places to visit middle england

Top 18 Things to Do in the Midlands of England

kodachrome25/Getty Images

There are so many things to do in the Midlands of England that its remarkable the region is so often overlooked by visitors. They rush from the cosmopolitan South over motorways across to the North without stopping to discover the region that gave birth to Shakespeare, the Industrial Revolution and the greatest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found.

Enjoy our grab bag of things to do in the Heart of England, from hiking in the Peak District to visiting some of England's grandest historic homes and gardens to crossing the world's first Iron Bridge or going cross country on a vintage steam railway.

Throw Pottery on a Wheel at Wedgwood

Ferne Arfin

At the World of Wedgwood, a terrific museum, shopping and china factory in Stoke-on-Trent, you can see centuries of amazing pottery — including original pots made in Josiah Wedgwood's 18th century factory and even older local wares. The collection, on permanent loan from London's Victoria and Albert Museum , is truly world class. While there, you can tour the factory to see how the finest pots and tableware are thrown and decorated; shop for breathtakingly expensive china; have a posh tea — on Wedgwood china, naturally — or a light lunch in the former workers' canteen, now a sunny, casual restaurant. Best of all, you can throw your own pot on a wheel — with lots of staff help — and organize to have it fired and sent to you as a finished piece.

Explore Iron Bridge Gorge

dageldog/Getty Images

The British public voted the Iron Bridge, a graceful single arch span 60 feet above the river Severn, an English icon in 2006. The world's first cast iron, arched bridge has given its name to the village, to the gorge and to the UNESCO World Heritage site that surrounds it. Hard as it is to imagine in this quiet, bucolic place, Ironbridge Gorge was one of the earliest centers of industry in the world and the place where the seeds of the Industrial Revolution were sown. Today you can visit ten different museums, all within a mile or two of each other. At the Coalport China Museum , step inside a huge beehive kiln to see how the earliest fine bone china was made. At the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron you can explore the remains of one of the world's oldest iron furnaces, where metal was first smelted on an industrial scale. At Blists Hill Victorian Town , stroll in and out of the houses, shops and workplaces of this early village. You can spend a family weekend exploring it and then take a tranquil kayak trip on the river that powered it all.

Dress for the Age of Steam on a Heritage Railway Journey

CaronB/Getty Images

The Midlands has several vintage railways adored by rail and steam enthusiasts from all over the world. They are usually restored and maintained by volunteer enthusiasts and experts who are delighted to tell you all about them. You can ride the rails along quiet backwaters and disused tracks or dress up as an Edwardian to enjoy a cream tea in vintage surroundings while being gently hauled cross country behind a steam locomotive. The Severn Valley Railway is one of the most ambitious, and among the oldest with a history dating back to the Victorian era. There 5 scheduled stops along its 16 miles of track between Bridgnorth in Shropshire and Kidderminster in Worcester as well as request stops in the Severn Valley Country Park and at Northwood. The Telford Steam Railway is actually older than the age of steam. Horses once pulled cars along its rails to deliver raw materials and coal to the industries in Iron Bridge Gorge.

Imagine You're a Roman at Wroxter Roman City

The largest freestanding Roman wall in Britain gives a sense of the size of a bathhouse in Viriconium (now Wroxeter Roman City ), the fourth largest Roman city in Britain. Explore the reconstructed Roman villa, beside the Roman road and based on nearby excavations. The living spaces, furniture and murals will give you a good idea of the life of an average Romanized British family toward the end of Roman occupation in Britain. Unlike the many Roman military installations and religious sites scattered around England, Wroxeter, near Shrewsbury and the Welsh border, was an ordinary middle class town, rather than a garrison, with markets, entertainments and ordinary people. The little museum at the site is fascinating.

Step Back in Time at Attingham Park

 Etrusia UK/Flickr/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Not far from Wroxeter, Attingham Park is a house with fascinating stories to tell. Alternately lavished with attention and shamefully neglected by its owners, the house was restored to its 18th century, Georgian glory by the National Trust in the 21st century. Every room tells its own entertaining tales. Take the one about the frugal parson, a younger brother of a younger brother who never expected to inherit the house but did. He was so overwhelmed that he spent the rest of his life throwing off his spartan ways and drinking the cellar dry. There's also a scenic breed of rare and heritage cattle, extensive park land and an ancient oak planted by landscape architecture star Humphrey Repton.

Be Dazzled at BMAG in Birmingham

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

In 2009, a man with a metal detector made the find of a lifetime, uncovering 3,500 pieces of gold and silver metalwork, enamel and semi-precious stones. The Staffordshire Hoard as it came to be known, is the largest hoard of Anglo Saxon treasure ever discovered. In the battle to keep and display it, that mega-institution, the British Museum , lost out to two Midlands museums, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) , and the Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent . Now you can see the gold near where it was found in the Midlands. And, if you think you might have a go with a metal detector yourself, find out what the rules of Treasure and Treasure Trove are in the UK.

While you're at BMAG, don't miss the world's most important collection of Pre-Raphaelite art with paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, William Holman Hunt and others of the 19th century Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

The museum is in the center of Birmingham and is free to visit.

Shop for Everything in Birmingham

Basti Voe/Flickr/ CC BY-SA 2.0  

Indian brides from all over the UK and Europe head to Birmingham to buy sari fabrics and wedding accessories in The Rag Market , the oldest of Birmingham's Bullring markets with 350 stalls selling wares of all kinds. The Bullring markets are just a small part of the retail heaven that is the UK's second largest city. Virtually the whole of the city center is covered with several huge, multi-level modern malls. A short walk away, The Mailbox , so called because it was once a Post Office headquarters designed to look like a typical British mailbox, is a center for luxury fashion. And a few miles away, in the Jewellery Quarter, you can have gems and precious metals custom designed or catch the work of up and coming jewelry designer-makers at more than 100 jewelry shops and 400 jewelry related businesses. Around 40 percent of the jewelry sold in Britain — including some sold by the most prestigious Bond Street shops — is actually made in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace

The market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit locale for lovers of the bard. See a play at the acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Theatre (highly recommended). Tour all the Shakespeare family houses. Or simply wander the streets and along the banks of the Avon, admiring the beautiful, medieval half-timbered houses. Take a lunchtime cruise to see it all from a different perspective. And don't forget to travel a few miles out of town (there's a convenient, hop-on, hop-off bus) to Anne Hathaway's cottage — the scene of the real life Shakespeare in love.

Step into History in the Peak District National Park

john finney photography/Getty Images

When you hike, cycle or motor tour in the Peak District, you are stepping into real social history. The Park is the oldest national park in the UK — though it was only founded in the 1950s. But an event there in the 1930s led to the opening up of most of England's privately owned land to walkers and the foundation of the National Park movement in the UK . In 1932, 500 people walked from the city of Manchester to the highest point in the Peaks, a plateau called Kinder Scout. It became known as the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass and was one of the most successful acts of civil disobedience in UK history. It ultimately led to the National Parks act in 1949, the establishment of Britain's network of long distance paths and the countryside rights of access enshrined in British law. History lesson over. Peak District National Park is a beautiful place to visit for fans of the great outdoors.

Tour Chatsworth, The Duke of Devonshire's Family Home

Graham Marsden/500px/Getty Images

Chatsworth on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District is one of the most popular homes for U.S. visitors. It has been in the Cavendish family, the current Dukes of Devonshire, for more than 450 years. Among the family's wealth of colorful characters was the scandalous Georgiana Spencer, ancestress of Princess Diana and subject of the film The Duchess, starring Kiera Knightley.

This is one stately home where the contents outshine the 1,000-acre Capability Brown-landscaped park, the gardens and the waterworks — created to thrill a Russian Tzar (who never saw it). The family's passion for art collecting across five centuries has resulted in one of Europe's finest private art collections. More than 4,000 years worth of art is represented — from classical sculptures to contemporary works — all held in trust for the public to see.

Tickets to tour the house, garden, Farmyard & playground or any combination of the four cost between £6.50-£23.

Take a Spin Around a Formula 1 Track

Silverstone , the home of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix, is just one of the surprising things you'll find in the county of Northhamptonshire, also called the "Heart of England." While there, you can accompany a driver on a hair raising ride around the track at speed. Or you can spend the day learning how to drive a Formula 1 car to take on the track yourself.

Visit Althorp, Princess Diana's Childhood Home

Althorp, Diana's childhood home and final resting place, is open to the public during fixed periods every year. The dates are announced on the Althorp website . The house has been the home of the Spencer family for 500 years and its collections are fascinating. There are 650 portraits, perhaps the finest portrait collection in Europe, including a room full of family portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was a family friend. There's also a long gallery of portraits of the ladies of King Charles II's court, all said to be his mistresses, painted by Lely. The house has the only known portrait from life of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, queen of England for about 9 days before being beheaded by Mary Tudor, aka Bloody Mary.

Discover the Wonder of an English Bluebell Wood

Stuart Leche/Getty Images

If you visit Northamptonshire in May, make time to stop at Coton Manor , for its lovely English bluebell wood. The garden, created privately by one determined homeowner and his gardener, is a lovely place to stop for a stroll, have a cream tea and admire the very English springtime sight of a carpet of blooming bluebells covering the floor of a five-acre woodland.

Find Richard III in Leicester

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Richard III, the most villainous king in all of Shakespeare's plays, may not have been such a villain after all. And he may not have been responsible for murdering his nephews — the two little princes — in the Tower of London, in order to secure the throne. The jury's still out on all that. But what is proven is that the skeletal remains found dumped unceremoniously in an unmarked grave under a municipal parking lot in Leicester are those of the hunchbacked king.

The new, award-winning Richard III Visitor Center, Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery, tells the story of his life and times, the dynastic Wars of the Roses and the amazing detective story and modern genetic investigation that led to the discovery and identification of the king's body. After visiting the center, explore Leicester Cathedral , where Richard is now buried, and take in the nearby Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Center to see where he met his end, crying out — if you believe Shakespeare — "A horse, a horse. My kingdom for a horse."

Climb up to Lincoln Cathedral

KMGS Photography/Getty Images

Lincoln, in the East Midlands, has a very well preserved Medieval Quarter as well as some interesting Roman remains. It's at the very top of the town and the cobbled pedestrian street that leads to it is so steep it is actually, officially called Steep Hill. In fact, most of the street is lined with railings to help pedestrians cling on and get to the top. Don't worry though — if you want to make your way from Lincoln's retail district and waterfront on the River Witham without hiking up Steep Hill, there is a bus.

There are plenty of good reasons to visit the area known as Lincoln Uphill. The Cathedral , one of the earliest examples of the English style known as Perpendicular Gothic, was, until the mid 16th century, the only man made structure in the world taller than the Pyramids. While at the Cathedral, look for the Lincoln Imp — legend has it he was frozen in stone by an angel— and The Green Man, a carving that harks back to pagan symbolism. After you visit the Cathedral, find your way down through the Cathedral Quarter to the ruins of the Medieval Bishop's Palace. It's reputed to be haunted and is definitely spooky to visit after dark.

Confront Power and Punishment at Lincoln Castle

Oscarhill/Getty Images

Lincoln Castle has occupied the highest point in the city for almost 1,000 years — possibly longer. It has been a place of judgement and imprisonment for most of that time and remains the site of Lincoln's Crown Court.

It's also a fascinating visitor attraction with three different things to see and do:

• The Magna Carta Vault : In 1215, the barons forced King John to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede, Bishop Hugh of Lincoln was there and he brought an original copy back to Lincoln. It is one of only four original copies of the Magna Carta, the foundational document of the American legal system, in the world. Two years later, in 1217, a new document was drawn up, incorporating most of the original and adding improvements. It is known as the Charter of the Forest and the underground Magna Carta Vault at Lincoln Castle is the only place you can see both, side by side. There's also a wrap-around screen with a 3D film putting the documents in context and explaining why the Magna Carta, which establishes the rights of the people and the principle that no one is above the law, is important today.
• The Medieval Wall Walk : Circumnavigate the Castle on its intact curtain walls, stopping to peek into the towers and dungeons along the way. Recent improvements have made it accessible — with a wheelchair lift to take visitors up to the safe and dramatic third of a mile wall walk.
• The Victorian Prison : Victorian reformers had some strange ideas about humane imprisonment and they tried out their theories, called the "separate system" in full at the prison within these castle walls. The experience is brought to life for visitors who can don costumes and experience the sights and sounds and the claustrophobia of the unusual chapel

Float Like a Roman on Britain's Oldest Canal

trabantos/Getty Images

Lincoln isn't on the coast but it has a waterfront — and a very old one at that. The Brayford Pool marks the meeting point of the River Witham with the canal known as the Fossdyke Navigation. The Fossdyke connects the Witham to the River Trent — one of England's major waterways. It's the oldest canal in the UK with origins lost in the murky, unrecorded history of the Dark Ages. But the best guess is that the Romans built it around 120 A.D.

You can walk or cycle on 6 mile-long Fossdyke Canal Trail , but why not take to the water instead. The canal itself offers 10 miles of calm, lock free paddling waters, perfect for leisurely canoe or kayak outings.

Find Robin Hood's Lair in Sherwood Forest

 Tom Martin/Getty Images

The Major Oak , is between 800 and 1,000 years old. Legend has it that this was Robin Hood's hiding place and the shelter where he and his band of Merry Men slept, hidden from sight and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

At the Sherwood Forest Visitor Center you can find out the best ways to explore this ancient woodland. There's information about walks, wildlife and legends to explore. An important feature of this forest is the number of truly ancient oak trees here. There are at least 1,000 that are thought to be at least 500 years old.

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

12 "Must-See" Places in England, Scotland and Wales

Suggested Itinerary: Three to Six Days in the East of England

25 Best Free Things to Do in the United Kingdom

17 Best Romantic Things to Do in the United Kingdom

Every UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

Top UK Destinations for Stone Circles and Ancient Sites

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

How to Travel From London to Birmingham by Train, Bus, and Car

Top Discount Passes for UK Heritage Attractions

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

10 Treasures of the British Museum

18 Top Things to Do for Easter Weekend in the United Kingdom

Dover Castle: The Complete Guide

• About Emily
• About This Blog
• Personal Posts
• My Travel Stories
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• Tours and Activities
• Transport and Travel
• Packing Tips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Fashion and Beauty
• Work with me

26 Best Places to Visit in the Midlands, England

• Last Updated 20 March 2024

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.

Over the last few years, many of us have been planning holidays a little closer to home. I’ve always been a big advocate for travel at home as well as overseas, so I couldn’t be happier! If you want to explore a few new places in England, this guide to the best places to visit in the Midlands is a good place to start. 

I’ve rounded up recommendations from a bunch of great bloggers, many of them local to the area. Plus I’ve also included a few of my own suggestions, to create a bumper list of all the most spectacular places to explore in the East and West Midlands. As well as the famous Peak District, of course! Enjoy…

Places to Visit in the Peak District, Midlands

11 places to visit in the west midlands, 10 places to visit in the east midlands, places to visit in the midlands: map, peak district national park.

Recommended by: Maja, Away with Maja

The Peak District National Park is the oldest national park in the UK, and one of the best places to visit in the Midlands. This is a great destination for outdoor adventures: hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, and more!

The Peak District is home to some picturesque and charming villages like Castleton, Bakewell, and Eyam. There’s also stunning scenery like Curbar Edge, the Roaches, and the Dragon’s Back (Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill).

Chatsworth Hall and Haddon Hall are two magnificent stately homes if you’d prefer history to outdoor adventures. Having a car is the best way to get around, although there are some train connections and a local bus network should you be visiting by public transportation.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip from Manchester

Recommended by: Roshni, The Wanderlust Within

The small chocolate-box village of Castleton is one of the best places to visit in the Midlands. Situated in Hope Valley in Derbyshire, this quaint spot is a favourite for walks in the Peak District as it is home to Mam Tor and Winnats Pass, two popular hikes in the area.

Castleton is also home to the 11th-century ruins of Peveril Castle, one of England’s first Norman fortresses. Castleton village is particularly known for its show caves. There are three in close proximity that are rated some of the best in the country. A visit to Castleton isn’t complete without visiting the quaint village centre and enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at one of the tea rooms.

Recommended by: Tracy, Tracy’s Travels in Time

The popular market town of Bakewell is located in the beautiful Peak District in Derbyshire. Bakewell is perfect for a day out or for a longer break if you wish to explore the area. Chatsworth House estate is only a few miles from the town and there are lots of hiking trails and walks across the local area.

Monday is market day in Bakewell. Visit on the third Saturday of the month for the popular farmer’s market where you will find a large variety of local produce for sale. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a Bakewell Pudding when in the town. I recommend the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop . There is a café upstairs which is great for lunch or afternoon tea.

Ashford in the Water

Recommended by: Stacy, What Stacy Did

Nestled on the banks of the River Wye, Ashford-in-the-Water is one of the most picturesque villages in the Peak District. Just 2 miles out of Bakewell, it is a wonder that this idyllic village is still relatively hidden from the tourist radar.

The village is made up of beautiful stone cottages around a green space at its centre. My favourite time of year to visit is in late spring, when the cottages are adorned with roses and flower baskets.

The main attraction for most visitors though is the old sheep wash bridge crossing the River Wye. This was named the best place in England for a game of Poohsticks by Visit England! Whatever your preference, you won’t be able to deny the charm of Ashford-in-the-Water. I’m sure it will leave you wanting to explore more of the Peak District.

Pilsley and Chatsworth

Recommended by: Izzy & Phil, The Gap Decaders

Pilsley is a charming and quaint village on the Chatsworth estate just a mile from Chatsworth Park itself. It’s a great place to visit if you’re holidaying nearby. Chatsworth is one of the best-known historic houses in the Midlands and a must-see in the Peak District! Several well-known movies, including Pride and Prejudice, have been filmed at the estate. 

The honeyed stone cottages of Pilsley, many of which are lived in by estate workers at Chatsworth, are set around a traditional green in the centre of the village and boast the most colourful and well cared for gardens.

Head to the Devonshire Arms, a traditional pub serving great food. The Chatsworth House Farm Shop is a great place to buy local and homegrown treats. There are some superb views from the village, to Chatsworth Park and the Derwent Valley.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: 3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester

Stratford Upon Avon

Recommended by: Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

Located in the heart of England along River Avon, Stratford Upon Avon is a perfect place to visit if you are an ardent fan of Shakespeare and English literature. After all, this was the birthplace of the eternal poet! Naturally, the town has been attracting art and theatre fanatics for more than 250 years.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a registered charity that manages all the houses relating to Shakespeare in and around Stratford Upon Avon. It includes Shakespeare’s Birthplace , Anne Hathway Cottage & Gardens, Nash’s House & New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft. Spend the rest of the day along River Avon. You could even hire a traditional canal boat to really make the most of this picturesque river. 

Recommended by: Samantha, The Wandering Wanderluster

Birmingham is England’s second-biggest city and one of the best places to visit in the Midlands if you’re looking for a fun and cultured day out for all the family. The city wins no prizes for its looks, but there’s much to see, do and explore.

Dine at one of Birmingham’s 5 Michelin-starred restaurants, break the bank by visiting the biggest shopping centre in Europe, or take a guided city centre walking tour to discover local history. You could also head to the popular family attraction of Cadbury World that sits just outside the city for a fun family trip.

For those interested in Birmingham’s industrial history, a boat ride along the city’s huge canal system or a stroll through the historic Jewellery quarter is an insightful reminder of the city’s Victorian past.

Recommended by: Faith, XYU and Beyond

Kenilworth is one of those lovely English villages that dates back to the Domesday Book. The Town itself makes for a perfect day out, with its fabulous boutique shops and perfect cafes to have an afternoon tea break. There’s also the Michelin-starred restaurant The Cross, as well as Kenilworth Castle to visit.

Kenilworth Castle is an imposing red sandstone ruin just on the edge of Kenilworth Town. It’s famous for being the home of Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester who was in love with Queen Elizabeth. CLICK HERE to check ticket prices and book.

Kenilworth is a stunningly beautiful castle, even though much of it has gone to ruin. There are walking trails, grand manor houses and exquisite gardens to visit all within easy reach of the town.

Ironbridge Gorge

Recommended by: Sally Akins, The Getaway Guide  

With beautiful landscapes and fascinating history, the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is a fabulous destination for a day trip or a longer visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as “the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution”.

There’s something for everyone in Ironbridge . The 10 museums in the Ironbridge Gorge explain the area’s history, and some of them are particularly fun to visit with children.

For a more active break, the Shropshire countryside is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Or get a different perspective of the area from the River Severn on a raft tour or in a hired kayak.

You’ll also find plenty of quirky shops to browse, and excellent independent bars and restaurants.

Royal Leamington Spa

Recommended by: Vikki, Family Travel with Ellie

I discovered the beautiful town of Royal Leamington Spa way back when I was a student at Warwickshire College. When my parents came to visit, we would enjoy browsing the lovely array of quality shops, and dining in the gorgeous cafes.

Interestingly, Leamington achieved its “Royal “status from Queen Victoria in 1838. A key attraction is the “Royal Pump Room and Baths”.

Fascinatingly, the spa waters were historically known for helping preserve meat and were also believed to cure rabies. A path leading into the River Leam was used by circus people to bathe their animals, including elephants, and much to my daughter’s delight, the Elephant Wash path is still there today.

Cannock Chase

Recommended by: Karen, Marvellous Middle England

Cannock Chase, located between Stafford and Cannock, is the UK’s smallest mainland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This makes it the perfect “off the beaten path” outdoor space to explore, as the crowds flock to its famous neighbours. Don’t let its title fool you, Cannock Chase is home to miles of hiking, biking and running trails, there always seems to be somewhere new to explore.

Thrill-seekers must try the Go Ape high ropes adventure located at Birches Valley Forest Centre, while history fans will love a hike around the many war memorials.

I highly recommend ending your visit with a stay at one of their Forest campsites – the Safari pods offer the perfect opportunity to sleep under the stars.

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for places to visit in the Midlands, add Warwick to your list. This beautiful town sits on the banks of the River Avon and is overshadowed by the famous Warwick Castle- founded by William the Conqueror.

The history in the entire area is incredible and Warwick is full of cute cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings which give the entire town a fantastic atmosphere. There are also some brilliant cafes, pubs and restaurants as well as lots of modern and unique shops to explore.

Warwick is also famous for its racecourse. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a motorhome trip , there is a campsite right in the centre with great views of the racing!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

Recommended by: Ania, The Travelling Twins

Shrewsbury is an ancient shire town in the West Midlands. My favourite place in England, with its higgledy-piggledy medieval street plan, narrow passages, and quirky timber frame buildings. They house a variety of pubs, local shops, restaurants and charity shops – those always have a great selection of books.

Shrewsbury is almost completely surrounded by a meander of the River Severn – the longest river in the UK. It wraps around the Old Town and the Quarry – a beautiful 29-acre park. This is the perfect place to unwind after sightseeing and shopping. Talking of the river, you can go for a boat ride or rent a kayak and admire Shrewsbury’s skyline and the magnificent Shropshire scenery from the water.

Recommended by: Dagney from Cultura Obscura

Despite being a major city, Coventry remains off the beaten path for tourists. This is a real shame because Coventry has much to offer! After all, it was voted the UK City of Culture for 2021, a title it most certainly deserves! And you can learn all about why at the city’s numerous museums, including the Coventry Transport Museum and Herbert Art Museum.

For history enthusiasts, one of the top Coventry attractions is the Old Coventry Cathedral, which was completely destroyed by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) during the Blitz in 1940. It was never restored, but today visitors can explore the ruins and learn more about the Blitz’s effect on the city.

Malvern Hills

Although the Peak District is the best-known countryside area in the Midlands, it’s far from the only one! Over in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, the Malvern Hills are an AONB where the numerous hills provide some of the most impressive views in the country. 

As well as beautiful landscapes and the quaint English countryside, the Malverns are also known for their idyllic towns and villages. Among them is Malvern itself, a Victorian spa town known for its supposedly healing well waters. While the countryside of the Hills is the perfect place to enjoy walking – whether it’s a gentle stroll or a hardcore hike! 

The City of Hereford straddles the banks of the River Wye and amidst the stunning countryside of Herefordshire. It might be a city, but there’s certainly a slower pace of life to enjoy here. Take a stroll along the river, immerse yourself in the historic architecture, or pay a visit to the nearby cattle market for a taste of traditional country life. 

Herefordshire is well known for its farm produce, so be sure to try some of the local food – such as Hereford beef, cider, perry, and potatoes. Don’t miss a trip to the Cide Museum to find out how the county’s famous “golden amber” is made!

Recommended by: Mark at Wyld Family Travel

Leicester lies in the east midlands, home to a little over 350,000 people. Leicester is most well known in recent years for its football team The Foxes, who pulled off a miracle when winning the Premier League title in 2016.

Today Leicester draws tourists to multiple attractions in the city centre. You can visit the National Space Museum which is full of rackets and spaceships. You can visit the site Richard 111 was found. Richard was found buried under a car park in Leicester city centre. Leicester Cathedral today houses the remains of Richard.

Leicester has a long history dating back to Roman times. The remains of the baths of Roman Leicester can be seen at the Jewry Wall. Roman Leicester was an important point on the road north to Lincoln for the armies of Rome.

Mablethorpe

Recommended by: Suzy – Yorkshire to do with Kids

Mablethorpe is a seaside resort on the Lincolnshire coastline in the East Midlands. We love that all the main attractions are close together. There’s so much to do in Mablethorpe!

One of our favourites is the sand train – which also goes in the sea for part of the return journey! The beach stretches for miles and it is golden and clean. There are fish and chips to be munched on and donkey rides to be found. Plus there’s a great mini theme park with rides for all, crazy golf galore and a boating lake.

Recommended by: Steph & Lewis from Book it Let’s Go!

Nottingham is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and legends. There are many things to do in Nottingham that make it worth visiting. From the hand-carved caves under the city that have had many uses over the years, and some are still used today… to Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest for the legend of Robin Hood.

Nottingham is great for couples or families and there are ample green spaces to enjoy. The most famous is Wollaton Hall, which has free-roaming red and fallow deer. This stunning property was also featured in the 2012 movie Batman Begins.

Nottingham has many cultural events throughout the year including Nottingham Pride, Nottingham Mela and Nottingham Carnival which celebrate traditional Indian and Caribbean cultures, respectively.

Sherwood Forest

No trip to the Midlands is complete without visiting the famous Sherwood Forest . Known for being the home of Robin Hood, this protected forest has been a “legend in the making for over 1000 years”. The forest is filled with giant ancient oaks, such as the celebrated Major Oak. This gnarled old tree has been standing for around 800-1100 so it’s seen a lot of English history! 

There are miles of walks and trails around the forest to suit all ages and abilities. They also host many events and guided walks throughout the year. 

Chesterfield

Recommended by: Allison, Urbanite Diary

Chesterfield is a historic market town in Derbyshire, renowned for one of the largest open-air markets in England. Chesterfield Market has been trading for over 800 years – since the town received its market charter in 1204 from King John.

The most iconic landmark of Chesterfield is The Church of St Mary and All Saints, also known as the Crooked Spire, made famous for its twisted and leaning spire, an architectural phenomenon built over 657 years ago in 1362. Although science has since explained this twisting, some folklores still believe that it was caused by the Devil!

Other interesting things to do include visits to Chesterfield Canal, Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle.

Silverstone

Recommended by: Darek, Darek and Gosia

One of the most unique places to visit in the Midlands is the Silverstone Circuit. The track is located 30 miles northeast of Oxford , near the town of Silverstone.

As home to the iconic British Grand Prix, the circuit has to be visited by any Formula 1 fan. Watch an F1 race, visit the Silverstone Experience or try your driving skills in a single-seater.

The Silverstone circuit is one of the oldest racing facilities not only in Europe but also in the world. Many drivers call it the “Temple of Motorsport” so this really must be one of the best places to visit in the Midlands!

Although not as well known as some of the other cities in the Midlands, Lincoln is one of the best places to visit in the area. This historic city is known for its medieval cathedral, which towers over the red brick houses of the surrounding historic quarter. From 1311-1549 this was the tallest building in the world! 

During the Second World War, Lincoln was the heart of “bomber country”. The city was home to numerous air bases and Lincoln Cathedral was a popular navigational beacon. You can explore this history at various museums, as well as the new International Bomber Command Centre which opened in 2018. 

