FOREST of Dean residents live in a beautiful area, and have a gorgeous county to travel around, with some areas in Gloucestershire becoming favourites to visit.

From the blooming flower boxes to amazing stone cottages, some villages and towns look like something out of a fairytale or storybook. These are the kinds of places that get turned into postcards, decorate souvenir boxes of chocolates, or are used as locations for film and TV.

As a result, Fulton Umbrellas chose the best ‘chocolate box villages’ you can visit in Gloucestershire, and some other areas of the UK. If you’re planning a day out or a weekend getaway from all the hustle and bustle, here’s some ideal choices to get you inspired for your next trip.

Also known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’, Painswick is a historical wool town that marks the mid-point of the famous 100-mile-long Cotswold Way. This characterful town is made up of narrow streets lined with famous Cotswold stone cottages where you’ll find many shops, galleries and places to grab a bite.

A trip to Painswick also isn’t complete without visiting the Painswick Rococo Garden, the country's only complete surviving garden of its kind. Designed in the 1740s as a place to hold intimate garden parties, this garden is perfect for a romantic stroll or a peaceful afternoon away from the busy streets.

If you want to go a little further outside the Painswick and see more of the Cotswolds, the nearby villages of Sheepscombe, Edge and Slad are also around a mile away.

Staying within the Cotswolds, just over a 30-minute drive away from Painswick, is Bibury, a village that welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Bibury is enjoyed best with slow wanders around the streets and along the river Coln, which runs through the centre of the village. There are also pubs, cafes, and restaurants to sit, eat, and enjoy the view.

Bibury also features the famous Arlington Row – a line of picture-perfect 17th-century cottages that are perhaps among the most photographed cottages in the UK. You may even recognise the quaint row from the film Stardust, which used the cottages as a backdrop to the fictional village of ‘Wall’.

Cartmel is a small, beautiful village at the south edge of the Lake District National Park, not far from Morecambe Bay.

Within the village, you’ll discover stone cottages, winding lanes and bridges crossing a small tranquil river. Beyond the peaceful outlook, Cartmel is also a popular destination for some fantastic food and drink. The village is home to two Michelin-star restaurants and is famous for its sticky toffee pudding.

While in the village, it’s also worth stopping at Cartmel Priory, an impressive 12th-century church with intricate carvings and stained-glass windows. To explore further, there are several walking routes close by. This includes Eggerslack and Hampsfield, areas of ancient woodland that, in the spring, become awash with bright bluebells.

If you want to spend time exploring UK history and life in the countryside while also taking in some beautiful views, there’s perhaps no better way to do so than in one of the UK’s many chocolate-box-worthy villages and towns. No matter where you are in the country, there’s sure to be one near you just waiting to be discovered!

Situated on the banks of Loch Lomond, about a 45-minute drive outside Glasgow, Luss is a historical village with something for everyone.

Among the rows of quaint slate cottages, you can find several shops, restaurants and cafes – or take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront while enjoying an ice cream (if weather permits!). Meanwhile, the Luss Heritage Trail provides a peaceful, easy-going circular walk around the village and surrounding countryside.

From Luss, you can also hop on a boat tour around Loch Lomond, which is the UK’s largest inland lake. From here, you can stop off at other villages around the loch, learn more about the area, sail to Inchcailloch Island, and explore the nature reserves. For more adventurous spirits, Luss is also home to plenty of water sports centres where you can try out paddle-boarding, kayaking, water skiing and more.

Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1926 and 1976, Portmeirion stands as a testament to his dream of creating a Mediterranean-inspired coastal village in North Wales.

Nestled in woodlands overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, this village is a feast for the eyes. Among the clusters of brightly coloured buildings, you can treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment before dining at one of the cafes and restaurants that line the streets.

Then go for a quiet walk around the sub-tropical gardens – some of these are secret spots, so make sure you give yourself enough time to venture down every path! If the Welsh weather is a little drizzly, make sure to pack kid’s umbrellas to help the youngsters stay dry while they’re exploring the hidden gardens.

And when the evening draws in, Portmeirion has two hotels and a selection of self-catering cottages for everyone.

Between the historic cobbled streets and nearby steam railway, visiting the village of Haworth is like stepping back in time. Each year, Haworth even puts on a 1940s weekend where you can dress in vintage clothing and take part in organised events.

For literary fans, however, Haworth might be best known as the home of the Brontë sisters. During your stay in the village, you can visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum or step into their former family home to learn more about their history and the inspiration behind their stories.

Haworth sits atop the Pennines in West Yorkshire, so you can easily grab your walking boots and exchange the nostalgic streets for the surrounding moorland, where you’ll get panoramic views over the moors. After a day spent exploring, there are plenty of cottages and hotels to stay overnight in.

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