7 picturesque villages in the North East and North Yorkshire

Photography experts at ParrotPrint.com have revealed the top seven picture-perfect locations in the country for those looking for a last-minute getaway.

The rugged Northumberland coastal village of Amble is highlighted for its pastel-painted beach huts and pastel-coloured skies.

Hemsley, a charming market town on the fringe of the North Yorkshire Moors, also features on the list, its walled gardens, charming tea rooms and award-winning restaurants all singled out.

A spokesperson for ParrotPrint said: “Anyone heading out this bank holiday should seriously consider visiting our top seven most picturesque UK villages to experience their magic and take in the stunning scenery.

“The UK has some of the prettiest villages in the world, but sometimes it's easy to forget the beauty we have right on our doorstep.

“Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in nature on rugged coastal walks or take in the late summer sun amidst the chocolate-box charm of quaint British village life, these gorgeous destinations won’t disappoint.

The seven most picturesque towns to visit in the UK:

Amble, Northumberland

Amble is a picture-perfect harbour town known for its pastel-painted beach huts and pastel-coloured skies. Located at the edge of the Northumberland Coast Area of Natural Beauty, visit the award-winning marina and explore the coastline for puffins before enjoying some of the famous salty fish and chips at one of the many fine seafood restaurants.

Amble, in Northumberland, has been selected as one of the most picturesque in England and Wales (Image: CATHERINE TURNBULL)

Helmsley, North Yorkshire

Helmsley offers more than than can be enjoyed in one long weekend but start by taking in the dramatic castle ruins before heading into the North York Moors National Park’s only market town where you will find walled gardens, charming tea rooms and award-winning restaurants.

Helmsley's dramatic castle ruins have been highlighted (Image: WIKI COMMONS)

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

This enchanting Italianate-style village is situated on the coast of North Wales and is ideal for a long bank holiday weekend break for families and couples. Built by Welsh architect Clough Wlliams-Ellis to show off the natural beauty of the area, the village is most famous for being the setting of the cult television program The Prisoner.

St Abbs, Scottish Borders

St Abbs is well-known for its rugged coastline and rich wildlife with a popular walking trail to the St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve. The photogenic lighthouse, volcanic cliff top and uninterrupted view over to the North Sea will completely blow away the cares of the working week. One of the main highlights of this village is the small harbour with local fishing and tour boats carrying tourists and divers.

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Broadway, Worcestershire

Take a stroll through this famous Cotswolds beauty spot with its quaint honey coloured buildings before walking up to Broadway Tower which stands a scarp overlooking the town. At 312 metres high, you’ll be treated to beautiful views across multiple counties. It is the ideal place for a long bank holiday weekend away.

Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire

So picturesque that it is regularly featured as a backdrop for the long-running detective drama Midsomer Murders, Long Crendon may be the perfect English village. Thatched cottages surround a 15th-century courthouse, with plenty of high quality pubs and restaurants to keep the family fed and watered.

Polperro, Cornwall

Narrow, traffic-free streets lined with colourful cottages wind down to a harbour dotted with delicious seafood restaurants and adorable little shops. This peaceful fishing village on the east coast of Cornwall offers unbeatable views of the Cornish coastline. Once a haven for smugglers and profiteers, this tiny village has a rich boot-legging history. Learn about the tiny village's bootlegging history at the Polperro Heritage Museum.

Helmsley, North Yorkshire

Helmsley offers more than than can be enjoyed in one long weekend but start by taking in the dramatic castle ruins before heading into the North York Moors National Park’s only market town where you will find walled gardens, charming tea rooms and award-winning restaurants.