While there’s nothing quite like a quintessential British village with a cosy pub and chocolate box cottages, there’s something to be said about places which remind you of more distant locations. North Wales’ has its own Italian Riviera in the form of Portmeirion, and in Lancashire you can find a pocket of French culture in Croston.
Deep in the Staffordshire Peak District is another village with a twist - one which wouldn’t look out of place in Switzerland. Set against a backdrop of green limestone hills, Ilam could easily double for an Alpine location.
Its main road is lined with Swiss chalet-style cottages with steep gable roofs and intricate details. In the spring and summer you’ll find their perfectly manicured gardens blooming with colourful flowers, adding to the fairytale-feel of this charming corner of the Peak District.
