The overlooked UK market town with thriving high street and independent shops

Brits have praised an underrated market town that is set amongst some of the most gorgeous countryside in all of Britain. The UK is home to glorious little towns and villages that make for a gorgeous escape from the chaos of modern life. One of those is located in Wales, and it was actually named one of the best places to visit in all of Europe by travel experts. Despite this, it isn't the go-to town to visit for many Brits, even though it has so much to offer.

The town in question is Machynlleth in Wales. This gorgeous little town has plenty of independent shops dotted on and around its thriving high street, as well as surrounding countryside views that are to die for. Like much of Wales, you can expect friendly locals, rolling green hills and cosy pubs to spend an evening in after a day of exploring in the fresh air. Editors at esteemed travel publication Time Out named Machynlleth the second-most underloved place in all of Europe.

Having travelled to many corners of the globe, they praised Machynlleth for being a picturesque countryside town that is an example of the best that Wales has to offer.

The town is located in the UNESCO-protected Dyfi Biosphere, which Time Out editors described as "a treasure trove of marshes, woodlands, waters, and wildlife". These travel editors haven't been the only ones to heap praise on Machynlleth.

One TikTok user, known as Welsh Travel Blogger, says that Machynlleth is a "small but mighty" town. Sharing a video of her day in the Welsh town, she reveals that it is a treasure for vintage and second-hand shopping and cosy cafes.

Among the independent shops in Machynlleth are Penrallt Books, Elin Angharad and Dyfi Wholefoods, to name a few. According to Visit Wales, Machynlleth has "done an incredible job of staying independent over the years, giving it an energy and vibrancy".

If you plan to visit Machynlleth, there are plenty of attractions there to keep you occupied. For example, visitors to the town will enjoy Dyfi Osprey Project, a popular bird-watching spot and animal sanctuary.

Meanwhile, there is the MOMA Machynlleth for culture and art lovers. However, nature is the main draw to this town. Machynlleth is a great base for exploring attractions like Dyfi Furnace, Ynys Hir Wildlife Reserve and the vast landscapes of North Wales.

Ranking it as the second-most underrated place to visit in Europe, Time Out editors said: "Mach holds a vital place in Welsh history, as it was here that Owain Glyndr set up parliament in 1404 as the last true Prince of Wales. Throw in a celebrated annual comedy festival and a contemporary art museum in a chapel, and you've got a treat."

They added: "The Centre for Alternative Technology is a love letter to innovation and has fascinated visitors for decades."

The beautiful Welsh town only ranked lower than one other European destination. Taking the top spot on Time Out's list of most underrated places to go in Europe was Izola in Slovenia.

Meanwhile, Machynlleth ranked higher than Tilburg in the Netherlands, Ulcinj in Montenegro and Terracina in Italy.