History, location, and local building materials have etched the distinct character of each region onto each village. Honey-colored cottages form peaceful Cotswold communities; splendid thatched roofs sweep over eaves and windows in the villages of Hampshire; half-timbering, flint, and limestone give Suffolk hamlets their characteristic appearance; and limestone, sandstone, and millstone grit lend a darker look to those of Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland.

Grouped by area and subdivided by county—northern, midland, eastern, southern, and western—this is a spectacular celebration of England's picture perfect villages.

The late James Bentley was a distinguished travel writer. Hugh Palmer is one of Britain's foremost photographers of rural life. Their previous books include many titles in the Most Beautiful Villages series.