The Cutest Villages in London and Areas That Feel Like Small Towns

A complete guide to pretty areas and the cutest villages in London to walk around for small town feels, from Stoke Newington to Hampstead!

Finding the cutest villages in London and walking around them gives me a feeling I can’t get anywhere else.

I’ve actually mentioned some of the prettiest mews in London before, places like Chelsea and Hampstead that give you that vibe.

It’s just fun to discover instagrammable places in London that you would really not expect.

Like when you pop by the beautiful church ruins at St Dunstan in the East or the overly colorful Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill.

From narrow cobblestone streets to incredible Victorian and Georgian architecture… Welcome to the most beautiful villages inside London!

The Cutest Villages in London and Areas That Feel Like Small Towns

The village vibe from one of these London areas to the next can be very different.

On some buildings, like in Stoke Newington, you’ll find old inscriptions on their buildings still, while in Highgate, places like Holly Village will give you the chills.

In any case, it’s now time to discover all the cutest villages in London, whether you’re looking for cute photo spots or just places to relax in London!

Cutest Villages in London: Rotherhithe

We’re starting strong with one of my favorite maritime neighborhoods in London, Rotherhithe, which offers plenty of historical spots, a quaint little church with its beautiful churchyard, and unbeatable views of London in the distance.

The whole of the Rotherhithe area very much feels like a tiny little village, namely on Rotherhithe Street, where you can find the historic Mayflower pub.

If Rotherhithe is a place I would definitely include on a bucket list whether you’re spending 3 days or 10 days in London, or moving to the city, it’s because of its historical significance as the departing point of the Mayflower that carried the Pilgrims to North America.

Walk around to soak in the small town feels, and to keep going with a discovery of historical London, why not visit the City of London or the Spitalfields area next?

Read: The Best Full English Breakfast Spots in London

Cutest Villages in London: Stoke Newington, North London

Stoke Newington is located in North London, close to Dalston, and is one of the cutest villages you’ll find in the whole of the city.

Very quaint, local and family-oriented, Stoke Newington features a few hidden gems you’d do well to visit, from small coffee shops to Abney Park Cemetery.

One of the most beautiful cemeteries in London, Abney Park Cemetery boasts Highgate vibes with sculptures, greenery and architecture all rolled into one.

And if you’re ever looking for good pizza in London, La Rosetta in Stoke Newington is a must-visit.

Read: The Biggest TK Maxx in London

Cutest Villages in London to Visit: Motcomb St, Belgravia

Belgravia is in my opinion one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, with embassies, gardens and small town feels.

One of the cutest places with a village feel in Belgravia is Motcomb Street, which also happens to be one of the poshest areas in London.

I’m going to be honest here and advance that there are other village-like streets around Belgravia, which include Groom Place and Elizabeth Street.

If you’re looking for free things to do in London, one of my favorites is to discover places off the grid – and with its posh houses and luxury, Motcomb St does have it all.

Read: The Best Neapolitan Pizza in London

Cutest Villages in London: Exmouth Market

In the Clerkenwell area, Exmouth Market will be treating you with delicious street food, artisan shops and restaurants when you visit.

There are some cool things to do in Clerkenwell, although it’s more of a local spot than a touristy one.

Exmouth Market actually does remind me of Frith Street, in Soho – tiny coffee shops, a small street which feels like a breath of fresh air…

If you’re looking for nontouristy things to do in London, by all means, Exmouth Market shines with life!

Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London

Cutest Villages in London to Visit: Old Hampstead Village

Old Hampstead Village is a part of Hampstead, one of the poshest areas in London, and there, you’ll be served with cobblestone streets, tiny shops and architecture.

It’s one of the most scenic places to bring your other half on a romantic date in London, so definitely plan a day for this.

When on a one day itinerary in London, I do understand places like hidden gems and villages might not be on your bucket list.

But if I were traveling to London for the first time again, Old Hampstead Village and its boutiques and independent cafes is a place I’d personally include in my bucket list.

And if you love shopping, since Old Hampstead Village is so posh, the area offers some of the best charity shops in London – perfect for secondhand designer clothes!

