From historic architecture and impressive castles to stunning cathedrals and timber-framed buildings, many of England’s medieval towns have a fascinating story to tell. With so much history and heritage on our doorstep, it is hard to know where to start! We take a look at our top nine medieval towns and cities to visit in England.
1. Ludlow
Location: Shropshire
Best for: Foodies
Sitting on the River Teme in Shropshire, close to the border of Wales, Ludlow has a fascinating history. The town’s defensive walls date back to the Norman Conquest, and the narrow streets are lined with beautiful Tudor and half-timbered buildings. The (now ruined) Ludlow Castle and St Laurence’s Church aren’t to be missed but even a stroll around the traditional shops, including locksmiths and ironmongers, is a reminder of the town’s past.
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2. Rye
Location: East Sussex
Best for: A game of pirates
Located near the coast in East Sussex, the ancient town of Rye is a captivating mix of half-timbered houses, cobbled alleyways, enchanting Inns and quirky shops. Explore the medieval castle, climb the bell tower at the 12th century St Mary’s Church or spend the day at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Once a smuggler’s paradise, Rye is perfect for anyone who wants to get lost in the hidden caves, secret passageways and network of tunnels. See if you can discover the secret passageway in the 15th century Mermaid’s Inn.
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3. Winchester
Location: Hampshire
Best for: History buffs
Once the capital of England, historic Winchester sits on the banks of the River Itchen in Hampshire. Winchester was the seat for King Alfred the Great and is now his last known resting place. Don’t miss a tour of the impressive cathedral, which was founded in 1079 and is where Jane Austen is buried. Alternatively visit the famous Great Hall, home to a medieval recreation of King Arthur’s Round Table or explore Wolvesey Castle.
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4. Stratford-upon-Avon
Location: Warwickshire
Best for: Literacy and theatre lovers
Stratford upon Avon sits in an enviable position on the edge of the Cotswolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in rural Warwickshire. This medieval market town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is home to three theatres as well as the half-timbered Tudor homes and Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway lived and are buried.
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5. Lavenham
Location: Suffolk
Best for: Harry Potter fans
Nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside lies the picturesque village of Lavenham. Once a medieval woollen town, and home to the renowned Lavenham Blue broadcloth, Lavenham is now one of the best places to visit for Harry Potter fans. The famous 14th century De Vere House stars as his birthplace in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrows and his parent’s abandoned home was the Lavenham Guildhall.
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6. Wells
Location: Somerset
Best for: Wells cathedral
Wells, the smallest city in England, sits at the foot of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Whilst it might be small, its splendid Gothic cathedral and medieval Bishop’s Palace ensure that it stands out from the crowd. Wells is perfect for anyone with a keen interest in history and heritage with so much to explore on the doorstep including Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age monuments in the Mendips, as well as Stonehenge and Glastonbury Tor.
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7. Salisbury
Location: Wiltshire
Best for: Views
The ancient city of Salisbury enjoys a gorgeous riverside location in rural Wiltshire. You will find half-timbered Tudor townhouses, beautiful Georgian mansions and delightful Victorian villas sitting within the medieval walls. The cathedral, where you will find a copy of the Magna Carta, also claims to have the tallest spire in England. There are stunning views across the Salisbury Plains, best seen from the hills at Old Sarum.
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8. Clitheroe
Location: Lancashire
Best for: Clitheroe Castle and Museum
The ancient market town of Clitheroe sits in the picturesque Ribble Valley just south of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire. Dating back to the Saxons, there is plenty to keep budding historians happy here. Clitheroe Castle, said to be the smallest Norman Castle in England, now houses 16 acres of landscaped gardens, an award-winning museum and a fantastic gift shop.
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9. Berwick-upon-Tweed
Location: Northumberland
Best for: Historic buildings
Berwick-Upon-Tweed, England’s most northerly town, sits on the banks of the River Tweed in Northumberland. Located just a few miles south of the Scottish border, this medieval town has a fascinating history, changing hands many times over the years between the Scots and the English. Take a walk around the town’s defensive walls, explore the museums at Berwick Barracks or visit the remains of Berwick Castle.
Sounds fascinating