top 5 prettiest streets in the UK. This line up is full of cobbled streets, thatched cottages and lots of history. It's time to take a stroll down the UK's prettiest streets. 

Mermaid Street, Rye

The cobbled Mermaid Street in Rye in East Sussex is lined with quaint houses full of history and you can probably tell why it's quickly become one of my favourites. As it's situated in a well established town, you have lots of shops to wander around full of vintage nicknacks and you can make a whole day trip out of it. I highly recommend a trip to The Cobbles Tea Room for afternoon tea (their scones were delicious!). 

The Street, Castle Combe

It won't come as a surprise that the main street in Castle Combe features in this list. It's famed for its chocolate box cottages and cobbled street that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Perfect from every angle, it's a great spot to take a wander around no matter the season. I personally love visiting on a foggy autumnal morning and then retreating back to the Castle Inn for a hot drink to warm up. Whilst the village is beautiful and you won't need a long time to visit, it's one you can't miss out on if you're doing a Cotswolds road trip. 

The Shambles, York

The Shambles in York is a medieval street that dates back to the 14th century with timber houses that feel like they're leaning towards you as you wander down this narrow street. It's hard not to feel in a magic mood as there are a lot of Harry Potter shops to wander in as fans of the film franchise often claim that it bares a striking resemblance to Diagon Alley. In the early hours of the morning you'll have the street pretty much to yourself, but my favourite time to visit in later on in the evening when the lights gently shine on the street. 

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury 

This iconic view is Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is famous for it's feature in the Hovis advert back in the 1970's. With a steep cobbled street and row of picture perfect cottages, this street is perfectly set with the rolling hills behind it. Perfect no matter the season, Gold Hill in Shaftesbury has cemented itself on many prettiest streets in the UK and I couldn't not feature it in my list too. 

The Vennel, Edinburgh 

I don't think photographs could ever do The Vennel justice, as this quaint steep street feels like you're stepping into a fairytale. Technically it's probably more of an alleyway than a street, but it had to make the line up anyway. The houses perfectly frame the castle sitting on top of the hill and no matter the time of year it's beautiful, but it looks extra perfect in Autumn when the leaves are brown and falling onto the pathway. 

Where are your favourite streets in the UK?  

3 UK Cities To Visit For Book Lovers

If you're a book lover like myself, then you'll understand the joy of finding a new bookshop or wandering around a library. I've gone to some amazing spots throughout the UK and today I have put together a list of 3 cities that you should visit if you're a bookworm.

Edinburgh 

Edinburgh has to be top of my list as a book lovers dream. Their bookshops are incredible to snoop around and they honestly look like something from a fairytale. Armchair Books has quickly become a staple on many people lists when visiting Edinburgh due to the narrow walkways stacked high with books - it feels like a treasure trove! You cannot miss The Gently Mad Book Shop which is equally as unique and enchanting as the latter, you could spend hours looking at the many titles of books they have to offer. 

As Edinburgh is linked to lots of authors and poets, the Writers Museum is a great spot to visit and learn about the lives of the poets; Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Walter Scott. Even if you don't go inside, the Writers Museum is a sight to behold and the whole courtyard is worth a visit! 

Cambridge 

The charming Cambridge is a full to the brim of history with links to an umpteen amount of writers including Sylvia Plath, William Wordsworth and C S Lewis. Every corner of the city is enchanting, leading to lots of cosy cafes, inviting bookshops and little lanes to wander down. 

Down one of my favourite passages, are two bookshops you cannot miss when visiting Cambridge. The Haunted Bookshop is decked out with a red exterior and inside you'll find stacks of books to wade through. Almost directly opposite is G. David's, a bookshop specialising in secondhand books and they even sell the odd print and painting to purchase. 

If you've got extra time to explore the surrounding areas of Cambridgeshire, I would recommend travelling to Ely. The cathedral is a sight to behold and Topping and Co bookshop has a beautiful view of it as you can sit down and find your next read.  

York

I think York can often be overlooked by the local Whitby, famous for the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's Dracula and Haworth, a little bit further away which is most known for it's connection to the Bronte sisters. The cobbled streets, the York minster and of course the shambles all have to be celebrated as key places to see when visiting York. However, I wanted to shed some light of it's bookshops and cafes that I think make the York experience even better. 

The Minster Gate Bookshop is an independent shop which is not only situated in one of the prettiest corners of the city, it also offers up lots of books and even one of my favourite tote bags I own! If you want a cosy cabin vibe then there's two pubs near by called The House of Trembling Madness and both locations offer a warm, tavern feel to them perfect for cosying up with a book. 

What city do you love visiting as a bookworm?