Beautiful UK village where each street transports you to a different time

The quaint of Little Totham in may be small, but it's steeped in history, making it one of the county's most significant spots. Over the years, Little Totham has embraced modernity, yet it continues to cherish numerous historical structures.

Falling under the jurisdiction of Maldon District Council, the bulk of Little Totham's residents live just outside the central parish, adjacent to Tolleshunt Major, with the community structured around the principal road which cuts through the village. A leisurely walk down this road is a journey through time back to an era dominated by smugglers. This same road was once a concealed track used by these audacious individuals to furtively move contraband such as liqueur, silks, and fabrics from the River Blackwater across the plains, where illicit goods were bartered for cold, hard cash.

Although today's modernised road has replaced the old smugglers' track, the village hasn't lost its charm, with plenty of age-old buildings still proudly standing.

During the latter half of the 19th century into the early 20th century, Little Totham saw a growth spurt as more refined homes for farm workers were established along the "main" village road.

With the arrival of three extra ale houses towards the end of the 19th century, the little hamlet catered to the needs of the swelling ranks of agricultural hands in the vicinity, reports .

A 17th-century building near the large village pond underwent a transformation from a residential dwelling to The Swan Ale House, eventually recognised as a Public House.

In contrast, the White Hart, now demolished, briefly functioned as both an ale house and off-licence further along the road.

Over on Plains Road, The Eagle, currently repurposed into a private home, once catered primarily to seasonal migrant workers arriving to labour in the fields. This era also witnessed the founding of the Peculiar People's Chapel on the common.

The present-day village landscape is a vibrant blend of these historic residences and more recent constructions, housing a varied community.

Inhabitants range from remote workers and commuters journeying to Maldon, Witham, Chelmsford, Colchester, and even London, to retirees and skilled tradespeople.

The village continues to uphold its farming heritage, chiefly growing crops such as cereals and oilseed rape. It also facilitates poultry production with chicken and turkey farms, complemented by pig breeding and sheep farming activities.