CITIES provide the bustle and villages a quiet escape - but what about market towns?

Their custom royal character and market leave them hovering somewhere between the two -  it can be argued they adopt everything quintessentially British.

There are around 1,275 of them in England alone, and despite tough competition, the small market town of Ledbury, which lies west of the Malvern Hills, has been acclaimed as one of the best.

READ MORE: 'Laid-back' Ledbury named one of Britain's prettiest towns

The Telegraph named the town as Britain’s most perfect market town because of its "proud market hall" that distinguishes it from the rest.

Market halls first emerged in the 14th century and provide space for trade at the bottom and a community space above.

STUNNING: Ledbury Market Hall was built in 1617.A spokesperson for the Telegraph said: "Built-in 1617, Ledbury’s stilted and timber-framed hall is a stunner.

"A market is still held here (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and exhibitions run in the upper room.

"It’s just one of the town’s many fine buildings, which also include a 16th-century Painted Room, the Butcher’s Row House Museum, 33 The Homend (an 18th-century house turned highly-rated restaurant) and St Michael’s and All Angels Church, home to a painting by Titian."

Away from its twice-weekly markets, Ledbury's streets are also lined with independent shops and plenty of quaint cafes for a coffee boost.

If you are a walker, the town is also nestled in an idyllic setting with woods, orchards and footpaths winding up to the iconic Malvern Hills. 

Last year, The Telegraph had also put Ledbury fourth on its list of the prettiest towns in Britain.

Each town was given a score out of 10 across categories including historic architecture, views, greenery and ‘low traffic/litter’, with Ledbury scoring 40/50 in total.