Penelope Keith's Village of the Year Season 1 Episode 7 Elstead, Happisburgh, Hampstead Norreys and Ashwell

Penelope Keith's Village of the Year season 1 episode 7 visits four charming villages across the United Kingdom. The episode starts with Elstead, a village in Surrey known for its historic church and community spirit. The judges explore the village's thriving businesses, from a farm shop to a pub that sources all its food locally. They also discover Elstead's connection to the poet T.S. Eliot, who visited a friend's house in the village.

Next, the judges head to Happisburgh in Norfolk, a seaside village with a fascinating history. They visit the lighthouse that played a crucial role in preventing shipwrecks along the treacherous coastline. They also meet with a group of volunteers who are working to preserve Happisburgh's unique thatched houses, some of which date back to the 17th century.

The third village on the list is Hampstead Norreys in Berkshire. This picturesque village is home to a stunning manor house with a rich history, as well as a thriving farm shop and a community-owned pub. The judges also explore the nearby woods, which are home to a variety of wildlife and a popular spot for locals to walk their dogs.

The final village the judges visit is Ashwell in Hertfordshire, which boasts an impressive array of medieval buildings and a charming village pond. They visit a local brewery that uses traditional methods to create their award-winning beers, as well as a historic almshouse that provides accommodation for elderly residents.

Overall, this episode showcases the diverse and unique character of these four villages, each with their own fascinating history and strong sense of community. The judging panel, made up of Penelope Keith and a group of experts in various fields, have a difficult decision ahead as they assess which village will be crowned the winner.