From quaint village schools with high-speed links to Oxbridge to thatched cottages and chichi high streets, some villages in Britain are unmistakably upper class. It’s little wonder, then, that these smart locations are such a pull for those with deep enough pockets.

‘With village locations boasting beautiful green spaces, lower crime rates, good schools, cosy pubs and charming homes with individual character, who can blame them?’ says Yopa’s National Franchise Director, Steve Anderson.

So to help you get slice of the good life, we’ve spoken to estate agents, scoped out the award-winners and trawled through guides to round up of some of the UK’s poshest villages.

Roundhay, West Yorkshire  

A row of Arts and Crafts-style houses in Roundhay

Northeast of Leeds, this scenic town is known for its beautiful parkland and prestigious properties. Think scenic walks through the Roundhay Park’s 700 acres, boating on the lake, and picnics amid lush greenery. 

‘With its excellent schools, thriving local shops, and proximity to the vibrant amenities of Oakwood and Moortown, Roundhay provides an enviable lifestyle for families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the city,’ says Tom Kirk, CEO at Preston Baker Estate Agent. 

Dirleton, Scotland 

The old gate entrance to Dirleton Castle

A historic village dating back to the 12th century, Dirleton is famed for its picturesque castle and appeals to those who appreciate heritage, a peaceful countryside atmosphere – as well as golf courses. 

According to bespoke estate agent Liam Gretton, the area attracts a mix of affluent locals, retirees, and holiday home owners. ‘Prices range from about £400,000 for traditional cottages to over £2.5 million for larger country homes,’ he says. 

Chipping Norton, Cotswolds

Chipping Norton town centre in the Cotswolds

Home to David Cameron and his fellow chumocracy in the Chipping Norton set, ‘this is as posh as it gets’, says Michelle Niziol director and owner of IMS Property Group based in Bicester and Oxford. The town itself is also very pretty, with a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Scarcroft, West Yorkshire 

An aerial view of Scarcroft Hill with York Minster in the distance

Key to the posh appeal of this historic town is its equestrian vibe: Scarcroft is home to the Hellwood Racing Stables, as well as a riding centre at Scarcroft Hall. 

Backing onto the Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve, its peaceful rural location is a similarly a pull. What’s more, there’s a good primary school, golf club, and pub, the Inn at Scarcroft, which dates back to 1852.

Newtown Linford, Leicestershire 

The Bradgate Pub in Newtown Linford

Nestled in amongst the Charnwood Forest, Newtorn Linford has become a real magnet for millionaires who have made their home behind lavish gated mansions. Local amenities include a private members club, a close proximity to Bradgate Park, as well as a rare police box. 

According to Rightmove, the majority of sales in Newtown Linford during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £1,975,600.

Haigh, Greater Manchester 

Leeds-Liverpool canal in Haigh Hall Country Park, Wigan

Posh may not be a word routinely associated with Wigan – but tree-shrouded Haigh raises the game. This rural village is home to Haigh Hall, built between 1827 and 1840, as well as the restored Haigh Windmill, originally used to pump water to Haigh Brewery. Beyond these historic properties, though, Haigh also has its own woodland park, teeming with winding trails and exquisite manicured gardens. 

Bishopthorpe, North Yorkshire  

A row of shops on Bishopthorpe Road, known as Bishy Road, near York

Situated just a stone’s throw away from York’s city centre, Bishopthorpe exudes a timeless elegance says Tom Kirk, CEO at Preston Baker. ‘The village boasts tree-lined streets, charming cottages, and a vibrant community atmosphere. There are great local amenities, including cosy pubs, artisan shops, and scenic riverside walks along the River Ouse.’ 

Abersoch, Wales 

Boats next to the River Soch at low tide in Abersoch, North Wales

Variously called the Welsh Riviera and Cheshire by-the-sea, this seaside village on the Llyn peninsula in North Wales has become a money magnet on account of its expansive golden beaches and high-end shops. 

Last year a beach hut sold for £191,000, while uber-smart caravan park, the Warren, has a helipad. Abersoch is also where you’ll find Wales’s most expensive street: Benar Headland. 