Recommended by: Angharad, This Bristol Brood

Visiting the eye-popping-ly picturesque market town of Stamford in Lincolnshire is a bit like walking into a Pride and Prejudice movie (incidentally the Keira Knightley version was filmed here). Cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, a meandering river, 600 listed buildings and a spire-filled skyline (there are a total of 11 churches) imbue the town with an olde worlde charm that has remained unchanged for centuries.

No first-time visit is complete without a visit to Burghley House, which hosts the annual Burghley Horse Trials. Vast grounds surround the mansion, however, the magical Sculpture Garden is well worth paying to explore.

You should also make sure to pay a visit to The George Hotel – an atmospheric old coaching inn – for afternoon tea, grand ice creams or impossibly festive decorations and roaring log fires at Christmas.

Recommended by: Helen on her Holidays

Cromford is a small village in Derbyshire, only a few miles from the Peak District. These days it’s a tranquil place, but 250 years ago it was a busy hub of innovation. The inventor and entrepreneur Richard Arkwright chose Cromford for his revolutionary spinning mill – the first water-powered mill anywhere in the world.

Today Arkwright’s Cromford Mills form part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mills are open for visitors and you can also take a guided tour.

When you visit Cromford Mills, don’t miss visiting the village centre. The old mill pond in the middle of the village is really pretty – you might even see a kingfisher.

Lincolnshire Wolds

Last, but by no means least, the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB is definitely one of the best places to visit in the East Midlands. This is a sprawling area of quaint English countryside , boasting some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the East Midlands.

With rolling hills, hidden valleys, gentle streams and picturesque villages, there’s a lot of beauty to explore.

This is also the highest land in eastern England between Kent and Yorkshire, so there are some fabulous views of the coast in the east and the Pennines in the west! Perfect for hiking, rambling, cycling, horse riding, or simply village-hopping… don’t miss this gorgeous AONB in the East Midlands. 

More in England

33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England

40 of the Most Romantic Places in Britain

30 Places to Visit in the North of England

Are there any more places to visit in the Midlands of England that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

Pin this Post

Related Posts

6 of the Best Beaches in Salcombe Devon

• Last Updated 21 March 2024

Golden sand, rolling hills, and a tranquil estuary… these are the best beaches in Salcombe, Devon for the perfect seaside holiday!

15 of the Best Things to Do in Salcombe Devon

An insider’s guide to the best things to see and do in Salcombe: seaside holiday heaven on the south coast of Devon, England.

How to Plan the Perfect City Break in Liverpool

• Last Updated 29 March 2024

An in-depth guide to help you plan a city break in Liverpool, England – and cram it with as much music, art, and culture as possible!

2 thoughts on “26 Best Places to Visit in the Midlands, England”

Stunning Photos.

Thank you :)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Visit 100 Countries
• Visit 500 UNESCO Sites
• Landmarks of the World

Welcome to the heart of England, a region brimming with captivating charm and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Don’t let central England’s modesty fool you – it’s a gem filled with fascinating places that may surprise even seasoned travelers. From ancient towns predating London to centuries-old cathedrals and universities, and unspoiled landscapes like the enchanting Cotswolds and the picturesque Chilterns.

Having explored some of these lovely places firsthand, we can assure you that central England is a land of historical significance and boundless inspiration. It proudly claims the birthplace of illustrious figures such as William Shakespeare, Lord Nelson, and Stephen Hawking. It’s also a cradle of major industrial movements, boasting the world’s first iron bridge and Birmingham, known for its extensive canal network built during the industrial revolution.

In central England, you have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in unspoiled landscapes and charming villages, tracing the footsteps of history while savoring delicious local delicacies.

So, whether you plan a weekend break , a week-long exploration, or a more leisurely adventure, we’ve handpicked eight great places to visit in central England. These recommendations stem from our own experiences and insights shared by fellow travel bloggers.

Get ready to embrace the very best the region has to offer, as we guide you through these extraordinary destinations. Let central England’s warmth and allure leave a lasting impression on your heart.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our   full disclosure policy here .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 great places to visit in central england.

• Stratford-upon-Avon

Ironbridge Gorge

Places to Visit in Central England Map

Hereford is one of the most underrated cities in  England . It and its county, Herefordshire, don’t tend to get the attention other parts of England do, but it’s a wonderful small city with the feel of a country town. Herefordshire is very much a rural county, and Hereford is the market for its products, including its famous cattle and cider. It’s close to the Welsh border and indeed was described by Richard I of England as being ‘in Wales’.

The main landmarks in the city are its cathedral and the medieval bridge over the River Wye. It also has several churches from the medieval period and several beautifully preserved historic houses.

MUST DO IN HEREFORD:

• Hereford Cathedral : The cathedral is the undoubted highlight of Hereford, and it has a magnificent setting close to the River Wye. The present building was begun in 1079, with additions following throughout the Middle Ages. The cathedral is home to the famous Mappa Mundi, an intricate map of the world dating from around 1300.
• The Black and White House Museum : Formerly known as the Old House, this half-timbered building was built in 1621 and is a museum of the Jacobean era. The house is furnished as it would have been at this time and you can pick up and try on clothes in the style of the era. It’s a great little museum for all ages.
• Herefordshire’s Black and White Villages : The county of Herefordshire is full of treasures, from gentle country scenery to stunning Norman churches but the highlight is the black and white half-timbered villages of which the best of these are Eardisland, Weobley and Pembridge.

Contribution from David and Faith of Travel with Little One

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Named for the River Avon that flows through this charming, English town, Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval market town that would make a  great day trip from London  as it’s only about an hour drive from the city.

First incorporated in 1196, the village has retained much of its historic flavour, despite being a bustling modern village. It’s most well-known though for being the epicentre of all things Shakespeare. The famous poet was born here, spent most of his life here, and died and was buried in this quiet English town. Most of his immediate family had homes here as well.

Although visited by millions of tourists every year, the town itself is charming and distinctly English, as well as a worthwhile step back in time.

MUST DO IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON:

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace : Tour the very building where, in 1564, William Shakespeare was born. From the outside, the wattle-and-daub half-timbered building isn’t much to look at, but at the time it was built, it was the largest house on the street. Not only was he born here, but he spent the first five years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway is the home. It operated as a bustling inn until 1847, when Shakespeare Birthplace Trust bought it. Much of the furniture and artefacts are original from Shakespeare’s time, as well as the building itself.
• Holy Trinity Church : It’s here that Shakespeare’s family worshipped, and it’s here that many of them, including the poet, were buried. Although still an active parish, visitors are welcome to come and see the graves of Shakespeare, his wife, and their daughter Susanna.
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre : You can’t visit Stratford-upon-Avon without seeing a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays! Many of the world’s best Shakespearean actors perform here.

Contribution from Maggie of Pink Caddy Travelogue

A historic university town that combines the sound of spokes and pedals with books opening to the next theory to study. Cambridge is a city in the heart of   England   that boasts the best spot to punt, an unmatched literary history and more significant landmarks than most English spots.

Have a picnic at Park’s Piece, stand beside the sapling grown from the tree that dropped the apple on Isaac’s head, or buy a piece of art where Quentin Blake, illustrator of many Roald Dahl novels frequents and signs the odd original print.

Cambridge has a wealth of sights and foodie must-tries, such as fish & chips at the Eagle Pub. When you enter this pub take a look at the ceilings where you’ll find writing burned within it that is messages from former Royal Air Force pilots who would come in here for a pint during WWII. With scenery perfect for that quintessential photograph, Cambridgeshire truly has it all to be a worthy inclusion on any British holiday itinerary.

MUST DO IN CAMBRIDGE:

• A Walking Tour of the Colleges and Grounds : There are 31 colleges that make up the University of Cambridge! Each building is remarkable to see and learn further of its academic significance as well as its stately history. Take a guided tour and learn more about these iconic buildings, the carefully manicured gardens, and just why it attracts such alumni as Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, and Sir Isaac Newton to name a few.
• See “Winnie The Pooh” as well as the Grimm Bros Manuscripts :  Visit  Wren Library  within the university to see the encased original “Winnie the Pooh” book penned by A.A. Milne. Within the same library, see the Brothers Grimm’s stories as well as an original copy of Tennyson’s haunting “Crossing the Bar” poem.
• Punting : Sort of like the newly popular art of supping, take a stab at punting. A true test of balance, give it a try yourself with your own boat and pole or pay for a university student to take you for an informative tour.

Contribution from Janine of Fill My Passport

READ MORE: Looking for more great places to visit in England? Check them out here!

Colchester is the oldest recorded town in England (older than  London !) and is located in the county of Essex. This historic town has buildings evident from various eras such as Norman, Roman, Tudor, Stuart,  and Victorian that still remain today.

There are plenty of things to do in Colchester from outside spaces, restaurants and bars, shopping, historic attractions, indoor play areas and a huge swimming pool complex with a spa.

MUST DO IN COLCHESTER:

• Colchester Zoo : The zoo was established in 1963 and has grown massively over the years. They even have a private nature reserve in Africa! Colchester Zoo is home to over 250 species. One of their most impressive enclosures is ‘Kingdom of the Wild’, a huge open-air space where giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches and kudu all co-exist together. There are special events throughout the year, as well as daily displays, educational programmes and animal feeding opportunities.
• Colchester Castle : Parts of Colchester Castle are over 2000 years old and can be seen by taking a special tour of the underground vaults! The tour now even takes guests up onto the roof, to see a tree that was planted after the Battle of Waterloo. The rest of the castle is around 300 years old and has a museum about what life was like during the Roman era. There are props and costumes for visitors to try on and hands-on exhibits.
• Castle Park : Castle Park is a great outdoor space to enjoy the fresh air. Both Colchester Castle and Castle Park are just off the High Street in the city centre, making it a great place to chill out after a day of shopping. There’s a small boating lake open during the summer months, playground equipment and lots of friendly squirrels! Special events are held at Castle Park throughout the year.

Contribution from Kylie of Between England and Iowa

Norwich is located 100 miles northeast of  London  in the county of Norfolk. It was England’s second city from the Middle Ages until the Industrial Revolution. While it may no longer hold that position it is still the most complete medieval city in the UK and in many places, you will also see remnants of the old city walls. You may feel like you have gone back in time strolling down Elm Hill, with the Tudor style buildings.

The ancient medieval city of Norwich at one time had 36 parish churches within its walls. While some of those churches are still places of worship, others have been repurposed. Both the Anglican Norwich Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral are impressive landmarks.

In addition to the beautiful architecture, there is plenty of natural scenery to explore too. Norwich is the only city in the United Kingdom within a national park – the   Norfolk Broads .

MUST DO IN NORWICH:

• Norwich Castle : Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago! You can explore the castle keep, museum, and art gallery which are packed with historical treasures.
• Norwich Cathedral : The Norwich Cathedral is one of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe. It has the second-tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England. Edith Cavell, a heroine from World War I, is buried at the cathedral. It is free to visit the cathedral, but donations are welcome.
• The Market : Norwich Market is one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in England. Inside the  colourful  stalls, you will find a great selection of unique foods, clothes, toys,  jewellery , and more!

Contribution from Anisa of 2 Traveling Texans

Dovercourt is a small seaside town in Essex. Visiting Dovercourt is a nice  day trip from London . It is easy to get to by train and then you can explore the town on foot.

MUST DO IN DOVERCOURT:

• Visit a seal colony:  One amazing and possible once in a lifetime experience you can have is going on a   kayak trip   with   Nomad Sea Kayaking   to observe a seal colony. You will launch from the beach and paddle to the seal colony. You will have to be quiet and you must not approach the seals, but wait for them to get close to you on their own. Luckily they are curious creatures and they were quite brave and may come quite close. It is so much fun to see how they pop their heads up from the water and check out their visitors. Paddling can be exhausting, especially if it’s a windy day, but the sore muscles are so worth it for this unique experience. If you are not so much into physical activities you can go on a boat trip to see the seals.
• Relax at the beach:  Dovercourt is also great for a beach holiday. It can be so enjoyable just walking at the beach and admiring the cute, colourful beach huts. This is the perfect place for a picnic or flying a kite. On a sunny day, you can even go for a swim.
• Indulge at the local restaurants:   The town has many restaurants and cafes. One favourite is a family run cafe called Station Cafe Restaurant. They have very tasty cakes, that you should definitely try if you are in the town.

Contribution from Eniko of Travel Hacker Girl

READ MORE: Check out these other 23 amazing day trip ideas from London !

With charming half-timbered buildings and surrounded by protective castle walls, the town of Warwick in Warwickshire is worth a visit on an itinerary in central England.

It is located upstream on the River Avon from the better-known Stratford and can’t be missed with its grand castle that dominates the banks of the river. The charming town has more to offer visitors than just the castle though, with a fine market square, some lovely eateries, and pretty gardens.

MUST DO IN WARWICK:

• Explore Warwick Castle : Considered one of England’s most kid-friendly experiences, the 14th/15th-century fortified shell has an 18th/19th-century royal residence inside. While quite touristy, and likened to a theme park, the whole family will love touring the opulent staterooms, climbing up towers and on ramparts, and learning about how the castle was electrified in 1894 at the mill and engine house.
• Stroll through the town with your camera in hand : With several pretty buildings in town, you could easily go for a wander and find Instagram-worthy photos. Start with the Lord Leycester Hospital which is made up of adjoining 14th-century half-timbered houses and considered to the most photogenic building in town. Then on to the arcaded Market Hall from 1670 that is a great example of Perpendicular architecture. And then finish off with a stop at Beauchamp Chapel which is the resting place of the Earls of Warwick.
• Enjoy an afternoon of English Gardens : Down a quaint half-timbered street, you’ll find the most appealing garden in Warwick – the Mill Garden. This little haven adjoins the castle property which means great views of the castle and the river. The Hill Close Gardens is actually a collection of 16 small Victorian garden plots and has a little café if you’re visiting around tea time. Finally, the pretty garden at Lord Leycester Hospital would be a lovely way to finish off your afternoon.

We had an absolute wonderful time visiting Ironbridge Gorge and it may just be one of our favourite places in England we’ve visited so far. It was such an incredible experience to learn about its fascinating history and the significant role it played in shaping the world during its glory days.

From the first iron wheels to steam-powered locomotives and those iconic cast-iron bridges, it’s awe-inspiring to think about all the innovations that originated from the rich deposits of iron ore and coal, and the river that served as a means of transporting these materials. Visiting the museums and exploring the various exhibits was a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the history of this incredible place.

Of course, like any other region, times changed, and in the 20th century, the industries that once thrived in the area started to decline, causing some challenges for the region. However, it’s amazing to see how the community came together to breathe new life into Ironbridge Gorge. Now, it has been lovingly restored and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site , proudly symbolizing the Industrial Revolution.

Just a small sampling of the beautiful tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum

MUST DO IN IRONBRIDGE GORGE:

• Iron Bridge : This iconic structure was built back in 1779,as the world’s very first cast-iron bridge, and its purpose was to showcase the incredible potential of this new building material. It’s fascinating to know that the builders, not being experienced with cast-iron, decided to err on the side of sturdiness. So, they constructed the bridge using timber-jointing techniques, just as they would have done if it were made of wood, rather than using rivets. The tollhouse is free to visit and inside, you’ll find an engaging exhibit that takes you on a journey through the construction of this historic bridge, offering valuable insights into its engineering marvel. Once you’ve soaked in all the fascinating information, take a leisurely walk across the bridge. The views are simply breathtaking! As you stroll downstream along the towpath, you’ll be treated to magnificent sights that showcase the beauty of the surrounding area.
• Blist Hill Victorian Town : Covering 50 acres, this is an open-air folk museum that features Victorian industry, factories, and a recreated community from the 1890s. There is a bank, post office, blacksmith, pub, and more… even a pigsty to delight the kids! Visitors can also board a train for a trip through a clay mine or visit a complete foundry that still produces wrought iron. When you need a little snack, we recommend their homemade bread. My goodness, it was so delicious!
• Museums : History buffs interested in the Victorian Age will love a stop in Ironbridge Gorge to visit one, or all ten, of its museums. The   Museum of the Gorge   is where visitors are encouraged to start for the movie that gives a historical overview and puts everything in the area into context. The   Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron   tells the story of iron and the men who worked with it, including Abraham Darby I who discovered how to smelt iron ore with coke which allowed for mass production. And finally, our favourite, the   Jackfield Tile Museum   is a collection of decorative floor and wall tiles produced from the 1850s to 1960s and demos traditional tile-making. It was fascinating wondering through admiring all the workmanship and colourful tiles. We even brought one home from the gift shop that has a permanent place in our kitchen!

As our journey through central England comes to a close, we hope you’ve been enchanted by the region’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm embrace of its charming towns. From the allure of ancient towns and majestic cathedrals to the tranquility of unspoiled landscapes like the Cotswolds and Chilterns, central England has proven itself as a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored.

Having personally experienced the beauty of these destinations, we can attest to the magic they hold – especially as we walked across the world’s first iron bridge and admired its beautiful architecture.

We hope our recommendations have fueled your wanderlust and left you eager to create your own cherished memories. Central England’s allure is timeless, and there are always new wonders to uncover. We know we’ll be back again!

Looking for more information to plan your visit to England? You may find these articles helpful.

• 8 Great Places to Visit in Southern England
• 25 Weekend Breaks in England
• Exploring London in One Day Ultimate Itinerary
• Weekend Guide to Bath: 48-Hour Itinerary

Map of Places to Visit in Central England

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ENGLAND

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

• For more great weekend ideas around England and the rest of Britain, check out one of my favourites –   52 Great British Weekends: A Seasonal Guide to Britain’s Best Breaks
• For weekend ideas in London –   The Weekend Starts Here: Fifty-Two Weekends of Things to See and Do   – will give you lots of ideas!
• For all things England, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his   England travel guide , full episodes of his   TV show , or download his app for excellent   audio tours .

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

RELATED POSTS

Day trips from london, weekend breaks in england, guide to visiting bath’s no 1 royal crescent, 8 great places to visit in north east england.

Unearth North East England’s hidden gems – from historic York, to vibrant Newcastle and the majestic cathedrals of Durham and Lincoln.

Guide to Visiting London’s HMS Belfast

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Must-See Medieval Landmarks in England

Discover the rise and fall of medieval britain at these atmospheric sites..

Peta Stamper

04 apr 2023.

England boasts a huge variety of medieval landmarks that all play their part in telling the story of Anglo-Saxons and the Norman Conquest, right through to the fall of the Plantagenet kings – there are just too many fantastic medieval sites to mention.

However, featuring the iconic Westminster Abbey that has seen the rise and fall of notable English monarchs, to the streets that ordinary folk would have hurried along in Medieval Rye, we’ve selected 10 top spots that are guaranteed to transport you back to England’s medieval past.

History Hit Holidays

Rediscovering Richard III With Matt Lewis

1. Medieval Rye

Rye is a historic port town in East Sussex, England, that was an important member of the Cinque Port Confederation during the medieval period. The name Rye comes from ‘ rie ’ meaning bank or the West Saxon ‘ ieg ’ meaning island, as the town was once entirely surrounded by sea.

Rye’s ties to the sea have coloured its long history with shipbuilding, royal visits, thriving trade and violent smuggling. Notorious locations include a Norman church, The Mermaid Inn, The Olde Bell Inn and the Ypres Tower, all open to visitors today.

2. Wells Cathedral and Medieval Centre

Often described as England’s smallest city, Well owes its medieval city status to its beautiful 13th century cathedral. In area and population, Wells is in fact not the smallest city in  England  – that title goes to the City of London.

However, its size does not diminish the large historical legacy of Wells. Named for the 3 wells dedicated to Saint Andrew, the city grew from a Roman settlement into the Anglo-Saxon period when King Ine of Wessex founded a church there in 704. Wells has since been notable for its cloth-making and role in both the English Civil War and Monmouth Rebellion.

Today, the medieval architecture has led Wells to be a popular filming location. You can tour Wells Cathedral, the “most poetic of the English Cathedrals”, before wandering the picturesque medieval streets.

3. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an iconic medieval structure and the site of many historic royal and national events, from coronations and royal weddings to burials and even deaths. Centrally located in London, Westminster Abbey was first constructed in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor, a Saxon king who dedicated this new church to St Peter.

To have an informed visit and to see the most interesting parts of Westminster Abbey, take a tour, as just wandering around can be overwhelming. Along with Westminster Palace and Saint Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO world heritage site.

4. Norwich Guildhall

Within the heart of the medieval city of Norwich in England, Norwich Guildhall is a remarkable example of late medieval architecture and reflected the growing power of the city’s merchant elite.

Today, the Norwich Guildhall is the largest remaining civic building outside of London and is open to the public.

Norwich Guildhall’s characteristic flint exterior remains a bastion of the city’s medieval independence and wealth, sat on Gaol Hill. The Grade I listed building is open for booking free guided tours which last about an hour, or you can explore the guildhall history on one of the Heritage Open Days, run every September.

5. Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey was a Cistercian abbey in Rievaulx near Helmseley in the North York Moors, England. One of England’s great abbeys, Rievaulx was seized during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538.

The wider site has since been awarded Scheduled Ancient Monument status and the striking ruins of the main abbey continue to be a popular tourist destination, owned and managed by English Heritage. The abbey’s records also provide one of the earliest insights into queer relationships during the medieval period.

6. Rochester Castle

One of the best-preserved Norman fortifications in England, Rochester Castle was built at a strategic crossroads in the years following the Norman Conquest.

In 1087 Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester began the construction of the castle to command an important river crossing. One of William the Conqueror’s greatest architects, Gundulf was also responsible for the Tower of London. Much of what remains of the walled perimeter remains intact from that time.

In 1215, garrisoned by rebel barons, the castle endured an epic siege by King John. Rochester Castle played no role in the Civil Wars and so it was never slighted. It appears, however, that a violent fire took place in the keep before the 1660s, which reduced the building to ruin.

Today the castle has been largely restored and is open to visitors under the custodianship of English Heritage.

7. St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is a small tidal island in Cornwall’s Mount’s Bay, England, and is linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway only passable at mid or low tide. Since 1650, the medieval castle and chapel complex has been the home of the St Aubyn family, although today, the island is jointly managed by the St Aubyns and the National Trust.

St Michael’s Mount was likely an earlier monastery, but was gifted by Edward the Confessor to the Benedictine order of Mont Saint-Michel (the French order that was later dissolved by Henry V) in the 11th century. The Mount was captured on behalf of Prince John in 1193 – during the reign of his brother King Richard I.

In 1424, the chapel was given to the Abbess and Convent of Syon in Middlesex, ending the island’s connection with the French Benedictines. Nonetheless, the Mount remained a popular destination for pilgrims and the castle was built on top of the island around the same time.

St Michael’s Mount continues to weather the tides of time so that visitors can still explore parts of the island and castle.

8. Orford Castle

Orford Castle in Suffolk is a striking medieval castle once used to assert royal authority in the area. With its keep still largely intact, it provides an intriguing look into the world of medieval Britain. Orford Castle was originally built in 1165 under the orders of King Henry II, and was an impressive fortified stone structure surrounded by a curtain wall and several defensive mounds.

In 1189 the castle passed to Henry II’s son Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, and when he was captured upon his return from the crusades, his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine assembled a fleet at Orford to deliver the ransom for his release.

Whilst much of Orford Castle has since been destroyed or eroded, the polygonal five-storey tower is extremely well-preserved and offers visitors a great insight into the history of this vital stronghold.

9. Battle Abbey and Battlefield

Battle Abbey and Battlefield is the site on which the decisive Battle of Hastings took place in October 1066. It now holds the ruins of the Norman abbey built shortly after the battle, as well as a modern visitor centre detailing the site’s significant place in history.

The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was one of Britain’s most important historical events, following which William, Duke of Normandy – largely known as William the Conqueror – was crowned King of England.

In 1090, Pope Alexander II ordered the Normans to do penance for all the lives taken during their conquest of England, following which William vowed to build an abbey to commemorate the fallen dead.

Today Battle Abbey is managed by English Heritage and features a museum exploring William the Conqueror’s victory at Hastings, the events that led up to it, and its aftermath.

10. High Bridge

High Bridge in Lincoln, England, is a medieval bridge that carries the High Street across the River Witham. It is the oldest bridge in the United Kingdom still to have buildings on it, and having stood since the 12th century, today is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.

High Bridge was originally built in 1160 AD with a bridge chapel on the side, dedicated to the murdered Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, in 1235 although later removed in 1762. Bridge chapels were commonly-used medieval sanctuaries for travellers, although few remain in England today. The bridge saw the addition of its characteristic timber-framed shops from around 1550, similar in style to London Bridge.

Today, the medieval stone arched bridge continues to cross the River Witham, one of only 3 remaining bridges with buildings on it (the others are Pulteney Bridge in Bath and Frome Bridge in Somerset).

• Magazine Subscription Offer
• Newsletters
• Competitions
• Holiday ideas
• Wildlife stories
• Marine life
• Insects and invertebrates
• Trees and plants
• Experiences
• Historical figures
• Green living
• Food & recipes
• Foraging guides
• Outdoor skills
• Craft ideas
• Photography
• Latest issue
• Meet the team
• Countryfile TV guide
• Countryfile presenters
• Countryfile calendar

Guide to the Midlands: best villages to visit, country houses and places to eat and stay

The gently rolling pastures of the English Midlands are scattered with pretty villages, gnarly castles and quirky country houses. Here is our guide to the Midlands, looking at the best villages, country houses and castles to visit, walks, plus best places to eat and stay

Here is our guide to the Midlands, looking at the best villages, country houses and castles to visit, plus places to eat and stay.

What does Meriden mean?

No one knows how Meriden, near Coventry came to be known as the centre of England for more than 500 years. Maybe it began with drovers moving livestock diagonally through the country, finding Meriden to be three days from London and three days from Chester. Maybe it was dreamed up by tallow light in the Bull’s Head: a novel way to draw coaches to the inn. Geographically it wasn’t a farfetched imagining, though, and nor is viewing the old boundaries of Warwickshire as England’s symbolic heart.

On Meriden village green in the West Midlands (formerly Warwickshire), a 1951 plaque declares that the wayside cross above it marks the traditional centre of England.

Where is the new centre of England?

According to more recent (and accurate) calculations by Ordnance Survey in 2002, the geographic centre of England has been found to be a field at Lindley Hall Farm in Leicestershire – 11 miles from the original site.

What are the Midlands counties?

Landlocked Warwickshire borders with seven Midlands counties: Leicestershire and Staffordshire in the north and Gloucestershire and northern Oxfordshire in the south, its feet in the golden Cotswolds. To the east, Northamptonshire, the Rose of the Shires, and in the west, Worcestershire and the West Midlands, where JRR Tolkien’s imagination would take flight to create the rustic Shire of Middle Earth. Warwickshire is the county Henry James described as “mid-most England, unmitigated England”: wooded, undulating, and largely undramatic until met with half-timbered houses and lias-built (lias is a kind of limestone) churches. There it becomes idyllic. This is the home of modern rugby, George Eliot, and a playwright we’ll meet soon.

The best villages to visit in the Midlands

Welford-on-avon.

Of the many villages waiting to catch our eye, Welford-on-Avon is also one of the prettiest. Set in a bend of the River Avon, four miles south-west of Stratford-upon-Avon, it has a Norman church perched above timber-framed cottages, which are rendered plump and endearing with white- painted plaster and bonny thatched heads. Local lore has made the flagstone floors and cosy replaces of the 17th-century Bell Inn the scene of our unmentioned writer’s final ‘merry meeting’. Easier to prove is Welford’s other most English of boasts: to have one of the country’s tallest maypoles.

Six miles west of Coventry is a village telling tales that span centuries: Berkswell , whose name may derive from Bercul, a Saxon chieftain, and the spring-fed well in which he was reputedly baptised. The village green still displays stocks, inexplicably five-holed; some say it accommodated an unruly one-legged former soldier and his two drinking companions. In Berkswell’s handsome church of St John the Baptist , take the steps leading down from a boxed pew in the north aisle to find a two-part Norman crypt. The church is full of surprises, including signature mouse carvings by Robert Thompson (1876–1955). Its grounds hold a celebrity from the heart of English sport, for this is the burial place of Maud Watson, the 1884 winner of the first Ladies’ Singles title at Wimbledon.

