The UK village that looks like Beauty and the Beast is packed with charming indie shops and cosy tea rooms

England is packed with pretty, postcard worthy villages, yet one spot stands out even more than some of the famous places in the Cotswolds.

Visitors often say it feels like stepping into Beauty and the Beast, thanks to its storybook high street and ancient waterfall.

This hidden gem is a classic seaside town on the Isle of Wight, loved for its wide sandy beach, traditional British seafront and striking coastal views.

Photo © John Webber (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Tucked inside it is Shanklin Old Village, a small but magical area that looks like it belongs in a fairytale.

Here you will find colourful thatched cottages painted pink, green and yellow, set inside some of the oldest homes on the island.

The village is filled with independent shops, sweet little gift stores, cosy tea rooms, welcoming pubs and restaurants with old style signs.

Many of them sit inside beautiful thatched buildings that make the whole place feel special. Walking through the lanes feels like travelling back to another time.

There are also pretty patio spaces and garden corners where visitors can sit and relax. In summer, people enjoy picnics in the sunshine, and in winter, they warm up with a hot drink.

One visitor was so impressed by Shanklin Old Village that she shared a TikTok video of her day exploring the charming streets.

Photo © Stephen McKay (cc-by-sa/2.0)

She wrote: "This village made me feel like I was in Beauty and the Beast. It is actually the old village inside the town of Shanklin. With its colourful houses and lovely beaches, it is one of my favourite places on the Isle of Wight."

Plenty of others agreed with her. One person commented: "My favourite place is Shanklin, it is beautiful." Another added: "I live here. It is the most magical little high street."

A third person said: "Shanklin is my favourite village on the island." Someone else suggested: "Next time you visit, try Godshill and Winkle Street for more picturesque little spots. The island is beautiful."

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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