Solva, Wales

Main Street in Solva, with houses painted in sugary colours

Located in northern half of Pembrokeshire, Solva is an old fishing village with a pretty harbour and a sandy beach at the end of St Brides Bay. With houses tastefully painted in sugary colours, as well as boutique gifts shops and galleries, Solva has garnered praise from the likes of critic Giles Coren, as well as Countdown’s Carol Volderman, who was once a resident herself. 

Shalbourne, Wiltshire  

A local shop and post office in Shalbourne

Set in the North Wessex Downs, this village pulsates with posh communal life thanks to, among other things, a cricket club, a tennis club, gardening and environment groups. There’s also a twelfth-century church, as well as thatched-roof houses dating back to the Elizabethan era. The property prices are similarly grand: over the last year houses in Shelbourne were an overage of £839,971. 

Beaulieu, Hampshire 

Beaulieu village overlooking Beaulieu River on the edge of the New Forest

This Hampshire village hits the posh quota with its sixteenth-century high street and artisan shops. It’s also on the doorstep of both the New Forest and Buckler’s Hard, part of the 9,000-acre Beaulieu estate, for those wishing to picnic along the riverside.

Elie, Scotland 

Seafront houses in Elie in Fife

One of a string of harbour villages in this historic corner of Fife, Elie’s village green and eclectic architecture dates back to the 17th century. The five beaches offer watersports, with bowlin and tennis courts also at hand. There’s an abundance of restaurants, including the Ship Inn, dishing up delicious, local, seasonal food in a dreamy location.

Warkworth, Northumberland

Warkworth Castle, a 12th-century stone motte and bailey fortress, overlooks the village of Warkworth in Northumberland

Located on a loop of the River Coquet, Warkworth is best known for its well-preserved medieval castle. But its high street seeks to rival this outstanding beauty, framed by a twelfth-century church and artisan shops. 

Brancepeth, County Durham 

Cyclists pass through Brancepeth, County Durham

Situated in a conservation area five miles from Durham, this village is home to a 12th-century castle, ivy-covered cottages and a golf course by the same world-famous architect who designed Wentworth Golf Club.

Ombersley, Worcestershire 

A traditional black and white timber-framed cottage in Ombersley

Its black and white timber homes give Ombersley a quintessentially smart village feel. It also offers good schools, and stunning views of the Shropshire and Malvern Hills. There’s plenty of scope for posh activities, such as golf and fishing, as well as meadows and woodland for genteel walks. 

Virginia Water, Surrey 

The station approach in Virginia Water

‘The area houses some of the UK’s most expensive streets amidst Windsor Great Park’, says Liam Gretton. Prices range from £900,000, to estates worth over £15million, and rumoured residents include Sir Elton John and the Duchess of York.

Average prices range from around £900,000 to estates worth over £15 million. The area is also served by regular trains to Waterloo, as well as excellent schools nearby, like ACS International School and Bishopsgate School. Virginia Water has also enjoyed royal endorsement: founded in the 18th century, its lake was a popular leisure destination for the British monarchy. 

Hightown, Merseyside 

Hightown beach backed by sand dunes leading to the top of the River Alt near Liverpool

With the metropolitan buzz of Liverpool city centre only a short commute away, Hightown has quickly become one of the UK’s most sought-after destinations. Residents can enjoy coastal walks along stretches of sand and shingle, and peacocks have been spotted in the high street. Gastropub The Pheasant Inn has been named among the top 50 pubs in the UK.

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire 

Great Missenden has historic streets, heritage coaching inns and medieval churches

This smart village in the Misbourne Valley, just 33 miles from London, bristles with posh credentials including historic streets, heritage coaching inns and medieval churches. It’s also home to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, and provides easy access to the woodland trails of the Chiltern Hills.

Sunningdale, Berkshire

Shops on Chobham Road in Sunningdale

Within walking distance of Windsor Great Park and Chobham Common but with easy access to London, Sunningdale offers the best of both worlds. What’s more, there are good shops, excellent transport links and super-smart schooling. 