Best places for wildlife spotting in the Midlands

To see England’s central landscape reclaimed by nature, look to Brandon Marsh , in the loving care of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust . More than 220 species of bird have been recorded here; you can view their soaring and hear their song from eight different hides. Take the longest of three footpaths, Kingfisher Trail , to walk alongside willow carr (waterlogged woodland), through trees and grassland, past the Newlands reedbed, which has been cultivated to nurture eels and amphibians. In later spring, the oak and ash shade of New Hare Covert will yield bluebells and foxgloves.

Although appearing wild and old, Brandon Marsh was formed by subsidence and flooding due to nearby coal mining, and sand and gravel workings until the 1980s invited further stretches of open water. The hands of industry have wrought further legacies on central England’s landscape through canals, those extraordinary feats of engineering that also foster tranquillity. A place to appreciate both is Hatton , where the Grand Union Canal takes a flight of 21 locks over 4km, raising the water by a remarkable 45 metres. This ‘stairway to heaven’ is blessed with biodiversity: look for darting dragon flies and damselflies in the summer and, all year round, listen for the telltale yaffle of the green woodpecker.

Best country houses and castles to visit for history

Stratford-upon-avon.

Near where the Stratford-upon-Avon canal meets the River Avon you’re likely to find Shakee’s Ice Cream Boat moored in wait for a new season of bard-watchers. Here is where we realise Warwickshire is not only the heart of England but, when it comes to our unnamed writer, the centre of the universe. “They’re Shakespeare-mad around here, aren’t they?” I heard a bemused visitor say on Bridge Street. Well, yes. But forgivably so.

Stratford and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust properties lie on well-trodden trails, so instead, let’s seek our man four miles east of the town, at Charlecote Park , the 800-year-old home of the Lucy family. Here you can follow footpaths among four shades of fallow deer, imagining a young William Shakespeare poaching a few, and perhaps some rabbits. A lack of compelling evidence has not hindered this story’s popularity. Shakespeare would at least have known Charlecote’s parkland and been aware of the Lucys, though. Be sure to visit the pristine knights’ tombs in the Lucy Chapel of St Leonard’s Church . Some people think Sir Thomas Lucy (d.1600) was sent up by Shakespeare as Justice Robert Shallow in The Merry Wives of Windsor .

Woodland assumes significance in several Shakespeare plays, especially As You Like It , where the court moves out into the Forest of Arden , cueing mischief and confusion. Little remains now of the thick old forest, which once stretched from Stratford to Tamworth, swathing the world Shakespeare knew in oak trees. Today, we find the forest’s legacy in place names: Henley-, Tanworth-, Hampton-in-Arden, and the many villages whose names end with the Saxon su x -ley or -leigh, denoting a woodland clearing. On the corner of Coughton Fields Lane outside Coughton Court near Alcester, a crumbly stone monument marks the supposed spot where travellers prayed for safe passage through the forest.

Warwick Castle

If we avoid Stratford, then nor should we linger in Leamington Spa, Coventry or Warwick. Looking out from a sandstone bluff over a bend in the River Avon, Warwick Castle must be mentioned, however, for its exhilarating combination of history and majesty. This is one of England’s nest medieval castles, replacing a motte- and-bailey fort built by William the Conqueror. The theme park-ish overlay brought by modern-day management from Merlin Entertainments makes a visit fun for anyone, with unwitting absorption of history lessons almost guaranteed through birds-of-prey displays, jousting and the ring of a missile from the world’s biggest working trebuchet. (The projectile is no longer sent flaming, following a 2015 mishap involving a Victorian thatched boathouse.) Even with crowds, 64 acres of Capability Brown landscape provide space to wander, and a home for peacocks both living and topiary.

While Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick, was in residence at Warwick Castle , his brother Robert had been given Kenilworth Castle by Elizabeth I. Robert was the queen’s favourite suitor until his death in 1588; the only man she would have married. His alterations, architecturally and politically ambitious, are visible throughout the castle grounds today and the story of his thwarted desire is told comprehensively by English Heritage. Stairs and viewing platforms installed in Leicester’s Building allow visitors to ascend the red sandstone ruins and look out to the Warwickshire Queen Elizabeth would have seen during the whirl of banqueting, sport and dancing that accompanied her royal progress.

Political history – sites to visit

Two years after Elizabeth’s death, a group of provincial English Catholics schemed to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The history of several Warwickshire families is charged through with links to the Gunpowder Plot, including the Throckmortons of Coughton Court and possibly the Ferrers of Baddesley Clinton .

The latter house, magnificent and moated, has priest-holes, and a tale of earlier intrigue. One day in 1485, the lord of the manor Nicholas Brome came home to find a man “chockinge” (‘chucking’ or stroking) Brome’s wife Elizabeth “under ye chinne”. In a jealous rage, Brome drew his sword and killed the stranger, only to discover he had murdered the Rector of St James. For this killing, and the earlier death of a steward in a fight, Brome was ordered to pay penance, which included renovating the local church. And so the towers of St Michael’s Church in Baddesley Clinton and St Giles in Packwood are known as the Towers of Atonement.

It seems Brome carried his remorse to the grave because, upon a request stated in his will, he was buried standing upright in St Michael’s: “Within the church door as the people may tread upon mee as they cone [sic] into the church”.

Country houses to visit

Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House – two more names hinting at Warwickshire’s sylvan past – are managed by the National Trust and worth visiting in one day, especially if you can make the four-mile walk between estates, partly following the canal towpath. Packwood’s yew trees are startling: over 350 years old, they’re clipped into curious conical and cylindrical shapes. When I learned the topiary may represent evangelists and apostles at the Sermon on the Mount I smiled a bit guiltily. Because that would mean the arbour overseeing them all – the one with the spiral pathway my boys love to hurtle down yelling “Helter- skelter!” – is meant to be Jesus. I’ll urge them to proceed more reverently in future.

But I’m glad they have the trees and rural scenes of Warwickshire in the landscape of their childhood. Blessed are they who enjoy the endlessly captivating heart of England.

Share this article

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Code of conduct
• Manage preferences

Places to visit in the West Midlands

Looking for things to do in the West Midlands? The region is packed with dazzling theatres, colossal exhibition centres, Balti restaurants, and shiny shopping malls. Shrines in Coventry include super-size-sports and music arenas and cathedral ruins alike. With endless ancient woodlands, heaths, and wetlands to explore, it isn’t hard to see how this place inspired JRR Tolkien to write The Lord of the Rings. With county cricket, Premier League football, and rugby union alongside Europe’s biggest library, both sports fans and bookworms will be in heaven. The West Midlands is also home to Cadbury’s chocolate factory where you can taste the chocolate fresh from the production line.

27 Experience Results

View results as:

• Herefordshire (1) Apply Herefordshire filter
• Shropshire (1) Apply Shropshire filter
• Birmingham (21) Apply Birmingham filter
• Accessible breaks and places to stay (1) Apply Accessible breaks and places to stay filter
• Boating (1) Apply Boating filter
• Tours and trails (1) Apply Tours and trails filter
• Walking and hiking (2) Apply Walking and hiking filter
• Autumn Break Ideas (1) Apply Autumn Break Ideas filter
• Free (2) Apply Free filter
• City parks (1) Apply City parks filter
• Markets (1) Apply Markets filter
• Neighbourhoods (1) Apply Neighbourhoods filter
• Gardens and Parks (1) Apply Gardens and Parks filter
• Festivals and carnivals (3) Apply Festivals and carnivals filter
• Literature, film and TV (1) Apply Literature, film and TV filter
• Museums galleries and libraries (6) Apply Museums galleries and libraries filter
• Music and nightlife (2) Apply Music and nightlife filter
• Performing arts (2) Apply Performing arts filter
• December events (1) Apply December events filter
• November events (1) Apply November events filter
• October events (1) Apply October events filter
• September events (1) Apply September events filter
• Attractions (1) Apply Attractions filter
• Indoor Activities (3) Apply Indoor Activities filter
• Toddler Friendly Holidays (1) Apply Toddler Friendly Holidays filter
• Cookery courses (1) Apply Cookery courses filter
• Eating out (1) Apply Eating out filter
• Food markets and experiences (1) Apply Food markets and experiences filter
• Castles and Historic Properties (2) Apply Castles and Historic Properties filter
• Industrial Maritime And Transport (1) Apply Industrial Maritime And Transport filter
• Luxury and indulgence (1) Apply Luxury and indulgence filter
• Shopping and fashion (3) Apply Shopping and fashion filter
• Romance (2) Apply Romance filter
• Autumn (9) Apply Autumn filter
• Spring (8) Apply Spring filter
• Summer (8) Apply Summer filter
• Winter (1) Apply Winter filter

Visit Europe's largest library

The Library of Birmingham houses a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK.

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands

Discover green Birmingham

Birmingham has more than 8,000 acres of award-winning green spaces and parks – more than any other European city.

Uncover hidden treasures in the historic Jewellery Quarter

Explore this creative industrial hub in Birmingham and admire Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Rainy Day Activities: Watch films in style at The Electric Birmingham

Lounge on a sofa with a drink in hand and watch the latest blockbusters at the UK's oldest working cinema.

September events: Enjoy good food at Ludlow Food Festival

Take one historic town, an enviable food culture, passionate local chefs and food producers and you get the perfect recipe for Ludlow Food Festival.

Location: Ludlow, Shropshire

A shopping weekend in Birmingham

Enjoy great shopping and cutting edge art on a break to this buzzing city.

Geocaching in the Clent Hills

Discover your new favourite places.

Location: West Midlands

Uncover the story of West Midland’s industrial heritage

Go back to the where it all started, the Black Country Living Museum – home of the Industrial Revolution.

Location: Dudley, West Midlands

Go chocolate crazy at Cadbury World

A must-visit destination for chocoholics of all ages, Cadbury World in Bourneville near Birmingham is full of fun indoor activities and things to do when it rains.

October events: Laugh out loud at Birmingham Comedy Festival

Watch stand-up performances from some of the world’s top comedians, then learn the tricks of the trade for yourself.

Step into the magical world of JRR Tolkien

Celebrate this great literary mind by exploring his childhood haunts, the inspiration for literary classics Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Enjoy a 360-degree Champagne view of Birmingham

Luxury and fizz, at the top an icon of Birmingham's exciting modernity.

Boat through the history of a worldwide treasure

Enjoy a trip through the heart of Birmingham via its watery wonders.

December events: Visit Birmingham's famous Christmas market

Have a Teutonic shopping experience, all washed down with a cup or two of Glühwein!

Discover where the 18th century’s greatest minds would meet

This lavish Georgian house in Birmingham was once the home of the industrialist and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton, leading member of the Lunar Society.

Fall in love (all over again) at Malmaison Birmingham

Topping the list as England’s fastest growing Valentine’s Day destination, where better to rekindle a romance than in Birmingham?

Get clued up on healthy cooking at Harborne Food School

Learn how to cook healthy, sustainable food at Birmingham’s newest food school.

Experience an on-stage extravaganza at the Birmingham Hippodrome

Plan a theatre trip to Birmingham and enjoy classic performances by the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet, comedy, drama, opera and fun-filled musicals.

Visit world-renowned artefacts on a budget break in Birmingham

Being on a budget break in Birmingham isn't a problem at all as there’s so much to see and do for free.

Birmingham's Bullring, books and boutiques

Enjoy contemporary architectural and cultural gems as well as its shopping and nightlife.

Enjoy a weekend of free outdoor arts across Birmingham

Head to the Birmingham Weekender this September, where the city centre will be bought to life with music, dance, theatre, art, literature, food and fashion.

• See more results

Related Items

Nearby places to visit.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Immerse yourself in everything Shakespeare in this riverside market town. Start your days behind the scenes at his timbered birthplace museum or at his wife's quaint thatched cottage.

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

• Family holidays

• 10 Wow-Factor Homes For Your 2024 Reunion Holiday
• Our Top Tour De France Luxury Villas 2023
• The Most Popular Travel-Inspired Interior Trends
• The Best Places to Take a Workation – UK and Abroad
• Dreaming of Sunset with Oliver’s Travels
• Oliver’s Vampire Weekender – Only the Undead Should Apply!
• www.oliverstravels.com
• Smart Travel
• Places To Stay
• Travel Guides

Midlands Travel Guide

England isn’t just divided into the north and the south – there’s a whole stretch of the country that sits right between them, a wonderful and often overlooked area known as the Midlands. It’s here you’ll find Shakespeare’s birthplace, the rich cultural heritage of the Industrial Revolution and beautiful countryside that’s as wonderful to look at as it is to explore. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the great stuff to do in the region, we’ve put together this handy Midlands travel guide – and our range of luxury cottages in the Midlands make a great places to stay while you explore!

Hidden Gems | For families | Things to do | For foodies

The Midlands , a vast swath of land that cuts through the heart of the country, is a collection of counties often overlooked by holidaymakers in favour of the wilderness of the north or the gentility of the south. This, however, is a mistake; the Midlands has plenty to offer all types, from the historic market towns of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire to the buzzing, cosmopolitan city of Birmingham. Wild nature awaits explorers, while towns like Stratford and Cambridge offer a rich literary legacy for heritage hunters. What’s more, without the fame of England’s more celebrated counties, the Midlands remains relatively uncrowded and you won’t have to vie with other travellers for the best photograph or picnic spot during your scenic escape.

Best places to visit in the Midlands

• Stratford-upon-Avon  – Explore the birthplace of Shakespeare and see one of his plays performed.
• Cambridge – Punt along the river of one of England’s most famous university towns.
• The Peak District – Escape to the rugged hills, lakes and caves of this gorgeous pocket of wilderness.
• Birmingham – Hang out in England’s vibrant and happening second city.
• Lincoln – Visit the impressive castle and cathedral in this historic town.

When to visit

Summer in the Midlands has a better guarantee of dry weather than in many other parts of the country. One of the best places to stay in the Midlands is Stratford-Upon-Avon as it’s blessed with more than its fair share of sunny days, during which the river glistens and the town comes to life. It’s also the best time of year to head to the countryside in places like the Peak District and the Lincolnshire Wolds – you are more likely to be able to enjoy whole days of exploring without rain. Spring and autumn bring out different colours in the landscape, but the weather can be more changeable than the summer months.

Winter in the Midlands is often characterised by grey skies and rain, many National Trust attractions close and the national parks become wet , windy and unwelcoming. However, several towns and cities also host lively Christmas markets, the pubs are particularly cosy and if you catch the hills during a spate of snow, you’ll find an untouched wonderland to explore.

Getting around

• Airports: East Midlands airport is easily reachable from a  number of airports across the United Kingdom and Europe. 
• By train: England’s train network serves most of the towns and cities of the Midlands, with several lines heading into London. Use East Midlands Trains and Network West Midlands for timetables and fares, or use National Rail for a broader overview.
• By car: Cars are the most flexible option for travelling in the Midlands, although navigating the infamous spaghetti junction outside Birmingham can be a daunting experience for first-time visitors. Most major car rental services operate out of cities like Birmingham, Leicester and Lincoln.
• By bus: Bus travel in the Midlands is slightly more flexible than trains, and can take you to smaller villages. Visit Traveline Midlands for timetables and routes.
• On foot: Places like the Peak District, the Fens and the forests of Arden and Sherwood are best explored on foot. Walking Routes has a comprehensive list of trails across England, including tips on where to go in the Midlands.

Hidden gems

• The gentle, rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and cover enough ground that a day on the walking trails, watching wildlife or taking photos can often be spent without so much as seeing another soul. It’s one of the best places to go in the Midlands, if you ask us.
• Discover the well-preserved town centres and narrow cobbled streets of some of the Midland’s most delightful market towns. The ruins of , in a charming village of the same name, are the largest in Britain, while the medieval High Street of Henley-in-Arden is a quintessentially English sight.
• Herefordshire’s Wye River Valley , running up the border of Wales, is another little-known scenic hideout in the Midlands, often overlooked in favour of the nearby Cotswolds. Its highlights, such as the charming town of Ross on Wye and the walking trails along the river’s many meanders, are not to be missed.
• Nottingham’s occasionally unsavoury reputation in the media should not overshadow the city’s numerous appeals. The Theatre Royal and Nottingham Playhouse are artistic hubs in the county, while museums dedicated to industry, brewing and art make for interesting days out. Wollaton Park, next to the university, is the home of a grandiose mansion and herds of deer.
• The 47-kilometre walking route of Wolverhampton Ring encircles the industrial Black Country city, and was devised by a retired teacher to show off some of its undiscovered places. The route takes you up hills, through villages and along canals, with some spectacular views along the way. It’s the best way to discover a lively city that few people visit.
• The National Trust own several properties throughout the Midlands, all of which have their own unique reasons to visit. Some, such as the elegant mansion of Chatsworth House, are well-known and loved; others, like the lakeside Croome Court (home to intricate tapestries) and Stoneywell (which has an interesting artistic heritage) are less popular but just as captivating.

The Midlands for families

If a child were to list all the things they might want for a dream holiday, the chances are they could find most of them in the Midlands. Chocolate factories, high-flying adventure courses, ghost tours, museums filled with airplanes and a gigantic room full of videogames arrive straight from your kid’s wish list into the heart of England.

The fun of a family holiday also lies in introducing children to new and exciting experiences, such as cable cars that climb through the Peak District, trains that run through Shakespeare country and underground caves that are decorated with limestone stalactites.

The sheer range of activities, wide open spaces and quirky accommodation available in the Midlands makes the region an ideal destination to take the children. What’s more, you won’t be saddled with the hefty price tags of the tourist-heavy south. Embrace the excitement of everything on offer and adults, too, will discover childlike wonder once again. Here are just a few of the Midlands’ top child-oriented offerings, and our blog on the best family friendly activities in the Midlands has even more info to enjoy.

The best family-friendly things to do in the Midlands 

• The Midlands is home to Bournville, which will forever be associated with something children and adults alike can appreciate – chocolate! A visit to  Cadbury World  makes a fantastic day out for everyone, with exciting interactive experiences, history lessons and practical demonstrations to enjoy. And yup, you do get to do a tasting!
• One great way to see the amazing sights of the park is via cable car –  the Heights of Abraham  soars over the Derwent valley for over a kilometre, and there’s even a cafe, a museum, a play area and underground caverns to explore once you reach the top.
• For something a bit different that kids (and young-at-heart adults) are bound to enjoy, try  the National Videogame Arcade  in Nottingham. It’s as educational as it is enjoyable, with interactive exhibits as well as the chance to play games – and even influence their future by giving developers feedback on upcoming titles.
• If battling digital aliens isn’t enough, you can enjoy another other-worldly adventure at  Poole ’ s Cavern . Head underground to learn the history of this cave complex and take in its wondrous sights, with the stunning central show cave being the main attraction.

The best family-friendly walking and cycling routes in the Midlands

• Sheldon Country Park offers a lot whether your family prefers walking or cycling, with a five mile loop around this park near Birmingham airport that features woodland and wetland. There’s also a small farm, so younger kids can take a look at the animals.
• You can also enjoy a great cycle around Chasewater in Burntwood. Just take a nice, casual pedal around the perimeter of the large lake – it’s a sea of tranquility in this otherwise bustling part of the midlands.
• Some of the prettiest places to go in the Midlands are the many canals. Take to the canals near Coventry for another waterside walk, and if you head for the section between Basin and Hawkesbury Junction you’ll be treated to the ‘Art Trail,’ where local artists showcase some of their works.
• For a ramble that takes in all forms of nature, try Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty, and for such a relatively small area packs a whole load of landscapes and nature in. It’s perfect if you’ve got the dog with you too!

Other things to do in the Midlands

Groups on holiday in the Midlands won’t find it difficult to fill their itineraries: action addicts can go paintballing or quad-biking, sightseers can tour macabre museums and TV filming locations, while animal enthusiasts can try their hand at falconry.If all this seems a little high energy for your taste, never fear. Those hoping for a more relaxing romantic break or laid-back group retreat can turn down the dial with some less strenuous activities. Gentle strolls in the countryside, leisurely drifts in barges and hidden-away woodland spas are also on the menu here.

Need some help filling your itinerary? We’ve got you covered – just choose from our suggestions below, or head to our blog on the best group activities in the Midlands .

Adrenaline fuelled activities in the Midlands

• The best thing about Avalanche Adventure Ltd   is that whatever you fancy, it’s pretty likely they can sort it out for you! From paintballing to quad biking to hovercraft rides to glider rides, there’s pretty much everything on offer. Check out their website for a full (and exhausting sounding!) list.
• The Falconry Centre   in Hagley offer great introductory courses for falconry, and you can even have a look round and meet other majestic birds of prey.

Laid back activities in the Midlands

• Bit of a fan of TV, or more specifically the Midlands set gangster drama  Peaky Blinders ? Good news! You can delve into the real-life stories behind the show thanks to  Peaky Tours , which will give you some insight into the past and history of these notorious Black Country bandits.
• For a more in depth look at the Black Country’s canal network, take a jaunt with the  Dudley Canal Trust Trip . You can enjoy a narrowboat cruise down the waterways, taking in some beautiful scenery and underground routes not normally accessible to the public.
• Or for something a bit different (and slightly creepy) check out the  Coffin Works   in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is a museum all about the famed coffin makers Newman Brothers. Costumed guides will take you on a tour of the factory, demonstrating techniques and illuminated our ancestor’s attitude to death.

The Midlands’ food and drink scene

For a complete culinary experience of the Midlands, we recommend getting involved with making food yourself. Whether proving dough for your own bread, learning a few professional cooking skills or touring the food factories, the warm and friendly Midlanders are more than happy to let you inside their world.

Of course, some of you may feel that you get enough hands-on cooking experience at home and that holidays are a time for steering well clear of the kitchen. In which case, fear not – you can spend your holiday hopping between the region’s finest restaurants instead. And you won’t be stuck for choice: Choose between Indian, pub grub or trendy eateries. Birmingham has more Michelin stars than any other English city outside of London, so fine-dining won’t be an issue either.

To help you plan your culinary adventure in the Midlands, we’ve chosen a few of our favourite dining, drinking and cooking experiences. There’s more infor over at our blog too, thanks to our article on the best foodie experiences in the Midlands .

The best restaurants in the Midlands

• It might not look like it thanks to its unassuming exterior, but The Cross   in Kenilworth is a Michelin starred restaurant. Concentrating on rustic recipes with a contemporary twist, the menu changes seasonally so you know that whatever you order, its ingredients will be at their very tastiest.
• Simpsons Restaurant in Edgbaston also can lay claim to a Michelin star, and features several tempting tasting menus to chew through. While the food’s divine, the surroundings are a treat too – the restaurant is found in a Grade II listed building.
• The Midlands is also famous for its curry, and you’ll doubtless come across some fine Indian food during your trip. Want to take your balti to the next level? Birmingham’s  Lasan   offers truly amazing Indian food – even Gordon Ramsey is a fan.

Must-try dishes in the Midlands

• It’s already been mentioned, but is probably worth mentioning again – the Birmingham and Black Country areas are famous for their curry houses. There are quite a few, but a friendly local will always be happy to point you towards a nearby favourite.
• The Midlands is also famed for its brewing , and there’s a number of fine beers and ales that have come out of the region. If you’re dropping into a pub (and why wouldn’t you?) look out for beer from Banks’s, Enville Ales or the Wye Valley Brewery, though any local brewery is bound to offer something tasty.
• Looking for something to go with your pint ? Pork scratchings originated in the West Midlands, and make the perfect accompaniment to a local brew.
• For a hearty and traditional Midlands breakfast, keep your eye out for Staffordshire Oatcakes . A bit like a pancake made with oatmeal, this savoury snack is fantastic served with bacon and lashings of melted cheese.

The best foodie activities in the Midlands

• The  School of Artisan Food , which you’ll find in Worksop, is actually a fully-blown cookery school where you can even earn a diploma. Luckily, they also offer shorter masterclasses in eclectic culinary skills such as curing ham, pickles and preserves and how to make the most out of your herb garden.
• Don’t think you need to head to Bordeaux or Tuscany to indulge in some top class wine tasting. Though the midlands might be light on vineyards, the  Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House  in Birmingham is the place to be to try some fine vintages in a fun and informative environment.
• The pork pie is a picnic staple that originated in the Leicestershire town of Melton Mowbray (along, foodie fact fans, with Stilton cheese) so take a trip to  Dickson & Morris of Melton Mowbray   which doesn’t just sell pies and cheese but offers a workshop on how to make the perfect pork pie.
• And for dessert, those with a sweet tooth should head straight for  Chocolate Alchemy   in Loughborough. If the huge (and tempting!) variety in the shop isn’t enough, go hands-on and make your own sweet treats under the tutelage of one of their expert chocolatiers.

Now you’ve seen what the magical Midlands have to offer, why not check out our collection of holiday homes in the Midlands?  If you have any queries, our friendly concierge team will be happy to help! 

2 Responses

Amazing and impressive blog, I really enjoy reading your blog, kindly keep on writing blogs like this.

Thank you for sharing this interesting blog. I am going to the Midlands next week and this blog made me more excited.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Medieval Britain

Medieval Castles – Medieval Villages

The Biggest and Prettiest Medieval Towns in England

England is famous for its well-preserved medieval towns and villages . Beautiful historical places like York, founded in 71 AD and a famous wool trading centre of the time. Or Chester, the walled city on the River Dee, a former Roman army fort and the place of the brutal and decisive battle between King Æthelred of Mercia and the Welsh army. And let’s not forget Oxford, first settled by the Anglo-Saxons around 900 AD and home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

if you’re planning a visit to England and love medieval history, you can’t miss these unique tows. Here’s our list of un-missable medieval places.

The Romans founded York  as  Eboracum  in 71 AD. The word  York  ( Jórvík  in Old Norse) is derived from the combination of  eburos  “yew-tree” and the suffix  *-āko(n)  “belonging to-, place of-,” meaning “ place of the yew trees .” It was the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria, and Jórvík. In 866, the Vikings raided and captured York, turning it into a river port as part of the extensive Viking trading routes throughout northern Europe. In the 12th century, York started to prosper and became a major trading center.

What to see in York

The Shambles is an old street with overhanging timber-framed buildings that date, in some cases, as far as the fourteenth century. The street was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Shambles Market operates daily.

York Castle is a fortified complex comprising a sequence of castles, prisons, law courts, and other buildings built over the last nine centuries on the River Foss’s south side. The castle suffered a tumultuous early history before developing into a major fortification.

Barley Hall is a reconstructed medieval townhouse built around 1360 and extended in the 15th century. The earliest parts of the building were ordered by Thomas de Dereford, prior of Nostell Priory. The monks used the building as a hospice or townhouse when visiting the city.

Chester  is one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain. Located on the River Dee in Cheshire, it was founded as a “castrum” or Roman army fort with the name  Deva Victrix  in the reign of  Emperor Vespasian  in 79 AD. In 689, King Æthelred of Mercia defeated a Welsh army at the brutal and decisive Battle of Chester and founded the Minster Church of West Mercia. The Saxons extended and strengthened the walls to protect the city against the Danes. The city was one of the last in England to fall to the Normans.

What to see in Chester

Chester Rows  are a series of medieval covered walkways on the first floor, behind which are entrances to shops and other premises. The Rows may have been built on top of rubble remaining from the ruins of Roman buildings. Stone undercrofts or “crypts” were constructed beneath the buildings.

Chester Castle   is situated at the southwest extremity of the area bounded by the city walls and overlooking the River Dee. The castle was built in 1070 by Hugh d’Avranches. It hosted visits from many powerful figures in the medieval period, including kings Edward I and Richard II.

The  Chester city walls are a defensive structure started by the Romans. After the Norman conquest, the walls were extended to the west and the south to form a complete circuit of the medieval city. They were finished by the middle of the 12th century and have a walkway length of 2.95 kilometres (1.8 mi).

Oxford is a university city in Oxfordshire, England. Founded in the 9th century when Alfred the Great created a network of fortified towns called burghs across his kingdom, Oxford has buildings in every English architecture style from late Anglo-Saxon. Oxford is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest in the English-speaking world (1167). Saxon Oxford probably had a market from when it was made a burgh, and it soon became a flourishing town. 

You can plan your visit to Oxford using our sist-site, OxfordVisit.com

What to see in Oxford

The  University of Oxford is the oldest in the English-speaking world and the world’s second-oldest university in continuous operation after the University of Bologna. The oldest colleges are Merton, Balliol, and University College, dating back to the mid-13th century.

