Avebury also boasts a 16th century manor house and garden managed by the National Trust, the Alexander Keiller Museum displaying local archaeological finds and a picturesque pub with a thatched roof. It was given five stars for its scenery and tourist attractions and four for peace and quiet, attractiveness and value for money. It pipped Castle Combe, also in Wiltshire, and Wells, in Somerset, which were joint second in the poll.

       Castle Combe, with its pretty houses and babbling brook, has appeared in several films, including Downton Abbey and Warhorse.

       It also got five stars for scenery and attractiveness.

       Wells, which is England’s smallest city, thanks to its cathedral, is known for its moated Bishop’s Palace and Vicars’ Close, a medieval street inhabited by clergy.

       It received five stars for its tourist attractions and four stars in every other category.

       The Victorian model village of Saltaire, West Yorks, came fourth. The Unesco World Heritage Site was given four stars for tourist attractions, shopping, peace and quiet and value for money. It was built for the workers of the mill in the 19th century.

       The mill now houses a diner, galleries and bookshop, as well as paintings by David Hockney.

       Castleton in Derbyshire and Ironbridge in Shropshire were joint fifth. Both got four stars for attractiveness. Castleton was given five stars for scenery while Ironbridge got the top rating for tourist attractions.

       The best-scoring place in Wales was Hay-on-Wye in Powys, home of the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts. The market town of Aberfeldy in Perthshire was voted best in Scotland.

       At the bottom of the table was Bodmin, Cornwall. Matlock Bath in Derbyshire was second worst, followed by Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

       The results were based on responses from 2,710 online panellists.

       Rory Boland, Which? travel editor said: “The UK is full of towns and villages bursting with character and history, many of which are relatively quiet and unspoilt, making them

       perfect for a day trip or holiday.

       “There are a wealth of brilliant towns and villages to explore across the country – waiting to be explored.”