9 Most Charming Small Towns in England
The history of England is far-reaching, with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and Stonehenge, and significant artistic contributions including Shakespeare and the Beatles.
The country has a simple, peaceful beauty, not easily found elsewhere. England’s serene countryside landscapes are truly among Europe's most memorable views.
Their towns and cities combine over a thousand years' worth of history with contemporary culture in distinct ways that reflect its deep-rooted identity and legacy. Navigating through these towns can be hard given their sheer number, since so many places are filled with character uniquely their own. The following destinations showcase some of the absolute finest of English charm.
Whitby
On the edges of the cliffs overlooking the North Sea, the ruins of Whitby Abbey stand watch over the town of Whitby.
While the land on the cliffsides once had an Anglo-Saxon monastery built in the 7th century, it now houses the skeleton of a 13th-century church.
The old town is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, including the “199 Steps”, which heads up to Whitby Abbey and St. Mary's Church. Taking these steps provides an excellent vantage point to appreciate the town and harbor's beauty.
Along the dockside, old stone structures grace the avenues, towering over vessels, bobbing rhythmically with each stroke of water.
Whitby shares a legacy with the famed explorer Captain James Cook. A museum memorializing this historic figure is housed in a 17th-century building century that once sheltered a young Cook.
Whitby carries a reputation for its jet, which is essentially fossilized wood that has been unearthed from the region since ancient times. It got really popular during the Victorian period and was used in jewelry meant as tokens of remembrance.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is set in the rolling hills of the English countryside, with peaceful walking trails weaving through the woodlands of the west of England.
While its name sounds like it is home to a giant castle, the title refers to a castle that no longer exists. The castle, now lost to history, resided on a nearby hill, built by Normans soon after the Conquest of England.
The town is famous for its medieval houses, built from the local Cotswold stone, still with their original features like traditional thatched roofs, sitting in its original medieval street layout. In fact, the village layout has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century.
You might have seen some of this gorgeous town at the cinema. It has been used as a filming location for movies like "War Horse" and "Stardust" because of the preserved appearance of the town.
If you make it to Castle Combe, make sure to see St. Andrew's Church, a historical Anglican church known for its 15th-century faceless clock. The clock is one of the oldest working medieval clocks in the country.
Arundel
Strolling the core of Arundel feels like thumbing through a visual chronicle of England over the years; every road and structure has its own story to tell.
Arundel Castle, the ancestral residence of Norfolk's Dukes for more than eight and a half centuries, is an impressive medieval stronghold. This fortress is famous for the gardens surrounding the castle and the collections of antiques inside, like ancient manuscripts and paintings.
Just a brisk walk from the castle you can find the Arundel Cathedral. Constructed in the 19th century, its weather-beaten white stone exterior and prominent spire make it instantly recognizable.
Every year the cathedral hosts the Carpet of Flowers event during the Feast of Corpus Christi, where intricate flower arrangements are displayed inside the massive structure.
If England's rural landscapes are calling to you, do not overlook a visit to Arundel Wetland Centre. This nature reserve is home to both rare and exotic birds and is an important site for conservation efforts.
St. Ives
Forget about the stereotype of a dreary rainy England in St. Ives. It exudes a certain Mediterranean vibe, highlighted by clear waters and extensive stretches of golden sand.
The town has some great beaches, like Porthmeor Beach, popular among surfers, and the more tranquil Porthminster Beach.
In the heart of the town, fishing vessels gently sway on the harbor's waves while eateries and stores decorate the roads alongside its edges.
St. Ives's narrow streets, known as "Downalong", weave through town, with a somewhat labyrinthine layout. Remember to bring a map.
The Sloop Inn, one of England's oldest inns, traces its roots back to around 1312. This tavern is more than just an establishment for quality beer; it symbolizes the long history of St. Ives' past. Just mind your head on the low ceilings.
Atop a small, grassy headland called “The Island,” you can find St. Nicholas Chapel, a tiny medieval building. Up here you will get a touch of local history with the chapel, and the great views do not hurt either.
Shaftesbury
Perched atop a hill with views over the Blackmore Vale, Shaftesbury stands as one of England's oldest, and most elevated, towns.
Around town, the beautiful countryside calls out, giving the perfect place to take a long walk under the calming English sun.