Learn about the University of Oxford and how to visit it here .

Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined Norman medieval castle, built by baron Robert D’Oyly, the elder from 1071–73. Queen Maud (Matilda) was besieged here. Most of the original moated, wooden motte and bailey castle was replaced in stone in the late 12th or early 13th century.

The  Duke Humphrey’s Library  is the oldest reading room of the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford. It houses collections of maps, music, Western manuscripts, and theology and art materials and consists of the original medieval section (1487), the Arts End (1612), and the Selden End (1637).

4. Knaresborough

The 12th-Century market town of  Knaresborough is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd in North Yorkshire. Around 1100 AD, the town began to grow and provide a market for traders to service Knaresborough castle. In Edward II’s reign, the castle was occupied by rebels and later invaded by Scots, who burned much of the town and the parish church. The castle eventually fell in 1646, and its destruction was ordered.

What to see in Knaresborough

Mother Shipton’s Cave  is situated next to the Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Mother Shipton was a strange child born in 1488, in a cave on the River Nidd banks. As she grew older, her prophecies became known throughout England. 

Knaresborough Castle  is a ruined fortress built by a Norman baron around 1100 on a cliff above the River Nidd. In the 1170s, Hugh de Moreville and his followers took refuge there after assassinating Thomas Becket. The castle was taken in 1644 during the Civil War and largely destroyed in 1648.

There has been a  market  every week in the Square since 1310. The market offers a vast selection of locally grown fresh seasonal produce, Yorkshire meat, fresh fish, local  Cheeses and beers, and the traditional Yorkshire Pork Pies.

Durham  is a historic city in County Durham, North East England. Archeological evidence suggests a history of settlement in the area since roughly 2000 BC, but local legend states that it was founded in A.D. 995 by divine intervention. Its Norman cathedral became a pilgrimage center in medieval England as the city was founded over the final resting place of St Cuthbert. Durham Castle is the only Norman castle keep never to have suffered a breach.

What to see in Durham

Durham Castle  is a Norman castle built in 1072 under the orders of William the Conqueror. It follows the usual motte and bailey design favored by the Normans. The castle has a large Great Hall created by Bishop Antony Bek in the early 14th century.

Durham Cathedral  was begun in 1093, replacing a Saxon ‘White Church’ and is home to the Shrine of St Cuthbert. It’s regarded as one of Norman architecture’s finest examples in Europe and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not a medieval structure in itself, the Durham  Riverside Walk  lets you take in some beautiful Durham City-Riverside Scenery. The 3-mile circular walk takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and has many bridges that provide viewing platforms.

The foundation of  Reading  dates back to Britain’s Roman occupation, when it was known as  Readingum –  possibly a reference to the  Readingas , an Anglo-Saxon tribe.

After the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England,  William the Conqueror  gave land in and around Reading to his Battle Abbey foundation. In 1121  Henry I founded Reading Abbey. It contained the tomb of the King and remained under royal patronage until its dissolution in 1539. By 1525, Reading was the largest town in Berkshire and the 10th largest town in England. 

What to see in Reading

Reading Abbey  was founded in 1121 by Henry I, who is buried within the Abbey grounds. It was conveniently situated on major communication routes. It witnessed many important royal and historical events, such as the marriage of John of Gaunt to Blanche of Lancaster in 1359, and the publication of Edward IV’s secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville in 1464.

The  Abbey’s Inner Gateway  is one of only two buildings that survived the monasteries’ dissolution between 1536 and 1541 (the other being the Hospitium). The gateway marked the division between the area open to the public and the section accessible only to monks. This is where  Hugh Faringdon , the last abbot of Reading, was hanged, drawn, and quartered.

Reading Museum  was open to the public in 1883. It focuses on objects that tell the story of the city and its inhabitants. This modern, fascinating museum also houses the Silchester collection (objects from the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum) and the only full-size replica of the Bayeaux Tapestry, acquired in 1895.

Books about Medieval Towns

Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle has no central keep but a curtain wall with 13 towers.

Newark Castle

Newark Castle is a 12th century castle by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a ruined castle on the route between Wareham and Swanage.

Lindisfarne Castle

Lindisfarne Castle is a 16th-century castle located on Holy Island.

Kirby Castle

Kirby Castle is a ruined fortified manor house in Leicestershire built by Lord Hastings in 1480.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a 1,000-year royal residence in Berkshire.

Berwick Upon Tweed Castle

Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle is a 12th Century ruined castle in Northumberland.

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is a 12th-century fortress passed to the hands of Richard III.

Midlands and South East England Road Trip Itinerary: 15 Stops Not to Miss

Posted on Last updated: January 24, 2023

As part of the #LoveGREATBritain blogger campaign, I got to travel by train all around the Midlands and the South East of England in search of ‘amazing moments’ to film. 

It was quite a whirlwind tour, where I tried to balance the amount of physical distance to cover, having to shoot all the footage at the right times, taking photos and notes, meeting local reps and owners of the restaurants, hotels, shops and activities, while still trying to enjoy the moment and looking around me to soak it all in. I realised even this relatively small part of England alone would take weeks to fully appreciate!

But that said, I managed to see a LOT of England and I’ve definitely touched down in places where I would love to return soon.

In this blog, I’d like to share my best discoveries in each of these places. To make the road trip ‘complete’, I’ve included a few stops that Nick and I visited on separate trips. I hope you find it useful to plan your own road trip in England!

Make sure to read my complete Great Britain Bucket List for more inspiration on places to visit all around England, Scotland and Wales.

MIDLANDS AND SOUTH EAST ENGLAND ROAD TRIP

We’ll start with a city that wasn’t part of this campaign, but should really need no long introduction to convince you to visit on your England road trip. Oxford is home to one of Britain’s most important universities . The city has examples of almost every English architectural period since the late Saxon period, so if you’re interested in a bit of history , this is the place to visit for you!

Suggested Time : At least 1 full day, but I would try and stay overnight to be able to see everything at a relaxed pace

Suggested Hotel : I stayed with a friend here, so check booking.com for the latest deals  on all different types of accommodation

Read more about Oxford :  www.visitengland.com

Suggested Activities: 

• Oxford and Cambridge Day Tour

2. Stratford-on-Avon

Known as the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare , this is a place to visit for all history and literature lovers out there. The Royal Shakespeare Company still performs his most famous plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and adjacent Swan Theatre on the banks of the River Avon. Make sure to take a city walking tour and have a cocktail on the rooftop bar of the RSC theatre, I loved it here!

Read More on The Travel Tester:  One Day In Stratford-Upon-Avon In England? See The Highlights With These Tips

Suggested Time : At least one full day, although I would recommend an overnight stay to be able to see every historic building

Suggested Hotel : I didn’t stay overnight here, so check booking.com for the latest deals on accommodation

Read more about Stratford-Upon-Avon :  www.visitengland.com

• Stratford Town Walk
• Plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company
• The Play’s the Thing Exhibition

3. Birmingham

I was only in Birmingham for a wonderful dinner at Asha’s Indian restaurant and an overnight stay,  but I would like to go back and see more of this Medieval  market town that turned into a major city. During the 1960s Birmingham was the home of a music scene comparable to that of Liverpool with many groups gaining international success. And from what I could see arriving at night, Birmingham is also a great destination if you love shopping !

Suggested Time : At least one full day

Suggested Hotel : I stayed in the penthouse (!) of the  Cool Apartments in Birmingham . Check booking.com for the latest deals on other accommodation in the city

Read more about Birmingham :  www.visitengland.com

• Asha’s Restaurant

4. Cambridge

The last time Nick and I were in this university city , it was the height of Summer and all new students were in town to explore their new home, so things were incredibly crowded. We did enjoy watching the punting (people trying not to crash and drown in long wooden boats on the river). I can recommend paying a visit in Spring or Fall instead, when things have (hopefully) quiet down a bit!

Suggested Hotel : I didn’t stay overnight in Cambridge unfortunately. Check booking.com for the latest deals  on accommodation

Read more about Cambridge :  www.visitengland.com

During the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England after London and one of the most important places in the kingdom. The wealth generated by the wool trade throughout the Middle Ages financed the construction of many churches . But there is so much more to explore! I visited the incredible building of the Sainsbury’s Centre for the Visual Arts twice recently and loved discovering the back streets of Norwich, which were lined with locally owned shops and eateries , such as the iconic Grosvenor FishBar , which is a must-stop for lunch.

Suggested Time : At least one day, but I would recommend staying overnight, or even to go camping/glamping like I did on the Norfolk coast!

Suggested Hotel : I camped at Whitlingham Broad Campsite  in one of their cool bell tents. Check booking.com for the latest deals on accommodation in Norwich !

Read more about Norwich & Norfolk :  www.visitengland.com  or  www.visitnorwich.co.uk

• Sainsbury’s Centre for the Visual Arts
• Grosvenor FishBar
• Louis’ Deli

6. Chatham & Rochester

Another place I visited twice already in the Kent region is Chatham, home to the legendary Chatham Historic Dockyard . It’s one of the biggest remaining original dockyards in the United Kingdom and really can spend an entire day exploring the maritime history of Britain and the area around the Medway river. Other stops in the area not to skip here are the Copper Rivet Distillery and Upnor Castle in Rochester , on the other side of the river. This is the place where the Dutch navy under command of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter surprised the British navy in the 1600’S and sank most of their fleet!

Suggested Time : At least one full day, but I can recommend staying overnight, especially since you can spend already one whole day at the maritime museum!

Suggested Hotel : I didn’t stay overnight in this area. Check booking.com for the latest deals on accommodation around Chatham !

Read more about places around the Medway & Kent :  www.visitengland.com

• Chatham Historic Dockyard
• Copper Rivet Distillery
• Upnor Castle

7. Canterbury

The lovely little town of Canterbury is famous for its iconic cathedral that was founded in 597 A.D. The city used to be a major pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages and you can still see ancient walls that were originally built by the Romans all around the medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Again, I visited this town twice and both times I really enjoyed the Canterbury Tales , an interactive experience where you can hear some good stories from back in the days.

Suggested Hotel : I didn’t stay overnight here. Check booking.com for the latest deals !

Read more about Canterbury & Kent :  www.visitengland.com

• Canterbury Tales

Margate is a small town on England’s southeast coast. It’s got a sandy (oh yes!) beach, a stone pier and… a massive amusement park with vintage rides, called Dreamland Margate. The area is perfect for walking and cycling and the Old Town is said to have a funky vibe. I still haven’t managed to visit myself, but would love to soon!

Foto Credits : Clement Larrive , CC BY-SA 2.0

Suggested Hotel : I haven’t been here yet. Check booking.com for the latest deals !

Read more about Margate & Kent :  www.visitengland.com

• Dreamland Margate

9. Deal & Dover

When you arrive by ferry in the UK, the first thing you see are the imposing White Cliffs of Dover . But did you know you can actually walk on them as well? It a magical spot to see the sunrise as well, I discovered recently. There are also a series of Secret Wartime underground tunnels to explore at the cliffs, as well as a medieval castle in Dover itself. While Dover itself offers hotels, I really enjoyed staying in the quiet nearby seaside town of Deal , where the Royal Hotel offers you a great ocean view and amazing dinner options!

Suggested Time : Depending on the time of your hike in Dover and other activities you’re doing (like Dover Castle, the Underground shelters, etc.), you could spend from half a day to easily a full day in this area

Suggested Hotel : I stayed at the Royal Hotel in Deal . Check booking.com for the latest deals on other hotels in Deal  or accommodation in Dover !

Read more about Deal, Dover & Kent :  www.visitengland.com

• White Cliffs of Dover

10. Hastings & Rye

You probably know Hastings of the 1066 Battle of Hastings , fought on a nearby field where Battle Abbey now stands. The Norman ruins of Hastings Castle , once home to William the Conqueror, overlook the English Channel from here. Close by is the town of Rye , where you’ll find cobblestone streets and lots of medieval, half-timbered houses. The 14th-century Ypres Tower , which formed part of Rye’s defences, is now Rye Castle Museum , with paintings and displays on local history.

And we have great news! We are going to visit both these places at the end of this month, so I’ll give you a full report soon!

 Foto Credit: Pixabay

Suggested Time : We have planned 2 days in this area, we’ll let you know soon if that was enough for us!

Suggested Hotel : I haven’t visited these places yet. Check booking.com for the latest deals of hotels in Hastings and accommodation in Rye !

Read more about Hastings, Rye & East Sussex :  www.visitengland.com

• 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
• Hastings Castle
• Smugglers Adventure
• Rye Castle Museum
• Camber Castle

11. Brighton

Brighton is English most popular seaside resort town and it’s only about 1 hour south of London. The beach is unfortunately made up out of pebbles, but that doesn’t seem to bother the locals much. It’s made up for with an incredible amount of fun amusement arcades and rides on Brighton Pier . During our most recent visit, we really enjoyed our visit through the breathtaking Royal Pavilion for some serious incredible architecture and Royal interior design. Another area not to miss us the creative quarter called ‘ North Laines ‘, where you’ll find plenty of independent shops with (handmade) and local gifts.

Suggested Time : At least one full day, but it’s easy to spend the night and enjoy an extra day shopping, the beach or making your way over the quieter parts in the adjacent town of Hove.

Suggested Hotel : We stayed at the Pelirocco Hotel in Brighton. Check booking.com for the latest deals on other accommodation !

Read more about Brighton :  www.visitengland.com

• Brighton North Lane
• Shop Suggestion: Bluebird Tea & Co
• Shop Suggestion:  Peach Blossom
• Shop Suggestion:  Little Beach Boutique

12.  Southampton

The walled city of Southampton is known as the Cruise Capital of Europe and every year, there are more than 4 million visitors come to this harbour city in the South of England. From London, you’ll get here in about 1 hour 20 minutes by train, so perfect for a day trip! There is a great mix of historical and modern buildings , lots of shopping options and they even have their own brewery ! Oh, and did someone mention yet that the Titanic left from here? There is a great museum showcasing the whole history of the ship, on which a lot of people from Southampton worked.

Suggested Hotel : I stayed at the Ennio’s Boutique Hotel , but I found it ok, not really spectacular. Would have liked to stay at  The Pig in the Wall Hotel instead!  Check booking.com for the latest deals on other accommodation !

Read more about Southampton & Hampshire :  www.visitengland.com

• See Southampton Walking Tours
• Tudor House and Garden
• Medieval Merchant’s House
• SeaCity Museum
• Dancing Man Brewery

13. Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is the largest and second most populous island in England. It was the home of Queen Victoria , the location of the world’s first hovercraft and the testing and development of Britain’s space rockets ! The island has many beaches and seafront promenades. There are even dinosaur remains and fossils in areas like Compton Bay and Yaverland Beach! On the island’s western point, The Needles are three huge, white chalk rocks, guarded by a 19th-century lighthouse.

Read more on The Travel Tester:  8 Things To Do On The Isle Of Wight In Winter (London Weekend Break)

Suggested Time : We stayed over one night on the weekend, which was way too short! I can recommend 2 nights minimum, but staying a week ideally if you want to see more of the island!

Suggested Hotel : We stayed at the “ Fore & Aft ” self catering apartment in the marina of East Cowes. Check booking.com for the latest deals on other hotels on the Island

Read more about the Isle of Wight :  www.visitengland.com

• Thompson’s Restaurant
• The Coast Bar and Dining Room
• The Garlic Farm
• Osborne House

14. New Forest

The New Forest area in Southern England is known for its National Park full of heathland, forest trails and native ponies . In the area, you can find the National Motor Museum , the Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway and the New Forest Wildlife Park.  A really nice break from the city! Also don’t miss the nearby town of Lyndhurst , where Alice Liddell used to live. This is the Alice Lewis Carroll based his story of Alice in Wonderland on!

Suggested Time : We stayed here on the weekend, which is definitely the minimum amount of time you need in this area. With so much to see, do, hike & explore, you could spend a whole week, if not longer here if you’re also visiting the nearby villages (which you really should!).

Suggested Hotel : We stayed in an Airbnb during our stay. Check booking.com for the latest deals in for example the town of Lymington , Lyndhurst , Bransgore , Brockenhurst or Beaulieu !

Read more about the New Forest :  www.visitengland.com

• New Forest Wildlife Park
• National Motor Museum
• Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

15. Stonehenge

The prehistoric monument Stonehenge consists of a ring of standing stones, with each standing stone around 13 ft (almost 4 meter) high and weighing around 25 tons. On the site, there is a world-class exhibition and visitor centre with 250 ancient objects. This is also the place where you can come face to face with a 5,500 year-old man and where you can step inside a couple of neolithic houses.

Read more on The Travel Tester:  A Weekend Road Trip To South England : Exploring The Iconic Jurassic Coast And New Forest Region // Visiting Stonehenge from London : is it worth it? // The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at the British Museum in London

Suggested Time : You need a couple of hours for Stonehenge alone, but definitely visit nearby places as Salisbury en Amesbury. There is pretty much only one road past Stonehenge, so expect a nice bit of traffic on your way there and back as well, so I can recommend combining this with a stay in for example the New Forest area.

Suggested Hotel : We stayed overnight in the New Forest, see above for suggestions.

Read more about Stonehenge & Wiltshire :  www.visitengland.com

• Visit Stonehenge
• Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour
• Windsor Castle, Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge and Bath Tour
• Bath & Private Viewing of Stonehenge Tour
• Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath (Golden Tours)
• Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath (Premium Tours)
• Stonehenge Half-Day Bus Trip from London
• Stonehenge Tour from London

Have you visited any of these places in England? Which one is on the top of your bucket list? You can find more inspiration for your own England Road Trip on this handy site:  jointheworld.visitbritain.com

During my trip, I used Trainline for the first time ever, and I can highly recommend it! Trainline uses technology to help at every stage of your journey and they are Europe’s number one independent train ticket retailer and train travel app. You can save on average 43% by booking in advance with Trainline versus the cheapest non-Advance fares.

With the app, you can book your mobile ticket right away, so the tickets are then sent straight to your smartphone! This enables you to beat the station queues and head straight for the train. You only have to activate your ticket on the day of travel and scan at the gates, or show the QR code to the ticket officer on the train. At the moment, this service works on a lot of routes, but not on all, so make sure you check this before you travel.

Another feature that I really liked, was that you can follow you journey live (you can even see where the train is exactly before it even reaches your station), you can find all the information about your seating and they use crowdsourced data in their so-called ‘BusyBot’, which will tell you where on the train you are most likely to find a seat. When you are travelling yourself, you are asked if your train compartment is busy or not and if there are empty seats, so you can also help improve the travel experience for other travellers.

Find more information about Trainline here:  www.thetrainline.com

[amazon_link asins=’1786573393,1631212990,1465467882,0804142092,1786572311,1465460306,0241306280,178657327X,1786574160′ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’thetraveltester-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’88bcbea1-ac67-11e8-993f-55e758c42a3c’]

Disclaimer :  This post was brought to you as a result of the  #lovegreatbritain  campaign, created and managed by  iambassador  in partnership with  Visit Britain  and  Visit England . Two sections of my trip were sponsored by   Trainline .  All photos (unless where mentioned otherwise) and opinions are my own.

Dave | Jones Around The World

Saturday 28th of October 2017

Ahh such an amazing post! I only went to England when I was a study abroad student, but am dying to get back next year. Would love to do a road trip like this. I've got friends all over the country and would be so fun to visit all of them!

Nienke Krook

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

That would be amazing for sure! There is so much to explore here, I'm not done either :D Safe Travels!

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

Love the pictures. Especially the snail one.

I'm assuming you can rent the boats. Did you do that? Looks like fun.

Thanks Marc! Yes, you can rent the boats, but we didn't have time for that unfortunately (and it looked a bit scary, too, haha!)

Ryan Biddulph

Saturday 9th of September 2017

Great list Nienke. I would visit Biddulph - yes my name town ;) - located in Stoke-On-Trent. I have not been to the UK yet but my developer lives in Birmingham. I would see him, visit London for the day and do a Biddulph trip as well. Toss in an Oxford visit to see all the Smarty Pants of the World and I'd be set.

So cool you have a town carrying your name! Would definitely visit :) Birmingham is also a great place to visit, I was there only for one night, but planning to go back soon!

Guide To Medieval London: 20+ Things To Do And See

This is the ultimate guide to immersing yourself in the many attractions of Medieval London.

Ah, this time period is one of the most romantic and exciting in English history. It’s full of stories about dynastic battles and fascinating casts of characters. The Middle Ages conjure images of knights on horseback, courtly love, and royal battles and scandals.

To be sure, all this romance came along with an unpalatable side. The Middle Ages was the time of plague, rats, terrifying fires, casual torture, and a poor living environment for most citizens.

Still, the Middle Ages wasn’t exactly the bleak “dark ages” that Renaissance (or other) historians would have you believe. The Middle Ages saw advances in castle building, weaponry, agriculture, invention, and architecture. I mean, who doesn’t love Gothic architecture?

A Brief History Of Medieval London

Before we dive into the attractions of Medieval London, a mini history of this period is in order. If you already know the medieval goings ons in London, just scroll down.

Medieval London spans the period from 1066 to early 1500 or so. On October 14, 1066, William the Conquerer defeated the Anglo-Saxon king in the Battle of Hastings. It would be the last successful invasion of England.

William continued moving up the coast and then inland, building fortifications and dividing the kingdom into fiefdoms. The new territories were manned by loyalists who built fortified castles. These men would go on to become some of the most powerful magnates of the post-conquest era.

On Christmas Day, William was crowned king of a newly unified England in Westminster Abbey . In the years that followed, some of London’s most iconic medieval landmarks were built, including the Tower of London and Westminster Palace.

Williams sons Rufus and Henry were the next to inherit the throne. Henry I died with only one heir, Matilda, and 20 illegitimate heirs who were barred from succession.

Henry wanted Matilda on the throne. But the nobles found a women an unwelcome prospect and preferred Henry’s nephew, Stephen, the Count of Blois. Matilda clashed with Stephen in a civil war that lasted 14 years. However, when Stephen died without a male heir, she had her revenge when her son became Henry II.

He was the first great Plantagenet king, taking his name from his father Geoffrey of Anjou. Henry II was a powerful and brilliant ruler, one of the great kings of medieval Europe. He created the first English legal system.

He was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the former queen of France, who was his equal in every way. But after too many infidelities on his part, the marriage soured. Eleanor and their sons turned against him.

After beating his father Henry II on the battlefield, Richard I, known as “the Lionhearted,” became king. He was the archetype of a great Medieval warrior. He spent most of his life crusading and died without an heir, leaving his brother John “Lackland” in charge.

John was an imperious and unpopular ruler. He overstepped his authority and ended up being forced to sign the Magna Carta . This watershed document placed limits on royal power and became a cornerstone of English liberties.

Next in line for the throne was Henry III. He clashed with the barons, who were led by Simon de Montfort. Civil war broke out in 1264, but de Montfort was ultimately defeated.

Henry III’s son Edward became the next king. He was a formidable king and castle builder. Edward I is most known for subduing the Welsh and successfully waging war with Scottish lords William Wallace and Robert de Bruce.

Edward’s son, Edward II, was a hapless ruler. He didn’t marry well. His wife, Isabella the “She-Wolf” led a rebellion that resulted in his deposition.

His son, Henry III, was the opposite, one of the greatest of the medieval warrior kings. But during his reign, the Black Death killed off almost one third of England’s population.

Richard II, Edward II’s grandson, was the next Plantagenet king. Taking the throne in 1377, he was an intellectual man with a cultured court.

But he was an ineffectual political ruler. His cousin Henry Bolingbroke, the Duke of Lancaster, swiftly deposed him.

Bolingbroke became Henry IV, and was a king who tried to restore law and order. His son Henry V had more success and was also a commanding war hero.

His son Henry VI’s long reign was the opposite, a disaster. The king suffered bouts of nervous breakdowns.

His weakness in navigating the vicious intrigues of the court kicked off the War of the Roses, the epic 30 year civil war (1455-1487) between the York and the Lancaster branches of the Plantagenet family.

In 1455, Edward IV of York seized the throne. He survived a threat to the crown from the Earl of Warwick, the “Kingmaker.” He had two sons from a secret marriage to Elizabeth of York.

On Edward’s death, the princes’ uncle, Richard the Duke of Gloucester, took the princes to the Tower of London. Their legitimacy was questioned and they disappeared. What happened to them?

Many historians identify Richard as the culprit. He crowned himself king in 1483. But Richard III is a polarizing historical figure.

Based on Tudor propaganda and a motive of ambition, some think he’s the blood-stained hunchback of Thomas More’s history and Shakespeare’s play. Others think he was a skilled medieval ruler. (If you’re interested in the story, you can read my whodunit here .)

After a short reign, Richard III was killed in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 by his rival rival Henry Tudor. That ended the War of the Roses and Henry VII became the first Tudor king of England. Henry married Elizabeth of York, thereby united the feuding factions.

Henry’s victory conventionally marks the end of the Middle Ages in England. But there is some blurring of that era into the Tudor era. So, I would be remiss not to mention the next monarch — Henry VIII, who inherited the throne in 1509.

Henry VIII is a larger-than-life colossus among English kings. He’s best known for his tumultuous marital life. His flurry of 6 wives gave rise to the slogan “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.”

Henry’s first wife was Catherine of Aragon. When she failed to give him a male hair, the king’s roving eye landed on Anne Boleyn.

When the church wouldn’t give Henry an annulment from Catherine, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church. He installed himself as the head of the Church of England and married Anne. When she failed to give him a male heir too, it was off with her head.

The Reformation was a watershed moment in English history. To confirm his position as head of the church, Henry ruthlessly dissolved over 800 monasteries and transferred their wealth to his coffers.

This ended a centuries old way of life. Many of London’s medieval buildings were torn down and replaced with gaudy mansions. The dissolution of the monasteries really marks the end of the history of Medieval London.

Guide To Medieval London: What To See

Now, for the good stuff. If you’re a history lover or medievalist like me, you’ll be happy to know that London is jam packed with remnants of medieval sites.

Let’s step back in time and take a tour of Medieval London. If this virtual tour inspires you to visit London’s medieval attractions, you can book a half day guided tour of medieval London to see them in real life.

For ease of reference, I’ve put my Medieval London list in alphabetical order.

1. Charterhouse

The Charterhouse has a grim past as a plague pit. It was founded in 1171 as a medieval monastery of the Carthusian order for the purpose of praying for victims of the Black Death.

The site later became a grand Tudor mansion, a boys’ school, and an almshouse (which it remains to this day). 

Charterhouse was home to some famous residents, including Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell. Both of these chief ministers got the chop from Henry VIII when the king no longer liked their policies.

In 1535, the Catholic friars of Charterhouse refused to recognize Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England. Revenge was swift, with four of the monks castrated, disemboweled, and hung to set an example to others who might defy the king.

This didn’t stop the monks, however, so more of them were harshly punished.

Later, the Charterhouse was owned by several dukes (who also got the chop). In 1611, Thomas Sutton purchased the property and endowed it as a public school.

The Charterhouse opened as a museum in 2017. It’s still lived in by brothers of the cloth who provide guided tours of this magnificent building.

On a visit, you can see there restored Great Hall, the arcaded Norfolk Cloister, and the Great Chamber of James I.

2. Christ Church Greyfriars

Greyfriars was once one of London’s loveliest churches.

Consecrated in 1306, the church marked a move away from somber churches to a lighter and more airy ecclesiastic architecture. It would have a huge influence on the development of the Perpendicular Gothic style.

During Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, Greyfriars survived. It was renamed Christ Church and became a parish church and, later, a hospital.

The Blitz in the WWII destroyed most of the church. The architect Christopher Wren rebuilt the tower. Today, you can visit and see the ruins set amid a pretty public garden with sculptures.

3. Clink Prison

The Clink Prison was a notorious prison operating in Medieval London’s Southwark neighborhood in the 12th century, known by the slang term “the clink.” It was the prison attached to Winchester Palace and operated from 1144 to 1780.

The Clink was mostly used to store religious malefactors. It was also one of the few London prisons to incarcerate prostitutes.

Today, the prison is a museum dedicated to its criminal past. You’ll see an exhibit on the “Ladies of the Night” and other prison memorabilia.

