Holidaymakers may usually head to big cities on their trips away, but for a more authentic holiday, they may want to go to some small towns. This is what travel media brand Travel + Leisure is betting on with their list of the best European small towns.
Hundreds of small towns “capture the spirit of their particular nation”, they said, and they selected 17 of the best “to add to your travel list”.
The “charming” small towns listed are not ranked.
However, they provide “jaw-dropping scenery, delicious food, and more”, according to the media brand.
Alongside small towns in Sicily, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece or Croatia, one British town made the list.
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Ambleside, in the Lake District was named as one of the best European small towns.
Noted for being a gateway to the World Heritage Site of the Lake District, Ambleside is described as a “sweet town”.
Travel + Leisure singled out Bridge House, the 17th century building “offering a glimpse into the town’s past”.
They also included recommendations such as climbing Loughrigg Fell for views over Lake Windermere and a circling the lake on the 45-mile Windermere Way.
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Ambleside is an active holidaymaker paradise, and Grizedale Forest was also noted as a great place to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride and zipline.
“A village green, cosy pubs and non-chain shops give a sense of local culture”, which the travel brand believed represented the best of Britain.
Ambleside is a great base from which to explore the Lake District.
The Windermere ferry terminal links the town to Bowness, Lakeside pier, Wray Castle and Brockhole Visitor Centre.
Lakeside activities abound around Lake Windermere.
There are also plenty to do on the lake, with motor and rowing boats for hire and even a swim options.
The 70-foot waterfall Stock Ghyll Force is located a short walk from the village of Ambleside.
Visitors can view the waterfall from a safe railed viewpoint.
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