The beautiful village 3 hours from London that feels like you've gone back in time where you can tour in a horse-drawn cart

Although the weather may be getting colder, it's still worth making the most of your weekends with a lovely day trip.

It goes without saying that the UK has so many amazing destinations on offer, so it can be quite hard to choose the perfect spot.

Less than two hours from London, you'll find one of the best villages in the UK.

Knipton in Leicestershire is a tiny place not far from the town of Grantham.

It's so picturesque that it made The Sunday Times list of 50 best villages.

Knipton has a very small population (Image: Richard Humphrey (Creative Commons))

Published on 12 September, Knipton was described as 'blissfully unsullied by the modern world'.

A visit to this pretty village is almost like stepping back in time, it's quite charming. The list even said the features 'complete a picture that couldn't be more traditional if it tried'.

With a population of just over 100, Knipton is made up of picture-perfect yellow sandstone houses with a delightful stream running through.

Adding to its character, the majority of the buildings in the village are listed so you know it'll be a beautiful place to visit.

Belvoir Castle is a must-visit (Image: Kmtextor (Creative Commons))

You can even take a tour in a horse-drawn cart and feel like a character in an old-timey drama.

Adding to that historical feel and lovely landscape, Knipton is perhaps best known for being close to Belvoir Castle.

A stunning stately home and castle, it dates all the way back to the 11C. Now, it is home to so many attractions and things to do you could spend an entire day out there.

There is a whole area full of magnificent art to view with some pieces dating from the 1700s. You can even see an impressive full-length portrait of Henry VIII after Holbein.

After looking around the art at Belvoir, you should take in the beauty of the gardens. There's plenty of delightful walking trails to follow and you can event visit the gorgeous rose garden planted by the current Duchess.

The castle is well-loved for its beautiful gardens (Image: Colin Park (Creative Commons))

It's also worth taking in the Japanese Woodland, the Duchess Garden and the Hermit's Garden. The walks are all full of beautiful nature and are very well-maintained, making them picture-perfect and tranquil.

Belvoir Castle even has its own retail village, The Engine Yard.

Restored from the old estate buildings, there are unique shops, local produce and artisan stores. Why not pick up a bottle of Belvoir Castle Gin?

There's plenty of food on offer too, including a cafe, bar and a pizza kitchen. Or, feel like a royal and experience afternoon tea in the castle's enchanting Tea Room.

Rated 4.4 stars on Google, reviews say the castle looks like it's from a 'fairytale', is a 'beautiful gem' and a 'magnificent place'. People also say it is 'good for bringing your kids '.

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If you don't fancy dinner at the castle, drive back to the village for some good grub.

A popular spot, and perhaps centrepiece of Knipton, is The Manners Arms.

Rated 4.5 stars on Google, they have a British restaurant in the incredible country house.

One diner said they had the 'Best burger I've ever had!' and another said it is the 'best place in the Vale of Belvoir'.

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