It’s really a bit of a tourist trap and expensive. But you can get the full scoop on a London’s crimes and punishments walking tour .

4. Crosby Moran Hall

Crosby Moran Hall is the most important domestic building from Medieval London. Today it’s privately owned by Christopher Moran.

In 1466, John Crosby purchased the home and set about enlarging and renovating it. Upon his death, the house came into the possession of Edward IV and became a favorite York residence of Richard III . The house is mentioned three times in Shakespeare’s play of the same name.

Ironically, Crosby Hall was later owned by Thomas More . He wrote an infamous biography of Richard III that helped launch his dreadful reputation as the murderer of the princes in the tower.

In 1907, the entire home was dissembled and moved to Chelsea.

The entrance looks a bit like Hampton Court Palace . The Great Hall has a striking hammer beam roof, oriel window, and minstrel’s gallery. You’ll also see a portrait of Thomas More and his family by Hans Holbein.

Right next door is Chelsea Old Church. Much of it was rebuilt after WWII damage. But the medieval chancel is intact. In fact, this is where Henry VIII and Jane Seymour (his third wife) were secretly married before their official state wedding.

5. Guildhall

The Guildhall is a treasure trove for medieval enthusiasts, with a medieval crypt and great hall.

The Guildhall has been the heart of civic London since 1192. The building you see today was commissioned in 1411.

Inside, you can admire the 150 foot long Great Hall, which was (and is!) one the most splendid in London. For centuries, it was the site of grand affairs of state and criminal trials. It was here that the “Nine Days Queen,” Lady Jane Grey was sentenced to death for treason.

You’ll see colorful stained glass (not original) and statues of London dignitaries. Today, many state ceremonies and banquets are still held in the hall.

The vaulted medieval crypts are below the Great Hall. One dates from the 13th century and the other from the 15th century. The latter is supported by 6 columns of blue Purbeck marble and has a beautiful painted ceiling.

Check the website or call ahead to make sure the Guildhall is open. Sometimes, it closes on short notice.

Also, you can only visit on a guided tour and they are often booked many months in advance. For example, all tours are sold out for 2023 and booking for 2024 has begun.

6. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is just 13 miles from London, so I have included it in my list of Medieval London sites.

Hampton Court Palace is the world’s greatest surviving medieval palace. It has a deliciously rich and scandalous history and is filled with great art.

The palace was the favored playground and leisure complex of England’s infamous King Henry VIII and other notorious characters in English history.

Hampton Court Palace is really a tale of two palaces smooshed together. It’s a combination of the Gothic Palace of Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII and the Baroque Palace built later by the Stuart monarchs William and Mary. I’ll focus on the medieval bits.

Wolsey was the man to build the glamorous palace in 1514. When Henry VIII visited, he was disgruntled that Wolsey’s palace outshone his own.

Wolsey was forced to gift the palace to the king. It became Henry’s palace of choice and all six of his wives lived there with him.

With a serious nesting instinct, Henry further embellished the palace to make it “his own.” He commissioned countless murals, tapestries, and paintings.

The highlight of the interior is Henry’s Great Hall. It has a lavishly gilded hammerbeam roof, 60 feet high.

You can also admire Henry VIII’s State Apartments, the Wolsey Rooms, the Royal Chapel, the Renaissance Picture Gallery with paintings from the British Royal Collection , and the Tudor Kitchens.

Click  here  to book a skip the line entrance ticket to the palace. You can also book a  3 hour guided tour  of the palace or visit on a  guided day tour  from London.

7. Inns of Court

London’s Inns of Court are oases of calm amid the hustle and bustle of the City’s legal heartland. The four Inns are Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, and Gray’s Inn.

They serve as England’s main law school and are all located in the vicinity of the Royal Courts of Justice. The inns also preserve some of London’s finest medieval architecture.

Lincoln’s Inn is the oldest and best preserved of the inns. Dating from 1485-92, the Great Hall is an authentic early Tudor residence. The stained glass windows depict coats of arms of distinguished members, including Thomas More.

The inn also has a “quad,” which likely served as the inspirations for the quads of America’s Ivy League colleges. From the quad, an ancient vaulted passageway leads to a beautiful collection of 16th century homes.

Middle Temple Hall In Middle Temple Inn is also a striking example of Tudor architecture. It’s considered the finest Elizabethan hall in England, with a signature hammerbeam roof. The stained glass is original, having been presciently removed during WWII.

8. Lambeth Palace

Built in the 13th century, Lambeth Palace has been the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for 800 years. Today, it’s also an events venue and home to the Lambeth Palace Library, which is the world’s second largest religious library after the Vatican .

In medieval times, the archbishops zealously guarded the hegemony of the church against royal incursion.

The most impressive medieval part of the palace is Morton’s Tower, which you see in the photo above. Serving as the main entrance to the palace, it’s one of the finest examples of Tudor brick work in London.

The oldest part of the palace is the crypt, dating from the 13th century. Interestingly, this was where the official hearing ending Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn was held.

The Great Hall is a reconstruction of the medieval hall. You can almost imagine Henry VIII plotting with Thomas Cranmer over how to break from Rome and get his annulment from Catherine.

Today, the palace also houses a new purpose-built library, which has one of the world’s best collection of medieval manuscripts and books. Some items to look for are a Gutenberg Bible, the Lambeth Bible, and a Book of Hours that belonged to Richard III.

You can visit Lambeth Palace on a guided tour of Westminster . Click here to get information on joining a tour of the library.

9. Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market  is an old covered market in central London dating back to 1449.

The market was originally a lead-roofed manor house, and that’s where Leadenhall got its name. In medieval times, the market was the mercantile district. It would have been a dirty and disgusting place where butchers slaughtered and cleaned meat.

In 1881, the city tore Leadenhall down and commissioned Sir Horace Jones to design and build the market that stands today. All that remains of the original is a fragment of a wall encased between Victorian buildings and some stones.

Today, it’s a busy place smack in the middle of the financial district. It has Victorian style architecture with a beautiful glass roof and cobbled floors. You’ll find market stands with everything from the basic to exotic to wildly extravagant.

10. Museums With Medieval Art

London is overflowing with some of the world’s best museums. And there are quite a few where you can immerse yourself in medieval art.

Museum of London

The Museum of London takes you on a journey of the history of London, from its prehistoric first settlers around 450,000 BC to today’s contemporary multicultural hub.

Two rooms are devoted to Medieval London.

Exhibits on display include a model of William the Conqueror’s White Tower, Norman battle axes, chain mail, costumes, and medieval carvings from the Guildhall.

Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum houses the world’s best collection of decorative arts, with a wealth of items from Medieval London that are too numerous to list.

But I will mention the Great Bed of Ware from 1590. It’s a 9 feet high four poster bed with elaborate carvings and inlays.

It was most likely made as a tourist attraction for an inn in Ware, Hertfordshire. The bed was so famous it was mentioned in Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night .

British Museum

The British Museum is almost overwhelming to visit, there’s so much to see. But for medievalists, the medieval art is conveniently stashed in one place — The Sir Paul and Lady Ruddock Gallery .

The gallery houses British, European, and Byzantine objects from the Middle Ages. The most famous work is the Lewis Chessmen.

The British Museum is free to visit. But if you want to see it all (not just he medieval pieces), you may want to book a 2 hour  guided tour  or a  2.5 hour private tour .

British Library

Just a few minutes from the British Museum, the British Library is also worth visiting for a taste of Medieval London.

You can visit the  Treasures of the British Library Exhibition  on a walk-in basis. you’ll find the Gutenberg Bible, the Magna Carta, the Lindisfarne Gospels, and Shakespeare’s first folio of plays. There’s also a splendid bookshop.

11. Shakespeare’s Globe

If you’re fascinated with playwright William Shakespeare, you’ll likely be taken with his namesake Globe Theater . 

It’s a unique theatrical space that’s an epicenter of London history associated with the Bard. The original Tudor theater opened in 1599. Fire destroyed it in 1613. It was rebuild, but later demolished.

The reconstructed open air theater is a half-timbered and thatched roof reconstruction of the old theater where Shakespeare acted and directed.

It is an Elizabethan style theater in the round, hence the term “globe.” The theater’s debut play was  Julius Caesar.  Most of Shakespeare’s tragedies were specifically written for the Globe.

You can book  guided tours  of the Globe Theater complex. You can also book a  Shakespeare-themed walking tour in London or a  literary tour that includes the Globe and Charles Dickens House . The Globe is also free with the  London Pass .

12. Southwark Cathedral

Though Southwark Cathedral is right next to the uber popular Borough Market, not many people pop in to this hidden gem in London . 

Southwark Cathedral  is a little Gothic wonder that dates back to 606 A.D. It is London’s oldest Gothic structure. The original site was destroyed by fire in 1212. It was rebuilt and dates from the 13th century.

The older Norman influences can be seen in the rear facade. The Gothic influences are on the front. 

Inside, there’s an airy vaulted ceiling made of a sandstone colored brick. You’ll see some beautiful stained glass, a monument to Shakespeare, funereal tombs, and some quirky 15th century carved roof bosses.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Southwark Cathedral .  Entry to Southwark is free. You can also visit the cathedral on a  guided walking tour of the South Bank . 

13. St. Bartholomew the Great Priority

St. Bartholomew the Great is the oldest surviving parish church in London and the most intact complete example of Norman architecture. When founded in 1123 by a courtier of King Henry I, it was the largest church in London.

The church was chopped about during Henry VIII’s reign and the interior is now firmly Elizabethan.

But today’s church still has some vestiges of its medieval roots. You can admire Norman arches in the choir, a beautiful 15th century Lady’s Chapel, and some Tudor memorials.

14. St. Etheldreda’s Chapel

St. Etheldreda’s is England’s oldest Catholic Church. Dating from the 13th century, the church is a survivor, having withstood the Reformation, the Great Fire, and the bombing of WWII.

Built during the reign of Edward I, the chapel was originally the residence of the Bishop of Ely. It was dedicated to St. Etheldreda, an abbess and saint who was the English equivalent of the Virgin Mary herself.

It has an airy light-filled nave and some gorgeous stained glass windows. The church also has a vaulted crypt set upon an ancient Roman pavement with dark medieval beams.

It was at St. Etheldreda’s that Shakespeare has John Gaunt making one of the finest speeches in the English language, the oration in  Richard II (“This royal throne of kings, this scepter’d isle …).

15. St. James Palace

Henry VIII built St. James Palace on the site of a hospital he confiscated. He intended it to be a manor home for his second wife Anne Boleyn. She never lived to see the palace, after being executed on the Tower Green.

There’s little left of the Tudor palace today, as parts were destroyed by fire. The imposing red brick gatehouse is original, and typically guarded by red- coated sentries.

Henry VIII built the Chapel Royal in honor of his fourth wife Anne of Cleves. The exterior and its mullioned windows are authentically Tudor. Inside, there’s also an original ceiling designed by Hans Holbein in the 1540s.

The palace is only rarely open to the public on special occasions. So, unless you are lucky, you will have to admire it from outside. You can also attend a service in the Chapel Royal.

 16. London Bridge | St. Magnus-the-Martyr

The history of the London Bridge is as old as the history of London. The first bridge was built by the Romans. The ancient wooden structure burned and was rebuilt many times.

Construction of a new bridge began in 1209. It was a noble structure with 19 arches, connecting the city with the south bank. It was filled, chockablock, with wooden buildings that formed a little village.

The 600 year old medieval bridge was razed in 1831 and replaced with a fanciful incarnation. That was deconstructed and rebuilt in the U.S. Now, there’s a very nondescript modern London Bridge.

The small church of  St Magnus-the-Martyr  on Lower Thames Street is located just next to the new bridge. However, it also sits atop the site of the medieval bridge.

The pedestrian entrance to the old bridge can still be seen, built into the church’s tower, which is marked with a plaque. The church’s courtyard also contains stones from the medieval bridge. Inside, visitors can find an incredibly detailed, 13 foot long model of the medieval bridge.

17. St. Margaret’s Church

The charming St. Margaret’s Church is located just north of Westminster Abbey in Parliament Square. The current Gothic-style building was consecrated in 1523 during the reign of Henry VII. Elizabeth I made it one of the country’s “Royal Peculiars.”

Its most notable feature is a dazzling Tudor window from 1509. It commemorates the betrothal of Prince Arthur (Henry VIII’s brother) to Catherine of Aragon (who would become Henry’s first wife when Arthur died).

By the time the window was commissioned and arrived, Arthur was dead, his brother was king, and Catherine was queen.

Former prime ministers Sir Winston Churchill and Harold Macmillan were also married in the church.

18. Temple Church

Temple Church dates from the late 12th century. It’s one of Medieval London’s most rewarding stops.

Temple Church is the oldest surviving circular church in England. Like Westminster Abbey, it’s classified as a “Royal Peculiar,” a house of worship that answers only to the reigning monarch.

The church was built by the secretive Knights Templar , an order of crusading monks founded to protect pilgrims traveling to and from Jerusalem. 

Temple Church is in two parts: the Round church (consecrated in 1185) and the oblong Chancel (built in 1240), the latter of which is the heart of the modern church. 

The church boasts a wealth of funereal tombs and monuments, including effigies of nine armored knights. The north window has images of kings Henry I and Stephen. The south window depicts Henry I and Henry III.

19. Tower of London

The Tower of London is the top medieval attraction in London. For over a 1,000 years, the tower has been a focal point of the London landscape.

For nearly 5 centuries, it was the primary residence of the reigning monarch. It’s been the scene of famous (and infamous!) events in English history.

A simple fort was built on the site after the Conqueror was crowned king in 1066. Construction of the White Tower, the great central keep, began in 1078.

Over the centuries, Henry III and Edward I   expanded William’s fortress and made it more luxurious. They added huge curtain walls with a series of towers and enlarged the moat.

In the reign of Henry VII’s infamous son, Henry VIII, the Tower became notorious as a prison for those who fell out of Henry’s favor. He sent Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and two wives to the gallows on the Tower Green with little or no “evidence” of crimes.

Unlike Henry VIII, his daughter, Elizabeth I, hated the tower. No wonder, since her mother Anne Boleyn lost her head there.

When you walk over the moat and under the portcullis of the Byward Tower, you are stepping back in time. For a detailed description of everything to see inside, check out my guide to the Tower of London .

In high season, you must  purchase a ticket online in advance or be resigned to wait for hours in line.

For a more in depth experience, you may want to book a tour with an expert. I’ve taken this  3 hour guided tour  and it was excellent. You can also check out this private tour or this  3 hour early access tour .

Just outside the Tower of London sits Tower Hill, a public space that was the location for over 100 executions in Medieval and Tudor London.

20. Westminster Abbey

Founded by Edward the Confessor, Westminster Abbey embodies Medieval London. It’s a UNESCO-listed Gothic wonder. The complex has been an abbey, a cathedral, a coronation church, and a royal mausoleum.

This spectacular medieval “Royal Peculiar” has hosted every coronation from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II and 16 royal weddings.

It’s also the burial place of many medieval royals, including feuding Tudor siblings Elizabeth I and Mary. In the Poet’s Corner, you can pay homage to Geoffrey Chaucer, Ben Johnson, and a monument to Shakespeare.

The stunning Henry VII Chapel is the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture. It’s the work of Henry VII. He was a famously parsimonious king, but broke the bank on his namesake chapel.

The chapel is where you’ll find the tombs of most of medieval history’s famous heroines, villains, and traitors — Henry VII and his wife Elizabeth of York, Mary Queen of Scots, Mary I, Elizabeth I, Edward VI, Lady Margaret Beaufort, etc.

A highlight is the spectacular fan vaulted ceiling and carved pendants

If you’re a Richard III enthusiast, you can also check out the monument to two “Princes in the Tower.”

On 1647, two skeletons were discovered in the Tower London. Charles II immediately proclaimed they were the missing princes without any scientific analysis. We’ll never know if this is true unless the crown permits DNA testing.

In Westminster’s medieval cloisters, you can visit the Chapter House with its original medieval flooring and the Pyx Chamber with the oldest altar in the abbey.

For more information on everything to see at the abbey, here’s my complete guide to visiting Westminster Abbey .

You should definitely book a skip the line ticket to visit the abbey. For the full historical scoop, you may also want to 2 hour guided tour of the abbey .

21. Westminster Palace

The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It’s informally known as the “Houses of Parliament.”

If the Tower of London was the realm’s symbol of military might, Westminster Palace was the symbol of the monarch’s iron control.

In Medieval London, this was where the king’s council met, where parliament assembled when called by the king, and where trials were held. It was also the site of celebratory banquets, usually held around the holidays.

Unfortunately, most of the medieval palace was destroyed by a fire in 1834. All that remains is Westminster Hall, the cloisters of St. Stephen’s Chapel (not open to the public), and the Jewel Tower.

On an official tour, you’ll enter through the Victoria Tower. You will see the monarch’s robing room, several antechambers, the Royal Gallery and the House of Lords. (I’ve actually been there as a guest of a lord!)

Your next stop is the medieval hall, which was built by William Rufus between 1097-99. Richard II renovated the hall, adding a hammerbeam roof and intricate carvings featuring royal coats of arms.

You can also admire six stone statues of kings from 1388. Richard II commissioned them and they are assumed to represent the kings who preceded him.

The public can only tour the  Houses of Parliament  on certain dates. Or, you can book a  guided tour of both Parliament and Westminster Abbey .

Just across the street is the Jewel Tower. It’s a three story moated tower built as a giant safe for Edward III. Though it was once stuffed with gold and treasures, it now houses a small museum with relics from the old palace.

22. Winchester Palace

Winchester Palace  was once one of the largest and most important buildings in all of Medieval London. 

Winchester was built in the early 13th century as a home for the powerful Bishops of Winchester. They were a group of medieval power players for half a century.

The palace was used as a meeting place between church and state. It’s said that this is where Henry VIII met his fifth wife, Catherine Howard.

In 1642, the palace was reincarnated as a prison, and continued to decline. In 1814, what remained was mostly destroyed by fire.

Today, visitors can see the ruins of the walls of the Great Hall, including a magnificent oriel rose window that adorns the west gable.

I hope you’ve my guide to Medieval London. You may enjoy these other England travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• 30 Day Trips from London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Castles in England
• Best Museums in London
• One Day In Canterbury Itinerary
• One Day in Oxford Itinerary
• One Day In Stratford-upon-Avon
• Harry Potter Places in London

If you’d like to visit Medieval London, pin it for later.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

11 Interesting & Beautiful Places to Visit in the East Midlands

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure for more info.

From Sherwood Forest to the Peak District, if you’re looking for the best places to visit in the East Midlands then you are truly spoiled for choice !

Along with the legends of Robin Hood, the East Midlands are most known for producing oil and limestone, as well as some famous foods.

In this post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for places to visit in the East Midlands, including the home of Batman!

We hope you enjoy learning about this unique region, but be sure to let us know in the comments which East Midlands must-sees we should add to our list!

Probably most famous for its links with British legendary figure Robin Hood (and his arch-nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham), Nottingham is a large city in the East Midlands with many sporting links – it was even named the ‘Home of English Sport’ in 2015.

Nottingham Castle is one of the main tourist attractions, although the original castle was demolished and replaced by a Georgian-era mansion. Below the castle is a series of caves, while museum and art collections are housed within the mansion. There are actually around 500 sandstone caves under Nottingham, which can also be explored via the Broadmarsh shopping centre!

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a pub built into the rock beneath Nottingham Castle, and it’s believed to be the oldest inn in England, serving ale to the crusaders on their way to Jerusalem in the 12th-century.

Nottingham is also a UNESCO City of Literature, with Lord Byron and D.H. Lawrence having links to the city. In particular, D.H Lawrence studied in Nottingham and Lady Chatterley’s Lover (perhaps his most famous work) was set in Nottinghamshire.

Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park

While Wollaton Hall is actually located in Nottingham, we believe it deserves its own entry as one of the best places to visit in the East Midlands. It’s an impressive and stately 16th-century Elizabethan country house surrounded by parkland.

Wollaton Hall was famously used for exterior shots of Wayne Manor (the home of Batman) in the film The Dark Knight Rises. The park is also regularly used for large outdoor events such as concerts and festivals, while the Nottingham Natural History Museum is housed inside the hall.

When major events are not on, the formal gardens and deer park are a delight to explore. There’s a beautiful lake, a camellia house and a botanical garden, plus you can enjoy spotting the red and fallow deer.

Fun Fact: the Nottinghamshire town of Gotham, which is located less than 10km away, was also the inspiration for Gotham City in the Batman comics!

Sherwood Forest

While Nottingham has some links to the legend of Robin Hood, it is nearby Sherwood Forest that is most famous for its historic association with the legendary outlaw.

Originally a royal hunting forest, it was particularly popular with King John, the real-life brother of Richard the Lionheart, and one of the characters often included in stories of Robin Hood.

One of the major sights in Sherwood Forest is the Major Oak (pictured below), an oak tree that is over 1,000 years old and, according to legend, served as the hideout for Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

In the summer holidays, a Robin Hood festival is held over seven days in Sherwood Forest, with live re-enactments, song, dance, storytelling, sword-fighting, archery and plenty of stalls selling food, drink or crafts.

Like many British cities, Derby was originally settled by the Romans but changed hands between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings during its history.

Derby is often described as one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, is home to part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a centre of the British Rail Industry, and is a centre of transport manufacturing to this day.

The Museum of Making at the Derby Silk Mill (pictured below) was originally called the Derby Industrial Museum and is an excellent East Midlands destination to learn more about Derby’s industrial history.

Derby also makes a great base for exploring the Peak District, but the city itself is home to many museums, a cathedral, markets and other attractions that are worthy of some time spent enjoying the UK’s most central city.

Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, with Iron Age settlements found by the Romans in AD 47 and fine examples of many different architectural styles from throughout the ages.

One of Leicester’s main claims to fame is that the body of King Richard III (the last king of the House of York) was found under a car park and excavated in 2012. His body was later buried at Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitors Centre is where visitors can learn more about this influential king.

Leicester is also a popular shopping destination, with an 800-year-old market and the winding cobbled streets called The Lanes, which are filled with independent boutiques, arcades and eateries.

Additionally, Leicester is home to the National Space Centre, a museum crammed with rockets, satellites, meteorites, and world-famous spacesuits. 

The Peak District

The Peak District is one of the most visited East Midlands tourist attractions, and it covers a large area that extends beyond the borders of the Peak District National Park.

Today the Peak District draws many visitors who want to hike, climb, go caving or cycling and just enjoy the scenery. Even though it’s named for ‘peaks’, the area actually demonstrates more hills, valleys and gorges than sharply defined mountains.

As well as nature walks and wildlife spotting, this region has a number of charming towns to explore. Castleton is home to four ‘show caves’ (that are accessible to the public) and is a popular starting point for many easy walks.

Buxton is a charming spa town while Bakewell is, of course, the home of the famous Bakewell Pudding!

Lincoln’s Cathedral and Castle are the two major drawcards to this city, with the 11th-century Norman castle housing one of the 4 original copies of Magna Carta.

The 900-year-old Lincoln Cathedral was also built by the Normans and visitors still come from around the world to see its Gothic beauty and experience the daily choir services.

It’s also one of the most unusual places to visit in the East Midlands as the cathedral is also home to the famous Lincoln Imp – the stone carving of a mischievous imp in the Angel Choir.

Legend says this imp was a demon that was blown into the cathedral by a storm but was turned to stone by the cathedral’s guardian angels when it created too much mayhem! The imp is now known as the city’s unofficial mascot.

Apart from the castle and cathedral, Lincoln has some luxury high-end stores on the High Street, a lovely lake and marina called Brayford Pool, medieval buildings and The Museum of Lincolnshire Life to enjoy.

Northampton

Northampton was historically known for its shoe and leather industry, so anyone who is passionate about fashionable footwear will want to visit the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, a very unique East Midlands attraction.

This museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of historical footwear – more than 15,000 pairs of shoes, from Ancient Egypt to modern fashion, and everything in between! It includes famous pairs of shoes such as the platforms worn by the Spice Girls and David Beckham’s football boots.

There are also displays of art relating to footwear, as well as exhibitions about Northampton’s history and other kinds of artworks.

Northampton’s Guildhall (pictured below) is a Neo-Gothic delight and was designed by Edward William Godwin when he was just 28. Northampton was also where parts of the BBC sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ were filmed, while the city is the setting for both the film and musical ‘Kinky Boots’.

Althorp Estate

Just under 10km northwest of Northampton is the Althorp Estate; which has been the seat of the aristocratic Spencer family for more than 500 years and was also the childhood home of Princess Diana.

Charles Spencer is the current owner of Althorp, he’s the 9th Earl Spencer and the younger brother of Diana, who married the Prince of Wales. After her untimely death, her body was buried on a small island within the estate and there is also a Doric-style temple directly across from the lake for visitors to leave flowers if they wish.

The estate is only open to the public in July and August, so you would have to time your visit carefully if you wish to explore the house and gardens, but it’s worth a trip if you are in the area in summer.

Melton Mowbray

We’ve mentioned that some famous foods originate in the East Midlands, and the town of Melton Mowbray is a true site of significance in this regard, even being called England’s ‘rural capital of food’.

The Melton Mowbray pork pie might be the town’s most recognisable treat, since it shares a name with the town, but Melton Mowbray is also the location of one of only six licensed makers of Stilton cheese. Foodies visiting the town will absolutely want to pay a visit to the Tuxford & Tebbutt creamery, as well as the Dickinson & Morris pork pie shop (pictured below).

On the first weekend of October each year, Melton Mowbray hosts the Melton Mowbray Food Festival, one of the biggest regional culinary festivals in the United Kingdom.

Along with yummy food, Melton Mowbray boasts a beautiful country park, a small heritage trail, some great pubs and an adorable miniature railway just outside the town.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is a stunning country estate located on the east bank of the River Derwent, in Derbyshire. It’s been the home of the Cavendish family for over 500 years but is open to the public between March and September.

There are many opulent rooms to explore inside Chatsworth House, with works of art that span 4,000 years. The 105-acre garden boasts a canal pond, cascade, greenhouse, a rock garden and a maze.

Chatsworth House has been used to represent Pemberley in both the 2005 film version of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and the television drama ‘Death Comes to Pemberley’.

The 2008 film ‘The Duchess’ starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes was about the real-life 5th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire who lived in the house and had an unusual arrangement with another woman. Parts of the movie were filmed on location at Chatsworth House.

Have we missed any of your favourite places to visit in the East Midlands?

Let us know in the comments!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 10 places to visit in the East Midlands

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2022

The East Midlands in England includes the counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, parts of Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Major cities include Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Northampton. However, the area also features some of the most beautiful countryside in England with the Peak District National Park and Derbyshire Dales located in these counties.

For those who enjoy the countryside, the area provides opportunities for visitors to go hiking on its many walking trails, visit cosy pubs for a pint or two, admire pretty villages, peruse market towns or even tour the odd stately home. It is no surprise that this is a popular destination for visitors from all over the UK.

I haven’t forgotten the cities and you will find some recommended places to visit in some of the major cities in the East Midlands on my list too!

Visit the Peak District National Park

Matlock bath and the heights of abraham, chatsworth house.

• Cromford Mills (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Tissington Trail

Calke abbey, the national space centre in leicester, king richard iii visitor centre in leicester, lincoln cathedral and castle, fast facts – east midlands, visiting the east midlands.

With so many beautiful towns and villages to visit this part of the world deserves a holiday all of its own. Stay in a cottage and spend days hiking or cycling through the Peak District National Park which stretches across Northern Derbyshire and into the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire. 

As well as some of the towns on this list that are located in the Peak District (Bakewell, Matlock and Cromford) the following are also worth including in your itinerary. 

Eyam is famous as the plague village whose self-imposed quarantine prevented the spread of the Black Death but to the deaths of 260 villagers. Visit the museum in Eyam to learn more.

Edale is located at the start of the famous Pennine Way walking trail. Stretching for over 268 miles the trail ends in Kirk Yetholm near the Scottish border.

If you fancy a slightly shorter walk there are some great day walks from Edale and a couple of pubs serving real ale in the area too. 

Read more | Peak District Travel Guide

Just on the edge of the Peak District is the Derbyshire town of Matlock Bath . Visitors to this pretty Derbyshire town will find plenty of shops and cafes (fish and chips feature heavily) as well as the popular Heights of Abraham attraction.

