6 Most Underrated Towns in England
While top tourist destinations like London, Canterbury, and Bath need little introduction – London alone sees over 30 million visitors a year – there are countless often overlooked places to visit in England that deserve a mention.
The best of these most underrated towns in England are bursting with charm and are rich in history. From the centuries-old churches of pretty Chichester to Tenterden’s scenic train rides, and from Scarborough’s Victorian seaside character to Taunton’s 900-year-old castle, each of these often overlooked towns offers a memorable experience for curious travelers willing to venture beyond England’s better-known tourist hot spots.
Tenterden, Kent
Dubbed the "Jewel of the Weald" by proud locals, the picturesque town of Tenterden is home to the Kent & East Sussex Railway. This heritage steam railway takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through the scenic Rother Valley to the picture-perfect 14th-century Bodiam Castle. Tenterden is also home to Chapel Down winery which offers tours and samples of its award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits.
The Tenterden Museum, housed in a historic building on the High Street, is another great attraction and provides an insight into the town's heritage through displays relating to local history, including the period when nearby Smallhythe served as an English Channel port. Smallhythe Place, the former home of the celebrated actress Ellen Terry, is worth including on your travel itinerary.
Taunton, Somerset
Taunton is the county town of Somerset and can be reached by a two-hour train ride from London. The town’s most iconic landmark is Taunton Castle, a 12th-century fortress that now houses the Museum of Somerset. Fascinating exhibits portray the county’s rich history from prehistoric times to the present day and include Roman coins, Anglo-Saxon treasures, and military artifacts. Vivary Park, located in the heart of Taunton, is also worth exploring. This beautiful Victorian green space covers 18 acres and is popular for its floral displays, ornamental fountain, golf course, and children's play area.
If interested in the arts, The Taunton Brewhouse / Somerset Theatre & Arts Centre offers live performances, cinema screenings, and art exhibitions. If you’ve never witnessed a cricket match (a predecessor to baseball), now’s your chance as Taunton is home to the Somerset County Cricket Club which hosts both national and international matches. The nearby Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Somerset Levels, famous for its unique wetland habitats, make Taunton an ideal base for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Chichester, West Sussex
A curious English tradition allows communities with cathedrals to refer to themselves as cities, regardless of their size. One such destination, Chichester, is every inch a small town at heart. With a population of just over 25,000 souls, Chichester was established in the 1st century AD when the Romans laid out the four original streets that still define the town’s character. Chichester Cathedral was added to the townscape in the 12th century and is a must-visit for its outstanding architecture, as well as its rare artworks, tapestries, and stained glass windows.
Other highlights include Pallant House Gallery, set in an 18th-century townhouse and home to an impressive collection of modern British art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts; the nearby Chichester Festival Theatre with its popular summer festival; and the old Roman walls that still encircle its historic downtown core. You can also learn more about Chichester at the Novium Museum, built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Once one of Victorian England’s most prestigious seaside resorts, the North Yorkshire town of Scarborough makes for an excellent day trip from the much-visited city of York. Accessible from York via a scenic one-hour train ride, the town’s lively South Bay promenade with its classic amusement arcades and fish and chip shops is the place to begin exploring. The promenade passes beaches and leads to Scarborough Spa, a historic venue dating back to the 1700s that’s home to the Scarborough Spa Orchestra, the UK’s last remaining seaside orchestra. The Scarborough Open Air Theatre which hosts concerts and theatrical events overlooking the bay and Scarborough Harbour is another must-visit.
While it’s a bit of a climb from the town center to Scarborough Castle, it’s well worth the effort. Perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea and now largely ruins, the castle dates back to the 12th century and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding coastline. The Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre deals with the town's seafaring history, while Peasholm Park features beautiful oriental-themed gardens and a boating lake.
Folkestone, Kent
The port town of Folkestone is easy to get to via train from London and has become known as a hub for artists and creatives. Once a traditional fishing village that later became a major ferry terminal (France is just 44 miles away across the English Channel), the Folkestone Creative Quarter arts district features quaint cobbled streets lined with artists’ studios and workshops offering one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Folkestone Harbour Arm is also fun to explore. This fully restored Victorian pier even had its own train station where travelers heading to Europe from London would disembark to hop aboard the ferry to Calais. Today, the pier and its station have been transformed into a fun gathering space for food and drink experiences as well as live music. The town's best beaches, including Sunny Sands and the quieter Mermaid Beach, offer traditional seaside experiences. For history enthusiasts, the Battle of Britain Memorial at nearby Capel-le-Ferne serves as a poignant reminder of the area’s wartime past.
Wells, Somerset
Despite being considered a city by English standards (it, too, has a cathedral), Wells certainly exudes a pleasing small-town feel. Named after the springs (or "wells") that emerge in the grounds of the 800-year-old Bishop's Palace, the star attraction here is Wells Cathedral and its lovely grounds. Considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, it’s famous for its magnificent west front, adorned with hundreds of medieval statues.
The cobblestone Vicars' Close, said to be the oldest purely residential street with original buildings surviving intact in Europe, is just a short walk from the cathedral. Wells Market Place is another photogenic spot and continues to host a market twice a week, while the Wells & Mendip Museum provides further insights into the history and geology of the area.
The Final Word
From the ancient cathedrals and cultural attractions in Chichester and Wells, and from Tenterden’s heritage railway to Taunton’s magnificent castle, these small towns offer a fascinating glimpse into England’s past. Best of all, these often-overlooked destinations are less crowded and usually less expensive than England’s better-known tourist spots and serve as great “dupes” for those looking for exciting new travel ideas and inspiration.
