Winchester's pubs named as the UK's best for medieval spots

This is according to the hospitality company Accor, which was looking to find the UK's best places to explore a bit of history.
They analysed Google search trends and review data to rank the UK's ten most well-preserved medieval destinations.
Accor added: "The results reveal where visitors can truly step back in time, from cobbled streets and Gothic cathedrals to atmospheric alehouses and ancient city walls."
Winchester's pubs named as the UK's best for medieval spots
Winchester ranked sixth in the overall list for the UK's most well-preserved medieval destinations:
One of the aspects analysed to determine this was the quality of its traditional pubs, from which they received a perfect 10/10 score.
As a result, Winchester was ranked the highest out of all the places in this category.
Speaking about this aspect, Accor said: "As England's former capital, it's no surprise that Winchester tops our list of traditional pubs with a score of 10.
"Once home to the first Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred the Great, this historic city is rich in heritage, boasting pubs like the Royal Oak, which dates back to 1002 AD.
"Enjoy classic ales and hearty meals amid the charming medieval ambience of pubs such as the Eclipse Inn and the Wykeham Arms."
What are Winchester's best traditional pubs?
If you're looking for historical and traditional pubs in Winchester, then the previously mentioned Royal Oak could be a good choice.
It has earned a 4.3/5 score on Google Reviews from 1,892 ratings and a 3.7/5 score on Tripadvisor from 746 reviews, with visitors praising the food and service.
One person wrote: "What a fantastic place to come on a Saturday. The food and service were fantastic. All very pub like. I recommend!"
Another shared: "Great food. Average price. Pet friendly. Good selection of Ales. Definitely worth a visit."
According to its website, the Royal Oak is considered to be one of England's oldest pubs, with some parts supposedly dating back to as far as 1002 AD, when Queen Emma was in residence.
It adds: "Hidden down a cobbled passage, the low ceiling beams and wood-panelled walls feel like a true celebration of the building's rich heritage."
Meanwhile, The Eclipse Inn in The Square is another historical option, which dates back to around 1540.
According to the CAMRA website, it is a Grade II-listed establishment which has an "impressive ancient ceiling and timber pillars" among its features.
Alongside that, The Wykeham Arms on Kingsgate Street is said to be a place surrounded by heritage, which also offers up quality food.
Its website adds: "Since 1755, when it was a coaching inn, there has been a pub on this site, quenching the thirst of travellers moving to and from the coast. Lord Nelson himself was said to have stayed here in his way to Portsmouth!"
Recommended reading:
The site continues: "Perhaps better known now, the pub became a landmark thanks to the late Graeme Jameson, considered by many to be the perfect landlord.
"His astonishing collection of bric-a-brac still adorns the walls of the pub today."
Other historical options in the city include The Bishop on the Bridge, The William Walker and The Old Vine.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time Out

