Located just a few miles south of the Scottish border, this medieval town has a fascinating history, changing hands many times over the years between the Scots and the English. Clitheroe Castle, said to be the smallest Norman Castle in England, now houses 16 acres of landscaped gardens, an award-winning museum and a fantastic gift shop.įind more holiday cottages in Clitheroe and the Forest of Bowlandīerwick-Upon-Tweed, England’s most northerly town, sits on the banks of the River Tweed in Northumberland. Dating back to the Saxons, there is plenty to keep budding historians happy here. The ancient market town of Clitheroe sits in the picturesque Ribble Valley just south of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire. There are stunning views across the Salisbury Plains, best seen from the hills at Old Sarum. The cathedral, where you will find a copy of the Magna Carta, also claims to have the tallest spire in England. You will find half-timbered Tudor townhouses, beautiful Georgian mansions and delightful Victorian villas sitting within the medieval walls. The ancient city of Salisbury enjoys a gorgeous riverside location in rural Wiltshire. Wells is perfect for anyone with a keen interest in history and heritage with so much to explore on the doorstep including Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age monuments in the Mendips, as well as Stonehenge and Glastonbury Tor. Whilst it might be small, its splendid Gothic cathedral and medieval Bishop’s Palace ensure that it stands out from the crowd. Wells, the smallest city in England, sits at the foot of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The famous 14 th century De Vere House stars as his birthplace in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrows and his parent’s abandoned home was the Lavenham Guildhall. Once a medieval woollen town, and home to the renowned Lavenham Blue broadcloth, Lavenham is now one of the best places to visit for Harry Potter fans. Nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside lies the picturesque village of Lavenham. This medieval market town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is home to three theatres as well as the half-timbered Tudor homes and Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway lived and are buried.įind more holiday cottages in Stratford-upon-Avon Stratford upon Avon sits in an enviable position on the edge of the Cotswolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in rural Warwickshire. Alternatively visit the famous Great Hall, home to a medieval recreation of King Arthur’s Round Table or explore Wolvesey Castle.

Don’t miss a tour of the impressive cathedral, which was founded in 1079 and is where Jane Austen is buried. Winchester was the seat for King Alfred the Great and is now his last known resting place. Once the capital of England, historic Winchester sits on the banks of the River Itchen in Hampshire. See if you can discover the secret passageway in the 15th century Mermaid’s Inn.

Once a smuggler’s paradise, Rye is perfect for anyone who wants to get lost in the hidden caves, secret passageways and network of tunnels. Explore the medieval castle, climb the bell tower at the 12 th century St Mary’s Church or spend the day at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Located near the coast in East Sussex, the ancient town of Rye is a captivating mix of half-timbered houses, cobbled alleyways, enchanting Inns and quirky shops. The (now ruined) Ludlow Castle and St Laurence’s Church aren’t to be missed but even a stroll around the traditional shops, including locksmiths and ironmongers, is a reminder of the town’s past. The town’s defensive walls date back to the Norman Conquest, and the narrow streets are lined with beautiful Tudor and half-timbered buildings. Sitting on the River Teme in Shropshire, close to the border of Wales, Ludlow has a fascinating history.

With so much history and heritage on our doorstep, it is hard to know where to start! We take a look at our top nine medieval towns and cities to visit in England. From historic architecture and impressive castles to stunning cathedrals and timber-framed buildings, many of England’s medieval towns have a fascinating story to tell.

Medieval english village