The Best Historic Towns and Cities in the UK
Discover Castles, Universities, Walled Cities and Shakespeare
Aug 31, 2009
The United Kingdom is notorious for its history and can be applaueded for the way it promotes and maintains that history. From Medieval castles and cathedrals to Shakespeare to presence of the Roman Empire, England is litterally covered in great history, so much so it can be hard to know where to start looking. The following towns and cities can be considered a good starting point.
Stratford-Upon-Avon and Shakespearen History
For Shakespearean devotees, admirers and casual followers, Stratford-Upon-Avon is Tudor-history heaven filled with so many historical places that relate to the world’s most famous playwright. Located in South-West England, the town has five residences to visit that are linked to Shakespeare in some meaningful way, with his birthplace being of most interest; this well-maintained 18th century property will make anyone feel like they’re stepping back in time. The town itself has many old churches, buildings and bars all with a fantastic Tudor feel, making Stratford-Upon-Avon a worthwhile visit on its own.
Oxford and its Rich University History
England’s most famous University town will not disappoint; it’s no wonder there’s a genuine sense of prestige felt when studying here. Located in the South-West of England, about two to three hours from London, Oxford is a history-lovers dream. It’s not just the old university buildings that are impressive; much of the town itself harkens from the past with sandstone coloured brick buildings covered in dark layers of industrial soot from centuries gone. There’s even a pub that’s nearly 1000 years old, ‘The Bear’, and some of England’s most brilliantly evocative old buildings in and around the University areas. The best part is Oxford is small enough that you can easily explore it by foot.
Bath and the Roman Ruins
This town, near the West coast of Southern England, is historically renowned for one very unique and fascinating reason. Back in the 19th Century, while maintenance work was being carried out, a series of ancient Roman baths were discovered buried underneath the town. The baths, which are around 1500 years old, are surprisingly well maintained and give excellent insight into the lives of the Roman’s who lived in England during the days of the great Empire. Aside from the baths, the town itself is an excellent relic of Englishness – rows of identical old houses heaving up a glorious incline, revealing the perfect image of an old, authentic English town.
York and its Cobbled Streets
In the North of England, in the unspoilt emerald-green county of Yorkshire is the cobbled-street, history-laden town of York. A walled city with old castle-style forts and an absolutely glorious cathedral, York is of particular note for its old town centre with cobbled streets and old merchant shops, taking visitors back to the days of the market town. Specifically unforgettable is the narrow, nobbled old street known as ‘The Shambles’, where the old buildings lean and buckle inwards; elderly victims of time with a thousand stories to tell.
Conwy and one Unforgettable Medieval Castle
A real unexpected surprise, Conwy in the far north of Wales is a walled town with a medieval castle – perhaps one of the most amazingly evocative castles in the whole of the UK. Conwy Castle is a UNESCO world-heritage listed site and it’s not hard to see why; the castle is a medieval time capsule that promises to transport visitors back 1000 years. The tiny walled city of Conwy with its winding old streets will finish off the effect nicely, making a full-days visit easy to fill and very worthwhile.
Cambridge and Quiet River Punting
Situated in the south east of England, almost in the midlands, the University town of Cambridge is nearly as renowned as Oxford in terms of historical reverence and beauty. The proud old University buildings, churches and cathedrals are highlighted by the town’s magnificent backdrop; the river that flows through the town, between university buildings and surrounded by greenery makes this the perfect place for the towns famous ‘punting’ – floating down the river in boats in an experience that mimics riding the gondolas of Venice.
Edinburgh and its Dark Scottish History
Scotland’s most famous city deserves a reputation as a rival to London in terms of history and style. In fact, while London boasts an immense size, Edinburgh packs all the sightseeing in nicely; its main street the Royal Mile leads down from Edinburgh’s stunning castle, through rows of amazing old historical buildings to the stirring and beautiful parliament. What is most impressive about central Edinburgh (amongst many things) is the consistency; there are no garish touches of modernity, the historical look has been proudly maintained. While the highlands of Scotland may be the nation’s biggest draw, Edinburgh definitely mustn’t be missed.
Chester and its Walled City Charm
In the English midlands, not far from Manchester, Chester offers yet a different period style from the other historical towns and cities in the UK. A walled town, Chester is slightly more modern than places like Oxford and York, but seems to successfully blend different periods, with Victorian and Tudor touches in many of the town’s old buildings. The discovery of Roman ruins in the town adds a further sense this is a place endlessly graced and shaped by history.
London and a Thousand Years of History
It may be a tad obvious to mention England’s most famous and grandiose city, but it would probably be ignorant not to. With Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament just a few of the main sights, it’s impossible not to think of London when thinking of English history. See the Top Ten Things to do in London for more detailed information on what to see and do.
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