an hour ago

• Time Out

The 24 most beautiful buildings in the world

1. Taj Mahal, India When was it built? 1632-1653 You might think you've made some romantic gestures in your time, but few acts of love can compete with those of Shah Jahan. After the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Mughal Emperor commissioned the building of an appropriate mausoleum for her, and what it resulted in, 22 years later, was the Taj Mahal. It's thought the building's beauty was inspired by hers, and English poet Sir Edwin Arnold reportedly said that the palace was 'not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor's love wrought in living stones.' 2. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland When was it built? 1945-1986 Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja might look like a rocket, but it is in fact a striking Evangelical-Lutheran church, and the largest place of worship in Iceland. Its façade nods to both modernist and expressionist architectural styles, but Guðjón Samúelsson, the building's lead designer, was inspired by the country's robust landscape. The sloping sides of Hallgrímskirkja's face resemble cooled lava, and its white concrete finishing enables it to blend with the mountainous backdrop. 3. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt When was it built? 2550-2490 BC We couldn't curate a credible list of the world's most beautiful buildings without including some of the oldest, most stoic structures of all. Built (presumably) using a system of rams, sledges, ropes, leavers and rollers, the Pyramids of Giza were tombs for the pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom to prepare them for life as gods after their death, and given construction began on the Great Pyramid more than four millennia ago, they've certainly stood the test of time. 4. Fallingwater, USA When was it built? 1936-1939 Surrounding ourselves even with just little hints of nature is good for our wellbeing, but Fallingwater, an extraordinarily-designed 1930s house, takes that to a whole 'nother level. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the building to be a weekend home for the Kaufman family. Featuring cantilevered terraces that protrude into the lush greenery, Fallingwater intertwines with the stunning surroundings of Bear Run Nature Reserve, cleverly built over a babbling waterfall (hence the name). The interior, built around a fireplace, features rocks cutting in from the outside. The entirety of the house is enveloped in the constant sound of ever-falling water. 5. Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan When was it built? First century AD Also known as the 'Rose City' because of the rose-red hue of the surrounding sandstone, Petra's outstanding beauty and unique architecture (buildings are half-built and half-carved into the rock face, with an innovative water management system enabling a population to settle) have earned it a worthy place as one of the eight wonders of the world. Ad-Dayr, the Monastery, is one of the ancient city's most-visited and most famous monuments. At 48 metres high, it's Petra's tallest stone façade. 6. Fondation Louis Vuitton, France When was it built? 2007- 2014 You might not think it at first glance, but Frank Gehry's 2014 masterpiece is inspired by classic, late nineteenth-century greenhouses – the kind that appear elsewhere on this list. The building's shape resembles a futuristic-looking ship ornamented with twelve glass sails – a structure Gehry apparently imagined as a 'magnificent vessel that symbolizes France's cultural vocation'. The sails are interspersed with white blocks known as 'icebergs' and its fragmented appearance is a nod to Gehry's signature deconstructivist architectural style. 7. Trinity College Library, Ireland When was it built? 1712-1732 Ireland 's largest library is so much more than a massive collection of books (though there are around 6 million printed volumes shelved here). Its 65-metre main chamber, called the Long Room, is an imposing, handsome space which has gradually been added to throughout the decades to house more and more books. It started as a single-story, plaster-ceilinged space and has since been built up to feature barrel-vaulted ceilings and an upper gallery, resulting in this famously moody, gothic reading room. 8. Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali When was it built? Thirteenth century, rebuilt in 1907 If you've never seen a mud-brick building before, start off strong with this majestic mosque, which is the largest example of this kind of architecture on the planet (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It's made of sun-baked earthen bricks which have been coated in sand, earth-based mortar and a coat of plaster. However, Mali's climate isn't kind to this kind of material, so every year the Crépissage de la Grand Mosquée takes place, an annual event where the local community come together to replaster the building – typically the women gather river water and the men gather clay and make plaster. 9. Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran When was it built? 