Opened in the 1780s the Heights of Abraham can now be reached by cable car. Once at the summit enjoy a guided cavern tour or take a stroll through the woodlands and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

If you have young children a visit to Gulliver’s Kingdom is sure to be a hit. The theme park is a perfect destination for families with all the rides designed for children.

Matlock Bath itself was a popular tourist destination in the 19th century when wealthy Victorians would visit the town for the spa waters. 

If you visit at a weekend you will find parking is at a premium as the town is a popular destination with bikers.

Read more | Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham

Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire the beautiful Chatsworth House and estate is an absolutely fantastic day out for all the family. 

There are lots of events organised throughout the year with the annual Christmas at Chatsworth particularly popular. Each year the house is decorated with a different theme and it is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

Don’t miss the beautiful gardens or a visit to the estates’ farm shop before you leave.

If you wish to spend longer exploring the estate and surrounding countryside why not stay in one of the properties owned by the family?  

Read more | Take a virtual tour of Chatsworth House

Cromford Mills ( UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Richard Arkwright’s cotton mills at Cromford are part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

These water-powered cotton mills were essentially the early beginnings of the modern factory system when production of goods moved from homes to factories.

Although Arkwright did provide housing for his workforce he was not quite as benevolent to his workers as Titus Salt in Saltaire a century later.

The visitor centre is excellent and there are guided tours available to learn more about the history of the mills.

The Tissington Trail in Derbyshire follows the route of the former rail line 13 miles from Buxton to Ashbourne.

Perfect for both walking and cycling this flat trail affords visitors wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. 

There are bicycle hire facilities at either end of the trail and lots of beautiful villages to enjoy en route including Hartington, Parsley Hay and Alsop.

Read more | The Tissington Trail

Situated near the village of Ticknall in the county of Derbyshire Calke Abbey is a Grade I listed country house and estate looked after by the National Trust .

The house perfectly illustrates the decline of the country estate during the 20th century when more and more families were unable to afford their upkeep (we have all seen Downton Abbey!)

There is always lots to do all year round at Calke Abbey including walks in the parkland (look for the deers), tours and other events.

Read more | Calke Abbey

For a day away from all the culture and history the UK has to offer why not visit the National Space Centre in Leicester?

The space centre is a great day out for all the family with lots to see and do. Don’t miss the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium where you can travel out of the UK and onto the furthest edges of the universe!!

Read more | National Space Centre

Recently located under a car park in Leicester the remains of King Richard III are now on display in this excellent visitor centre in Leicester. 

Find out about the story of Richard II, his rise to power and violent death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 during the war of the Roses. 

Read more | King Richard III Visitor Centre Leicester

Once the tallest building in the world the gothic Lincoln Cathedral is still one of the most impressive buildings in England.

As you walk around keep an eye out for the famous Lincoln Imp!

One of the remaining copies of the Magna Carta is located at Lincoln Castle . Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror the medieval wall walk provides spectacular views over Lincoln and the surrounding countryside.

If you are feeling fit take a walk (climb) up Steep Hill (officially the 4th steepest street in England) and pop into some of the galleries and tea rooms on your way up.

Parts of the road are very steep (I would be wary of doing it in winter!) but it is worth it to see the old buildings that line the road some of which date back to the 12th/15th and 18th centuries.

Read more | Lincoln Travel Guide

• WHAT TO READ – Best books to read before you visit the West Midlands

• WHERE TO STAY : Click here to find the best accommodation in the Peak District National Park .
• WHAT TOURS TO BOOK : Click here for recommended tours of the East Midlands
• WHAT TO EAT/DRINK – Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, Stilton Cheese, Bakewell Tart

• PRINCIPLE TRAIN STATIONS – Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln
• WHAT TO PACK – My packing lists for the UK will help ensure you take what you need whatever the season. Read this article to find out what weather you can expect when you visit.
• Don’t be offended if so you are called “me duck” it is a term of endearment in the East Midlands!

Our top 10 places to visit in the East Midlands will have given you some ideas of things to do and see if you are exploring this area of England .

These are my choice of the top 10 and a great starting point but there are lots of things to see and do in the region for visitors of all ages.

Want to explore some of England’s other regions ? Head over to my other area guides to England which include the North East , East Midlands , West Midlands , Yorkshire , South West , South East and East of England .

Visiting Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Check out my top 19 places to visit in Scotland and the top 10 choices to add to your travel itineraries for Wales and Northern Ireland.

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

Skip To Main Content

Follow Us...

Already saved an Itinerary?

• Enewsletter Sign Up

• Churches, Cathedrals & Religious Buildings
• Heritage Houses
• Castles and Palaces
• Museums and Art Galleries
• Parks and Gardens
• Walks and cycle routes
• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Historic railways and transportation
• Cultural History
• Heritage trips in South East England
• Heritage trips in South West England
• Heritage trips in North East England
• Heritage trips in the East of England
• Hertiage trips in the East Midlands
• Heritage trips in West Midlands
• Heritage trips in Yorkshire & The Humber
• Heritage trips in North West England
• Heritage trips in Northern Ireland
• Heritage trips in London
• Heritage trips in Scotland
• Self Catering
• Submit Event
• Hudson's Guide 2023
• Mrs Hudson Says...
• Tarr on the Road
• Buy the latest Hudson's Guide
• Travelling around the UK
• Travelling to the UK
• Accessible Britain
• Advertise with us

You are here: Things to Do > East Midlands Places To Visit

Places to Visit Search

Places to stay search, what's on search, what's on search, east midlands places to visit.

DERBYSHIRE – LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND – LINCOLNSHIRE – NORTHAMPTONSHIRE - NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

The rolling landscape of the East Midland were England’s traditional ‘hunting’ counties, in easy reach of the cities of Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham.  Many of the key battles of the English Civil War were fought here. For visitors, the great art collections at Chatsworth, Burghley and Althorp are top choices but look further for other exceptional days out at Rockingham Castle, one of Britain’s best preserved inhabited castles or the gardens of Renishaw Hall, home of the eccentric Sitwell family, or Haddon Hall, one of Britain’s finest medieval houses.  There are other treasures here.  Lincoln Castle displays one of only three original copies of Magna Carta, Deene Park was home to the Earl of Cardigan, commander of the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade (and the accidental inventor of the cardigan) and at Grimsthorpe Castle are a series of royal thrones from George IV to Edward VII.

Number of results:

Number of results: 13

Lamport Hall & Gardens

[email protected]

Lamport Hall is a hidden gem in Northamptonshire boasting wonderful gardens, stunning architecture, an impressive art and furniture collection and a full calendar of events.

Mr Straw’s House

[email protected]

Most National Trust properties inspire thoughts of historic mansions, wealth and grandeur. However, tucked away in a private cul-de-sac in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, you’ll find Mr Straw’s House; the National Trust’s first small domestic property,…

Melbourne Hall and Gardens

[email protected]

Once the home of Victorian Prime Minister, William Lamb who, as Second Viscount Melbourne, gave his name to Melbourne, Australia.

Hardwick Hall and Stainsby Mill

[email protected]

Chesterfield

An icon of Elizabethan architecture, Hardwick Hall, stands proudly on a hilltop bordering North-East Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens

[email protected]

Northampton

Nestled in rural Northamptonshire, Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens is an elegant Grade I listed country house surrounded by award winning historic gardens, offering a fantastic day out for the whole family.

Stanford Hall

[email protected]

Lutterworth

Stanford has been the home of the Cave family, ancestors of the present owner, since 1430.

Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens

[email protected]

Dating from 1702 the Hall’s beauty is matched by the magnificence of the gardens and the excellence of the picture, furniture and porcelain collections.

Rockingham Castle

[email protected]

Market Harborough

Rockingham Castle was built on the instructions of William The Conqueror, following his invasion of Britain in 1066. Rockingham Castle has been home to the Saunders Watson family for the past 450 years, and prior to that was held by the Crown.

Derwent Valley Mills

The Derwent valley, upstream from Derby on the southern edge of the Pennines, contains a series of 18th and 19th century cotton mills and an industrial landscape of high historical and technological significance.

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park

[email protected]

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells the dramatic story of the Battle fought on 22nd August 1485, which marked a major turning point in English history when Richard III lost his life and crown at the hands of Henry Tudor’s army.

All Saints' Church, Aldwincle

[email protected]

A Medieval wonder in a pretty village

1620s House & Garden

[email protected]

The 1620s House & Garden is a rare example of a family home built in the 13th century and modernised in 1618. It is set in beautiful 17th century style gardens with labelled plants and flowers, an orchard, herb gardens and a maze. There is also a…

Fulbeck Manor

[email protected]

Built c1580. 400 years of Fane family portraits. Open by written appointment. Guided tours by owner approximately 11/4 hours. Tearooms at The Crafty Cafe, 100 yards, for light lunches and teas.

E-Newsletter Sign Up

Submit your event, read our blog, read the hudson’s guide here.

• Northern Ireland ,
• North East ,
• North West ,
• Yorkshire ,
• East Midlands ,
• East Of England ,
• West Midlands ,
• South West ,
• South East ,
• Heritage Houses ,
• Parks and Gardens ,
• Churches, Cathedrals & Religious Buildings ,
• Museums and Art Galleries ,
• Family Friendly ,
• Cafès and Tearooms ,
• Restaurants ,
• Travelling around the UK ,
• Travelling to the UK ,
• Advertise with us ,
• Enewsletter Sign Up ,
• Hudson's
• Accessibility Statement
• Data Protection Policy
• Terms and Conditions

© Visit Heritage 2024. All Rights Reserved

Accessibility Links

15 most beautiful places in England for your next staycation

From meandering rivers and canals with motionless herons and barely moving barges to cathedral cities with ancient colleges and professors on bicycles, england is a country that delights at every turn.

T he quintessential English landscape comes in many different forms. Inland, it’s a confection of church spires and misty meadows, of crenellated manor houses with gorgeous gardens, and handsome Georgian villages trellised with roses. This is a landscape threaded by bucolic rivers lined with oak and willow, where rollercoaster dales are stitched with drystone walls. Along the coast, it’s lined by a mix of snaggle-toothed headlands and golden beaches, with creeks and estuaries that harbour old-fashioned resorts and fishing villages. And sitting offshore is a selection of islands, each of them distinctively different. Yet all of this is England — a place that has something for everyone. So here is our selection of the country’s most beautiful places to visit.

Main photo: Romney Marsh (Alamy)

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

This ancient Roman city, encircled by its original walls, has a history that stretches back nearly 2,000 years. Its magnificent cathedral (aka “Minster”) has a fascinating story of restoration from a huge fire way back in 1984. Downtown, the city’s almost traffic-free centre is a lacework of cobbled medieval alleyways — the Shambles — where overhanging ancient mansions seem to whisper sweet nothings to each other. Wonky beams and sloping floors characterise most interiors, with tea and cake around every corner, particularly at the much-loved Bettys Café Tea Rooms. York is the home of Rowntree’s, the chocolate manufacturer, so there’s a chocolate museum and independent chocolatiers all over town.

• Best hotels in York • Best boutique hotels in York • Bets things to do in York

Advertisement

2. holy island, northumberland.

The Northumberland coastline is a string of blemish-free sandy beaches interrupted by dramatic castles and old fishing villages. Sitting just offshore is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a mystical place reachable by a causeway that is only driveable (or walkable) at certain stages of the tide. On the island there’s a ruined priory, a 16th-century castle on a rock, and a real sense of peace among birdsong and woodsmoke. The island’s name dates back to the time when this was an early outpost of Christianity, and whether you’re a believer or not, it remains a place of serenity and contemplation, which puts daily life into perspective.

3. South Downs and the Seven Sisters

The grass-topped wave of hills of the Sussex Weald form the backbone of the South Downs, Britain’s newest national park. Up here are rollercoaster, sheep-grazed grasslands mixed with oak coppice and wildlife-rich heathland. These are chalk hills, although they only really show their colours where the downlands meet the sea, at the searingly white Seven Sisters cliffs. Striding along the cliff edge here, from Eastbourne to Seaford via Beachy Head and the beach at Cuckmere Haven, is one of England’s favourite coastal walks.

• The White Horse, Graffam, hotel review • The Pig in the South Downs hotel review

4. The North York Moors, Yorkshire

This national park with a coastline comes with all the credentials: Yorkshire ’s wild and wonderful rolling hills, infiltrated by pastoral valleys such as that at Rosedale, complete with old mine workings on the valley sides. A heritage steam railway clambers over the hills from Pickering to Grosmont, wheezing and blowing as it goes. Whitby is a lively coastal resort, renowned for its fish and chips, Dracula connections and ruined abbey. And then there’s the coastal path that struggles from sheltered bays to wild headlands, with spectacular views.

• Best hotels in Yorkshire

5. Grasmere and Ambleside, Cumbria

These two towns encapsulate so much that is great about the Lake District . Grasmere, with its bijou spangle of water, is all genteel sumptuousness, with boutique shopping, elegant eating and literary visits to Wordsworth’s cottage. More businesslike Ambleside, with its adventure outfitters, sits at the north end of boat-rich Windermere, the busiest and biggest of the English lakes. A short, steep climb up from here through rocky knolls to Loughrigg Fell grants an eyeful of everything, with stunning views of the serpentine length of Windermere and the Langdale Pikes.

• Best spa hotels in the Lake District • Best dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District • Best things to do in the Lake District • Best hotels in the Lake District

6. Chatsworth and Haddon, Derbyshire

England’s aristocratic country houses range across a kaleidoscope of styles and periods. The Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth House, for example, dominating its own river valley within the Peak District , is a sumptuous, family-owned property making the most of its mainly 18th-century assets with tours, trails and events. Meanwhile, a couple of valleys away, you can step back a few centuries into 13th-century Haddon Hall, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval properties in the UK, with its banqueting hall, Tudor painted ceilings and Elizabethan walled gardens.

• Best hotels in the Peak District

7. Bath, Somerset

A place of Roman baths and Georgian crescents, Bath sits cupped in hills in its own little world, one redolent of ball gowns and gossiping aristocracy, as observed by Jane Austen. The creamy-gold Bath stone and honeycomb of Palladian-influenced terracing, rising in curving ripples up the hillsides, are what makes the city so visually appealing. Somehow a river and a canal thread through, and at the heart of the city is the original thermal bath built by the Romans around AD75, with steam still rising from the hot spring.

• Best things to do in Bath • Best hotels in Bath

8. Cotswold villages, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire

Manor houses, babbling brooks and hamlets of honey-coloured stone. Tea-rooms galore, artisan delicatessens, ancient churches and Bibury, the village that the artist William Morris described as “the most beautiful in England”. This is the Cotswolds . Mind you, Bourton-on-the-Water must be a challenger for the “most beautiful” title, too. Here the River Windrush flows across a generous green, spanned by footbridges and surrounded by handsome inns. Weeping willows trail their tresses in the water, ducks wait for chips and there’s a toasted teacake around every corner.

• Best hotels in the Cotswolds • Best spa hotels in the Cotswolds • Best dog-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds

9. Jurassic Coast, Dorset and Devon

This Unesco-recognised stretch of southern coastline starts at the eastern end, at the quirky resort of Swanage in Dorset , where the pillars of Old Harry Rocks overlook Poole Harbour. From here it reaches westwards, rounding wild St Aldhelms Head, stomping through fossil-rich Kimmeridge, to the almost perfect circle that is Lulworth Cove and the arch of Durdle Door. Then, from Weymouth , the Chesil shingle scythes westwards towards the cliffs of Charmouth and West Bay, so famous for their crumbliness and their fossil dinosaurs. The Regency resort of Lyme Regis, beyond, is where The French Lieutenant’s Woman was filmed.

• Best hotels in Dorset • Best beach hotels in the UK • Best hotels in Devon

10. Helford and Roseland, Cornwall

You don’t travel to Cornwall for the towns — unless they’re wedged up a creek or spilling into a bay. It’s the coast that counts, either the north for the wild and dramatic, or the south for the creeks and headlands. Both sides have beaches to be proud of, but for shelter and history seek out the south’s Helford River, the setting for Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek . East of Helford, the Roseland Peninsula begins at the posh fishing village of St Mawes. In this part of Cornwall, the spring gardens of Trelissick and Caerhays are ablaze with magnolias and camellias well before the rest of the country.

• Best beaches in Cornwall • Cornwall versus Devon: which is better? • Best hotels in Cornwall

11. Norfolk coast, Norfolk

North Norfolk is like a watercolour painting, where land, sea and sky seem to merge seamlessly into one another. Migrating wildfowl add their stitch to the skies overhead and seal colonies loll around on sandbanks like rolls of discarded carpet. Towns such as Burnham Market, with its art galleries and fine dining, are surprisingly posh — but then maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise, given that Holkham Hall, the residence of the Earl of Leicester, and Sandringham, the royal country retreat, are just inland.

• Best dog-friendly hotels in Norfolk • The Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn, Norfolk, review

12. Wye Valley, Herefordshire

Some say British tourism started back in 1745 on the languid, calm river at Ross-on-Wye, when the local rector took paying guests out for boat trips. Today a lot of the waterborne activity has dropped southwards to Symonds Yat, a mecca for kayakers and for walking its steep forested banks. Meanwhile in Ross, the venerable half-timbered frontages of the town stand back slightly uphill of the river, and it is mostly cyclists who follow the water, particularly its loveliest stretch up past Hole-in-the-Wall, burrowing through back roads towards Hereford.

• Best luxury places to stay in Herefordshire • Best Airbnbs in the UK

13. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The flat fens of Cambridgeshire seem an unlikely setting for a seat of learning, but the colleges and chapels of Cambridge inhabit their own mystical world, clustered along the banks of the somnolent River Cam. Unlike Oxford, which can be brash and busy, Cambridge is a place of robed figures emerging from ancient doorways and bumping away over cobbles on bicycles. To hire a punt and to float gently down the so-called Backs (the backs of many colleges) is to get a glimpse into a refined, timeless world.

• Best hotels in Cambridge • Best things to do in Cambridge

14. Rye and Romney Marshes, Kent and East Sussex

The medieval town of Rye was once one of the Cinque Ports — five defensive ports in Kent , Sussex and Essex mentioned in Magna Carta — and it seems to have barely changed, although the sea has since retreated. The town is a lacework of galleries, patisseries, wisteria and leaded windows. It stands proud above Romney’s former marshlands, now drained and striped with wheatfields. Beyond are the glorious beaches of Camber Sands and the surreal shingle shore of Dungeness, with its unique fishing fleet.

• Best spa hotels in Sussex • Best hotels in Sussex • Best luxury hotels in Sussex

15. Test Valley, Hampshire

A maze of intersecting country lanes and the gurgling gin-clear waters of some of the most expensive fishing river in England makes this an intoxicating slice of English countryside. Stretching roughly from the village of Hurstbourne Priors down to Romsey, this is a place to spot lazy trout and idyllic waterside mansions. A place to fossick out iconic pubs like the Mayfly or the Peat Spade, and historical buildings such as the National Trust’s Mottisfont Abbey, with its celebrated rose garden. Even Waitrose is here with its Leckford Estate, with 4,000 acres of farming, fishing and water gardens.

• Best hotels in Hampshire • Best UK destinations to visit • Best beaches in England • Places in the UK that look just like France

Take me there

Inspired to visit England but yet to book your trip? Here are the best places to stay from Cottages.com and Mr and Mrs Smith .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

The Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.K.

By Lilit Marcus , David Jefferys , and Lale Arikoglu

Weymouth, Dorset, England

The seaside town of Weymouth is perfectly situated in the middle of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO Heritage-listed stretch of coastline where many of the craggy cliffs date from the (you guessed it) Jurassic Era. Arguably the most Instagrammable spot is the pebbly Chesil Beach, which inspired Ian McEwan's acclaimed novel of the same name. —LM

Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Just around the corner from the stunning Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Ballintoy is a harbor town known for its unobstructed views of the sea, an elegant white church perched on a hill above the village, and—more recently—for being a filming location on Game of Thrones . —LM

Bakewell, Derbyshire, England

A market town located on the River Wye, Bakewell is known as much for its rolling hills as for its desserts: the Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart (both variations of a flaky pastry filled with sweet jam and almond paste) both supposedly have their origins here. After stuffing yourself with sweets, explore the All Saints Church, whose original structure and wooden crosses date from the 900s. —LM

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England

Just south of the Scottish border, it's easy to see why Scotland and England fought for ownership of this picturesque town for so long. Situated at the mouth of the River Tweed, Berwick is home to several gorgeous bridges that make it easy to explore by foot—and take great panoramic photos of the Medieval walls that surround the town. —LM

Laura Kiniry

Stacey Lastoe

Jemima Sissons

Rye, East Sussex, England

An important shipping center since Roman times, on an enormous embayment of the English Channel, the Camber Sands, Rye was once entirely surrounded by sea. The best views of the hodge-podge of medieval terracotta roofs and and timbered walls are from St. Mary's Parish Church tower or the Ypres Tower, the two oldest buildings in town. If you're visiting in early Spring, don't miss the annual Bay Scallop Week. Rye is scenic two hour train journey from London St. Pancras International, making it an easy day trip . —DJ

Crail, Fife, Scotland

The historic village of Crail is tucked along the Scottish coast. Although it's about an hour and a half away from Edinburgh, Crail feels like it's lost in time, with fishermen setting out to sea in the morning and returning home along the cobblestone streets at night. Originally settled around the year 800, many of the town's most beloved buildings, such as the stone tollbooth, date from the 16th century. —LM

Burford, Oxfordshire, England

If you imagined what a typical English village might look like, odds are good that you'd conjure up something like Burford, with its rows of yellow limestone houses and tree-lined streets. Located in the Cotswolds, the town's church is built over the ruins of a Roman villa (you can still see some fragments of tile mosaics). —LM

Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, England

Known for its bucolic lakeside setting, charming architecture, and The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction (less kitschy than it sounds—with a delightful garden), this Lake District town became a bonafide hit for travelers in the nineteenth-century with a railway extension from Kendal. England's largest lake contains 14 islands to explore in a plethora of water craft. —DJ

Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales

Few would expect to find an Italianate Village in North Wales, but here it is. Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, this fanciful creation makes for a near-psychedelic getaway (Noël Coward wrote Blithe Spirit while staying in one of the "town's" on-site suites). Extensive gardens burst with rhododendrons, azalea, and camellia in spring, Douglas Firs and Coast Redwoods provide summer shade, and exotic Gingko Biloba trees blaze as golden as the sun in autumn. —DJ

Whitby, North Yorkshire, England

A picturesque Middle Ages fishing port on the wild heritage coastline of east Yorkshire (don't miss a visit to the spooky ruins of Whitby Abbey at East Cliff), pick up some Whitby Jet jewelry (mined in the nearby moors and treasured by Romans and Victorians alike), and don't be surprised to stumble upon crowds of subculture types attending the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend. Of note: Caedmon, a monk during the Abbey's heyday, is the world's first known Anglo Saxon poet. —DJ

Mousehole, Cornwall

The minute fishing village of Mousehole (make sure to pronounce it "Mowzul") is Cornwall at its wildest and most rugged. Expect windswept coastal walks, a stellar surf scene, and pubs serving up heaps of freshly caught seafood (it's said that Dylan Thomas's favorite watering hole was The Ship Inn, where a corner of the bar is still dedicated to the poet). —LA

Lavenham, Suffolk

Once a wealthy medieval trade hub, Lavenham holds true as one of the country's most charming small towns, thanks to its haphazard-looking, half-timbre, half-pastel-colored buildings and impressive 15th century church. Unsurprisingly, it also makes for a great movie set, which is why the 14th century cottage De Vere House made an appearance as the birthplace of both Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part One (you know, the house where Lord Voldemort gave Harry his famous lightening scar). Just two hours outside of London, it makes for a great day trip. —LA

Blakeney, Norfolk

At Blakeney, it's all about the coastal walks. This quiet seaside village draws hikers and nature lovers for its dramatic expanses of marshland straight out of Great Expectations and a rich wildlife population. Over at Blakeney Point, the heart of Britain's first coastal nature reserve, go seal-spotting by boat, while at Blakeney Freshes, keep an eye out for rare sea birds and take in one of the best views of the reserve. —LA

Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland

It's said that at the bottom of the Tobermory bay, lies a Spanish shipwreck filled with gold, having sunk during the 1588 Armada. But above sea level, the history and scenery of this town, situated deep within Scotland 's Inner Hebrides, is equally beguiling. Comprising hills and lochs, moorlands and ocean, its home to one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland, Tobermory Distillery, which has been producing single malts since 1788, as well as colorful fisherman's houses, while whales, dolphins, and porpoises swim nearby. Just remember to pack your best waterproof gear, as Scotland isn't exactly famed for its weather. —LA

Upper and Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds has long been a favorite escape among Londoners itching to ditch city life, and the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are a particularly pretty corner. A walk along The River Eye that links the two slaughters (the name originates from an ancient word for mud, presumably thanks to the river) will take you past bucolic cottages and a 14th century mill known aptly as "The Old Mill." —LA

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Travel in Medieval England

When we think of how people travelled in medieval England, images of nobles in coaches, knights on horseback or perhaps pilgrims on the road to Canterbury might spring to mind.  We might also assume that, for most ordinary people, travel over any significant distance was largely out of the question.  We might even take it for granted that most people never travelled far from their place of birth.

But how true is this?  What was it really like to travel in medieval England?  Why did people travel anyway?  And how did they get to where they needed to be?

Royal and Noble Travellers

Throughout the Middle Ages, the royal court was itinerant to a greater or lesser extent.  The court became more centred on Westminster later in the medieval period.  However, even then, the king and his court would often travel across the country to visit important dignitaries, spending significant amounts of time away from the capital.

Since the court was the centre of power, anyone who wanted to petition the king would need to travel to court at some point.  This included not only the senior members of the nobility but wealthy merchants, important members of the clergy and members of the gentry.

Parliaments could be called for anywhere in the country.  When such a parliament was convened the king, the lords as well as the leading knights, merchants and gentry would all need to attend.  Most of these people would travel with a significant entourage.   

Naturally enough, large numbers of wealthy people gathered in one place represented a significant opportunity for merchants, minstrels, and other would-be hangers-on, looking for patronage.  So anywhere hosting a parliament might expect to receive a significant influx of visitors.

Poor Travellers

Even poorer folk might travel to the court in search of work (whether temporary or permanent). 

Indeed, there were a variety of reasons why poorer folk might want to travel.  The lowlier itinerant minstrels and players would travel from town to town plying their trade.  Generally, they would follow an itinerary, aiming to arrive at a particular town or city to take advantage of a particular festival or local fair.   Sometimes they would even attempt to waylay the royal court on the highways and byways in the hopes of impressing the king and earning some coin. 

Whilst a great many common folk were tied to the land on which they worked, this was not the case for everyone.  Itinerant labourers might travel great distances if they were unable to find work locally.  Those seeking to work as apprentices for craftsmen such as carpenters or brewers might need to travel from their villages into the nearest town for work.  Once employed by a carpenter, brewer, or other tradesman you might well be required to travel for your work.  You might need to attend a market to buy supplies or carry a message from your employer to a customer.  Much of that travel would of course be local, but occasionally you might need to travel much further. 

Even a poor farmer would need to travel from their village to the local town market for supplies.  For some, this could be quite a journey.  It could take an entire day to walk into town, buy what you needed, and walk back home.  It would be unusual indeed for someone to never leave their village throughout their lives.

Religious Travellers

A significant number of people, including even the poorest, would occasionally travel on a pilgrimage.  Often this might be a local affair, travelling to the shrine of a saint in a nearby city or Abbey.  At other times it might be something a good deal more significant.  Some people would a spend few weeks travelling across the country to make a pilgrimage to Canterbury.

A small number of poor people even made pilgrimages overseas.  This they were only able to do by relying on the charity of others to provide food and places to stay.  However, in an age when the medieval Church was so dominant, there were many people willing to offer aid to pilgrims following God’s calling.  But, of course, there were also many people keen to exploit the faithful.

In addition to pilgrims, itinerant friars would wander between villages and towns preaching.  Richer members of the clergy such as bishops might have cause to travel more regularly as they ministered to the various parishes scattered across their patch.

