15 Hippy Towns in England and Wales
If you’re a fan of plant-based lattes and plastic-free groceries, you might find yourself drawn to one of the UK’s hippy towns. Hippy of course is a cliché word, used to describe eccentric communities fostering independent identities. There are many such towns nestled in the English and Welsh countryside. These towns might be hard to find but once you’re there, you’ll fall for their boho charm. These are the hippy towns of England and Wales.
English country towns have a reputation of being a bit chi-chi – associated more with Farrow and Ball paint than vintage frocks or crystals. Nevertheless, there are many small towns channeling a different way of living. Environmental responsibility and artistic output are key to these communities, as is supporting local business. To discover where these towns are and what makes them special read on. Welcome to the hippy towns of England and Wales.
15 Hippy Towns in England and Wales
- Glastonbury
- Totnes
- Hebden Bridge
- Frome
- Cardigan
- Stroud
- Margate
- Bruton
- Lampeter
- St Ives
- Hastings
- Hay on Wye
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Norwich
15 Hippy Towns in England and Wales
1. Glastonbury
Glastonbury is possibly the most hippy town in England. Shops selling crystals, dreamcatchers and incense line the medieval streets. A major draw is Glastonbury Tor – one of the most spiritual sites in the UK. Glastonbury Festival started attracting bohemians here in the 70s and things have stuck. Today it remains a centre of spirituality, with an eco-friendly, independent outlook. Dubbed “Pagan Paradise”, it’s the perfect place if you’re looking to reconnect with the world, with several retreats and sanctuaries helping recenter yourself.
2. Totnes
Totnes is a town known for its independent outlook. In 2006, it became the first ‘transition town’- a movement designed to strengthen local economies and reduce environmental impact. For a while, Totnes even had its own currency (made unviable by a cashless society). Nevertheless, Totnes is still renowned for its eco-friendly mindset and shop-local initiatives. For years, Totnes was home to the Dartington College of Arts, attracting creative types to the Devonshire market town. It retains an artistic reputation today. The streets are lined with independent and creative businesses, many attracting the ‘green pound’. You won’t struggle for a vegan menu of plastic-free shopping trips here.
3. Hebden Bridge
Hebden-bridge seems like the most unlikely of places to foster a hippy commuter community. However it did just that. Creatives flocked to the Yorkshire mill town in the 70s, giving it an artistic identity which it retains. Today, it has a flourishing arts centre with organic delis, artisan shops, and a thriving gay and lesbian community. It’s also home to a number of writers and artists who take inspiration from its picturesque location. Wooded valleys and heather moorland are a stone’s throw away. The town is rich in amenities and also accessible by rail.
4. Frome
Nestled in the Somerset countryside, Frome is a town with a unique identity. Home to a thriving contemporary and performing arts scene, the place is full of cobbled lanes and creative types. On the first Sunday of the month, ‘The Frome Independent Market’ comes to town, showcasing the town’s shop-local ethos. Artisan shops and small galleries line the picturesque streets, with creative industries tucked in workshops behind. If you want community, you’ll find it here. There are a number of community projects designed to bring people together. It also has a railway station.
5. Cardigan
The relative remoteness of Ceredigion has made Cardigan a popular spot for those seeking an alternative lifestyle. It’s a town flying the flag of Welsh culture and language with an independent spirit. The high street is full of independents from the everyday to artisan. There’s also a number of quirky cafes. You won’t struggle for culture here as Cardigan boasts an independent cinema and “alternative” theatre venue (the Small World Theatre). Cardigan’s scenic location is a big draw for creatives who take inspiration from its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and ancient castle. The community however is what really gives this town a happy hippy character.
6. Stroud
Described by Jasper Conran as the ‘the Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’, Stroud is a town of musicians, artists and creatives. Home to the first Green Party-controlled council in the country, it’s a place concerned with its environmental impact. This is where the organic food movement started! Today the town hosts eight festivals and its streets are lined with artisan shops, organic delis and galleries. There’s even a vintage shopping trail you can take to discover some of the town’s delights.
7. Margate
Dubbed Shoreditch-by-the-sea, Margate’s hippy days may have passed but the town retains an artistic vibe. Childhood home of the artist, Tracey Emin, the town is regarded as one of the trendiest places in the UK. Throughout the 90s, artists started to settle here. When the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery opened in 2011, Margate was confirmed as a hub of creativity. The rather down-at-heel seaside town has recently transformed. Today, the streets are lined with quirky cafes and vintage shops, with many galleries and studios.