1876-1888 If you're looking for beauty in the minute details, seek out a mosque. Shiraz's Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, appropriately nicknamed the 'Pink Mosque', is a stellar example. Its crowning jewel is the prayer room, which is flooded with kaleidoscopic colour at sunrise, dreamily illuminating the walls' many intricate mosaics. But the mosque's exterior is just as impressive, with beautifully decorated pastel-hued tiles embellishing the entire building. 10. The Twist, Norway When was it built? 2016-2019 Ever been to an art gallery that doubles as a bridge? Well, head to Kistefos Sculpture Park in Norway, and you can. This stunning feat of infrastructure and architecture is appropriately named The Twist, and consists of a beam that rotates 90 degrees to connect the banks of the Ranselva River. Inside, the innovative use of light creates three different galleries: visitors are greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass on the north side, which offers panoramic views; a sculptural section with a slice of ceiling light in the middle; and a tall, moody space on the south side. 11. Sagrada Famila, Spain When was it built? 1882-today (due to be completed in 2026) They say good things take time, and more than 140 years after construction began, the work on Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece is nearly (like really nearly) done. The Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be finally complete by spring 2026, which would mark 100 years since its architect's passing, and it looks like all the waiting will be worth it. From the building's strange, Gothic-slash-Art Nouveau stylings to the intensely vibrant stained glass windows, the tree-like columns to the 'magic square', it's a unique melange of texture, colour, light and detail. 12. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh When was it built? 1961-1982 Bangladesh's National Parliament House isn't beautiful in the dainty, romantic, classical sense, but you can't deny its impact. It was designed by world-famous architect Louis Kahn, originally to house the governmental quarters of East Pakistan until Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 while the building was still being constructed. Now, it stands as a symbol of democracy. A trademark of Kahn's designs is the manipulation of light – he believed natural light could transform a buildings' interior in a way no material means could – which is why the modernist façade features vast geometric holes. 13. Pantheon, Italy When was it built? 118-128 AD Whether you ponder the Roman Empire occasionally or daily, the Pantheon, which translates from Greek to mean 'honour all gods', stands as a monumental example of the ancient realm's engineering and design prowess. Its unreinforced concrete dome remains the largest of its kind on the planet, on top of being perfectly proportioned – the 43.3 metre diameter is the exact same distance as from the ceiling to the floor. Oh, and the hole in its summit – the 'oculus' or 'eye of the Pantheon' – casts a striking lighting effect on April 21 every year, when the midday sun hits a metal grill above the doorway and completely illuminates the courtyard outside. Stunning, eh? 14. Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria When was it built? 1880-1882 A whole load of steel and glass might not sound like a particularly elegant mix of materials, but in Vienna, that combo has resulted in this exquisite greenhouse which dates back to the nineteenth century. Palmenhaus sits in Schonbrunn Palace's Dutch Botanical Gardens, and, despite its dainty-looking structure, it houses three different climates and 4,500 different plants. The central pavilion has a Mediterranean climate, the north side caters to cold-weather species and the southern one is tropical, and they're all connected by tunnels. 15. Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam When was it built? 2021 Bát Tràng, an ancient village nestled in the Gia Lâm district of Hanoi, has always been known for its pottery – the name literally translates to bowl workshop, after all. However, despite the village's age (it's been around since the eleventh century), one of its newest buildings is one of its most striking – the Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House. Insight from villagers, local artisans and pottery experts informed the design of this place, a bold, tiered structure which references the shape of potters' wheels. 16. Museum at Eldridge Street, USA When was it built? 1887 This building isn't only beautiful thanks to its Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque features, its striking windows and its grand façade, but also because of all its history. Originally built in 1887, when the US was experiencing a window of mass immigration and New York 's Lower East Side became the most densely populated Jewish community in the world, Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first in America to be purpose-built by eastern European immigrants. It was a proud display of their newly-found religious freedom, and though the population using it gradually declined, a generous restoration project, under which it became Museum at Eldridge Street, has restored it to its former magnificence. 17. Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia When was it built? 1916-1949 Plenty of buildings come about out of necessity, but others are built in order to honour or remember, and it's the latter that led to the creation of this imposing Colombian Basilica. Perched on a 40-metre-high bridge over the Guáitara River, the site has been a pilgrimage destination since the eighteenth century, when it's thought a woman and her daughter witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Between 1916 and 1949, flying buttresses, pointy arches and ribbed vaults were constructed to replace the previous smaller shrine, giving the site a refreshed neo-gothic grandeur. 18. Museum of Old and New Art, Australia When was it built? 2011 If you want a building that's not just going to welcome you, but will actually take you on a journey, look no further than MONA. It's nestled into Triassic-period sandstone cliffs, around a 40 minute ferry ride from Hobart along Australia 's Derwent River, and its design is peculiar, but pretty darn cool. The whole idea was to not detract from existing properties in the area, so lots of the museum's exhibition spaces are dimly-lit, subterranean rooms, and there's also an art conservation area and theatre on site. Pharos is the newest part of the building, which was opened back in 2017, and it's accessible via two different tunnels. 19. Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, UK When was it built? 2020 Hospitals tend to be uncomfortable places characterised by too-bright strip lighting and unnervingly squeaky surfaces, but not at this Maggie's Centre. The charity has striven to build personal environments to support cancer sufferers and their families, and this space is comforting and stunning. Enormous, mushroom-shaped forms grow from the floors to form the tiered roofs, and the stems are deep enough to contain loos and lifts. The space is decorated with mostly natural materials – think cork-topped tables, resin floors and cascading potted plants. 20. Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile When was it built? 2007-2016 Forget what you know about temples – this stunning place of worship in Chile is a striking deviation from tradition. The Baháʼí Community is a religion based on unity among all people, and this temple, with its nine gleaming glass veils, frames an airy, accessible place for worship that can accommodate 600 individuals. From inside, the dome's peak lets in light that's captured between the glass and translucent Portuguese marble on the building's interior. At sunset, the light fades from white to silver to ochre to purple. 21. Futuna Chapel, New Zealand When was it built? 1959-1961 Hidden away in the Wellington suburb of Karori is what is widely considered by the architecture community to be the most significant of New Zealand 's twentieth-century buildings. Futuna Chapel is a beautiful little space, originally commissioned by the Society of Mary, a Catholic religious group. Inside, you'll find marvellous displays of light over the floor and walls through the pretty stained-glass windows, wood, layers, a load of texture and plenty of sharp angles. 22. Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda When was it built? 2022 This community and education hub near Lake Ihema in eastern Rwanda is a stunning recent build that thoughtfully incorporates its environment (known as vernacular architecture). Its name means 'to stand strong, and to have courage', and there are woven eucalyptus screens and brick patterns throughout the building, which are inspired by local 'Imigongo' artwork – a style thought to have originated in Rwanda several centuries ago. 23. National Holocaust Monument, Canada When was it built? 2017 It's our collective duty to learn from the past, and commemorating dark chapters in our history with such stark monuments is one way to encourage that vital introspection. Technically entitled 'Landscape of Loss, Memory and Survival', the details in Canada 's National Holocaust Monument have been thoughtfully designed to ensure it lives up to its name. The building's structure centres around six triangular volumes that form the Star of David, and it's organised around two planes – one ascends, pointing to the future, and the other descends into a space which features murals and photographs of the Holocaust to ensure it's not forgotten. 24. Enryaku-ji, Japan When was it built? 788 Kyoto has its fair share of temples, but Enryaku-ji is one of its prettiest. It's perched on top of Mount Hieizan in Kyoto's eastern mountain range, and the wider complex at one time comprised nearly 3,000 subtemples. It was founded by Saicho, a monk who introduced Tendai Buddhism to the region way back in 778, but after an attack by Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga in 1571 (who was trying to unite Japan), most of the original buildings were destroyed. Now, the majority of the ones left date from the Endo period, and they're clustered in three main areas: Todo; Saito and Tokawa.

