Ombersley may be 40 minutes from Birmingham but it feels like another world and time. This tiny Worcestershire village with its immaculate hedge rows, the odd thatched roof and red phone boxes feels like a twee throwback to an Agatha Christie novel. That could be why it's regularly named as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK and featured in the 'most beautiful villages' lists.
I find it easy to imagine Miss Marple behind twitching curtains in one of the many pretty cottages while murder suspects hang out in the two rather fine traditional country pubs, The Cross Keys or Kings Arms. Black and white timber framed buildings make this enclave look even more picturesque, midway between Droitwich and Worcester , off the busy A449 Worcester Road. It has its own cricket club where teacups rattle in the clubhouse, but there's also a tennis club and golf course not far away.
READ MORE: Win the ultimate CBeebies experience at Alton Towers Resort, including an overnight themed sleepover! Even the top-rated cafe Checketts looks more like a miniature castle with its fortress style frontage, opposite Victorian picture perfect St Andrew's Church. Inside, Checketts has high-end chic of distressed decor with cosy nooks and crannies for a coffee, brunch, big lunches and pizzas. There's wine-tasting nights and a big focus on buying local with a drinks list made up of bottles from Halfpenny Green vineyard on the Shropshire border.
An old-fashioned bicycle with front basket is fixe.