8. Bruton
Bruton is a little more of a red trousers than harem-pants sort of place. Nevertheless, it’s a hive of artistic types with a distinct character. The town is home to a Hauser & Wirth Gallery – one of a collection of others in London, New York, Los Angeles and Zurich. Built in brownish Somerset stone, the little town has an arty allure with a charming collection of independent shops and cafes. There’s even a wine store in a former church. It’s a little arty enclave, with none of the excessiveness of Glastonbury.
9. Lampeter
Lampeter is a quirky little place with a population of just 3,000 (growing to 4,000 during term time). It’s another town fostering an environmentally-friendly, independent outlook. Though small, the town is characterised by its whole food shops, quirky cafes and independents like the Welsh Quilt Centre. Despite its humdrum appearance, the town is a big draw for eco-warriors and artsy types. It’s not quite Glastonbury but how often do you need the convenience of a crystal last minute?
10. St Ives
Despite fighting a losing battle with second-home owners, St Ives retains a bohemian atmosphere. Hippies descended on the town during the 60s and their presence has left an impression. Today it’s popular with artists and creatives. A favourite spot of sculptress Barbara Hepworth, the town has its own Tate Gallery, in addition to the many small independents. The light is beautiful here with sandy coastlines and hidden coves. You won’t struggle for a vegan menu or artisan coffee either.
11. Hastings
Priced out of the increasingly-expensive Brighton, many artists now head for Hastings. The town has slowly developed a reputation as one of the UK’s cultural centres. Today it’s home to a number of creatives. There’s a buzzy alternative atmosphere to the place, with the centre retaining a rugged charm. The Hastings and Bexhill Task Force has a plan to boost the local economic scene. The Creative Media Center is home to a number of start-ups and the contemporary Jerwood Gallery is a big draw for artists. Smaller, independent galleries also pepper the streets with the artists taking inspiration from the historic environs. You won’t struggle for an artisan coffee or comedy gig either.
12. Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-wye is one of the most community centred small towns in England. It’s a hippy, happy sort of place with a real artistic spirit. Like Glastonbury in June, Hay becomes a cosmopolitan refuge in the countryside during the Hay Festival. Regarded as the “last unreconstructed hippy bastion”, the town has more bookshops per square foot than anywhere in the world. Hay is full of small independent pubs and organic delis, with a renowned arts venue providing a busy programme. It’s a town principally known for its bookshops. However, it’s also popular with artists who seek inspiration from its Wye Valley location.
13. Brighton
Brighton is actually a city, not a town. However it’s home to one of the most liberal-minded, eco-friendly communities in England. Brighton is the only constituency to have a Green Party MP – demonstrating the town cares about its environmental impact. Brighton has the UK’s highest concentration of creative businesses and artists per-capita. Its independent spirit is most clearly seen on the ‘lanes’ – a collection of streets boasting creative businesses, vintage shops and quirky cafes. One of the first places to get behind the vegan food movement, Brighton has tons of plant-based eating venues. There’s also bundles of gallery and performance space, many in artsy pubs.
14. Bristol
Alright my lover? Bristol is a city, not a town. However, it’s one of the most bohemian places in the UK. The Stokes Croft neighbourhood is regarded as Bristol’s most eccentric part. The area is basically an outdoor gallery with plenty of graffiti and street art including works by Banksy. Stokes Croft is home to a range of hipster pubs, quirky shops and artists’ studios. Unfortunately, it’s main artistic hub – The Arts House – has recently closed. Nevertheless, the area still has a distinct bohemian vibe and you won’t struggle to find a vegan menu or live music event. Bristol is also proud to have it’s own currency, which unlike Totnes is still in circulation.
15. Norwich
Marooned out in East Anglia, Norwich is a city, not a town. However, it’s regarded as one of the most hipster locations outside London. The city’s full hipster pubs selling craft beers. Anyone familiar with the phrase “Normal for Norfolk”? It’s a trope used to summarise the county’s quirky identity. Norwich lives up to the stereotype. It’s a relaxed, slightly bohemian place with little nooks of gallery and performance space. It’s a popular spot for artists too due to its proximity to the coast. The city’s eccentric identity is best seen on its ‘lanes’ – an enclave of creative independents. You can find everything here from vintage clothing to books and artisan wares. It’s unusual to have such a high presence of independents in prime retail space. Perhaps it’s “Normal for Norfolk”.
Best Small Towns in England by Train
Unfortunately, some of the hippy towns in England and Wales don’t have train stations. However, it’s not just the cities that boast railway access. Stroud, Margate, Hastings, Hebden Bridge, Frome, Totnes and St Ives all have stations. The last three also feature in my 50 Best Small Best Towns in England by Train. Make sure to take a look to discover more small towns in England.