Metro

9 hours ago

• Metro

I found the perfect European destination to escape the heatwave

In true British fashion, I'd always turned my nose up at the idea of a holiday that didn't involve heat. The UK summer is unreliable at best, and if it wasn't sun, sea and sangria, I didn't want to know. But now, as we sweat through a potentially dangerous heatwave, I can think of nothing but the 'coolcation' that changed my mind. In April, I visited Bergen, Norway's gateway to the fjords, a colourful city nestled between seven mountains and the dazzling western coastline. This Scandinavian jewel may be small, but it punches above its weight with an abundance of natural beauty, history and a surprisingly eclectic food scene. After spending four days there, I'd recommend Bergen to anyone looking to escape the heat this summer. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Bergen is easily accessible from the UK, with direct 90-minute flights from Manchester and London's Gatwick and Heathrow airports. The city is known as 'the gateway to the fjords' for its location between the two largest fjords in the country — the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. Norway is renowned for these deep, water-filled valleys, carved by glaciers. The Scandinavian nation has over 1,000 of these scenic bad boys, more than any other country in the world. I travelled to the Sognefjord via the Flåm Railway. Widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful train journeys, it passes snow-covered rock faces, cascading waterfalls and tiny mountain farms before winding its way down to the fjord's shore. Before setting off, I checked the forecast only for my heart to sink when I saw highs of 8°C in Flåm, where I would be boarding a boat across two of the Sognefjord's branches. But once on deck, insulated by a turtleneck, a fleece, a sweater and a puffer coat, I soon forgot about the wind biting at my nose and fingers. The electric boat slid silently through the narrow passages, flanked by towering cliffs and lush green forest. I craned my neck to marvel at the unspoiled landscape and, busy taking it all in, I could barely feel the cold. Western Norway is having its moment, but international interest brings the challenges of mass tourism. Stein Ove Rolland, CEO of Fjord Norway, tells me that tours to this part of the world have become more popular in recent years, as experienced travellers seek something different to Europe's better-known destinations. Experts believe the rise is linked to the growing number of travellers looking to explore colder climates. Known as coolcations, Google searches for 'cooler holidays' soared by 300% between 2023 and 2024, and interest shows no sign of waning. Bergen, where temperatures rarely rise above 20°C even at the height of summer, definitely qualifies for this category. Most tourists arrive between June and August, but there were already plenty of visitors during my trip in April. The train journey was comfortably busy, but the boat was nearly full, and the local bus at the other end of the fjord struggled to accommodate the influx of passengers. Norway is nervous about welcoming more visitors. A tourism campaign was shelved last year over fears of the environmental impact, while local authorities could soon be allowed to charge tourist tax. In Bergen, the daily number of cruise ship passengers has been capped at 8,000. Stein tells me that while tourism has long been an integral part of the area, balancing the needs of guests and locals can be difficult. He says the region is doing everything it can to protect the natural environment. One way they are doing this, he says, is encouraging tourists to visit in the colder months. 'We no longer market the summer season specifically, but highlight how unique it is to experience Bergen and the surrounding areas in spring, autumn, and winter,' he explains. 