Kingham, Cotswolds 

Kingham in Oxfordshire is a brief four-minute drive from Daylesford Farm

Director of the Cotsworld Letting Agency, Fergus Mitchell, has declared Kingham ‘one of the most charming villages’ in the Chipping Norton area. And with links to opera, oragnic farm produce and gourmet pub food, it’s easy to see why. 

Kingham is also a brief four-minute drive from Daylesford Farm, arguably the country’s poshest greengrocer, and Blur bassist, Alex James, hosts the annual ‘Big Feastival’ at his farm in the village every year. There is also a mainline train service to London, giving it commuter-friendly appeal. 

Biddestone, Wiltshire 

Cotswold Stone properties in Biddestone, Wiltshire

A Saxon village in a Conservation Area, Biddestone has previously held the title of ‘Best Kept Wiltshire Village’. ‘It’s picture perfect’, says Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search. 

‘There are large Cotswold Stone properties arranged around The Green, as well smaller quaint cottages, an attractive duck pond, the village pub, The White Horse, a generous cricket ground and tennis courts as well as a Saxon church.’ 

Shipton Moyne, Cotswolds  

The Cat & Custard Pot pub in Shipton Moyne in the Cotswolds

This ancient Gloucestershire village is ‘close to the excellent Stowenbirt School and Westonbirt Arboretum, not to mention Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles’ says Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search.

‘There are large country houses and smaller cottages along the picturesque high street, and the charming Cat and Custard Pot Inn is owned by some of the village residents.’

Beckington, Somerset

Beckington in Frome benefits from easy access to Bath

This pretty Somerset village benefits from easy access to Bath for schools and culture, but also enjoys proximity to the countryside and the 500-year-old Beckington Castle. In the village, there’s also a pre-school and primary school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Francesca Watson similarly notes the tennis and cricket clubs, as well as two good pubs. 

Caldy, Merseyside

Caldy Beach on the Wirral side of the River Dee estuary 

The village on the Wirral Peninsula is particularly well-known for its large, secluded homes and breathtaking views of the River Dee and Welsh hills. ‘Often the area is linked to Premier League footballers and celebrities seeking privacy’ says Liam Gretton. 

Nearby top-rated schools include Calday Grange Grammar School, famous locally as the school of 007 James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and West Kirby Grammar School. 

Llandough, Wales

Pretty St Dochdwy Church in Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan

With its picturesque settings and exclusive residential homes, this village is a favoured Welsh retreat for those looking to enjoy the rural charm while still being close to the urban amenities of nearby Cardiff, says Liam Gretton. The market ranges from around £300,000 for modest homes up to £1.5 million for expansive, luxurious properties.

West Kilbride, Scotland 

Houses in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, with a view of rolling hills

This picturesque village is rich in culture and boasts breath-taking sea views, says Caryl Spiers, sales manager at Westpoint Homes. ‘It’s known as “Scotland’s Craft Town”; it’s a hub of creativity, with exhibitions, galleries, and studios scattered throughout. Anyone who comes to visit takes one look across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran, thinks “I wish I could see that every morning”’.

For any keen golfers, West Kilbridge is also a short drive from some of the world’s most famous and historic courses, including Prestwick, Turnberry, and the Royal Troon.

Studland, Dorset 

The Bankes Arms Inn in Studland

This small Dorset village is located on a peninsula in the Isle of Purbeck, and is close to both Swanage and Corfe Castle. It has an average house price of £1.9m - which has soared by 47% in the last year alone, according to Rightmove. Studland is also famous for its long, sandy beaches – including one for naturists!

Barrington, Cambridgeshire

Picturesque country houses in Barrington

The South Cambridgeshire village has one of the longest village greens in the Europe (22 acres, according to the parish council). Edged by thatched cottages, there’s also a historic pub and a lovely village church. Barrington is also commuting distance from Cambridge.  

Barston, West Midlands  

St Swithin`s Church in Barston

Rural charm and a smart village lifestyle lie just 11 miles away from Birmingham here in Barston. Bordered by the River Blythe, there are also plenty of historic buildings such as the Church of St Swithin, dating from 1721, and built on the site of an earlier church. The cosy local pub and close-knit community all contribute to this village’s appeal, as does its excellent transport links.