Eldean WalterTucked away from the well-trodden tourist paths are hidden villages in the UK that burst into life during their annual festivals. These secret gems blend authentic local culture with vibrant traditions, offering a unique escape from crowded cities and over-commercialized events. From quirky scarecrow parades and age-old apple fairs to music, food, and flower festivals, these communities celebrate their heritage with flair and festivity. Perfect for travellers who love discovering offbeat destinations, these hidden villages let you experience the charm of rural life in its most joyful form. Whether you’re drawn by colourful parades, medieval re-enactments, or local artisan markets, there’s a village celebration waiting to capture your heart. In this article, we’ll uncover 30 hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, complete with travel directions and unique features that make each place unforgettable. It’s time to explore the UK’s most festive secrets, one village at a time.
Top 30 Hidden Villages With Annual Festivals You’ll Enjoy
1. Brockweir, Gloucestershire – Brockweir and Hewelsfield Village Fair
Brockweir is a tranquil village nestled in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Despite its peaceful nature, it hosts the delightful Brockweir and Hewelsfield Village Fair every summer. The fair features traditional games, craft stalls, live folk music, and a community bake-off. Locals and visitors gather on the village green to enjoy homemade food and cider, capturing the spirit of a classic English fête. The village is steeped in history, with its restored Moravian Church and scenic river views. This annual event revives community traditions, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a more authentic experience. To reach Brockweir, drive from Chepstow along the A466 toward Tintern, then follow the signposts through winding country lanes. Public buses run nearby, but a car offers more flexibility. If you’re seeking hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Brockweir offers charm, community warmth, and genuine rural festivity.
2. Dent, Cumbria – Dentdale Music and Beer Festival
Dent is a small Yorkshire Dales village known for its cobbled streets and postcard-perfect views, but it truly shines during the Dentdale Music and Beer Festival held each June. This lively three-day event fills the air with folk, jazz, blues, and rock music from both local and national performers. The festival showcases over 20 real ales and ciders, plus artisan food and crafts. What makes Dent special is the warm, uncommercial vibe—it’s a grassroots event run by volunteers, deeply tied to the local culture. The backdrop of rolling fells and dry stone walls makes every note and sip feel magical. Dent can be reached by taking the Settle-Carlisle railway to Dent Station, the highest in England, followed by a short taxi or bus ride into the village. Among hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Dent combines raw beauty, great music, and traditional charm.
3. Lustleigh, Devon – Lustleigh May Day Festival
Nestled in Dartmoor National Park, Lustleigh is a hidden gem that comes alive each May with its celebrated May Day Festival. Featuring a traditional maypole dance, the crowning of the May Queen, a village parade, and family-friendly stalls, this centuries-old event offers a charming window into English heritage. The village, known for its granite cottages and ancient apple orchards, hosts the festivities on its picture-perfect village green. Locals wear floral garlands, and children in costume dance around the maypole in a joyful celebration of spring. Lustleigh feels like a time capsule, making the festival even more magical. To get there, drive from Exeter via the A38 and follow signs toward Bovey Tracey, then on to Lustleigh. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended. If you’re in search of hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Lustleigh offers one of the most enchanting experiences in the country.
4. Hathersage, Derbyshire – Hathersage Gala Week
Hathersage lies deep within the Peak District and blends natural beauty with local tradition, especially during Hathersage Gala Week in July. The week-long celebration includes a village parade, sheepdog trials, sports competitions, a fell race, and a classic village fête. Live music, BBQs, and quirky competitions keep the community buzzing throughout the week. Steeped in legends connected to Robin Hood and Little John, Hathersage provides a historic backdrop to this lively festival. The village’s outdoor swimming pool even hosts special events during the gala. To reach Hathersage, take the train from Sheffield on the Hope Valley Line or drive along the A6187 from Sheffield or Castleton. With its warm village atmosphere and stunning scenery, Hathersage is one of those hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy if you love mixing folklore, countryside, and community cheer.
5. Tissington, Derbyshire – Tissington Well Dressing Festival
Tissington is a beautifully preserved estate village in the southern Peak District, famed for its unique well dressing tradition. Every Ascension Day, villagers decorate five wells with intricate mosaics made from flower petals, seeds, and other natural materials. The Tissington Well Dressing Festival draws visitors to witness these stunning, temporary artworks, followed by a church service and a celebratory village fair. The event has medieval roots and offers a rare glimpse into a rural tradition that has endured for centuries. Tissington is full of charm, with limestone cottages, a duck pond, and the grand Tissington Hall. To get there, drive from Ashbourne via the A515 and follow signs toward the village. The Tissington Trail cycle path also provides a scenic route. This is one of the most iconic hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, especially if you’re drawn to heritage, art, and peaceful countryside celebrations.