The town has an ancient abbey, appropriately named Shaftesbury Abbey. It was founded in 888 by Alfred the Great. It was an important religious center until its dissolution in 1539 during the Reformation.
The ruins of the abbey and the abbey museum are now important historical and cultural attractions, drawing visitors who are interested in exploring the remnants of early medieval architecture and learning about the abbey's storied past.
One of Shaftesbury's most famous sights is Gold Hill, a steep cobbled street lined with traditional thatched cottages. It got a lot of fame through a bread advertisement back in the 70s, directed by Ridley Scott, featuring a boy pushing his bike up the sheer hill.
Haworth
Haworth has both beauty and fame to its name.
The fame comes from its association with the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne.
The beauty stems from the surrounding Yorkshire Moors. The vicinity near the town areas offers a perfect environment for exploring and taking a nice, leisurely walk.
The Brontë sisters' old home, and the birthplace of many novels, operates as the Brontë Parsonage Museum. It serves as a cherished destination for those with a love for literature. For anyone who admires their novels, this site is a must-visit.
The Main Street of the village is widely recognized for its dramatic steepness, cobbled charm, and its old public houses. This street has preserved a fair bit of its 19th-century essence, presenting a snapshot into the age of the Brontës.
Hop on a journey back in time with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, an operational heritage steam train. It meanders near Haworth and through the heart of the English countryside for those who seek a scenic experience.
Rye
Down in East Sussex, Rye sits 2 miles from the sea, near where the Rother, Tillingham, and Brede Rivers meet.
Rye has that quintessential allure that comes with a slow, peaceful English town.
As you saunter along the stone-paved lanes, one of your first observations will be its impeccably maintained old structures. You will see distinguished stone-built buildings all along the way, with some tracing back to as early as the 15th century.
Mermaid Street is a well-known path in town, with a collection of one-of-a-kind building names like "The House with Two Front Doors" and "The House Opposite."
One of those, the Mermaid Inn, is a little bit infamous. This old-fashioned public house was known for having hidden tunnels used by smugglers.
Whip out your photography equipment for the 12th-century icon, St. Mary's Church, which serves as an enduring symbol of Rye's extensive past. The old church stands out with its aged stone exterior and its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Bibury
Bibury is known all over England for its stone cottages and calming rural setting.
The cottages are made of honey-colored Cotswold stone, with steep, tiled roofs. Parts of town look like nature is trying to reclaim the buildings, as bush and overgrowth rise up and between the old cottages.
This locale boasts some of the finest examples of English countryside design. Arlington Row and its 14th-century cottages are among the country's most photographed images. An enduring reminder of England's history, St. Mary's Church remains, its origins reaching back into the Saxon era.
Over centuries, the church has seen constant change, with enhancements stretching from the era of Norman rule to our modern day.
For all those fish fans out there, the Bibury Trout Farm in England, established in 1902, is one of the oldest fisheries in England. It operates as a business and offers fishing and educational activities about trout breeding.
The town is part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Efforts are ongoing to preserve the historic and environmental splendor of the area.
Weymouth
Found on the Jurassic Coast in the south of England, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Weymouth is known for its dramatic coastal scenery.
Renowned for its distinct geological past, the shoreline features ancient rock structures from eras spanning millions of years, including periods like Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.
Near town, Weymouth Beach offers an expanse of amber-colored sand and calm seas - ideal for swimming.
Go down to the harbor for a good spot to people-watch or try some of the fantastic seafood restaurants. The brightly painted buildings by the water are a nice photograph to take home too.
Like many towns in England, Weymouth has important historical landmarks to see. A fortress from the 19th century designed to safeguard Portland Harbour, known as Nothe Fort, now serves as a museum. It gives you a glimpse into military history and provides views of the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Portland.
In Conclusion
From ancient abbeys with timeless appeal to quiet, peaceful pastures, England's towns are filled with beautiful and historic spots to explore.
The foundations of the country stretch back farther than the Roman Empire, and each successive culture to arrive in England has added something to the great English story.
When you walk through the trails that crisscross the country, every rock and building block has a thousand stories to tell.
Bring a journal and camera, because when you get to England, you will get a lifetime of memories in return.
