Everyone makes a beeline for London, Bath and York — and fair enough, they’re brilliant. But England’s real magic often lives in the smaller places: the cobbled lanes, the honey-stone market squares, the harbour towns where the chippy queue is the main event. These are the spots that don’t make the front of the guidebook, which is exactly why you should go.
Here are eight underrated English towns worth building a trip around.
Rye, East Sussex
If you’ve ever pictured a chocolate-box English town, you’ve probably pictured Rye without knowing it. Mermaid Street tumbles downhill in worn cobbles, lined with wonky timber-framed houses that have stood for centuries. Once a smugglers’ haunt, today it’s all antique shops, cosy pubs and sea air. Climb St Mary’s church tower for rooftop views, then wander out to the long shingle beach at Camber Sands. Compact, photogenic and easy to reach from London — a perfect first stop.
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Tucked into a loop of the River Severn near the Welsh border, Shrewsbury is a maze of medieval streets and black-and-white Tudor buildings, threaded with narrow alleyways the locals call “shuts.” It’s the birthplace of Charles Darwin, has a handsome Norman castle, and the riverside Quarry park is gorgeous in summer. Quietly one of England’s most complete old towns, and still refreshingly free of crowds.
Ludlow, Shropshire
A short hop south of Shrewsbury, Ludlow punches well above its weight. It’s earned a reputation as one of England’s great food towns — think independent butchers, bakers, delis and a clutch of seriously good restaurants. Add a dramatic clifftop castle, Georgian townhouses and a buzzing market, and you’ve got the kind of place you book a long lunch and never quite leave.
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Built almost entirely from warm, honey-coloured limestone, Stamford is regularly named one of England’s prettiest towns — and somehow still flies under the radar. The Georgian architecture is immaculate, the streets are made for slow wandering, and on the edge of town sits Burghley House, a jaw-dropping Elizabethan mansion. If you’ve seen it in a period drama, there’s a good chance it was filmed here.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Wild, windswept and full of character, Whitby is where the moors meet the sea. The ruined abbey on the clifftop inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and you’ll climb the famous 199 steps to reach it. Down at the harbour, the fish and chips are the stuff of legend. It’s got salt, history and atmosphere in spades — the perfect antidote to a polished city break.
Totnes, Devon
Quirky, creative and proudly independent, Totnes marches to its own beat. Its ancient high street climbs up to a Norman castle, the shops skew artisan and alternative, and the River Dart makes for a lovely boat trip down to Dartmouth. With Dartmoor on the doorstep, it’s an easy base for combining a charming town with proper countryside.
Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
England’s northernmost town has changed hands between England and Scotland so many times it almost lost count. The result is a fascinating border town wrapped in Elizabethan ramparts you can walk right around, with sweeping views over the river mouth and the North Sea. The artist L.S. Lowry loved it here — and once you’ve seen the light over the water, you’ll understand why.
Frome, Somerset
Just down the road from Bath but a world away from the crowds, Frome is a creative little town with independent shops climbing the cobbled, flower-strewn Catherine Hill. Its monthly market is a genuine highlight, full of makers, food stalls and local character. If you want the Somerset charm without the tour buses, this is your spot.
Slow down and see the real England
The big cities are a brilliant start — but it’s these smaller towns where England really opens up. They’re easy to link together by rail or road, they reward an unhurried pace, and they’re the kind of places you’ll still be talking about long after you’re home.
Ready to build them into your trip? The team at Best Travel can help you plan the perfect English itinerary, big cities and hidden gems and all.
