When you tire of London’s crowds of tourists and cheesy souvenir stores, escape to the country’s lesser-known cities. Though London gets the hype, England offers charming medieval towns, coastal cities, and rolling landscapes that hardly get busy. These cities boast just as much culture and history as the country’s better-known destinations without the frustration of long waits and inflated prices.
From Hastings to Hebden Bridge, these are the most underrated cities in England:
1. Salisbury
Salisbury is mostly famous for its proximity to Stonehenge, but the town boasts landmarks worth visiting that are often overlooked. The Salisbury Cathedral is home to the tallest church spire in the UK and one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
Mompesson House is a massive 18th-century house waiting to be explored, while the Salisbury Museum is filled with archaeological finds from Stonehenge and the surrounding area.
2. Hastings
Known for the Battle of Hastings and located on the English seaside, this town has no shortage of history. When William of Normandy landed in Hastings, he built Hastings Castle out of stone. Just a few years after the Battle of Hastings, the conqueror ordered that it be rebuilt out of stone. The castle is mostly ruins today, but the battleground for the town’s fabled fight is anything but. It isn’t actually in Hastings—it’s where the Battle Abbey in Battle, England, nearby now stands.
In town, take a moment to see the Jerwood Gallery’s contemporary art or duck in and out of vintage shops. Maggie’s will fill you up with classic fish and chips when you grow hungry. If you’re tired of the British classic, try The Crown instead, which serves innovative British pub fare.
3. Bath
Roman ruins, Georgian architecture, and hot springs mark this gorgeous city. Bath has its name for a reason—Roman baths are still in existence here. Take a dip in the natural mineral waters of Thermae Bath Spa to unwind from the bustle of nearby Bristol, then stroll along the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.
The city offers tons of spots to try local favorites. The Scallop Shell does some of the best fish and chips around, while Sally Lunn’s is home to the famous Bath bun.
4. Whitby
Don’t take Whitby’s seaside charm at face value—this town has a haunting reputation. The Whitby Abbey, a shell of a 7th-century Benedictine monastery, inspired Dracula. Visit this landmark early to take in the eerie beauty of the ruins and seaside views alone, or visit during October at the Whitby Goth Weekend.
Back in town, shopping, fish and chips, and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum await. Located in the former home of Captain John Walker, this museum shares the history of its namesake explorer, James Cook, who once apprenticed for Walker.
5. Hebden Bridge
It’s just as interesting to explore indie Hebden Bridge as it is the nature around it. Located in the Pennines, the town is just a 30-minute walk to the Hardcastle Crags, a National Trust are with dense forest, waterfalls, and old stone mills.
This conserved area is a striking contrast to the town itself, which offers art galleries, independent boutiques, and funky venues like the Trades Club, which welcomes mainstream and emerging local talent alike.
6. York
Roman history and Viking heritage come together in York. Walking through The Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, is like being in Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. Get lost in the labyrinth of cobbled streets, and you’ll eventually stumble on York Minster. It’s worth climbing the 275 steps to the top of this impressive Gothic cathedral for a panoramic view of the city. This medieval feel is continued at the city walls, which take around two hours to walk.
Jorvik Viking Centre is where you can learn about the 10th century in Viking York. After, grab a pint at The House of the Trembling Madness, a medieval bar serving hard-to-find Belgian beers where animal heads line the walls.
7. Lincoln
Once the tallest building in the world, the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral is reason enough to visit this city in England. Crowned by Steep Hill, Lincoln’s old town is deserving of the climb to get there. When you reach the top, step into Lincoln Castle to view the city below and see one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta.
Close your day with dinner at The Jews House. Located in one of the oldest townhouses in England, the intimate 12th-century space serves modern British cuisine.
8. Norwich
Where London has the Westminster Abbey, Norwich has the Norwich Cathedral, a 900-year-old structure with the second tallest spire in England. This isn’t the city’s only taste of history—Norwich Castle is perched high above the city and was once used as a gaol (jail). The city’s Elm Hill neighborhood is where you can continue living out your medieval dreams in this city before heading to The Lanes, an indie enclave packed with quirky shops, local cafés, and galleries, much like Shoreditch.
History aside, Norwich is considered the UK’s “City of Ale.” Local culture is best consumed through a cold one at The Fat Cat or The Brewery Tap as the sun starts to go down.
9. Durham
Start your time in Durham at Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over 1,000 years ago. Down the road is stately Durham Castle, which has been in continuous use since the 11th-century. The castle is now part of a university.