Read: The Best Makeup Stores in London

Cutest Villages in London: Richmond, West London

Located in far West London, Richmond has plenty to offer from beautiful free views of the Thames to artisan shops, stunningly cute bakeries and so much more.

It’s one of the poshest and cutest villages in London, and the vibe changes as soon as you step out of the Tube station.

Richmond also hosts the Isabella Plantation, none other than one of the most secret gardens in London, filled with pink flowers when spring is about…

And surely one of the most romantic places for a date!

Read: The Best French Patisseries in London

Cutest Villages in London to Visit: Dulwich Village

It’s true I don’t talk much about South London here, and that might be due to the fact that I lived in North London, West and East London for much longer than in the south.

I did live in Greenwich for about a month, when I was working at St Christopher’s Inns, two steps away from the incredible Cutty Sark ship.

Well, in South London, you’ll find yet another one of the cutest villages in London; Dulwich Village.

One of the main attractions at Dulwich Village is the Dulwich Picture Gallery – you cannot believe the delight this still quite secret museum is until you see it in real life!

Walk around, gorge yourself on small squares and short houses on a sunny day… Definitely a great way to spend a Sunday!

Read: The Cutest Cat Cafes in London

Cutest Villages in London: Highgate, North London

When I used to live in North Finchley, I used to hang out at Muswell Hill and Highgate quite often – the bus to Central London stops in those two places.

One of the most beautiful villages in London, Highgate, is filled with tiny shops that couldn’t lie about their age if they wanted to.

But what I’d recommend you see there is the Holly Village.

Highgate Village is indeed one of the most scenic places in London, but Holly Village stands as a jewel of architecture in itself.

An agglomeration of Gothic mansions, Holly Village is at its most beautiful during the fall – but then again, what isn’t?

Really gives off cozy and creepy vibes that we could use on a fall evening while burning a Yankee Candle at home while drinking hot chocolate!

Read: The Best Ice Cream in London

Cutest Villages in London to Visit: Camden Passage, North London

In Angel and Islington, you don’t only have one of the best shopping centers in London, you also have Camden Passage.

I only really discovered Camden Passage a little over a year ago, and couldn’t believe I had not come across it before.

It’s clearly also one of the most pink places in London, might I add – and the mix of terraces, antiques and independent boutiques makes it an amazing street to visit.

Plus, you’ll also find a few coffee shops on Camden Passage that would double as great places to write in London, especially during the spring and summer!

Read: The Most Secret Beaches in London

Cutest Villages in London: Christopher’s Place, Central London

Christopher’s Place is one of the most secret places in London, and located between Oxford Street and Marylebone.

It’s filled with small shops, even if sadly, one of my favorite jewelry shops in London, Maya Magal, has closed there – the minimalist jewelry there is beyond incredible in my opinion, and you can still find it at Coal Drops Yard, though.

If you’re ever looking for Christmas decorations in London, Christopher’s Place never disappoints.

The entrance is tiny, and you might actually miss it if you don’t pay attention.

But get to Christopher’s Place, and you’ll find a plethora of shops, restaurants, and some of the most instagrammable cafes in London on nearby James Street!

Read: The Most Unique Shops in London

Cutest Villages in London to Visit: Marylebone Lane, Central London

Since we’re close to Marylebone anyway when in Christopher’s Place, the next stop is Marylebone Lane, another one of the cutest villages in London.

The vibe? Upscale.

The restaurants and stores? Sophisticated.

I’ve mentioned Marylebone a handful of times here before – the study cafes in Marylebone really have a cool, focus-inducing vibe.

But beyond that, you’ll also find one of the best Italian food shops in London on Marylebone Lane, Lina Stores, which brings as much history as stomach goodness.

Read: The Best Things to Buy in London

Cutest Villages in London: Shepherd Market, Mayfair

One of the most secret places in London around Mayfair is Shepherd Market, with sister spot Shepherd Street.

Mayfair might be one of the most central neighborhoods, it still keeps a lot of secrets – actually, there are some really cute streets in Mayfair that are definitely worth a sight!

From classic British fare at a local pub to plenty of photography spots, Shepherd Market surely is a quaint spot amongst the quaintest.

