7 Best Downtowns in the UK

The United Kingdom is well known for its medieval structures and historic landmarks, and some of its most memorable town centers still grow around them. That is evident in downtown Salisbury, where Salisbury Cathedral, open to the public, has the tallest cathedral spire and the largest cathedral close in Britain. In downtown Caernarfon, the 700-year-old Castell Caernarfon still shapes the castle grounds, towers, and square, while in downtown Oban, Oban Distillery maintains tradition through tours and tastings. In Enniskillen, shopfronts and cafes line the streets from Enniskillen Castle to Forthill Park, and together these places show why seven historic downtowns in the United Kingdom still stand out.

Salisbury

About 8 miles from Stonehenge, the town of Salisbury in Southern England boasts a lively downtown. Market Place, St. Thomas Square, the Market Walk, and the Maltings meet at the center of town with rows of shopfronts and the riverside footpath that follows the River Avon. Dating back to 1892, a Gothic-style clock tower still stands across the river as a beacon of historic art.

Just two blocks away on the edge of the downtown area, the 18th-century Queen Anne-style Mompesson House opens its doors to the public. The National Trust preserves thousands of 18th- and 19th-century objects, including drinking glasses, fine porcelain, and furniture, which are displayed throughout the townhome.

Within walking distance of the downtown area in the King’s House, the Salisbury Museum preserves artifacts from Stonehenge and Cranbourne Chase. They also display local art, 18th and 19th-century ceramics, and glass.

Across the street from the museum, the Salisbury Cathedral also invites visitors to explore its structure and grounds. The cathedral boasts Britain’s tallest cathedral spire, Britain’s largest cathedral close, the world’s oldest mechanical clock, and one of four surviving original 1215 Magna Carta copies on display for public viewing.

Caernarfon

In Northwestern Wales, Caernarfon celebrates its UNESCO World Heritage site listed under Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. In the heart of downtown, the cobbled Castle Square has been an open space since the construction of the medieval castle and town walls. The square features statues of former Prime Minister Lloyd George and of Sir Hugh Owen, the driving force behind Welsh educational improvements. The shops, cafés, and pubs surrounding the square add to the lively feel of downtown.

On the border of the downtown area on the Caernarfon Bay waterfront, Castell Caernarfon invites visitors to admire the 700-year-old fortress that was built during the war with Welsh Princes. The upper levels of the sizeable King’s Gate provide access to areas of the castle that were not open to the public for centuries. The admission ticket also includes access to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum, which is housed in two different towers of the castle. The exhibits feature over 300 years of military history.

The new Sky Observation Wheel, also referred to by locals as the “Caernarfon Eye”, offers interested visitors a bird’s eye view of the waterfront, castle walls, and downtown area from the convenience of the boardwalk.

Alnwick

In Northumberland, England, Alnwick transports visitors back in time by preserving the historic downtown with its cobbled alleyways and old pubs. In the northeastern corner of the downtown area, Alnwick Castle is known for appearing in at least 25 productions filmed on or around the castle grounds, including Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. The castle dates to 1096 and offers daily tours of the historical grounds, state rooms, and film locations. The more adventurous visitors can also learn to shoot arrows or fly a broomstick.

Across the street from the castle, the Bailiffgate Museum covers the history of Alnwick and the surrounding area. The museum is housed in a former church, where stained-glass windows frame permanent exhibits, including a printing press room and a schoolroom. Rotating exhibits add to the collection.

Just south of the museum, the well-rated Dirty Bottles public house serves traditional English fare within a 17th-century building. Visitors will notice the “dirty bottles” still sealed between two windowpanes. Legend has it that two centuries ago, the superstitious wife of a previous innkeeper had them sealed up after her husband mysteriously passed away after touching them.

Berwick-Upon-Tweed

On the northeastern coast of England, Berwick-Upon-Tweed offers visitors medieval history and eye-catching shopfronts downtown. In the northwestern corner of the downtown area, the interesting funnel-shaped windows of the well-rated Brewers Arms seem to draw customers into their entrance. The interior features English-style pub decor, with traditional fare available on the menu.