'In these seasons, there is more space, the nature is just as spectacular, and the food reflects the different times of year.' Bergen is officially Europe's rainiest city, averaging more than 200 rainy days per year, thanks to the surrounding mountains, which trap moisture coming in from the North Sea. But, thanks to the climate, it's perfect for nature lovers. Ulriken, the tallest of Bergen's mountains at 643 metres, can be hiked in one to two hours. A cable car offers a stunning view of the windblown ridges and inhospitable North Sea that surround the city. Mount Fløyen, meanwhile, boasts dense forest and winding trails within minutes of the city centre, with a funicular that goes right to the summit. I was lucky with the weather, as locals often reminded me; it stayed dry for two of the three days I spent in Bergen. When the rain finally came, on my last day in the city, it poured. But despite my aversion to damp climes, I found Bergen striking in the deluge. The city's vibrant colours — rust-red roofs and emerald forest — held their own amid the silvery sheen of rain, and the downpour created a hushed atmosphere that was strangely comforting. As a fair-weather traveller, I'm not used to packing for cold climates. Bergen in spring can experience everything from chilly temperatures to mild, pleasant days with rain and sunshine. The essential clothing items I recommend packing for a tripare: A fleece or wool sweater A windproof and waterproof jacket A hat and gloves Comfortable, waterproof shoes Short and long-sleeved t-shirts for layering As the rain moved in, I explored the narrow streets of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the centre of Bergen, dating back to the 12th-century. The area was once central to the German Hanseatic League's trading empire because of stockfish, Norway's traditional (and highly divisive) dried cod. Today, Bryggen's medieval legacy is preserved by the characteristic wooden buildings, restored with traditional methods, their colourful facades housing artisan shops, restaurants, and artist studios. The district is home to the oldest restaurant in Bergen, Bryggen Tracteusted. The building has served many purposes, including as a courthouse and a school, since the 1700s. Now, it serves local dishes including fish soup with delicate dumplings, juicy beetroot tartare and, of course, stockfish with seasonal trimmings. Sloping heavily towards the harbour because of its age, Bryggen Tracteusted exudes old-world charm. Wood panelled walls, stone floors, candlelit rooms and fur throws draped on the back of chairs create a cosy retreat from the rain-slicked streets. The four-course tasting menu, priced at 825 NKO (roughly £60), is as generous as it is delicious. The manager joked that the building tilts not from age, but so guests can roll home full and happy. More Trending Back in my hotel room, warmed and full from creamy artichoke soup, white wine steamed cabbage and nutty rye bread, I scrolled through social media posts of a sunshine-filled weekend back home. I didn't feel an ounce of jealousy. Bergen, with its historic charm, natural beauty and cosy atmosphere, had warmed my spirit — even if it hadn't quite done the same for my body. Getting there I flew direct to Bergen with Jet2 from Manchester Airport. Return flights for May 2026 are priced at £131 per person one-way, and the airline also offers direct flights to the city from six other UK airports: Bristol, Edinburgh, London Stansted, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford and Newcastle, alongside three and four-night-long package breaks in the city. Meanwhile, Norwegian offers direct return flights from London Gatwick from £114, via Skyscanner. From Bergen airport, it's a 20-minute drive to the city centre, or take the Bergen Light Rail. The journey takes around 40 minutes and is free with a Bergen Card, which also offers discounts on some museums, attractions and restaurants. Prices start at £30 for a 24-hour pass, and a four-day pass will set you back around £54. Where to stay I stayed at Thon Hotel Orion, a four-star establishment where rooms start from £153 per night. Just a four-minute walk from Bryggen and ten minutes from Bergen's main square, the hotel has a gym, a bar and complimentary breakfast, with rooms ranging from a standard twin to a suite with a living room and kitchenette. Thon Hotel Orion received a 2025 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award, granted to properties ranked within the top 10% on the website. Ellie Hutchings was a guest of Jet2 and Visit Bergen. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: My unexpected love affair with Switzerland's 'most boring' city MORE: Spain's little-known village with 'hanging houses' is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists MORE: 'Charming' city in Spain is a lesser-known gem with £40 flights and 'hardly any tourists'

