{"id":10780,"date":"2025-09-28T11:29:06","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T11:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/14-merry-olde-towns-that-you-must-visit-in-england\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T10:31:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T10:31:09","slug":"14-merry-olde-towns-that-you-must-visit-in-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/14-merry-olde-towns-that-you-must-visit-in-england\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Old And Historic Towns To Visit In England"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s a shedload of charming cities<\/a>, stunning national parks<\/a> and a heap of beautiful little islands in England<\/a> to go exploring. Not only that, but there’s also a heap of historic towns to visit in England that are dotted all across the country, too.<\/p>\n

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From the beautiful spots in the south of England<\/a> to the dramatic and stunning places in the north of England<\/a>, you’ll really be spoilt for choice. That being said, having so many choices can be a total headache when it comes to planning a trip (especially if you’re on a time limit). <\/p>\n

Now, I have some real favourites that I love to travel around again and again! After all, that’s the beauty of having so many places that are not too far from London. Honestly, these towns are perfect for an epic day trip in England<\/a> or for a much longer break to slowly travel the different regions. Whatever area you choose, I’m hoping I can show you a few that you’ll love. <\/p>\n

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With that in mind, take a look at some of the historic towns to visit in England. Now, I’ve popped in a few small cities, too… but let’s not split hairs on that one. I just couldn’t not include them; they’re lovely. <\/p>\n

1.) Whitby<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Nestled on the northeast coast of England, Whitby is one of the historic towns to visit in England when travelling up north.<\/p>\n

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Known for its epic fish and chips and the totally dramatic Whitby Abbey<\/a>, you can spend a good few days exploring the town and the nearby Robin Hood’s Bay<\/a>, which is so dreamy.  Just be sure to stop off at the Star Inn for a local bite, too. We left stuffed with all the fresh seafood they serve.<\/p>\n

Oh, and make sure to book a room in the nearby castle<\/a> to stay overnight. The rooms at Sneaton Castle<\/a> are stunning, and they’re set within the most glorious grounds. You will love it. <\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Our time exploring Whitby<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n

2.) Arundel <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Arundel is a totally historic town to visit, which is around a two-hour drive from the centre of London. Now, once here, be sure to spend some time exploring Arundel Castle<\/a>, which has stood for hundreds of years. <\/p>\n

Afterwards, take a wander through the lovely little streets and stop off at the independent stores that line the lanes. We loved spending a day here, and it’s really easy to visit whilst exploring the South Downs National Park<\/a>, too. <\/p>\n

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Oh yeah, and if you’re looking for a castle stay, check into Amberley Castle<\/a>, which is fit for royalty. We loved our stay in this room at the castle. You can read our blog post on our stay here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in the South of England<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Bamburgh<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Perched in ‘castle country’ (Northumberland<\/a>), Bamburgh<\/a> is a totally gorgeous place to visit when heading north (or south) on the east coast. In fact, the whole region is stunning and well worth visiting. <\/p>\n

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After arriving, take some time to stroll around Bamburgh Castle, blow the cobwebs away at the sandy beach (nearby) and visit the nearby Farne Islands<\/a>, where you might spot puffins. <\/p>\n

Read more: Exploring Bamburgh in Northumberland<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4.) Eyam<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The Peak District National Park<\/a> is the oldest national park in all of England and one stunner of a place to explore. During your time exploring, make sure to stop off at Eyam, one of the historic towns to visit in England, which has a rather macabre history. <\/p>\n

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You see, Eyam<\/a> chose to seal itself off from the rest of the world during the plague in the 1600s. They were completely isolated, and no one was allowed to leave or enter. To this day, you can learn more about this when wandering the town and still see lots of the buildings that existed during these pretty dark times.<\/p>\n

Read more: Exploring the Peak District National Park<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) Corfe Castle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Right down near the Dorset coastline, Corfe Castle<\/a> is one of the oldest and historic towns to visit in England. It has thousands of years of history, with so much to explore for an afternoon trip. <\/p>\n

Of course, visit the actual castle within Corfe Castle<\/a> itself and head for a proper pub lunch in the local pub that’s on the main street (you can’t miss it). Afterwards, if you’ve got time, head over to Durdle Door<\/a> and visit the Jurassic Coast<\/a> to go fossil hunting, too.<\/p>\n

For a gorgeous place to stay, book this room at the Priory Wareham<\/a>. Set within a historic, centuries-old property. It feels like a traditional English Inn<\/a> – just with all the chicness you’d expect from a great hotel. You will love it.<\/p>\n

Read more: How to go fossil hunting in England<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) St Ives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Nestled within the beautiful region of Cornwall<\/a>, St Ives is a stunning and pretty town to visit once exploring the more southerly parts of England. Better still, it’s a great place to stay during a wider trip of the more southerly points of Cornwall, too, and you can use this as a base to see all the amazing places in Cornwall<\/a> that you won’t want to miss. <\/p>\n

For a stunning hotel in Newquay, book this room at The Feather’s Hotel<\/a>. The rooms are so stunning, and it’s right within the heart of Newquay and within walking distance to the town’s pristine beaches. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in Cornwall to see <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7.) Bath<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Although technically a city, Bath<\/a> is one historic Roman-founded spot you really can’t miss. Once here, m<\/span>ake sure to visit the world-famous Roman Baths that are still present in the city centre.<\/span><\/p>\n

Afterwards, pop over to Sally Lunn’s to get some of her delicious and freshly-baked buns. You’ll leave stuffed. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Read more: Best things to do in Bath<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8.) Castle Combe<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Truly a postcard English town, Castle Combe<\/a> is stunning. Nestled in the rolling hills within the Cotswolds<\/a>, it’s one of the historic towns to visit in England that’s too beautiful to miss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Now, although it’s relatively small, it’s well worth visiting for a few hours (and some lunch) before driving over to nearby Lacock<\/a>, too. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to see in the Cotswolds<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9.) Cambridge<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Cambridge<\/a> is only a 45-minute train ride from London, which makes it totally easy to visit for a day trip (or even longer). <\/span>Once you’ve arrived, be sure to head inside the iconic King’s College Chapel, that is so imposing. Afterwards, head out for an adventure punting on the river. It’s so much fun, especially on a sunny day.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

10.) Bibury<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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As you can probably tell by now, I love the Cotswolds<\/a>! It’s one of the historic towns to visit in England whilst exploring the west of the country<\/a>. <\/span>Honestly, Bibury<\/a> is filled with quaint architecture that is shaped by its rural heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Honestly, it’s a chocolate box town filled with so much charm. Just be sure to check out Arlington Row<\/a> once you’re here; it looks like it’s from a storybook. <\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in the Cotswolds<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

11.) York<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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York<\/a> might be a city, but it’s a relatively small one that actually feels more like a large town. Not only that, but it’s also totally stunning, and there’s so much history in the streets of York.<\/p>\n

After arriving, be sure to reserve a table at Roots<\/a> for dinner. They have the tastiest seasonal menu that’s so yummy. Also, take a wander around the Shambles and walk the town walls that once protected York itself. It’s such a special place.<\/p>\n

For the best hotel in York, check into the Grand York<\/a>. It’s one of York’s 5-star properties<\/a> that’s within the city centre. The rooms are so plush, and you can easily walk around York, right from this hotel<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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Read more: Best things to do in York<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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16 Very Best Things to Do in York (The Shambles, Ghosts & Hidden Gems)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n