England is home to some of the most beautiful towns in the world, with tourists travelling from all around the globe to get a glimpse of the chocolate box towns and villages scattered around the English countryside - and who can blame them. We look at the top most picturesque towns around England, that simply have to be seen to be believed:
Penzance, Cornwall
Nestled in the west coast of England, is the beautiful Cornish town of Penzance. Perched above the town, stands a chapel overlooking the harbour which is a thousand years old and gave the town its name, derived from the Cornish word “pens sans” meaning “Holy headland”. Aside from a whole host of listed buildings - 404 to be exact- and Michelin starred restaurants, Penzance is home to the iconic St Michaels Mount, a medieval castle that dates back over 1,000 years and can only be accessed by walking the tidal causeway.
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
The historic riverside town of Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire, is nestled in the beautiful area of The Cotswolds and is famous for its ancient white buildings with black beams, a piece of history from being an ancient settlement at the meeting of the Rivers Severn and Avon. Tewkesbury Abbey is one of the best displays of true Norman architecture, with the building dating back to 12th century. Jam-packed full of listed buildings and beautiful parks, this town will not disappoint on sight-seeing and culture.
Painswick, Gloucestershire
Another gem in the crown of The Cotswolds is the charming town of Painswick, aptly named as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ due to its striking pale limestone buildings. Standing tall on top of a hill overlooking one of the Five valleys, the town of Painswick is every bit as regal as its nickname would suggest. Famous for its wool trade, many of the buildings in Painswick still have their south-facing attic rooms used for weaving. The ancient town boasts building records in the Domesday Book dating back between 1042 and 1066. With it’s dainty narrow streets and traditional architecture, Painswick is the epitome of the English town.
Ramsgate, Kent
The rather regal town of Ramsgate, located in Kent, is famous for being very popular with generations of the royal family such as Queen Victoria and her royal predecessors. It was one of the greatest seaside town of the 19th century, boasting the only Royal Harbour in the UK, named by King George IV in 1821. Unfortunately, the town has also made its mark in the history books for a more negative reason as it also played host to some of the most bloodiest and famous battles, such as the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War. Ramsgate suffered so much damage in WWI, it sadly became known as the most bombed seaside town in the UK. Ramsgate town has since recovered and is now the perfect place to stroll along traditional English beach and enjoy an ice cream.
Sandwich, Kent
Another flower in the ‘Garden of England’, Sandwich is yet another must-see Kentish town offering visitors historic charm and architecture. Supposedly named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, who was an eccentric aristocrat that apparently enjoyed ordering his meat tucked between two slices of bread. The townspeople then began to order “the same as Sandwich!” and so the legend was born! The striking timber buildings stretch all along Strand Street, making it the longest unbroken stretch of timber-framed properties in England.
Salisbury, Wiltshire
The medieval city of Salisbury, is not technically a town as it has city status due to the stunning cathedral that houses an original copy of the Magna Carta. There are many reasons to visit this historical place, not only for being home to one of the seven wonders of the world- Stonehenge- but also for the sheer number of listed buildings. Salisbury is home to 644 listed buildings to be precise and one, Wilton House, became famous worldwide for its starring role in Pride and Prejudice.
Chichester, West Sussex
The beautiful Roman town of Chichester, is brimming with historical buildings and heritage gardens. The quaint town is very picturesque, divided into conservation areas and even has its own palace, the Fishbourne Roman Palace which is the largest residential Roman building in Britain. This pretty little seaside town is definitely one to visit next time you want to see a typical English town.
Holywell, Oxford
One of the most famous towns in England, Oxford, is definitely a place to visit. One of the biggest attractions to tourists from all around the world, is The University of Oxford, with the medieval college buildings standing stark among the city skyline. The gothic spires of the college buildings even led poet, Matthew Arnold, to nickname it the 'City of Dreaming Spires'. The beautiful heritage gardens are even said to have saved the town’s fate from Hitler as he was so taken with it’s beauty, he had planned to use it as his capital if he had conquered England.
Canterbury, Kent
Again, this tiny city would technically be a small town, if it wasn’t home to one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Canterbury is a quintessentially English city, with over 590 listed buildings. The ancient walled city is Roman, with quaint cobbled streets and timber houses has been home to some of the greatest writers, namely Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote The Canterbury Tales. The impressive cathedral is packed with both gothic and romanesque charm, making it one of the most remarkable buildings in the world.
Bath, Somerset
The Roman town of Bath is most famous for the well-preserved public roman baths that are positioned in the centre of the beautiful town. The unique sand coloured buildings are steeped in history and culture, with 725 of them being listed. It is no wonder Bath is one of the best towns to visit in England, with its rich history and beautiful river setting, it is the perfect town to take a stroll, enjoy some English delights and soak in the history of this World Heritage town.
With so many pretty places to visit, it is no wonder tourists from around the world travel to see the beauty and sights hidden deep within the English countryside. Next time you need some inspiration for your next trip, why not visit one of these English towns and immerse yourself in their rich history.
More info: oka.com
Canterbury Cathedral
Oxford
Penzance Harbour
Pulteney Bridge, Bath
Royal Crescent, Bath
Salisbury Cathedral
Sandwich
Ramsgate