Plus, nearby, you have all the shops on Oxford Street, excellent restaurants, as well as two of the most secret gardens in London!

Read: The Best TK Maxx Skincare & Makeup

Cutest Villages in London to Visit: Lower Marsh, Waterloo

It’s no secret that Leake Street is one of the most colorful places in London, and when I walk from Southbank to Waterloo Station, I know I’m always going to pop by Leake St.

Before you reach the graffiti tunnel, go walk on Lower Marsh in Waterloo, which is yet another one of the cutest villages in London.

Pubs, cafes, pastries, records shops, restaurants, and one of the best street food markets in London?

Yes, please!

Lower March boasts the same kind of small town vibe as London Fields and Exmouth Market, bright and airy – a really cool place to relax in London!

Read: How to Make Friends in London

Prettiest Villages in London: Westow Hill, Norwood

I only discovered Westow Hill, Norwood, right outside of Crystal Palace Park in South East London, a few months ago and utterly fell in love with this very secret area.

The small streets are lined with secret cafes and restaurants, which include Colairo’s, one of my favorite spots in London for a red velvet doughnut and a tasty cup of chai latte.

This Crystal Palace area also happens to offer some of London’s best vintage shops, like Maltpress Trading, a must-visit place for anything from old boards to retro tights and quirky bits and bobs.

And for whoever would like to feel even more nature, The Vault Collective, on Westow Hill, is one of the best places to have a unique vegan breakfast in town, with out-of-this-world unicorn blondies, while surrounded by plants, flowers, and books.

Read: 15 Themed London Itinerary Ideas Off the Beaten Path

The Cutest Villages in London and Areas That Feel Like Small Towns

There you have them, all the cutest villages in London to visit whether you’re here for the first time or a local living in London!

Hopefully, you’ll have found here a handful of pretty neighborhoods to add even more depth to your trip to London.

My favorites definitely are Camden Passage, Marylebone Lane, Mayfair and Stoke Newington…

But there are also other villages in London that could be interesting to visit, like the lesser known London Fields or Crouch End!

Until next time!

Quirky Themed London Itinerary Ideas

• Italy in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Italian Places in London
• Paris in London: An Unusual Itinerary to French Places in London
• Morocco in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Moroccan Places
• London Foodie Itinerary Around Piccadilly & Soho
• London Foodie Itinerary Around Covent Garden
• Fitzrovia’s Hidden Gems: A Quirky Itinerary in London
• A Local’s Fashion in London Itinerary from Museums to Shops
• Dark Academia in London: A Secret London Itinerary
• A Quirky Bookish Itinerary in London
• How to Spend 24 Hours in London: A Full Itinerary

Curious Traveler’s Guides

• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Canary Wharf, East London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Covent Garden, Central London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Smithfield, City of London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Liverpool Street, East London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Bethnal Green, East London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Instagrammable Places
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Street Art Neighborhoods
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Secret and Free Museums
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Multicolor Places in London

Other London Life

• Living in London: Things I Have Learned Over the Years
• The Must Have Apps to Survive in London
• How to Save Money on Groceries in London
• How to Live in London on a Budget
• How to Eat in London on a Budget
• How to Make Friends in London
• How to Move to London – and Survive as an Expat
• The Best Tips for Student Budget in London
• The Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London
• First Time Travel to London: All There is To Know
• London Travel Guides for Tourists and Locals
• How to Pack Your Suitcase for Digital Nomads
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Life in a Hostel
• How to Survive Life in a Hostel

Other London Travel

• The Cutest Pink Places in London
• Where to Find Shakespeare Sculptures in London
• The Most Colorful Places in London
• The Prettiest Streets in London
• The Prettiest Streets in Covent Garden
• The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
• The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
• The Prettiest Neighborhoods in London
• The Prettiest East London Neighborhoods
• Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
• The Best Harry Potter Locations in London

Secret London

• Artistic Hidden Gems in London, Statues & Secret Views
• The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
• The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
• The Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden
• The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
• The Best Hidden Gems in North London
• The Best Hidden Gems in South London
• The Best Hidden Gems in East London
• The Best Hidden Gems in West London
• The Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge
• The Best Free Secret Gardens in London
• Chalcot Square Primrose Hill, London’s Most Colorful Spot
• St Dunstan in the East Church Ruins, A Must Visit in London

