The BBC’s heartwarming period drama Lark Rise to Candleford is currently one of the most popular shows streaming on the free UK service, U.

Based on Flora Thompson’s memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood, the series chronicles the interconnected lives of a small, tight-knit hamlet and its wealthier neighboring market town at the turn of the 19th century. Though the beloved series was abruptly cancelled by BBC One in 2011 after four seasons – sparking a massive outcry from fans – its charm hasn’t faded.

Lark Rise to Candleford - Olivia Hallinan as Laura Timmins© BBC
Olivia Hallinan stars as Laura Timmins in Lark Rise to Candleford

With a rich tapestry of eccentric characters and gentle, low-stakes storytelling that tackles universal themes of love and community, this nostalgic series is my ultimate comfort watch. If you’re a fan of soothing, rural dramas like Cranford or All Creatures Great and Small, Lark Rise to Candleford is well worth adding to your watchlist.

Keep reading to find out more…

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What is Lark Rise to Candleford about?

Set in the small hamlet of Lark Rise and the wealthier neighbouring market town, Candleford, at the end of the 19th century, the drama follows the daily lives of residents, from farmers to craftspeople and gentry, observing characters in “loving, boisterous and competing communities of families, rivals, friends and neighbours”.

Lark Rise to Candleford - Claudie Blakley as Emma Timmins and Brendan Coyle as Robert Timmins© BBC
Claudie Blakley as Emma Timmins and Brendan Coyle as Robert Timmins

 The synopsis continues: “This world is seen through the eyes of a teenage girl, Laura Timmins (Olivia Hallinan – Torchwood), as she leaves Lark Rise to start a new life under the wing of her cousin, the independent and effervescent Dorcas Lane (Julia Sawalha – Pride And Prejudice), who is Post Mistress at the local Post Office in Candleford.

“Through them, viewers experience the force of friendship as they see each other through the best and worst of times. Lark Rise To Candleford is warm, funny, poignant, occasionally tragic but overall a celebration of the spirit of community.”

Lark Rise to Candleford - Dawn French as Caroline Arless© BBC
Dawn French plays Caroline Arless in the period drama

The series boasts an impressive cast of British talent, including Claudie Blakley, Dawn French, Linda Bassett, Mark Heap and Victoria Hamilton.

What have viewers said about the show?

Even 15 years after it ended, the show still has a devoted fanbase. One viewer hailed it as “one of the best television series ever produced,” while another described the “writing, acting, settings, and costumes” as “brilliant”.

Lark Rise to Candleford - Julia Sawalha as Dorcas Lane© BBC
Julia Sawalha plays Dorcas Lane

A third viewer penned: “Could Lark Rise to Candleford be one of the BBC’s best period dramas EVER?! I certainly think so.”