With two downtown locations and two event spaces on the outskirts, Maltings is a regular part of Berwick’s cultural life. The charity hosts year-round visual arts exhibitions, film showings, and other events.

Just outside of the downtown area, the remains of the medieval Berwick-Upon-Tweed Castle can be located. The ramparts continue to surround the historic town, and visitors can access the entire walkable circuit at different access points.

Oban

On the West Coast of Scotland, Oban attracts visitors to its colorful downtown, home to shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. In the heart of downtown, the small 232-year-old Oban Distillery features tours that lead visitors through history, tradition, and expertise. From the water sourced at a nearby loch to malted barley from Speyside and peat harvested in Scotland, the distillery uses regional ingredients to create an authentic tasting experience.

Downtown on the Oban Bay waterfront, the Oban War & Peace Museum displays model airplanes and ships, along with uniforms collected by local volunteers. The exhibition later became a permanent museum.

Just south of the museum overlooking the waterfront, the well-rated View restaurant promotes a live music calendar. They also regularly host Ceilidh nights where expert guides teach groups of people Scottish Ceilidh dances, fostering an interactive educational experience.

Enniskillen

In Northern Ireland, on the northwestern edge of Enniskillen’s downtown, the 600-year-old medieval Enniskillen Castle features six buildings on its tour. Built next to the River Erne, the original 15th-century Maguire Stronghold evolved over the centuries into Plantation Castle, then the Garrison Fort, and finally the Military Barracks.

The Inniskillings Museum displays collections from the Garrison Fort and Military Barracks, including curios, vehicles, uniforms, art, musical instruments, and more. The Fermanagh County Museum focuses on the earliest settlers of the area and also showcases art collections from Northern Ireland.

On the north side of the downtown area, St. Macartin’s Cathedral welcomes visitors to view the interior of the historic structure. The original 17th-century church was rebuilt in the 19th century with a 150-foot spire, which still stands today.

Shopfronts, cafes, and restaurants line the downtown streets to Forthill Park in southeast downtown. The park features Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole’s Monument and viewing platform, Plunkett’s Victorian-style Bandstand, a short footpath, and benches.

Dover

Best known for the natural beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover, the historic downtown of Dover in Southeast England offers several notable sights within and around the town center. Visitors can peruse the Dover Museum and the Bronze Age Boat Gallery located in the downtown area. Founded in 1836, the museum retells the history of Dover through the preservation of artifacts and exhibitions. In 1992, construction workers discovered the Bronze Age Boat near the museum, where it is now a featured exhibit for public viewing.

Next door to the museum, visitors can take another step back in time within the Roman Painted House. The Roman military site was discovered and excavated by archaeologists in 1970. Visitors can gaze at the ancient, frescoed walls from the ground-level viewing platform or descend a staircase below ground to view the archaeological remains up close.

Just behind the museums, the historic Market Square commemorates its history with a plaque and mist ring installation for passersby to enjoy. The main market was originally constructed in the 17th century and demolished in 1861. Overlooking the Market Square, the Market Square Kitchen occupies a historic building said to have been frequented by the English novelist Charles Dickens. Now people can grab a cup of coffee and a handmade cake from the kitchen on their journey through the downtown area.

Also visible from the Market Square, the medieval Dover Castle was established in the 1180s by Henry II. Admission includes access to the great tower, the wartime tunnels, and other interactive exhibits throughout the site.

These seven United Kingdom downtowns share their historic depth while maintaining walkable shopping frontages. Dover, Salisbury, and Caernarfon’s market squares have drawn people to their central downtown area for hundreds of years and still serve a similar purpose today. The downtown streets of Alnwick, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Oban, and Enniskillen all feature inviting shops, cafés, restaurants, and historic structures. From England and Wales to Scotland and Northern Ireland, these seven downtown areas offer a mix of both commercial and historical attractions.