Other Things to Do in London

• The Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf
• The Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• The Best Things to Do in Soho
• The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
• 7 Things To Do in London Bridge in One Hour
• The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
• The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• The Best Things to Do on London’s Piccadilly Line
• The Best Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line
• The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

Other London Shopping

• The Best Markets in Shoreditch
• The Most Beautiful Bookshops in London
• The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London
• The Best Shops in Camden Town
• The Best Shops on Oxford Street
• The Best Shops in Covent Garden
• The Most Unique Shops in London
• The Best British Shops in London
• The Best Perfume Shops in London
• The Best Cheap Clothing Shops in London
• The Best Budget Shops in London
• The Best Candle Shops in London
• The Best Stationery Shops in London
• The Best Shopping Centers in London
• The Best Shopping Streets in London
• The Prettiest Shopping Arcades in London
• The Best Department Stores in London
• The Best Things to Buy in London
• The Best Harry Potter Shops in London
• The Prettiest Christmas Shop Windows in London
• The Best Charity Shops in London
• The Best Charity Shops in Bethnal Green
• The Best Charity Shops in Chelsea
• The Best Charity Shops in Kentish Town
• The Best Charity Shops in Camden Town
• The Best Charity Shops in Muswell Hill
• The Best Charity Shops in North Finchley
• London’s Prettiest Department Store: Harrods Egyptian Hall
• Bath and Body Works Shop at Next Westfield

Other London Food

• Where to Have Lunch for £5 in London
• The Best Cheap Eats in Central London
• The Best Street Food in London
• The Best Food Spots in Borough Market
• The Best Street Food Spots in Soho
• The Best Local Restaurants in London
• Deliciously Secret Places to Eat in Central London
• The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London
• The Most Aesthetic Restaurants in London With Statues
• The Most Maximalist Restaurants in London
• The Best Italian Restaurants in London Bridge
• The Best Neapolitan Pizza in Central London
• The Best Neapolitan Pizza in London
• The Cheapest Pizza Spots in London
• The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Mayfair
• The Best Restaurants in Balham
• The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge
• The Best Restaurants in Whitechapel
• The Best Restaurants in Walthamstow
• The Best Pho Restaurants in London

Other London Cafes

• The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
• The Best Cafes in London With a View
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
• The Cutest Floral Cafes in London
• The Best Bookshop Cafes in London
• The Best Colorful Lattes in London
• The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
• The Best Breakfast in East London
• The Best Brunch in King’s Cross
• The Best Brunch in London Bridge
• The Best Italian Cafes in London
• The Best Cafes in London Bridge
• The Best Cafes in Shoreditch
• The Best Cafes in Brixton
• The Best Cat Cafes in London

Other London Bakeries

• The Cutest Bakeries in London
• The Best French Bakeries in London
• The Best Vegan Bakeries in London
• The Best Gluten Free Bakeries in London
• The Best Bagels in London
• The Best Cinnamon Buns in London
• The Best Croissants in London
• The Best Macarons in London
• The Best Cupcakes in London
• The Best Cookies in London
• The Best Pastel de Nata in London
• The Best Ice Cream in London
• The Best Vegan Doughnuts in London

Other London Coworking Posts

• The Best Cafes to Work in South London
• The Best Cafes to Work in West London
• The Best Cafes to Work in North London
• The Best Cafes to Work in East London
• The Best Cafes to Work in Leicester Square
• The Best Cafes to Work in London Bridge
• The Best Cafes to Work in Liverpool Street
• The Best Cafes to Work in Canary Wharf
• The Best Free Quiet Study Spaces in London
• The Best Free Libraries in London
• The Best Free Coworking Spaces in London
• The Best 24 Hour Places to Study in London
• The Best Places to Study in Southbank

Other Travel Posts

• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in NYC
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Dubai
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Edinburgh
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Paris
• The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona
• The Most Colorful Cities in the World
• The Most Colorful Cities in Europe
• The Cutest Pink Places in the World