Travelling around England is often associated with London, but the real soul of the country is hidden in its small towns, where time passes slowly and calmly. If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old England for a day, here are eleven quintessentially English towns that are perfect for a short visit.
Oxford is not just a town, it is a famous treasury of knowledge. The world-famous University of Oxford was founded as long ago as the 12th century. Even if you are not a student, walking around its colleges will make you feel part of this incredible academic environment. Christ Church College, where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed, is especially worth a visit.
But Oxford is not only about learning. Climb Carfax Tower for views, walk through the Botanic Gardens, or stop at The Eagle and Child, an historic pub where Tolkien and Lewis discussed their writings. Beware: a visit here will make you want to get another degree!
Travel time by train: 50 minutes from London.
Travel time by car: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Practical tips: Book a walking tour of the University and the city, including a visit to the Harry Potter filming location.
Things to do in Winchester
A former capital of England, Winchester is essentially an open-air museum with an aura of royalty and legend. Here you will see Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Europe. And if you are interested in history, you will love the medieval atmosphere when walking around the castle, where King Arthur’s legendary Round Table is located. Also, don't miss Winchester College, one of the oldest schools in the UK.
Bonus: Jane Austen is buried here. Winchester is a town that is easy to explore on foot, so enjoy its cobbled streets, exquisite architecture and little cafes. They look like they came straight out of one of her novels.
Travel time by train: 1 hour from London.
Travel time by car: 1 hour 40 minutes.
Practical tips: Visit Winchester Cathedral and King Arthur's Round Table.
Things to do in Chester
Chester is like a return to Roman times. It is one of the few cities in the UK where you can walk along the fully preserved city walls, which offer magnificent views of the surrounding area. The Roman amphitheatre is another reminder of the town’s antiquity.
Make sure to also visit Chester Cathedral, which is just as impressive inside as it is from the outside. And the city's famous half-timbered houses and the unique shopping galleries known as "The Rows" make for a wonderful afternoon of exploring. If you love the atmosphere of old English towns and want to learn more about England’s Roman heritage, Chester is the perfect option.
Travel time by train: 2 hours 40 minutes from London.
Travel time by car: 3 hours 30 minutes.
Practical tips: Book a tour to see the stunning city views from the water.
York is a city of legends and Gothic stories. York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, is a must-see. For those who adore Harry Potter, a walk along the Shambles, a narrow medieval street, will be an unforgettable adventure. This street inspired J.K. Rowling to create Diagon Alley.
York is also famous for its Viking past: The York Dungeon will take you back to the era of these stern warriors. For a relaxing end to the day, enjoy a river cruise along the Ouse. There are also 365 pubs in York - one for every day of the year.
Travel time by train: 2 hours 37 minutes from London.
Travel time by car: 4 hours.
Practical tips: Explore York Minster and the Shambles with a guide.
Things to do in Canterbury
Canterbury is a real symbol of England. It was here that Geoffrey Chaucer's famous stories, The Canterbury Tales, were written. But the main pride of the city is, of course, Canterbury Cathedral, the center of the Anglican Church. Majestic and ancient, it will be the highlight of your visit.
After your cathedral tour, relax in the cosy streets lined with little cafes, or take a boat trip along the River Stour to see Canterbury from a different perspective. Stroll through Westgate Gardens, try a kidney pie at the Old Butter, find a 16th-century weaver's house, then enjoy your time at Catching Lives, a second-hand bookshop in the Crooked House, another local landmark.
Travel time by train: 1 hour 20 minutes from London.
Travel time by car: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Practical tips: Explore the city of Canterbury on a walking tour.
A place that Jane Austen wrote about in her books, Bath is a city with Roman heritage and Regency architecture. The Roman Baths are not just a museum, they are literally an immersion into ancient history. If you prefer a slightly more modern atmosphere, be sure to take a walk along the Royal Crescent and enjoy the grace of Georgian architecture.
Don’t forget to visit the Jane Austen Museum, which will allow you to see how the famous writer lived. And, of course, you can end the day in a thermal spa, enjoying natural springs. And do try the famous Bath scones and no less delicious Sally Lunn scones, which come in both sweet and savory servings.
Travel time by train: 1 hour 30 minutes from London.
Travel time by car: 2 hours 15 minutes.
Practical tips: Visit the ancient standing stones of Stonehenge and picturesque Bath on a day trip from London.
Continuation of the article about Cambridge, Exeter, Norwich, Worcester, Stamford (part two).
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