6. Gweek, Cornwall – Gweek Village Regatta
Gweek is a quiet creekside village tucked into the Helford River area in Cornwall. Once a bustling port, today it’s a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature and maritime history. Each summer, Gweek hosts a delightful village regatta that draws the whole community together. The event includes rowing races, traditional Cornish gig boat demonstrations, a fancy dress parade, and a waterside fête with food, drink, and music. Children race homemade rafts, and families picnic along the riverbanks. The regatta captures the spirit of a traditional maritime village in a setting far removed from the tourist trails. Gweek can be reached by car from Helston, following signs for the National Seal Sanctuary. There are limited public transport options, so driving is best. For those seeking hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Gweek offers a mix of fun, tradition, and stunning riverside views.
7. Elterwater, Cumbria – Langdale Gala
Elterwater is a tiny hamlet nestled in the Langdale Valley within the Lake District. While most pass through on their way to hiking trails, few know about the village’s charming Langdale Gala, held each July. This local celebration features fell races, tug-of-war, egg-and-spoon contests, and traditional Cumbrian music. It’s a family-friendly event that brings together surrounding valley residents and curious visitors. Children compete in races, locals sell crafts and baked goods, and the picturesque green becomes a hub of laughter and tradition. Surrounded by mountains, Elterwater is postcard-pretty and peaceful. To get there, drive from Ambleside via the A593, then follow signs for Great Langdale. Alternatively, local buses from Windermere or Ambleside pass nearby. Among hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Elterwater provides a relaxing yet festive experience in the heart of England’s most dramatic landscapes.
8. Ditchling, East Sussex – Ditchling Fair
Ditchling is a hidden gem at the foot of the South Downs, with a rich arts heritage and a close-knit community. Every other year, it bursts into colour and celebration for the Ditchling Fair, a quirky and creative event that dates back to the 13th century. The fair features a grand procession, morris dancing, music, craft stalls, and eccentric competitions like the fancy hat contest. Artists from the village showcase their work, and the local pub spills out into the square with live bands and street food. Ditchling is ideal for lovers of English village charm and creative spirit. It’s easily accessible by train to Hassocks, followed by a short taxi or a pleasant walk. For a truly off-the-radar experience steeped in local culture, Ditchling is one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy.
9. Slindon, West Sussex – Slindon Pumpkin Festival
Slindon is a sleepy village on the edge of the South Downs National Park, best known for its jaw-dropping pumpkin display each autumn. The Slindon Pumpkin Festival transforms the village into a seasonal spectacle, with an elaborate pumpkin mural on the walls of the village forge, created from over 50 varieties. Stalls selling gourds, jams, and local produce line the streets, while the café and pubs offer seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin carving contests, guided walks, and the warm hospitality of this historic village. Slindon is rich in National Trust heritage, with woodlands, ancient churches, and charming flint cottages. To reach Slindon, drive from Chichester via the A27 or take a train to Barnham, then a short taxi ride. This is one of the most creative and family-friendly hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, especially if you love autumn traditions.
10. Aberffraw, Anglesey – Aberffraw Festival of Heritage
Aberffraw is a peaceful village on the south coast of Anglesey, known for its sand dunes and historic links to medieval Welsh royalty. Each summer, the Aberffraw Festival of Heritage celebrates the village’s ancient roots with storytelling, Celtic music, artisan craft displays, and reenactments of royal court life. Local bakers also showcase the famous Aberffraw shortbread, shaped like scallop shells. The event is small-scale but rich in authenticity, often featuring guided heritage walks to the nearby church and beach. The setting is stunning, with views across the Irish Sea and peaceful countryside all around. To get there, drive from Holyhead along the A4080 or take a bus from Llangefni. For travellers seeking hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Aberffraw offers a cultural experience filled with Welsh pride and historical depth.
11. Winkleigh, Devon – Winkleigh Fair Week
Winkleigh is a little-known village in mid-Devon that lights up each July during Winkleigh Fair Week. This week-long celebration brings the entire village together for everything from medieval-themed fun to modern talent shows. It kicks off with the crowning of the Fair Queen and continues with processions, live music, dog shows, community games, and vintage car displays. The village square hosts stalls and performances daily, offering a joyful buzz against the backdrop of Winkleigh’s thatched cottages and old market cross. The event dates back to a royal charter granted in 1262. To get to Winkleigh, drive from Exeter via the A377 or catch a bus from Crediton or Okehampton. With its welcoming atmosphere and variety of events, Winkleigh stands out among hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy for a week of heritage and family fun.