The richest abbotts and archbishops mixed with the ruling elite.  They would travel to court on occasion and some had a permanent seat in parliament.  Since parliaments could be called anywhere in the country, they, along with their entourage, would need to travel to wherever the parliament was being held.

The English medieval road network was, generally speaking, terrible.

Whilst medieval England had inherited an extensive system of paved roads from the Romans, these fell into increasing disrepair over time.  As these roads became increasingly uneven and poorly maintained, they became ever more difficult to use.  Locals would sometimes steal stone from the old road to re-use in local construction.  Sometimes they became so uneven and poorly maintained that new dirt roads formed, running alongside the old Roman thoroughfare.

In fact, most roads and tracks used were unpaved.  By the High Middle Ages, even some major roads were unpaved.  Typically, English roads were just packed dirt.  This was especially the case for the network of tracks and trails that linked together the many rural communities across the English landscape.

The condition of such roads might not be too bad in fine weather.  However, after a prolonged wet period they often became very muddy to the point where some might be virtually impassable.   Many might thread their way through wooded areas and, in this case, fallen trees impeded or even blocked progress on a regular basis.

Medieval society was violent.  This was especially true during times of war and rebellion.  During the Anarchy and the periods of the Barons’ Wars, travel across England would have been extremely dangerous.  However, even during more peaceful times, bandits and outlaws were common hazards for travellers.

Only a fool would travel any distance unarmed and alone.  Richer folk could obviously afford an armed guard.  For them travel was generally reasonably safe for this reason.  But humbler travellers would need to look to their own security by travelling together in numbers and carrying a weapon for self-defence.

It was quite common from travellers to carry swords.  Despite this, at certain times and in certain parts of the country, travel was still very dangerous.  Sometimes the only way to avoid an armed fight was not to travel at all.

Walking was the usual mode of transport for most people.  If you could not afford to buy a horse, you had to walk.

As a result, most villagers travelling into town for a market would walk there and back.  Of course, walking anywhere could be a long, slow journey.  Even a visit to the nearest town could take an entire day.  What is more, you could only really travel in daylight, unless there was plenty of moonlight.  Certainly, there were no streetlights.  On a moonless night, the entire countryside would be in pitch darkness.

Walking at least had the merit of being a flexible form of transport. If the road was blocked by a tree, you could climb over, it or walk around it.  If the road was too muddy, you could walk through the woods beside it.

However, walking was, of course, slow.  If you had to travel any distance by foot (and many people did) you could easily spend several days on the road.

However, if you walked, unless you were on a pilgrimage, it was a surefire sign that you were poor.  Many inns would not allow you to stay unless you had a horse with you (for fear that you might not be able to pay for your lodgings).

Carts and Wagons

In the Middle Ages, carts and wagons were strictly for transporting cargo, not people.  These were certainly not passenger vehicles.

You did not travel by cart unless you needed to carry a heavy load.  For one thing carts and wagons were very slow; it was certainly faster to walk.  For another, they easily became stuck or delayed by muddy tracks or fallen trees.

Aside from the labourers who drove the carts, no one else would ride in one.  If you did so it would have been considered a bit weird.  People would probably assume you must be too sick to walk or ride a horse.

Of course, as far as cargo transport was concerned, these vehicles were essential.  They were often the only practical way to transport goods around the country in any quantity.

We have all probably seen a Robin Hood film in which Robin and his Merry Men waylay a wealthy couple travelling in a carriage through Nottingham Forest.  However, such a scene would never have happened in medieval times.

The passenger carriage was eye wateringly expensive to buy and to run.  These vehicles would often be richly painted and decorated with gold leaf.  More British people own a high-end luxury yacht moored in the Mediterranean today than owned such a carriage in the Middle Ages.

The only people who travelled by passenger carriage were queens and duchesses.  No one else could afford one.  Such powerful noblewomen would travel with a very large entourage, including a significant armed guard.  To witness such a magnificent convoy would have been a true spectacle indeed!  If you ever saw a carriage, you’d be in luck, for there were probably fewer than half a dozen such vehicles in the country at any point in time.

Kings and Dukes could afford carriages of course (and probably owned one for the use of their wife).  However, they would not use such vehicles themselves.  Carriages were strictly for elite women.  Kings and noblemen were expected to ride on horseback.  For a man to be seen in a carriage was a shameful thing, people would think you were an invalid!

Of course, the way to travel for anyone who was anyone was by horse.

The best way to travel across country in England during the Middle Ages was certainly by horse (assuming you can afford one).  It was the fastest mode of transport and those who travelled in this way were assumed to be a cut above the common traveller.

A high-quality warhorse would be very expensive, but a basic riding horse could be acquired for £4 or £5.  This is still beyond the means of many.  Even a skilled tradesman, like a carpenter, would struggle to earn this much in a year.  However, any nobleman, knight or member of the gentry would not be seen dead travelling cross country by any other means.

Wealthier women would also travel by horseback.  As with their menfolk, this was the normal mode of transport for most women of means.  Even queens and duchesses would probably ride more often than take to a carriage, especially when hunting.  However, contrary to what we might think, we wouldn’t see any women riding side-saddle for most of the Middle Ages.  Women rode astride the horse just like their men, albeit they needed to wear a riding skirt for the sake of modesty.  Riding side-saddle was unknown in England before the end of the fourteenth century.  It was effectively a fashion, first introduced from the continent by Queen Anne of Bohemia, the wife of Richard II. 

River transport

Given the slow speed and unreliability of transport by cart or wagon, river boats were often the preferred way to move cargo around the country.  They could carry larger loads than wagons, were generally faster, and less likely to be delayed by mishaps.

Of course, not everywhere could be accessed by river by any means, so there were obvious limitations.  Nevertheless, where river transport was an option, it would always be used in preference to the unreliable road network.

Sea Transport

Ships could carry large cargos and significant numbers of passengers along the English coast faster than any other mode of transport.  However, it was not always reliable.  Bad weather at sea could prevent ships from sailing, sometimes confining them to port for days on end.

Sea travel was not without its dangers.  If you were caught at sea in a storm, you could be blown off course or your vessel might be damaged, delaying your journey.  In a worst-case scenario, you might even be wrecked and drowned!

Despite the dangers, England traded extensively by sea throughout the Middle Ages.  Wool export was a major industry for medieval England.  Such cargos would regularly travel across the English Channel to France, the low countries and the Hanseatic ports along the north German coast.

For most of the Middle Ages, Gascony in southern France remained part of the Plantagenet realm.  Trade with its major port at Bordeaux was brisk.  English ships would regularly set sail from Bristol or Weymouth bound for southern France.  Wine, salt, and armour were the principal goods imported.

International Trade

Sea trade with Bordeaux linked medieval England to the Mediterranean.  Ships from Spain, Italy, and North Africa would bring their cargos to Bordeaux.  From there, they could be transported back to England.  In this way spices and more exotic goods could find their way back to England.

Of course, such cosmopolitan connections had many advantages.  Trade with Europe was the lifeblood of the English economy throughout the Middle Ages.  However, it also linked England with an international transport network that carried more than just cargo and people.

Just before 24 th  June 1348, a sick Gascon sailor was brought ashore at Weymouth seeking treatment.  He was gravely ill and died shortly thereafter.  He had died of a new pestilence that would soon sweep across the country like the angel of death.  It was a pestilence that would be remembered in history as the Black Death.

Keep up to date with our stories…

If you like reading our work and would like to keep up to date with the latest stories and news from our blog page, you can follow us on Facebook.  We always announce any news and promote new stories as they are published here:

https://www.facebook.com/MedievalHistorian

If you are interested in life in medieval England, you might be interested in some of my other articles…

Medieval London

Parliament and the Birth of Democracy

The Black Death

References and further reading

The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century.  Ian Mortimer.

The Wine Trade with Gascony.  Frank Sargent

What did medieval roads look like?  Nina Dengg

Canterbury Tales frontispiece by Walter Appleton Clark, 1914 (via Wiki commons)

Stained glass window at Canterbury Cathedral, showing scenes from the Miracles attributed to St Thomas Becket.  Photo by Jules & Jenny via (Wiki Commons).

Birkenhainer Straße near Ruppertshütten, Lohr, Bavaria, Germany, Photo by Drow69 (via Wiki Commons)

Pilgrims leaving Canterbury, taken from Lydgate’s Siege of Thebes, Royal 18 D II f.148, 1455-1462.  Artist Unknown (via Wiki Commons)

Sailing ship (cog) Kieler Hansekogge at the Kiel Week 2007. Replica of the Bremer Kogge from 1380 found near Bremen in 1962. Completion of the replica: 1991.  (via Wiki Commons)

1 thought on “Travel in Medieval England”

I think traveling was very costly during the middle ages. Even in in the mid 19th century before the railroads became common, it was much expensive to travel by wagon than by train, and a distance that would take a whole day could had been traveled in only 2 hours. In our days we have a huge opportunity to travel very cheap. Turning back to middle ages, I wonder if in the islamic world travel would have been much safer than in England at that time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 10 Most Famous and Historically Important Medieval Towns in England

Welcome to a captivating journey through the pages of history as we unveil the top 10 most famous and historically important medieval towns in england..

These picturesque towns have stood the test of time, preserving the echoes of a bygone era when knights roamed the streets, merchants traded goods, and grand castles dominated the horizon.

Each town holds a treasure trove of stories, offering glimpses into England’s rich medieval past.   Join us as we embark on an immersive adventure, wandering through ancient alleys and marveling at the architectural wonders that have shaped the course of history.

With its well-preserved city walls, medieval streets, and iconic York Minster cathedral, York is a historically significant town that was once the capital of northern England during the medieval period.

York  Official Tourism Site

2. Canterbury

Known for its famous cathedral and as the center of pilgrimage, Canterbury played a vital role in medieval religious and political affairs. It is also associated with the martyrdom of Thomas Becket.

Canterbury Official Tourism Site   

Warwick is home to Warwick Castle, a medieval fortress that showcases the architectural grandeur and military history of the period. It offers a glimpse into medieval life with its towers, dungeons, and jousting displays.

Warwick  Official Tourism Site

With its unique city walls, black-and-white timbered buildings, and medieval cathedral, Chester has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. It flourished during the medieval period as an important trading town.

Chester  Official Tourism Site  

5. Salisbury

Salisbury is renowned for its magnificent cathedral, which houses the best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. The town’s medieval streets and historic architecture contribute to its charm and historical significance.

Salisbury  Official Tourism Site  

Norwich was a prominent medieval city and a major center for trade and manufacturing. Its cathedral, Norman castle, and well-preserved medieval buildings offer insights into its medieval past.

Norwich Official Tourism Site   

The city of Lincoln boasts an impressive medieval cathedral and a well-preserved castle. Its cobbled streets, medieval houses, and the iconic Lincoln Magna Carta add to its historical importance.

Lincoln  Official Tourism Site   

Durham is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral, and Durham Castle. The town’s medieval streets and picturesque setting along the River Wear make it a significant medieval town.

Durham Official Tourism Site   

Bristol was a thriving port town during the medieval period, playing a vital role in trade and exploration. Its medieval harbor, St. Mary Redcliffe Church, and remnants of the city walls attest to its historical importance.

Bristol Official Tourism Site  

Located on the south coast of England, Rye is a small medieval town with charming cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a preserved medieval town center. It offers a glimpse into medieval life and maritime heritage.

Rye Official Tourism Site    

These medieval towns in England have retained much of their historical character and provide a fascinating window into the past.

They offer visitors the opportunity to explore medieval architecture , learn about historical events, and experience the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

• Medieval England
• “Clashing Kingdoms: The Epic Wars and Battles of Medieval England”
• “England’s Majestic Fortresses: Discovering the Top 10 Castles to Explore”
• 10 Greatest Kings of Medieval England
• 10 Surprising Things About Medieval London
• 25 Medieval Castles in England You Should Visit
• 8 Magnificent Castles in England
• A Medieval Journey Through England: 10 Enchanting Sites for American Travelers
• A Royal Experience: The Top 10 Castle Hotels in England to Stay in 2023
• A Timeline of Imporant Rulers of England During the Medieval Period
• Bodiam Castle: 10 Amazing Features of England’s Iconic Fortress
• Cambridge’s Top 10 Medieval Structures: A Glimpse into Academic Heritage
• Clash of Empires: The Top 10 Most Important Battles of Medieval England
• Decisive Clashes: The Most Impactful Battles in Medieval England and Their Historical Significance
• Discover England’s Architectural Treasures: Top 10 Must-See Buildings for Tourists
• Discover Salisbury: The Medieval Marvel and Its Top 10 Attractions
• Discovering Canterbury’s Top 10 Medieval Marvels: A Journey through Time
• Discovering Medieval Majesty: Top 20 Historic Sites to Explore in London
• Discovering the Top 5 Greatest Knights in English History
• Dynasties of England Chronological Order
• Echoes of the Past: Unveiling the Top 10 Most Famous Songs of Medieval England
• Enchanting Romance: Top 10 Fairytale Castles in England for a Dream Wedding
• Enchanting the Masses: Unveiling the Splendors of Medieval Theatre in England
• England’s Top 10 Destinations for Medieval Costumes and Party Gear
• England’s Top 10 Destinations for Medieval Reenactment Gear
• Evolution of London During the Medieval Period
• Experience the Charm of Medieval England: Top 10 Historic Medieval Hotels
• Exploring Medieval Towns and Cities in England: A Journey Through Time
• Exploring Oxford’s Top 10 Medieval Gems: A Journey Through Time
• Exploring Wells: Discovering the Charm of One of England’s Best Medieval Towns
• Forging a Nation: The Captivating Tale of England’s Transformation through the Anglo-Saxon Invasions (450-1066 CE)
• Forgotten Footprints: Unveiling Britain’s Pre-Anglo-Saxon Inhabitants and Their Enduring Legacy
• From Knights to Kings: 10 Reasons for England’s Medieval Dominance
• From Stocks to Stake: Punishments for Crimes in Medieval England
• Hidden Gems: Exploring the Best Preserved Medieval Towns in the Greater London Area
• History of Henry VIII
• Journey Back in Time: 10 Charming Medieval Pubs and Inns in London
• Journey Through Time: Exploring the Medieval Marvels at Leeds Museum
• King Henry II
• Life in Medieval England: A Comprehensive Journey into the Past
• Living History: Experience Medieval Life in England’s Historic Towns
• London’s Timeless Treasures: Discovering the 10 Oldest Medieval Buildings in the Heart of the City
• Medieval England : Top 10 Most Famous and Historically Important Medieval Events
• Medieval Inns and the Importance of Innkeepers
• Medieval Mens Fashion in Medieval England
• Medieval Names: Derived from Trade, Job or Profession
• Preserving Tudor Elegance: Exploring England’s 10 Best-Preserved Tudor Towns
• Quenching Thirsts: Exploring the Top 10 Most Popular Medieval Drinks in England
• Shimmering Splendor: Exploring Medieval Englands Jewels and Jewelry
• The Battle for the Crown: Debating the First True King of England from Alfred the Great to Athelstan!
• The Domesday Book and the Lost Art of Medieval Surveying
• The Enigma of the Princes in the Tower: Unraveling the Mystery of Royal Disappearance
• The Final Reign: The Last King of England
• The Legendary Tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
• The Most Important Medieval Cities of England
• The Norman Conquest and the Rise of Castles in England: A Tale of Power and Dominance
• The Order of the Garter in England: A Medieval Symbol of Knighthood and Honor
• The Rankings of Knights: Understanding the Hierarchy of Chivalry
• The Shambles in York: Top 10 Reasons It’s the Best Preserved Medieval Street in the World
• The Shambles, York: Take A Stroll Through the Best-Preserved Medieval Street in the World
• The Siege of Bridgnorth: Unleashing the Clash that Shaped the History of England
• The Top 10 Places in England to Experience Thrilling Medieval Re-Enactments
• The Tower of London’s Infamous Executions: A Dark History of Capital Punishment
• Top 10 Fascinating Facts About London Bridge
• Top 10 Haunted Medieval Castles to Visit in England
• Top 10 Medieval Dugeons for Tourist to Visit in England
• Top 10 Medieval Re-enactment Groups in the UK
• Top 10 Oldest Medieval Buildings in England
• Top 5 Greatest Kings of Medieval England
• Uncovering the Dark Side of Feudalism in Medieval England
• Understanding Medieval England’s Diverse Population
• Unearthing 10 Surprising Facts about the Domesday Book and William the Conqueror
• Unlocking History’s Gates: Durham Englands Top Medieval Marvels Await Your Exploration
• Unraveling the Tapestry of British Identity: Exploring the Influences of Anglo-Saxon and Norman Heritage
• Unveiling All 33 Medieval Kings of England
• Unveiling England’s Medieval Marvels: Exploring Secrets of Castles, Cathedrals, and Monastic Wonders!
• Unveiling London’s Hidden Medieval Crypts: A Journey Through Time Beneath the City
• Unveiling the Elite: The Top 10 Most Effective Soldiers of Medieval England
• Unveiling the First True King of England: Alfred the Great or Athelstan?
• Unveiling the Treasures of Medieval Towns in England: Exploring the Heart of the Middle Ages
• Unyielding Power: The Top 10 Impregnable Castles in England’s Defensive Fortresses
• Vanished Beasts: Fascinating Animals that Roamed Medieval England, Now Lost to Time
• What is Feudalism?
• What Was England’s First Parliament?
• What Was London Like Before the Norman Invasion of 1066?
• Who were the Bretons (Britons)?
• Why is England Called England? How it Got its Name
• Winchester England’s Top 10 Medieval Marvels
• York, England’s Top 10 Architectural Marvels: Exploring the Historic Beauty of the Walled City
• Kings of Medieval England: Legends, Facts, and the Timeless Legacy

Main Categories

• Medieval People
• Medieval Castles
• Medieval Weapons
• Medieval Armour | Shields
• Medieval Battles | Wars
• Medieval Clothing
• Medieval Knights
• Medieval Music
• Medieval Torture
• Medieval Swords
• Medieval Food
• Medieval Life
• Medieval Times History
• Medieval Art
• Medieval Europe
• Medieval Kings
• The Crusades
• Medieval Architecture
• Medieval Period – 1000 years of Intriguing History!

• Connect with us
• Top 10 things to do in Middlesex
• Destinations

By Rebecca Younger

There are so many things to do in Middlesex, but here are the top 10. 

Stroll through amazing gardens

Just across the river from Syon Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the newly-renovated Dragon Pagoda, step inside the Temperate Glasshouse and view the largest and most diverse collection of living plants in the world.

Visit the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Explore the home of cricket

Steeped in over 200 years of history and tradition and home to Middlesex County Cricket Club, Lord’s is the most famous cricket ground in the world. Tours give visitors the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and explore the Grade 2-listed Pavilion, legendary Long Room, Players’ Dressing Rooms with the Honours Boards, award-winning JP Morgan Media Centre and MCC Museum, home to the iconic Ashes Urn.

Discover the beauty of poetry

Visit the home of one of the world’s most famous romantic poets, John Keats. Now a museum and literary centre the house, in Hampstead, is open Wednesday to Sunday.

Trace the history of aviation at the Royal Air Force Museum

See real aircraft and have a go at interactive exhibits at this extraordinary museum near Edgeware.

Families will love a trip to the Royal Air Force Museum

Have a picnic on Hampstead Heath

Boasting some of the best views from some of the highest points in London, the heath was voted London’s best picnic spot in 2018. Make your way up Parliament Hill for a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline.

Watch a game at Wembley Stadium

Another one for sports fans, whether football or rugby is your thing, depending on what season you visit, be sure to catch a game, if fixtures allow. If not, then you can always sign up for a tour.

Visit Europe’s first Hindu Temple

Popularly known as the ‘ Neasden Temple ’, the Mandir is a traditional place of Hindu worship. Designed and constructed entirely according to ancient Vedic architectural texts, using no structural steel, this beautiful temple was hand-carved in India before being assembled in London.

Have tea at Syon Park

Okay so you can’t actually have afternoon tea in the house but once you’ve had a tour of this historic building and its enchanted woodlands, pop to the garden centre next door, where there is an excellent Garden Kitchen Restaurant offering tea, cakes and other light refreshments. Alternatively, Hilton Syon Park, also situated within gorgeous surroundings of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate, offers a decadent afternoon tea, complete with Champagne.

Enjoy a tour of the stunning Syon Park and then indulge in an afternoon tea next door

Shop ‘til you drop at Brent Cross

Hailed as North West London’s premier shopping destination Brent Cross Shopping Centre is home to over 2,000 leading and designer brands and 120 stylish stores including Fenwick and John Lewis, as well as a selection of restaurants. Take advantage of free parking, great family services and enjoy free family, food and shopping events throughout the year. Alternatively, take a little time out to relax with a great range of beauty brands and treatments on offer throughout the centre.

Feed the animals at London Zoo

Over 190 years since it first opened, this famous zoo , situated in Regent’s Park, welcomes over one million visitors a year.

Read more about Middlesex

Image credits: ©Capture It/Syon Park; David Bartholomew/RAF Museum; RGB Kew

• Things to do
• Shopping centres

Related features

Not just afternoon tea… Brighton Regency Routemaster afternoon tea

Read feature >

Release your inner gorilla at Go Ape Rivington

Top3 : Great days out in Somerset

• © 2024 Kingfisher Media
• Terms and Conditions (publishing)
• Terms and Conditions (social media)
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Team Valley Web
• Arts & culture
• Places to stay
• All features

10 Best Things to Do in Rye – England’s Medieval Citadel

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories Days Out in England , East Sussex

Here are the ten best things to do in Rye in England.

Rye is a pretty as a picture town in the english county of east sussex..

It’s built on top of a small hill at the meeting spot of three rivers and nowadays, it stands about two miles inland from the English Channel. In the distant past, Rye was an island. During the Middle Ages, the town became an important seaport and a constant point of contention between the English and the French. Surrounded by strong defensive walls, Rye was a powerful citadel that, throughout the centuries that followed, attracted seafarers, shipbuilders, smugglers, and even famous writers.

Today, the town is a dream of crisscrossed cobbled lanes and picturesque houses in different architectural styles. From half-timbered facades in black and white to proud Georgian and Victorian buildings, Rye is a great place to visit in order to immerse yourself in the history and the beauty of England.

Easy to reach by train or car from the capital London and from anywhere in the counties of East Sussex, Kent , and West Sussex, Rye is the perfect English day trip or weekend break. Expect historic sights, unique natural landscapes, and plenty of quirky shops and eateries. And while the town is no longer an island due to the silting of the river estuary, in its immediate vicinity you will find some of England’s prettiest beaches. Great for topping up your Vitamin D reserves in summer and for windswept walks in any season.

Rye was one of the first day trips we took when we moved back to England after spending six years in Italy . The town charmed us with its pretty hilltop centre, deep layers of history, and the perfect ratio of quirkiness to modern amenities. There is lots to do and see here, yet you can take it very easy. Simply walking up and down the cobbled streets and taking in the beauty of the many centuries-old facades is the best part of sightseeing here.

You can stop for a meal in a pub that existed back in the Middle Ages, scale the narrow steps of the parish church’s bell tower for breathtaking views, explore a Tudor fort, and go for a walk in the nearby nature reserve right on the shore of the English Channel. Or you can shop in the local boutiques stocking whimsical items that make imaginative gifts for friends and family or simply to yourself.

It is so easy to fall in love with Rye. It is one of England’s still hidden gems. While its historic Mermaid Street has lately become an Instagram favourite on account of the ivy-clad Mermaid Inn with its iconic sign, the town is very much underrated and yet it has so much to offer to the curious traveller.

So, in this blog post, I want to share with you the ten best things to do in Rye in England. In any season and weather, this small town in East Sussex is an exciting destination. No matter what your interests may be – history, photography, shopping, food or nature – Rye delivers on all accounts.

In addition, at the end of this blog post, I have also included a section with lots of practical travel tips. From how to reach Rye to where to park and how to navigate this ancient town, all sorts of useful details are covered. This way you can easily and quickly plan your day trip, weekend break or longer stay in Rye, England.

Have a look!

10 best things to do in rye – england’s medieval citadel.

1. Explore the Ancient Town Citadel of Rye, England

Rye is a very interesting English town from many different points of view. When I first saw it, the thing that made the biggest impression on me was that Rye is built on a small hill that, centuries ago, used to be an island. As you drive into town, you see the houses going uphill and the ancient part of Rye seems to have a somehow oval shape giving you an idea of what the town must have looked like in the Middle Ages.

Medieval Rye was a heavily fortified citadel with a defensive wall around its perimeter. While only remnants of the wall survive to this day, Rye’s old town is still known as the Ancient Town Citadel.

Rye’s old town is a very picturesque place. Here, cobbled lanes crisscross the hill and are lined up with centuries-old houses. Every corner here hides a different surprise and every step reveals yet another small detail to intrigue you or a dramatic view to take your breath away.

Going for a walk through Rye’s old town is a must even if you have only a limited amount of time to spend here. In any way, most of Rye’s major sights are within the confines of the Ancient Town Citadel. Yet, don’t simply rush from one sight to the next. Here, simply walking the streets and taking in the beauty of the historic facades is already an experience in itself.

The best way to see for yourself how the geography and the urban plan of Rye have changed throughout the centuries is to visit Rye Heritage Centre . The star attraction in this small yet must-see place is a model of the town. A special light and sound show illustrates the evolution of Rye over the millennia.

2. Walk Up Mermaid Street in Rye, England

Mermaid Street is the most famous and iconic street in Rye, England. Photos of its cobbled lane and its ivy-clad half-timber houses circulate on social media drawing gasps of admiration. It’s not in vain that Mermaid Street has been named one of the most instagrammable places in the whole of Britain!

You will find Mermaid Street right in the heart of Rye’s old town. It starts from the Strand (where there is a convenient car park) and it scales the elevation of the hill on which Rye stands. It stretches almost all the way up to the town’s parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin.

Walking on the cobbles here is akin to visiting an open-air museum. On both sides of Mermaid Street, there are houses that date as far back as the start of the 15th century. Had it not been for the French who raised Rye to the ground in 1377, the houses here would have been from the 11th century.

Such is, for example, the case of the famous Mermaid Inn on Rye’s Mermaid Street. Originally built in the 11th century, it was then burnt in 1377 with only its cellar surviving the attack of the French. The inn was rebuilt in 1420 and it is still going strong to this day. Its sign with a mermaid with a twisty tail features in all iconic photos of Rye.

Yet, there are many more beautiful and wonderful buildings along Mermaid Street in Rye. My favourite one had a stunning black and white half-timbre facade and in a former life had been a hospital.

3. Visit the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Rye, England (and Enjoy the Views from Its Bell Tower)

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is Rye’s main Christian sanctuary. It stands on top of the small hill of Rye’s old town. If in the world all roads lead to Rome, in Rye all roads seem to lead to St. Mary’s Church.

The church was built in the 12th century. Its oldest part is the chancel. It was completed around 1120. At the time, Rye was under the rule of the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy, France. In 1247, Henry III reclaimed Rye for the British crown. When the French attacked the town in 1377, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin was badly damaged. Yet it was one of a handful of buildings that survived the almost complete destruction of the town.

Since then, the church has had a central role in the history of Rye. After the Second World War, it underwent significant restoration and reinforcement. Nowadays, its large stone body feels spacious and light inside. This feeling is elevated by the church’s large windows with stunning stained glass compositions.

Stand in the middle – the so-called Crossing – of the church and you will hear a constant tick-tock, tick-tock. Lift your gaze and you will see an 18 feet long pendulum moving tirelessly from side to side. While the pendulum dates back to 1810, it is part of a clock from 1561/1562. It is one of the oldest church tower clocks still in use in England. Some even say that it’s the oldest! You can see the clock’s mechanism up close if you decide to climb to the top of the church’s bell tower (currently, £4 per adult).

For this, you will need to navigate about 80 steps and a couple of very narrow passages. It’s very exciting! Once you reach the top of the bell tower, you can enjoy gorgeous 360-degree views of Rye’s rooftops. Beyond them, you can see lush green hills, the rivers Rother, Tillingham, and Brede, and even the English Channel. Standing up there and taking in the panoramas was my most favourite experience in Rye.