Later, take a leisurely stroll along the River Wear, which flows through the city. When you’re ready for a bite, sit down at The Cellar Door, which still uses original cast-iron stoves, or get a quick bite at Flat White Kitchen, which is located in a 17th-century townhouse. For a quintessential English experience, visit Crook Hall & Gardens, which easily has one of the most beautiful afternoon teas in the country. Part of the National Trust, this 13th-century stone house is surrounded by English gardens filled with flowers.
10. Exeter
Underneath this city in England is a series of extensive tunnels known as the Underground Passages. These tunnels, once designed to bring water into the city, are now one of Exeter’s top tourist attractions for those looking to step back into medieval times. After your subterranean adventure, seek higher ground on Haldon Hill to take in views of Devon.
Step back into town to see the Exeter Cathedral’s stained glass and intricate carvings, then head to The Quayside, a lively riverside neighborhood. This spot reveals Exeter’s energy, packed with cafés, bars, and the option to take a kayak out on the river. When you feel famished from exploring, sip on a classic Devonshire cream tea at Eat on the Green.
11. Winchester
King Arthur’s legendary Round Table is located in none other than The Great Hall, a 13th-century aisled hall in Winchester. The regal feel of the city doesn’t end there—Winchester Cathedral is impressive enough to warrant a museum.
For a meal, step into a 600-year-old building and settle into The Chesil Rectory, which gives the space a modern edge with elevated British cuisine and plush furnishings. Finish your day with a pint at The Black Boy, an emporium of oddities with local brews.
12. Lancaster
Standing tall for more than 1,000 years, Lancaster Castle is the focal point of this medieval city. This Roman fort has a dark past, which you can learn about through a tour. Today, the castle is part of the Crown Court, putting some of the country’s most serious offenders on trial. Next door to the castle is Lancaster Priory, which has been a place of worship since the 11th century.
Take a walk down St. George’s Quay along the River Lune to feel a lighter sense of romance. At The Maritime Museum, you can explore the city’s history of trade. When you’re ready to refuel, head to The Borough for some modern pub food or grab a coffee at The Hall, a minimalist spot located in an old church.
13. Leeds
Start your time in Leeds at Kirkstall Abbey, a ruined Cistercian monastery surrounded by green parks. The medieval history of this city continues at The Royal Armouries Museum, where combat experts perform full-on jousting displays. Art lovers will enjoy perusing the Leeds Art Gallery, housed in a building whose facade is like an exhibit itself.
If you’re craving a meal, stop by Bundobust for some Indian street food and craft beers, or have a night on the town at The Man Behind The Curtain, a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s basically art on a plate. When night falls, Belgrave Music Hall is the place to be with rooftop drinks, live music, and indulgent pizzas and burgers.
14. Shrewsbury
You can’t ignore Shrewsbury’s charm, with half-timbered houses, cute shops, and medieval churches covering the town. The main event is Shrewsbury Castle, now a military museum, but Shrewsbury Abbey is equally as impressive as is a stroll through the historic town center.
Shrewsbury may be best known internationally as the birthplace of Charles Darwin. The Darwin Town Trail is a walk that covers many notable places in town that are related to the famous biologist. After sightseeing, grab a table at The Golden Cross, one of the oldest inns in town, for some stellar modern British food, or sip a pint at The Loggerheads, a pub that’s been around for about 500 years.
15. Chester
Chester is a surprising shopping destination. The under-the-radar town is home to The Rows, a two-level, half-timbered shopping gallery with its own free audio and mobile walking tour. The complex has been home to a jewelry quarter since the 19th century, but if fine gemstones aren’t in your budget, kitschy Harriet and Dee, located in God’s Providence House, might be a better option for souvenirs.
During golden hour, get a bird’s eye view of the city by walking the Chester City Walls, which the Romans built to protect it. For dinner, swing into The Chef’s Table, an elegant, micro-seasonal restaurant using ingredients from its farm in Daresbury.
16. Lichfield
Lichfield is a small city with a huge cathedral. Lichfield Cathedral has three spires and dominates the city’s skyline. Nearby, Beacon Park’s unspoiled gardens are perfect for a picnic, surrounded by the city’s Georgian architecture.
This city is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, the writer of the first dictionary. The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, open since 1901, tells more about his life and houses more than 8,000 items related to the English writer, including rare editions of his work.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
