The ‘toy-town’ UK village that looks like it’s from a Christmas film – with food festivals and idyllic shops
ANYONE looking for the perfect place to visit in the UK to help them get into the festive spirit this Christmas might want to consider a trip to a relatively new village.
The 30-year-old urban extension of Poundbury in Dorset is where tourists can find an almost film-like representation of Christmas celebrations.
The village has been labelled a “toy town” by some after it was established next to Dorchester by King Charles, back in 1993.
He created the town as a way to promote his ideal vision of how the country should be, with traditional architecture and urban planning principles.
The buildings are influenced by the Georgian and neoclassical ones found nearby and serve a mix of residential, commercial and community purposes.
The Duchy of Cornwall website lays out the four “key principles” that the town stands for.
They include “Architecture of place – creating beauty and reflecting local character and identity.
“Integrated affordable housing – throughout the development and indistinguishable from private housing.
“Mixed use – homes, public amenities, retail and other business uses together with open areas, all designed as an overall community.
“Walkable community – giving priority to people rather than to cars.”
As part of its people over cars ethos, there are a number of parks and open spaces for people to make use of.
One of which hosts a Christmas market during the festive period that has been likened to a Hallmark Christmas film setting.
The Times said: “If Hallmark were to film a Christmas movie in Britain, Poundbury would be an ideal setting.
“In 2022 there was a festive market in Crown Square with a hog roast, mulled wine, hot chocolate and a twinkling tree.”
They aren’t the only ones to compare the town to a film set either, with plenty of similar comments on TripAdvisor saying the same thing.
One person wrote: “It felt like I had walked into a film set.”
Another added: “It’s a bit like a film set, a fantasy, but in a good way.”
Others were more specific, with one resident Charlotte Fancy telling the Times: “It’s a wonderful place. I love the brightly coloured doors. One area feels like Cherry Tree Lane in Mary Poppins.”
Adding to the film set vibe are streets lined with independent shops and businesses, like Boos toy shop, a butcher, a deli and a cheesemonger.
There’s also a dog boutique, a candle shop and the local pub, the Duchess of Cornwall Inn and hotel.
In fact, one of the only chains found in the settlement is Waitrose, which sells the Duchy of Cornwall’s produce.
The Duchy of Cornwall also helps to organise the annual food and arts festival market, which showcases local artisan food and drink as well as artists and community organisations.
More than 60 stalls are set up each year to provide visitors with food, drinks and handmade crafts and souvenirs.
King Charles himself is no stranger to a visit to the town and visits several times each year – he’s even been pictured in the pub and popped in to many of the shops and businesses.
Residents say he “genuinely seems to care” about the town, according to the Washington Post.
Resident Peter Bryant told the publication: “He is a detail man and a brilliant enabler.
“He is always asking, ‘Are your rooms big enough? Light enough? Are you satisfied with your home?’”
His attention to detail is clearly working, with the town voted one of the best places to live this year by the Sunday Times.
They said: “There are regular get-togethers for new residents and no shortage of clubs: dramatics, choir, books, art, the WI, walking, running, pilates, yoga and gardening.
“It could use more trees on the streets, but it makes up for it with vast green spaces.
“There are four smaller green spaces plus two allotments and a community orchard, as well as views of the Dorset countryside, thanks to Poundbury’s hilltop spot.”
Meanwhile, this tiny village has been named the most beautiful in the UK.
And this undiscovered village has bizarre round houses and a secluded beach.