A stunning village, less than an hour's drive from Bristol, has been named among "Britain's 30 greatest villages", according to the Telegraph. Underrated Mells, near Frome, has been highlighted by the newspaper for its beautiful streets and 'cool old pub'.
The list has been compiled as travel experts at The Telegraph revealed their favourite "unspoilt villages". They have scoured the nation for villages "untouched by mass tourism", reports Somerset Live. Another West Country spot making it into the prestigious list included Shaldon, in Devon.
And the small village is also a hit with some of the biggest stars across the globe. The likes of David Beckham, Courtney Cox and Ruby Wax have all drank in the local pub.
READ MORE: Stressed tourist claims historic West Country village 'needs complete redesign'
Telegraph writer Oliver Smith states: "A combination of good looks, convenience for day trippers and a few influential endorsements can be enough to turn what was once a peaceful village into an overtourism battleground inundated with selfie stick-wielding tourists from April till October." He believes that many well-known village destinations, including Castle Combe in the Cotswolds and Polperro in Cornwall, "now exist largely to serve tourists, not residents".
However, some villages remain unnoticed by tourists, and Mells makes the top 30 list. The Telegraph describes it as "chocolate-box-charming" and "home to an achingly-cool old pub".
The newspaper says Mells "scores highly in village Top Trumps". "Handsome pile" Mells Manor, parts of which date from the 15th century, is highlighted as a key feature of the village.
The Telegraph states: "It’s not all ancient history though. A lovely outing is a walk by the Mells Stream, via the atmospherically overgrown and crumbly 18th- and 19th-century ruins of Fussell’s Ironworks, which once exported farm tools around the globe. The remains are now Grade-II listed and a vital roosting site for horseshoe bats.
"Don’t miss the community-owned village shop and cafe, a friendly spot selling basics. Treats are also available from The Real Cake Company in nearby Radstock and Little Jack Horner sausage rolls, whose bakery is in Mells itself."
Mells is absolutely stunning all year round. In summer local houses are awash with colourful gardens and shrubs which burst with colour.
Some of the larger houses are among the finest in the country - but even nicer are the smaller thatches which line the country road as you approach the village. If you visit, take a walk around the manor estate and church - the tithe barn is one of the nicest in the area.
Celebrities hang out at 'achingly cool' Mells pub
The Talbot Inn is a delightful place to visit - featuring little snugs and small rooms with fires, it is a treasure trove of real life pub history. With great food, beers, wine and cider you will want to spend hours there.
The Talbot is frequently visited by celebrities and rock stars including David Beckham, Courtney Cox (Monica from Friends), Ruby Wax, fashion designers, models, famous pop and rock artists and musicians. Many of them cycle out from Babington to the Talbot Inn on courtesy retro bikes provided by the Soho House establishment, it is only a short ride and very pleasant especially in summer.
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