12. Lerryn, Cornwall – Lerryn Regatta and Raft Race
Lerryn is a riverside village located between Lostwithiel and Fowey, hidden within lush Cornish woodlands. Each summer, it hosts the Lerryn Regatta, a traditional festival that includes one of Cornwall’s most amusing raft races. Homemade rafts of all shapes and sizes float (or sink) along the River Lerryn, cheered on by crowds along the banks. The event also features village games, a barbecue, live music, and local ales. Kids enjoy tug-of-war and sack races, while adults compete in quirky costume contests. The regatta reflects the playful spirit of this close-knit community. Lerryn is best reached by car from Lostwithiel via the A390. There’s limited public transport, making it a quiet hideaway. For a light-hearted escape into true village life, Lerryn is one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, offering charm, laughter, and riverside fun.
13. Bampton, Oxfordshire – Bampton Shirt Race
Bampton is a classic Cotswold village famous for its medieval architecture and role in the TV series Downton Abbey. But once a year, it becomes host to the eccentric Bampton Shirt Race during the late May bank holiday. This hilarious event sees participants dressed in outrageous costumes pushing homemade carts around the village pubs, drinking a half-pint at each stop. Originating as a Victorian celebration, it has grown into a day of festivities that includes a funfair, live music, street food, and children’s activities. It’s quirky, loud, and full of good-natured mischief. Bampton is accessible by car from Oxford via the A40 and Bampton Road, or by bus from Witney. For those looking to combine historic charm with a wildly entertaining tradition, Bampton ranks high among hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy.
14. Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire – Goring and Streatley Regatta
Goring-on-Thames sits on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border and is one of the most scenic river villages along the Thames. The Goring and Streatley Regatta, held every summer, is a nod to the village’s rowing heritage and includes amateur boat races, traditional skiffing, and dragon boat contests. Beyond the river, there’s a carnival atmosphere with food stalls, live bands, and kids’ activities on the riverside meadows. Families picnic on the grass as boats race past and vintage vehicles are displayed nearby. Goring can be accessed by train from Reading or Oxford, or by car via the A329. For an elegant yet festive riverside experience, Goring is one of those hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy if you love British tradition, community, and summer on the water.
15. Grasmere, Cumbria – Grasmere Sports and Show
Grasmere may be known to some for its William Wordsworth connection, but it’s often overlooked by modern visitors, making it a true Lake District gem. Its annual Grasmere Sports and Show is one of the oldest sporting events in the UK, dating back to 1852. Featuring traditional Cumberland wrestling, fell running, hound trails, and Lakeland crafts, the festival offers a real taste of Cumbrian heritage. Held each August, it draws locals and visitors for a fun day of sport, food, and local pride. Grasmere is reachable by car from Ambleside via the A591 or by bus from Keswick. With its mountainous backdrop and deep-rooted traditions, Grasmere is among the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, especially if you’re drawn to heritage sporting events.
21. Corfe Castle, Dorset – Corfe Castle Food and Drink Festival
Though known for its dramatic castle ruins, Corfe Castle village itself is often overlooked. Each autumn, it hosts the Corfe Castle Food and Drink Festival, showcasing the best of Dorset’s local produce. Artisans gather in the village square and castle grounds, offering everything from homemade chutneys to fresh seafood, ciders, and cheese. Cooking demos, children’s workshops, and food tastings fill the weekend with flavour and fun. The ancient streets come alive with music and the smell of roasting meats. The ruins of the Norman castle tower above the festivities, providing a unique setting. To reach Corfe Castle, take the Swanage Railway steam train from Norden or drive along the A351 from Wareham. The combination of rich history, vibrant food culture, and community warmth makes Corfe Castle one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, especially if you’re a foodie with a love for medieval charm.
22. St Agnes, Cornwall – Bolster Day Festival
St Agnes is a hidden Cornish coastal village known for its dramatic cliffs and mining heritage. Every May, it hosts Bolster Day, a theatrical community festival based on the local legend of Giant Bolster. The event features a costumed parade, folk music, and a reenactment of the tale, where villagers “defeat” the giant by the cliffs of Chapel Porth. The festival celebrates local myth with humour and tradition, drawing families, artists, and curious visitors. Markets, food stalls, and workshops add to the day’s festive atmosphere. St Agnes retains its authentic Cornish soul despite being near more touristy towns. You can reach it by car from Truro via the A3075, or take a bus from Newquay. Bolster Day offers storytelling and spectacle in equal measure, making St Agnes one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy for a dramatic and imaginative day out.
