Britain is full of historical sites and cultural heritage. This is why it can be difficult to decide where to visit next. Learning about how the country came to be is not only educational but highly interesting for any member of the family.
To help make matters easier, we’ve come up with our favourite historical UK cities that have fascinating histories. Explore them on your next getaway or visit to the UK.
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York
York has a long and eventful history, covering thousands of years, numerous rulers and even the Viking invasion. The city is easily one of the most accessible in the UK, situated within the heart of the country. Trains to York from cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester, usually take around two hours, ensuring you are not travelling for long periods.
By just wandering through the streets of York, you can find Roman baths, medieval churches and the ancient city walls. There are some modern additions too, including the beloved British National Railway Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre, which are perfect for a day out with the family.
You also need to walk through the ‘shambles’; an outside maze of medieval laneways filled with quirky stores, which eventually lead to the York Castle Museum.
Liverpool
Next up on this list of historical UK cities is Liverpool. This city has played a large role in British history, mainly due to the triangular trade where products coming in from America would first land.
The city hosts a large number of museums – the most in the UK, after London. The Museum of Liverpool is the perfect place to uncover the history of the city. There you will learn how the port and its people have led to it being the city we see today.
Liverpool is probably more well-known for being the birthplace of the iconic band the Beatles. If you get the chance, have a walk through Matthew Street and stop for a drink at the Cavern Club. It’s here that the famous foursome used to play during their earlier years.
Bath
Originally founded in the 7th century as a religious hub, the Roman Empire eventually turned Bath into a ‘spa town.’ They believed having springs around the town would induce curative properties. Nowadays, you can take a trip to the Roman Baths Museum, where thousands of years of history are just waiting to be explored.
Another historical site you must see here is Bath Abbey, where you can take a private tour up to the bell tower. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a panoramic and unmatched view of the city.
If you have time, why not also stop by the Jane Austin Museum? The museum is dedicated to Bath’s most famous resident and offers visitors a snapshot of life during Regency times. The costumed guides will take you on a journey you’ll never forget.
Portsmouth
Last up on this list of historical UK cities is Portsmouth. For anyone interested in naval history, then a trip to Portsmouth cannot be beaten. The world’s oldest commissioned warship, Admiral Nelson’s HMS Victory, is located here. The flagship is presented as it was during its Georgian heyday, allowing visitors to soak in the atmosphere.
There is also The Mary Rose Museum, which was a personal favourite of King Henry VIII before it sank during battle in 1545. Its remains were eventually raised in 1982 and are displayed for those interested in Tudor life.
If that’s not enough, you can also delve into the Portsmouth Museum and D-Day museum.
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