There’s no shortage of golden beaches , rolling countryside and bustling cities in the UK , offering endless opportunities for holidays and day trips. And for anyone who wants to trade high-rise skylines for scenic hamlets, the quieter wonders of inland and coastal locations are well worth exploring. Pastel houses, ancient castles and cobbled streets dot fairytale towns and villages across England , Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales . From streets filled with bookshops to quaint island shores, there are plenty of eye-catching spots to lay a picnic blanket this summer. Here are the UK’s prettiest towns and villages to visit during for a summer day trip or staycation. Read more: Why a weekend in medieval Rye is the perfect British seaside escape 1. Castle Combe, Cotswolds Castle Combe sits in the Cotswolds National Landscape (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Cotswolds village of Castle Combe is a quintessential English town, with quaint streets, stone houses and lush greenery all staples of a stay.…