23. Wellow, Somerset – Wellow Boules Tournament and Street Party
Wellow is a peaceful village near Bath that surprises visitors each summer with its lively Boules Tournament and Street Party. What began as a small neighbourhood tradition has grown into a vibrant annual event with teams competing in the village square, cheered on by locals and guests. French music plays, wine flows, and food stalls offer everything from crepes to BBQ. The atmosphere feels more like a Provencal village than an English one. Lanterns and bunting decorate the streets, and a sense of community pride fills the air. To get to Wellow, drive from Bath via the A367 and follow signs through the countryside lanes. While public transport is sparse, the setting is worth the trip. Wellow offers a continental twist on English village life and is one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy if you’re after charm, laughter, and pétanque under the summer sky.
24. Blanchland, Northumberland – Blanchland Medieval Festival
Blanchland is a tiny, beautifully preserved village built from the stone of a 12th-century abbey, nestled in the North Pennines. Each summer, it transports visitors back in time during the Blanchland Medieval Festival. Expect costumed knights, archery contests, medieval markets, falconry displays, and street performers. Families enjoy feasting on roasted meats, learning crafts like candle-making, and watching mock battles on the village green. The abbey church becomes a hub of storytelling and music, making the entire event immersive and magical. Blanchland is remote but reachable by car from Hexham via the B6306. Surrounded by moors and woodland, the setting is perfect for a historical reenactment. For history lovers and curious adventurers alike, Blanchland is among the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, offering an unforgettable step into the Middle Ages.
25. Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire – Llansteffan Summer Festival
Llansteffan is a Welsh coastal village hidden along the estuary of the River Tywi. Every July, the community hosts the Llansteffan Summer Festival, a blend of beach sports, local music, food stalls, sandcastle contests, and a village parade. The event brings together generations of residents and visitors who gather under the shadow of the ruined Llansteffan Castle. Whether you’re watching folk dancers perform near the beach or enjoying Welsh cakes at a pop-up stall, the festival reflects true local flavour. The view across the estuary during sunset adds to the enchantment. To get there, drive from Carmarthen via the B4312 or take a seasonal bus service. Llansteffan is one of those hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy if you love coastal views, family-friendly fun, and an authentic slice of Wales.
26. Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk – Cley 700 Festival
Cley-next-the-Sea is a tranquil village along the North Norfolk coast, famous for its windmill and salt marshes. To mark the 700th anniversary of its market charter, the village created the Cley 700 Festival, now an annual tradition. Events include art exhibitions, historical talks, classical concerts in the village church, and food fairs featuring Norfolk seafood and produce. There are also boat races, open gardens, and family treasure hunts across the village’s scenic trails. The festival is a sophisticated yet relaxed celebration of local history and creativity. Cley is best accessed by car from Holt via the A149 or by local bus services. For culture lovers seeking hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, Cley offers a peaceful yet engaging coastal celebration with heritage at its heart.
27. Kettlewell, North Yorkshire – Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival
Kettlewell is a charming Dales village that turns into a giant outdoor art gallery each August during its famous Scarecrow Festival. Residents create over 100 witty and elaborate scarecrows, which are placed around the village, often themed to current events or pop culture. Visitors follow a trail map to spot every display while enjoying homemade cakes, tea, and village hospitality. It’s a family-friendly, creative event with a real sense of fun and community spirit. Funds raised go toward local amenities and schools. Kettlewell is accessible by car from Skipton via the B6160 and B6265 or by bus through Grassington. For an offbeat, heartwarming day out in the Yorkshire Dales, Kettlewell is one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, especially if you appreciate quirky charm and community creativity.
28. Chedworth, Gloucestershire – Chedworth Roman Festival
Chedworth is a quiet Cotswold village near one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman villas. Each summer, it hosts the Chedworth Roman Festival at the villa grounds, complete with gladiator reenactments, ancient cooking demos, and archaeology workshops. Children can dress as Romans, try mosaic-making, and learn about Roman engineering. Local residents extend the celebrations into the village with food markets, classical music, and open gardens. The festival blends education with entertainment, all in a picturesque valley setting. Drive from Cirencester via the A429 and follow signs to Chedworth. Limited public transit means driving is most convenient. If ancient history fascinates you, Chedworth is among the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy for a hands-on glimpse into Roman Britain.
