UK's 'poshest towns' named perfect for spring weekend breaks

The UK's quaint towns and villages are a magnet for global visitors, each boasting unique histories and architecture that have often provided the perfect backdrop for film and TV. Many of these locations are quite affluent, featuring expensive properties, fine dining establishments, and chic boutiques.

As spring beckons and outdoor strolls become more inviting, The Telegraph has revealed its list of Britain's 15 "poshest" towns, ideal for a luxurious mini-break. According to the publication, these towns offer "comely high streets, shops we can't afford, fancy bakeries, big, fat stately homes and a certain air of gentility", as reports the Express.

These desirable destinations span across England, Wales, and Scotland, and boast art galleries, trendy eateries, exquisite hotels, and even celebrity residents.

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

This town is called “the definition of posh”, complete with its Royal Regatta. Park Place, one of Britain’s most expensive homes at £1.4million is nearby. Places to visit in Henley include the River the Rowing Museum, and food lovers will like Pavilion, an cookery school, and the Golden Ball. There’s also Asquiths, a seller of high-end teddy bears.

Bruton, Somerset

Bruton is called “the Notting Hill of the South West”. It is home to global gallery Hauser and Wirth on the 18th century Durslade Farm. There is also a reconstructed Roman villa, gardens, a swanky hotel and plenty of luxurious places to stop for a bite to eat.

Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Harrogate is notoriously posh, and has been since it became popular as a Victorian spa town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It is known for its traditional restaurants and cafes. There is also the Mercer Gallery, which is housed in the town’s oldest remaining spa building. In addition, there are shows to see at the Royal Hall.

Salcombe, Devon

Salcombe is apparently the most expensive place in which to buy a home on the British coast, with houses costing £970,657 on average, according to Lloyds. It boasts great beaches and the subtropical Overbeck’s garden.

You can catch a ferry across the estuary, and enjoy gin at Salcombe Distillery. Later, why not get some ice cream or seafood and pop by a local farm for some produce to take home?

Ludlow, Shropshire

Medieval Ludlow has more than 500 listed buildings, a ruined castle, and an impressively large parish church. It is a great place to visit for foodies as well as history buffs, as the town hosts the UK’s original food festival.

There are also three eateries in the Michelin Guide.

Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan

This Welsh town was first made fancy by Victorian shipping bosses choosing to build their mansions there. It has lovely pebble beaches and parkland, as well as great views of the Bristol Channel.

Enjoy a Michelin Star meal at Home by James Sommerin and grab something else if you’re still hungry at a bakery. There’s also Griffin Books to buy your next read from inside Grade II-listed Windsor Arcade.

Holt, Norfolk

This Georgian town is a favourite due to its famous Gresham’s School.

As regards shopping, there is the Bakers and Larners department store, which was established in 1770, as well as other boutique shops and eateries. If you want to travel onwards, the North Norfolk coast is accessible by steam train.

Marlow, Buckinghamshire

The town is famous as the setting of Midsomer Murders, and is now seen in the Marlow Murder Club. Its author Robert Thorogood lives there.

Food is also brilliant here, as celebrity chef Tom Kerridge runs three restaurants in Marlow: the Butcher’s Tap, the Coach and The Hand and Flowers.

St. Andrews, Fife

Prince William and Kate went to university here, so St. Andrews is bound to be a bit posh, is it? The town’s medieval streets are another recommended spot for history lovers, and there’s a regular ballot for the chance to play a round of glf on the Old Course.

If you’re hungry, there’s Haar, the restaurant where Dean Banks, a finalist on Masterchef: The Professionals, works.

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Away from the horse racing, there are wonderful terraces, prestigious schools and great places to eat.

The Regency spa town is also located within the outstanding Cotswold hills.

Its tree-lined Promenade, the King’s Road is not to be missed, and, if you’re hungry, Lumiere has earned a Michelin star. Cocktails can also be had at the Nook on Five.

St. Ives, Cornwall

Artsy types have long been attracted to St. Ives, and now there’s Tate St Ives. Its latest exhibition on Ithell Colquhoun is available to enjoy until May. The delights of the coast can also be enjoyed, as well as some outstanding places to grab some food and a drink or two.

Stockbridge, Hampshire

Stockbridge has proven very popular, with the town recently recording the biggest rise in houses selling for more than £1million. It is home of the Houghton, the country’s “most-exclusive” fly-fishing club, which was founded in 1822.

As regards food, the Greyhound on the Test is Michelin Guide-rated, and there are plenty of shops offering other products if you’re in the mood for a bit of a spree.

Stamford, Lincolnshire

Stamford has been compared to the set of a Jane Austen film, complete with aged houses made from distinctive limestone.

There are more than 600 listed buildings in the town.

The annual Burghley Horse Trials are hosted nearby, and in Stamford itself is a plethora of shops and restaurants, as well as the Stamford Shakespeare Company.

Wilmslow, Cheshire

The first Gail’s bakery to open outside of London opened in Wilmslow.

The high street is full of outlets selling high-end products like Rolex watches and Aston Martins, the town being in Cheshire’s “Golden Triangle”.

This is an area loved by TV stars and footballers. Nearby is Tatton Park, a stunning historic estate.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Aldeburgh boasts amazing Victorian villas and a beloved shingle beach, which is home to Maggi Hambling’s Scallop sculpture.

Speaking of the arts, Benjamin Britten lived here for many years.

He founded the Aldeburgh Festival, which hosts the greatest classical musicians at Snape Maltings and the Red House, the composer’s former home.

You can also chow down on some great seafood in Aldeburgh.