Penelope Keith's Village of the Year Season 1 Episode 1 Charmouth, Redbrook, Lydford and Aberdaron

Penelope Keith's Village of the Year is a British television series that celebrates the beauty and charm of the UK's rural villages. In Season 1, Episode 1, Penelope ventures to four different villages to determine which one reigns supreme as the Village of the Year.

First up is Charmouth, a picturesque village nestled on the coast of Dorset. Known for its fossil hunting, Penelope explores the local beach and admires the rolling hills in the backdrop. She meets with local residents to hear about the unique history and traditions of the village, including the annual Charmouth Challenge - a race that has been taking place for over 30 years. Penelope also samples some local cuisine, including delicious crab sandwiches.

Next, Penelope heads to Redbrook, a village situated in the Wye Valley on the border of Wales and England. This rural village is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and is home to a vibrant community of local businesses and artists. Penelope meets with locals to hear about the village's fascinating past, including the vital role the village played in the industrial revolution. She also gets a taste of some local cider and admires the local art scene.

Lydford is next on the list, a small village situated within the Dartmoor National Park. This ancient village boasts a rich history, with plenty of historic buildings and landmarks to explore. Penelope takes a tour of the local castle and prison, and learns about the village's past as a center for tin mining. She also meets with local residents to hear about the community's strong spirit of self-sufficiency and cooperation.

Finally, Penelope visits the village of Aberdaron, located on the western tip of the Llyn Peninsula in Wales. Aberdaron is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for walkers and hikers. Penelope explores the local scenery, including the beautiful beaches and rugged coastline, and learns about the rich history of the village's religious community. She also meets with local businesses to hear about the thriving local tourism industry.

Throughout the episode, Penelope is on the lookout for each village's unique charm and character, with the ultimate goal of crowning one of them the Village of the Year. She meets with local businesses, visits historic landmarks and immerses herself in the local culture. Tune in to see which of these four villages will come out on top.