29. Llangynidr, Powys – Llangynidr Agricultural Show
Llangynidr is a peaceful Welsh village near the Brecon Beacons that hosts one of the area’s best rural shows. Held every August, the Llangynidr Agricultural Show features livestock competitions, sheepdog trials, vintage machinery, and local crafts. The showground also includes bouncy castles, dog shows, and music from brass bands. It’s a celebration of rural life in all its forms, where farmers, crafters, and families come together in a scenic field beneath the mountains. Locally made food and cider are served, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Drive from Crickhowell via the B4558 or take a bus during festival season. For a day steeped in Welsh tradition, Llangynidr is one of the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy for its countryside authenticity and heartfelt community spirit.
30. Dunning, Perthshire – Dunning Fayre and Festival Week
Dunning is a historic Scottish village surrounded by hills and ancient ruins, including the Dupplin Cross and St Serf’s Church. Every summer, the village celebrates Dunning Fayre and Festival Week, featuring ceilidhs, traditional music, Highland games, craft fairs, and storytelling evenings. Events are hosted in the village hall, on the green, and in local gardens. Children’s races, baking contests, and pipe bands make the atmosphere festive and family-friendly. The event draws locals and curious travellers, many discovering Dunning for the first time. To get there, drive from Perth via the A9 or take a train to Gleneagles followed by a short taxi ride. For a genuine taste of Scottish village life, Dunning is among the hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy, especially if you seek a mix of history, culture, and Highland hospitality.:
7 Reasons Why They Are the Hidden Villages with Annual Festivals You’ll Enjoy
1. Untouched by mass tourism
These villages maintain their authentic charm because they remain largely undiscovered by mainstream tourists. Their festivals reflect true local tradition without being over-commercialized.
2. Community-led celebrations
Unlike big city events, these festivals are organized by the local community. They feel personal, intimate, and welcoming, making visitors feel like part of the village.
3. Unique themes and traditions
From scarecrow trails to ancient Roman reenactments, each village offers something different. Their festivals are based on long-standing local customs, making each one special.
4. Idyllic countryside settings
These villages are tucked into stunning landscapes—rolling hills, quiet riversides, or coastal edges—adding natural beauty to the festive experience.
5. Seasonal charm
The festivals are often tied to seasonal changes—spring maypole dances, summer regattas, or autumn harvest fairs—making them timely and meaningful.
6. Artistic and cultural depth
Many of these hidden villages have strong ties to art, music, and storytelling. Their festivals are rich in creativity and local heritage.
7. Family-friendly atmosphere
The events are safe, inclusive, and full of activities for all ages. Parents and children alike find joy in the games, food, and performances on offer.
7 Benefits of Visiting Those Hidden Villages With Annual Festivals You’ll Enjoy
1. Discover authentic local life
You get to see how locals live, work, and celebrate—something you won’t experience in major cities or tourist hotspots.
2. Avoid the crowds
These festivals offer space to enjoy activities without the stress of overcrowding, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
3. Affordable travel
With lower accommodation and food costs compared to major destinations, these villages offer great value for budget-conscious travellers.
4. Support local economies
By attending these festivals, you’re directly contributing to small businesses, artisans, and community projects.
5. Learn about unique histories
Each village has its own backstory, often tied to ancient customs or historical figures. Festivals help bring those stories to life.
6. Enjoy slower, peaceful travel
A visit to a hidden village gives you a slower pace, ideal for mindfulness and deep connection with a place.
7. Capture incredible photography
From traditional costumes and parades to unspoiled landscapes and quaint cottages, these festivals offer countless photo opportunities.
Conclusion
Hidden villages with annual festivals you’ll enjoy are more than just scenic getaways—they are vibrant hubs of tradition, creativity, and genuine hospitality. These places invite you to step away from busy tourist trails and immerse yourself in real local culture. Whether you’re sipping cider beside a maypole, cheering at a quirky raft race, or wandering cobbled streets filled with handcrafted goods, each village promises a meaningful and memorable experience. Their festivals reflect centuries of heritage and the joy of community life, all set in stunning, lesser-known corners of the UK. With so much variety and heart, these hidden villages are the perfect destination for travellers who want something different. So plan your journey, take the road less travelled, and let these secret celebrations surprise you. You’ll come away with new stories, deep appreciation, and a longing to return.