If you have a special interest in religious buildings, then make sure that you also visit the Catholic church in Rye. It’s dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. I spent six years living in Italy in a city very close to Padua . I used to go to Padua all the time to explore its sights and spend time in its lovely coffee shops. Padua’s Basilica of St. Anthony was one of my favourite destinations in the city. So, coming across the name of the Paduan Saint in Rye was a great surprise. Somehow, I felt that our visit to this beautiful English town was a great link to our former Italian lives.

4. Marvel at the Ancient Water Cistern in Rye, England

Rye is full of whimsical details. Everywhere you look, there is something surprising waiting for you to discover the history and the traditions behind it.

One such sight in this small English town is its Ancient Water Cistern. It stands right next to Rye’s Church of St. Mary the Virgin. The cistern is built of bricks and has an oval base that protrudes from the ground. It is then topped by a short oval tower with a door in it. Below ground, there is a large water tank.

There was a water cistern in the churchyard as far back as 1548. The one we see there nowadays was built in the first half of the 18th century.

The local annals testify that in 1733, the Mayor of Rye asked permission to place a water cistern for public use in the corner of the churchyard. The Bishop swiftly agreed with the proposal. By 1735 the structure was completed. In April of the same year, a committee was appointed to enquire the households of Rye if they wished water to be supplied to their houses.

A prime example of Georgian brickwork, Rye’s water cistern was a great technological advance for its time. At its heyday, it stored over 90,000 litres of water at a maximum depth of 2,4 m. Nowadays, it is a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

5. See Rye Castle Museum and Ypres Tower in Rye, England

Rye Castle Museum tells the story of Rye from pre-Roman times through Norman and medieval events to our days. The museum has two locations:

• RCM Ypres Tower – this is a sturdy 13th/14th century castle just a step away from Rye’s parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Over the centuries, the castle was used as a fortress, prison, courthouse, mortuary, and private residence. Nowadays, it has a replica of a medieval herb garden and an interesting collection of artefacts. Its rooftop terrace opens panoramic views over Rye’s old town and the estuary of the River Rother.
• RCM East Street – this is an old building that stands just up the road from Landgate (see point 7 below). A visit here is a must if you want to learn about Rye’s history from shipbuilding to smuggling.

6. Get to Know the Story of Lamb House in Rye, England

Lamb House is a red-brick Georgian building that stands in the very heart of Rye’s old town. Just around the corner from the top end of Mermaid Street and a stone’s throw away from the parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, the house commands the gaze with its solid symmetrical facade.

Built in 1722 by the prominent local politician James Lamb, the house has hosted King George I and many writers. The most well-known of them is the American novelist Henry James – the acclaimed author of The Portrait of a Lady .

King George I spent a night in Lamb House – at the time Rye’s principal mansion – in 1726 after a storm run ashore his ship. The story goes that James Lamb gave his bedroom to the king while on the same night Mrs Lamb gave birth to the couple’s baby boy. The boy was named George and the king became his godfather.

Henry James first leased Lamb House in 1897 and bought it in 1899. It is here that he wrote three of his novels – The Wings of the Dove , The Ambassadors , and The Golden Bowl .

Nowadays, Lamb House is in the ownership of the National Trust – a charity for heritage conservation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The house and its walled garden are open for visits. They tell the stories of Henry James’ years in Rye as well as of the many other writers and personalities who have called Lamb House home over the years.

The house itself has been featured in books and TV films and, they say, there have been ghost sightings in it throughout the years. Thankfully, I didn’t see anything of the kind when there, as ghosts terrify me.

7. Walk Through Landgate in Rye, England

Langdate is a stone arch gateway on the edge of Rye’s old town. Built in 1329, it is all that survives of the original four gates in the ancient defensive walls that used to encircle the citadel on the then-island.

Many centuries ago, Landgate provided the only connection with the mainland during high tides. Its centuries-old name testifies to its original purpose. Nowadays, this sturdy gate is one of Rye’s historic landmarks. Cute houses with windowsills draped in blooms flank the gate.

It’s a lovely place to see on your walks around Rye’s town centre. It’s very close to Lucknow Place car park (a convenient spot to leave your car at for the day) and to a large playground (if your kids need a bit of a runaround after all the sightseeing).

8. Browse the Shops and Stop at the Eateries of Rye, England

Rye is truly a wonderful place to visit if you like shopping for quirky gifts and whimsical art. As well as if you like good food!

Rye’s town centre is dotted with wonderful art galleries and independent shops selling carefully selected lines of gifts. English towns often have these soulless high streets crowded by multinational companies selling cheap fashion and homewares. Rye, however, has managed to preserve its original character by fostering small, independent boutiques and galleries.

In terms of food, you will be spoilt for choice, too. The local eateries, restaurants, and pubs serve traditional English grub and many different world cuisines with Italian food being particularly abundant. Elegant coffee shops are easy to find here, too. The Apothecary is particularly atmospheric.

There are also a couple of historic pubs in town. I already mentioned Mermaid Inn under point 2 above. Here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a 600-year-old setting where centuries ago powerful smuggling gangs would meet to plan their raids. The Giants’ Fireplace Bar and the Tudor Bar are very popular with locals and visitors of Rye. The Mermaid Inn serves fine food and wine, a great selection of local ales, 52 gins and over 90 whiskies.

The Old Bell Inn is the other historic pub in Rye, England. It was built in 1390 and an 80-year-old wisteria tree provides a pleasant fragrant shade on its terrace. The Mermaid Inn and the Old Bell Inn are connected by an underground tunnel that in the past was used for the smuggling activities of the 18th-century Hawkhurst Gang .

Rye Waterworks Micropub is nestled in a former water pump house. It’s a very popular place serving local ales and it makes for cute photos with traditional English pub charm.

Simon The Pieman is Rye’s oldest tearoom. It stands right next to the parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. The tearoom was opened in 1920 and it has been run by the same family since 1988. Come here for a light lunch and delicious homemade cakes and fudge. The large fireplace decorated with a selection of old copper pots adds even more character to the premises with exposed beams and vintage photos.

9. Go for a Walk in Rye Harbour Nature Reserve just outside Rye, England

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is in the immediate vicinity of Rye and is a great place for a bracing walk. Here you can see over 4,355 species of animals and plants. 300 of these are rare or endangered. There is even a colony of seals that calls this place home.

The nature reserve includes both wetlands and coastal areas and it’s one of the largest and most important wildlife sites in England. Centuries ago, this was an expansive natural harbour where boats were built, commerce flourished, and military buildings were erected to protect the coast of England from attack. At that point in time, the town of Rye was one of the finest ports in the country and was part of the Cinque Ports – a medieval confederation of important English coastal towns.

In the centuries that followed, violent storms and river silting filled up the harbour and nowadays Rye lies about two miles inland. The resulting flatlands and marshes are a very interesting place from a naturalistic point of view. The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve was established in 1970 and it includes a wide variety of different habitats – from saltmarsh and scrub to woodland.

A brand new Discovery Centre was opened here in 2021. Its exhibition area introduces you to the many different species of plants, birds, and other animals which call the nature reserve home. There is also a lovely onsite cafe.

Visiting Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and its Discovery Centre is free of charge. There is a large car park that is also free to use, although donations are welcome. Several footpaths cross the reserve so that you can go for a nice walk through the marshes and along the shore of the English Channel. The footpaths are flat and very easy to navigate by walkers of any age.

The wide-open views of the English Channel are fantastic and there are several historic sites to see on your hike. Among them are:

• Camber Castle – a 16th-century Tudor fort built by Henry VIII to protect the coast of England from French attack before the silting of the area left the castle inland.
• Martello Tower – a small defensive fort from the 19th century. You will see it draped in ivy right next to the car park.
• World War Two Pillboxes – small buildings designed to house gun batteries protecting the shoreline.

There is also a birdwatching hide and an over a century-old beach hut with a red roof and black walls that locally is known as Little Red.

You can easily reach Rye Harbour Nature Reserve from Rye either by car or by public transport (buses 312 and 313). If you are spending a long day or a long weekend in Rye, a walk in the nature reserve is a must. The views are beautiful. The human and the geographic history of the place are riveting. And it is very interesting to see in place how the shoreline has changed throughout the centuries.

10. Top Up Your Vitamin D Reserves on the Beaches Near Rye, England

While Rye nowadays is no longer on the seashore, about two miles away from this small historic town you can find some of the finest English beaches.

Here are four of the most well-known ones:

• Camber Sands – a wide sandy beach that goes on for miles. It is flanked by a long line of tall sandy dunes. This is a very popular beach that has been featured in many films (most notably, the George Clooney-directed The Monuments Men in 2014). On warm summer days, sun worshippers flock to Camber Sands from all over East Sussex and even London.
• Rye Harbour – a pebbly beach that slopes towards the water. You can reach this beach after a short walk away from the newly-built Heritage Centre of Rye Harbour (see point 9 above).
• Winchelsea Beach – an expansive mostly pebbly beach with a gaggle of wind turbines providing a futuristic background.
• Broomhill Sands – another wide sandy beach which is just past Camber Sands. This is where extreme wind sports like kitesurfing are practiced.

The most convenient way to reach the beaches from Rye is to drive there. Otherwise, bus 102 connects Rye to Camber Sands, bus 313 connects Rye to Rye Harbour, and bus 101 connects Rye to Winchelsea Beach.

Bear in mind that this is a rather windy area. In case you want to sunbathe, for maximum comfort, it’s best to bring a windbreak . If this will be your first beach experience in England, have a look at this slightly tongue-in-cheek list of essential items for a day at the beach here .

The English Channel is rather gelid and even in summer, the water here rarely exceeds 18 degrees Celsius. Make sure that you exercise maximum caution if you decide to dip your toes in the water. There are dangerous rip tides here in addition to sandbanks and fast-rising tides!

Otherwise, the beaches near Rye are wonderful for windswept walks. In proper English fashion, bring a pair of wellies on wet days and always check the tides in advance no matter the weather!

Practical Information about Visiting Rye in East Sussex, England

Where in england is rye.

Rye is a small town of about 5,000 inhabitants in the county of East Sussex in southeast England. It stands about two miles away from the shores of the English Channel. The rivers Rother, Tillingham, and Brede meet and flow into one another near Rye.

In the past, Rye stood in an indent of the shoreline. During high tides, the water would surround it completely on all sides. Due to the silting of the river estuary and violent storms in the past, nowadays Rye is on dry land. However, right next to the town, there are vast marshy plains. Two miles away from Rye you will find large windswept beaches of which Camber Sands is particularly well-known.

Rye is one of the best places to visit in East Sussex. On account of its quirky attractions and deep layers of history, this small town makes for a great day out both in East Sussex and coming down from either the British capital London or the English counties of Kent and West Sussex. Rye is within close proximity to several of the larger towns and cities in the southeast of England. Among them are:

• Hastings, East Sussex – about 30 mins away from Rye;
• Battle, East Sussex – about 30 mins away from Rye;
• Ashford, Kent – about 30 mins away from Rye;
• Folkestone, Kent – about 45 mins away from Rye;
• Dover, Kent – about 50 mins away from Rye;
• Eastbourne, East Sussex – about 1 h away from Rye;
• Brighton, West Sussex – about 1 h 30 mins away from Rye.

Rye is about 70 miles away from London, depending on your starting point in the British capital.

How to Reach Rye in England?

You can easily reach Rye either by train or car .

If you are planning a visit from London, arriving by train could be the better option, especially if you only have a day to spend in Rye. You can get the fast Southeastern train from St. Pancras International to Ashford International (final destination Dover Priory). Once there, get the Southern train to Rye (final destination Eastbourne).

Ashford International is only three stops (less than 40 mins) away from St. Pancras International. The journey from Ashford International to Rye is just over 20 mins (three stops). Rye station is 0,2 miles or five minutes away on foot from Rye’s town centre.

If you prefer to travel by car to Rye, here are some of the town’s main car parks:

• The Strand Car Park – perfect for Mermaid Street and the old town, this is a small car park which is flanked by some great shops selling vintage fashions and antique wares. This is where we left our car during our day trip to Rye. There are only 34 spaces here. So, on a busy day parking can be a question of luck. Stilll, for its great location right next to Mermaid Street, this is a very convenient car park.
• Lucknow Place Car Park – this car park has 61 places and it’s right next to Rye’s cricket grounds and kids’ playground. It’s next door to Landgate and it’s five minutes away on foot to the town’s High Street. There are public toilets here, too. The playground is large and with some very inventive climbing frames and swings. It’s a great place for kids to blow some steam off after a day of sightseeing with their parents.

For detailed information about council-run car parks in Rye – locations, prices, types of payments, and penalty fees – have a look at the official page of Rother District Council. This map also shows you all council-run car parks in the area. Scroll down to the end of the list to see the respective car parks in Rye.

• Rye Station – this is a privately-run large car park with 98 spaces. It’s right next to Rye’s railway station. Click on the link for details about prices and directions.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rye in England?

When to visit Rye in East Sussex, England depends entirely on what you want to do and see here. If it is cobbled lanes, historic houses, beautiful views, and nature walks, feel free to come at any time of the year. The town and its surroundings are gorgeous in any season.

There are many events that take place in Rye throughout the year. From a Christmas festival in winter and a scallop week in February to a Festival of the Sea in September and a bonfire in November, there is always something to do and see here. You can also click here for an up-to-date list of events in Rye. From cookery classes to a large art festival , catching an event from Rye’s annual programme will make a visit to this beautiful English town even more exciting.

In summer, there are several nearby beaches to top your tan at. Camber Sands (sandy beach) and Winchelsea Beach (mostly pebbly beach) are the two most well-known ones. It can get rather windy on the coast here, so bring a windbreaker and other essential items for a day at the beach in England .

In June, July, and August, you can expect average temperatures of about 20-25 degrees Celsius in Rye. Between November and January, rain is a given, although this being England, a drizzle or torrential rain should not surprise you at any other time of the year.

It actually drizzled several times during our August visit to Rye. A couple of times it got uncomfortably close to an icy cold downpour. Yet, the rest of the time, it was lovely and sunny, and even quite warm. Typical English weather! So, bring layers in both winter and summer.

Click for details on average monthly temperatures in Rye in East Sussex, England.

Where to Stay in Rye in England?

You can find all sorts and types of accommodation in and around Rye in East Sussex, England to suit any budget. From a centuries-old town house with a walled garden to cute holiday cottages , from a medieval inn on Rye’s most iconic street to a cozy guest house , there is something for everyone. You can even stay in a typical oast house with round turrets and conical roofs.

I usually prefer to book all my accommodation through  Booking.com . Click to see  all available options for places to stay  in and around Rye, England.

If you need some visual help in terms of precise location and price range, have a look at this map. It gives you a quick idea of the prices and whereabouts of the many hotels and other forms of accommodation you can book for your stay in Rye in East Sussex, England.

You can zoom in and out in order to search for a place to stay. You can also click on the option that interests you to find out more details or to make a booking directly.

In addition, if you click on ‘Accommodation’ in the top right corner of the map and select ‘Experiences’ from the drop-down menu, then you can see some truly exciting experiences you can book directly in the area around Rye, England:

What to Pack for Rye in England?

Above all, come wearing your most comfortable shoes . The historic streets of Rye are covered with cobbles which can be hard on the feet. The old town is also on top of a small hill, so expect some up and down walking and uneven surfaces.

Bring a waterproof jacket – a light one in summer and a thick, warm one in winter.

In summer, don’t forget suncream , especially, if you are planning to head to one of the nearby beaches.

The local independent shops sell a wonderful array of vintage items and antiques next to thoughtfully selected lines of gifts and handmade articles. They will tempt you to shop, shop, shop. To save plastic, I always carry a foldable shopping bag with me that can comfortably fit my impulse purchases.

What Are Some Great Tours and Activities to Do in and around Rye in England?

Here are a couple of tours and activities to consider for the time that you will be in Rye in East Sussex, England:

• Rye History Walks – a two-hour guided walk around Rye’s old town. An expert local guide will reveal hidden corners in this beautiful town and fascinating details about its rich in momentous events history.
• Hawkhurst Trail – this is a self-guided heritage trail spanning many different towns and villages in both East Sussex and Kent . It includes sights and locations connected to the smuggling activities of the Hawkhurst Gang. This was a notorious band of smugglers that was active in 18th-century England. Click on the link to see the official leaflet which lists the relevant places to visit in Rye.

From the comfort of your home, you can also enjoy this virtual tour of the historic Mermaid Inn in Rye.

What Else Can I See Near Rye, England?

Rye’s convenient location gives you a chance to easily explore the best sights in three English counties – East Sussex, Kent , and West Sussex.

Here are some suggestions for nearby places of interest to tick off if you are spending more than a day in Rye:

• Bodiam Castle – a beautiful ruined castle surrounded by a deep moat. Come here for a romantic walk in the English countryside.
• Battle – a gorgeous small town in East Sussex where the historic Battle of Hastings took place in 1066. You can walk around the battlefield and also visit the partially ruined Battle Abbey.
• Hastings – one of my most favourite English beach towns. With a ruined castle, smuggling history, and long wide beaches, it’s the perfect day at the seaside.
• Dover – famous for its White Cliffs and one of England’s largest castles , Dover is the English town that is geographically closest to continental Europe.
• Brighton – one of England’s most famous seaside resorts, this is a vibrant city with lots to do, see, and enjoy here.

In Conclusion

Rye is one of the most beautiful towns in England. A hidden gem, you will find it in the county of East Sussex. It’s only a couple of miles away from the shores of the English Channel and about 70 miles away from London.

Rye has a very interesting history, picturesque historic centre, lots of sights to spend time visiting, quirky shops and great food places. Right next door to it you will also find one of the most important nature reserves in England. Even better, Rye is easy to reach from London and from anywhere in three English counties – East Sussex, Kent , and West Sussex.

Spending a day, a weekend or a longer holiday in Rye is a great way to have an authentic English experience. So, in this blog post, I shared with you the ten best things to do in Rye in East Sussex, England. From local sightseeing to local eateries, from useful travel information to insider tips, everything is geared to help you plan a visit to Rye in a smooth and enjoyable way.

I hope that you feel excited about experiencing this beautiful town in the English county of East Sussex for yourself!

Have a wonderful time in rye, england.

Now get ready quick for your trip to Rye in England!

• Consult these guidebooks .
• Book plane tickets to England .
• Book train tickets in England .
• Rent a car in England .
• Research accommodation .
• Pick local tours and activities .

More Helpful England Links for You

Travel in England:  Best Towns in England London:  Free Things to Do , South Kensington Museums Cambridgeshire:  Cambridge Cheshire:   Chester Isle of Wight:   Alum Bay ,  Carisbrooke Castle ,  Osborne House ,  Pepperpot ,  Round the Island Race ,  St. Catherine’s Lighthouse Hertfordshire:   St. Albans Cathedral Kent:   Kent Life Northumberland:   Lindisfarne English Lifestyle:   Differences Between the English and the Italians ,  Memorial Benches ,  Allotments ,  Charity Shops ,  Beachtime English Food:  Fish and Chips

Thank you for reading! Please, leave me a comment, pin the images below or use the buttons right at the top and at the end of this blog post to share it on social media.

For more useful information like this, please, like my blog’s page on  Facebook  and  subscribe  to my strictly no-spam newsletter.

Email address:

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Watch CBS News

Looking for the best places to see the April 8 solar eclipse in the totality path? You may have to dodge clouds.

By Eric Henderson

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 11:41 AM EDT / CBS News

America is gearing up for the April 8 total solar eclipse , and in less than a week many will be scrambling to find the best location to watch within the path of totality. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the latest models, and while it won't be until a few days prior to the event that the national forecast will be fully cooked, historical data suggests those hoping to view the corona and see a fully darkened midday sky may find themselves dodging clouds due to April weather patterns.

The last time a total solar eclipse traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S. — on Aug. 21, 2017 — Americans could be caught gazing at the midday dark from Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Most spots along the path of totality enjoyed reasonably clear, summer skies.

Those living or visiting along the path of totality next week may not end up so fortunate, as historical weather maps show the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are somewhat less than ideal. In fact, finding a totally clear view at any given time is closer to the exception than the rule.

"According to NASA, at any given time, 70% of the earth is covered in clouds," said Mike Augustyniak , CBS Minnesota director of meteorology.

Not only is North America in the middle of the volatility of changing seasons during this year's solar event, but meteorologists note that we're also currently in an El Niño pattern, albeit one that's proven quieter than usual.

"An El Niño pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out," said Augustyniak. "Since the start of 2024, Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers."

The path of totality is only about 150 miles wide, and in America stretches roughly 2,500 miles from the Texas border to the last few towns in northeastern Maine. That leaves only so many places where you can seek the full show, though the path's width will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, according to NASA , as the moon will to be closer to Earth on this pass than it was then.

So will April showers bring spectator flowers? Here's a breakdown of which places along the path of totality are most likely to give eclipse chasers the best odds.

Viewing the eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Augustyniak said at this transitional time of year, the further south you can go, the more likely you are to experience clear skies during eclipse totality.

"Of the areas where the total eclipse will be visible on April 8, that includes the Hill Country of Texas, and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango," Augustyniak said.

Of course, the further south you get, the more you increase your chances of running into not only clouds, but rain.

"Spring is our storm season of course," said Jeff Ray , chief meteorologist for CBS Texas.

Ray said that you can almost bet on needing to do a little bit of reverse storm-chasing — in other words, doing some last-minute navigation to dart away from the oncoming clouds, rather than toward them — on or around the eclipse in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"There will be storms around the day of April 8. I say that because we rarely get through a week in spring without a couple of rounds coming through the area during this time of the year. Will they arrive a day before and be gone? Not start up until later that day? Maybe two days later? We are looking at our long-range model the GFS for the date and it looks like storms on the eighth," Ray said, with a caveat. "Long-range models are notoriously inaccurate for a specific day. But there is a good chance the storms the model sees will materialize, give or take a 36-hour period."

Ray said that Texas sees, on average, a sunny or mostly sunny April day only about 28% of the time. Conversely, the region gets April days with mostly cloudy or fully overcast conditions about 36% of the time.

"High clouds can arrive several days before the storm system, they are overhead in April around 22% of the time. A sky with some kind of cloud cover is likely," said Ray. "A typical April day would have near overcast skies in the morning, then the heating of the day makes for more sunshine. So an afternoon even has better odds of a good view of the eclipse."

The eclipse will reach totality in Texas from about 1:30 p.m. CT near Elm Creek until wrapping up near the Oklahoma border a few minutes before 2 p.m. Some of the most populous areas along the path of totality will be during this leg, from San Antonio and Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth.

One final factor to consider if you're heading to the area — tornadoes. Ray said that the National Weather Office in Fort Worth has tallied all the confirmed tornadoes since 1880, and in April and May, north Texas has seen more than 1,100 twisters, compared with the nearly 900 seen in all other months.

"So more tornadoes in the 61-day window than all of the other days of the year combined," Ray said, "but the tornado count varies greatly from year to year."

Ultimately, Ray said that April is traditionally the third-stormiest month of the year in Texas.

"In short, April is not the best, nor the worst, time of the year to hope for clear or mostly clear skies. The best would be July or August. The worst would be January or February," he said. "We get a decent idea of the expected weather about seven days out. Four days out we get more comfortable talking about the timing of a rain or storm event. But it's the weather, we are trying to throw a lasso around chaos. It is not rare we forecasters look like fools."

Viewing the eclipse in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana

While many are likely to head as far south as possible, some of the biggest cities in the Midwest are likely to fuel day-of migration to spots in Missouri and Illinois, many of them likely seeing a total eclipse for the second time in a decade. A small zone centered around Carbondale, Illinois, was along the path of totality in 2017, and will be once again this month.

While those in the St. Louis area seeking areas to watch in southeastern Missouri will find historical odds for cloud-free viewing roughly comparable to Arkansas, and those in the Chicago metro area should find their best bet is to head toward the southern part of Illinois.

"If you're unable to travel (to Texas or Arkansas), then Southern Illinois and Indiana present your best opportunity for a clearer sky, supported by the 43-year average and, of course, weather permitting," said Albert Ramon , chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago.

There will likely be some who decide that 90% or 95% totality is enough for them. But Ramon warns that those in the Chicago metro area could be at a higher risk to find their view obscured by clouds.

"Based on a comprehensive 43-year average , April 8 typically brings cloud cover chances ranging from 60 to 80% across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with similar patterns observed in Indianapolis, where cloud cover hovers between 60 to 70%," Ramon said.

Viewing the eclipse near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

Ramon said another factor that could make viewing along the path of totality something of a challenge in the Midwest is the lingering influence of an El Niño weather pattern.

"Its presence elevates the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions," Ramon said. "This year may even be a bit more cloudier than the normal."

The Great Lakes portion of totality's path includes large sections of Ohio, including Cleveland, along with the area of Ontario south of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Erie, Pennsylvania. CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist Ray Petelin said many of these areas are subject to the wildcard that is the Great Lakes.

"They are known for lake-effect snow, but it is the lake-effect clouds that could hide the eclipse. Erie, which is in the path of totality, averages only six clear days during the month of April. Pittsburgh, which has the potential to see around 97% of totality, only averages four clear days in April," Petelin said.

Petelin says that a southerly breeze and warmer-than-average temperatures would go a long way toward helping the Great Lakes region out on April 8. 

"While the historical data suggests the chances for a clear day are low, this winter and early spring have been exceptionally bright and warmer than usual. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get that perfect weather for when it matters most," Petelin said.

As it stands, the areas near the shores of the Great Lakes historically show a higher probability for clearer skies than areas inland.

Viewing the eclipse in New England

The eclipse will wrap up its march across the U.S. when the path of totality cuts across state lines from New York to Vermont just before 3:30 p.m. ET. By this point in the event, the duration of totality along the central line will have already fallen off from its peak — about 4 minutes, 30 seconds near Nazas, Mexico — to just over 3 minutes, 30 seconds, according to NASA.

"The southern edge of the totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. Some suggested 'larger' towns include Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Newport and Burlington," said Terry Eliasen , executive weather producer for CBS Boston.

In New Hampshire, the southern edge of totality will pass just north of the White Mountains. And in Maine, you'll need to get north of major cities like Portland, Augusta and Bangor. Eliasen said the entirety of Baxter State Park will be in the totality path, including Mount Katahdin.

The bad news: Eliasen said that those in the New England area face possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies next Monday, based on historical patterns. The data says you're more likely to be negatively impacted by clouds pretty much anywhere in these three states than not.

"Frankly, northern New England is probably the worst place (historically speaking) in the path of totality as far as cloud cover goes," said Eliasen. "Of course, we could get lucky."

No luck? There's always the 2045 total solar eclipse

As a last-ditch hope for those who opt to stay put no matter where they're located, there's one last meteorological ace-in-the-hole that could offer reprieve, one fueled by the astronomical event itself.

"It's worth noting that, as totality approaches and sunlight is reduced, temperatures are likely to fall noticeably. Cooler temperatures can stabilize the atmosphere – like when the sun sets after a hot summer day – leading to a decrease in cloud cover," said Augustyniak. "Still, your best plan is to find an area that has no clouds to begin with."

And if the clouds end up sullying the view for some this month, another chance comes around in August 2045 , when a line of totality will stretch from northern California all the way to Miami Beach. Which, of course, will fall during the height of hurricane season.

Eric Henderson is Managing Editor, Midwest for CBSNews.com. He has won three Emmy Awards, an Eric Sevareid Award and two Edward R. Murrow Awards.

More from CBS News

Couple gets engaged on flight to see total solar eclipse

Why home equity may be the best borrowing option right now

How to find the best tax relief company

Bill Nye shares tips for eclipse: "Be in the moment"

When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, watch live: total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A total solar eclipse is crossing from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States on Monday.

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT. Precisely when you'll be able to see the eclipse — and what kind of eclipse you'll be able to see — will depend on your location and time zone. More on that here .

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

Livestreams from along the path of totality

View from Vermont

Vermont Public will livestream views of the eclipse from the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Tune in starting at 3 p.m. ET.

View from New Hampshire

NHPBS will livestream the solar eclipse from Lancaster, N.H. starting at 12 p.m. ET.

View from Maine

Maine Public will livestream from Mars Hill, Maine, starting at 2:30 p.m.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans?  Check out these  kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides  from Vermont Public's  But Why,  and this great explainer from KERA Kids on  the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view?   Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye  on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.
• Feeling whimsical?  Here are three ways to  sprinkle a little magic into your eclipse experience .

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.