Metro

a day ago

• Metro

Spain's little-known village with colourful ‘hanging houses'

In Barcelona, there's the Sagrada Familia. In Madrid, the Royal Palace. In Puerto Banús, it's all about the luxury marina. But at a time when popular destinations are pushing back against overtourism, lesser-known gems are finding themselves in the spotlight. And, for those actively seeking tourists, there's nothing we love more at Metro Travel than putting them on the map. One place worth your time is Cudillero, a small and unassuming fishing port in Asturias, northern Spain. Nestled in the Pico Paradiella mountains, with a surrounding landscape of rolling hills and horseshoe cliffs, it's an Instagrammer's paradise. But its defining feature is the brightly-coloured 'hanging houses' that protrude from the hillside. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Of course, the buildings don't actually hang from the rocks, but the way they've been built makes them look as though they're perched on the edge, overlooking the harbour. If this mental picture has already made you want to book flights, then let us help you plan your itinerary. Cudillero isn't just a pretty face; there's so much more to this picturesque village than meets the eye. First up, let's talk about the views. If you're an avid hiker, Cudillero and its surrounding areas should be on your hit list. The region boasts diverse trails suitable for all skill levels, with standout landmarks including the lighthouse, La Garita, La Atalaya and El Pico. There's also the Cabo Vidio, a coastal area with cliffs and viewpoints. Not to mention Mirador de la Garita-Atalaya, another iconic viewpoint with panoramic scenes of Cudillero harbour. For those who like a challenge, Cudillero is part of the spiritual Camino del Norte pilgrimage route. While trekking in the area, you'll find panoramic landscapes, from verdant forests, the Cantabrian Sea and stretches of rugged coastline. If sightseeing without hiking up mountains is more your vibe, Cudillero on the ground is just as stunning. The village's two most important buildings are the 13th-century chapel of El Humilladero, the oldest in town, and the Church of San Pedro, a 16th-century Gothic-style parish church replete with Baroque carvings. Both buildings are open to the public. Once you've checked out the architecture, take a stroll around the village. The narrow cobbled square is home to the fish taverns, which are the main tourist attraction, according to Cudillero's tourism website. TripAdvisor rates Restaurante Isabel as the best restaurant in the village, and diners seem to agree. From the traditional rustic blue and white interior, to the generous portions of local seafood, one visitor said they enjoyed 'premium product and exceptional care.' Another said 'do not pass without stopping,' while a third spotlighted the 'delicious' lobster rice. Prices here range in affordability. Fabas con Almejas (beans with clams) costs €15 (£12.82). The lobster rice (Arroz de Bogavante) is €30 (£25.64), while a Caldereta de Pescados (fish stew) will set you back €60 (£51.28). As Cudillero is a coastal town, the village is perfect for beach lovers. Playa de San Pedro is a popular spot, as it sits between the ocean and the Esqueiro River. There's also Pedreru de la Concha de Artedo, which is a 15-minute drive from town. Here you'll find a long stretch of sand, pebbles and cobalt blue water. If you're looking for more seclusion, Playa del Silencio is a 20-minute drive away. Also known as 'Silence Beach,' this shell-shaped cove is only accessible via dirt track and steps. @ ✨SAVE✨ for your Europe trip 📌SAVE & SHARE This beautiful village has it all 🤩 Did you guess right? This beautiful village is located just 2 hrs drive from Santander and is often called Spain´s best-kept secret! Welcome to Cudillero , a place you must visit in Spain! Cudillero is the most picturesque fishing village on the Asturian coast, full of cute colourful houses and picturesque streets just like Italy, ideal for getting lost in! Cudillero is for sure one of the most colourful villages in Europe and a must stop on any Northern Spain road trip! 📌Top travel tip : If you fall in love with this picturesque fishing village, you can stay an extra day or two to hike the trails along the cliffs or walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail that also passes through Cudillero. #spain #travel #spaintrip #northernspain #spaintravel #europetravel #beautifulvillage #beautifuldestinations ♬ The Nights – Acoustic – VL4S Back in Cudillero, relax in the Plaza de la Marina, the lively square and heart of the village. This spot has the best views of the 'hanging houses,' as they surround the plaza. Sip on an Aperol Spritz or enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants. The plaza is much more than just an attractive lunch spot, though. It dates back centuries and has always been the epicentre of Cudillero's social and commercial activity. Many of the buildings were constructed during medieval times, when the village was purely reliant on its fishing industry. Nowadays, Cudillero's economy focuses on tourism, but residents still respect the village's past. This is most obvious during July's Fiesta del Carmen, an important date in Cudillero's calendar, where locals and fishermen come together to pay homage to their patron saint. This year, the traditional festival will be celebrated on Sunday, July 21, with the maritime procession in the Plaza de la Marina being the main attraction. Throughout the day, expect the Avante Cuideiru Bagpipe Band, a concert by the San Pedro de Cudillero Mixed Choir, the folk group Arduríu Pixuatu, and even a DJ set. The festival is free to visit, but certain venues within the festival are ticketed. The closest airport to Cudillero is Asturias Airport, around 10 miles away. On July 1, Spanish budget airline Vueling is operating a flight from London Gatwick for just £65. The journey takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. More Trending Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh also fly to Asturias, however there are no direct routes. You'll need to stop in Barcelona, Alicante and Frankfurt. The average flight time is around 6 hours. Cudillero has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. August is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging around 23°C. June, July and September range between 20°C and 22°C. The shoulder season, late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), enjoys a comfortable heat between 18°C and 20°C, while the winter months can peak around 13°C to 14°C. MORE: British dad breaks neck after being pushed into shallow pool at Benidorm party MORE: Major UK airline launches sale with £29 flights to 475 destinations — but it ends in two days MORE: Cause of Spain and Portugal blackouts which left millions in the dark revealed