8 Most Welcoming Towns in the UK

It is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. Almost five million Americans cross the Atlantic Ocean every year to explore the United Kingdom. While most will include popular places to visit in the UK, such as London and Edinburgh, and include attractions like Stonehenge and York Minster on their things-to-do lists, an increasing number are taking time to explore some of the country’s smaller towns to get their “Old Country” fix. Find out why travelers should add these charming destinations to your trans-Atlantic travel itinerary with our list of the most welcoming towns in the UK.

St. Ives, Cornwall, England

The postcard-perfect seaside town of St. Ives in Cornwall has been a popular England getaway destination since the days of Queen Victoria. The big draw is that St. Ives is surrounded by water on three sides and boasts numerous beaches, including Porthmeor Beach, famous for its friendly surfing community, soft sand, and family-friendly vibe.

Culture vultures will also receive a warm welcome from popular Cornwall attractions like the Tate St. Ives Gallery. Part of the famous Tate network, this gallery showcases modern and contemporary art focusing on the St. Ives School, a group of artists drawn to the town's unique light and landscape. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is another highlight and offers a fascinating insight into the work of one of the UK's most important 20th-century artists. The St. Ives Museum, located in a former pilchard curing building, is another must-visit and provides a glimpse into the town’s fishing and mining past.  

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales

Aberystwyth is located on the west coast of Wales and provides visitors with a fun opportunity to experience that always-welcoming Welsh culture. A unique blend of Victorian and Edwardian elegance but with a dash of contemporary, this lovely seaside town is widely known as the home of Aberystwyth University, which significantly contributes to its youthful, vibrant atmosphere.

You’ll want to explore Aberystwyth’s lovely Victorian promenade. Lined with charming hotels and cafés, it leads to the town's pier with its wonderful views of Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea. At the northern end of the promenade stands the impressive Constitution Hill with its fun cliff railway. Aberystwyth Castle dates back to the 13th century and provides a glimpse into the town's medieval past; it’s especially fun if you pack a picnic to munch on while you enjoy its beautiful views.      

Whitby, Yorkshire, England

Northern England has some beautiful seaside towns of its own. Our favorite, Whitby, is famous for its association with Bram Stoker's Dracula, inspired by the town’s well-preserved Gothic ambiance. The town is dominated by the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey on East Cliff, a 7th-century landmark that offers superb views of the town and the North Sea, especially at sunset.

You can learn more about the welcoming nature of the townsfolk at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Located in the 17th-century house where Cook once lived as an apprentice, this tribute to the famous explorer houses various artifacts related to his voyages and life. A good time to get to know the town and its people is during events like the Whitby Goth Weekend, a celebration of Gothic culture, and the Whitby Regatta, the oldest sea regatta on the northeast coast of England. The surrounding North York Moors National Park is another big draw.

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland  

Cross the Irish Sea, and travelers will find Enniskillen in the northwestern corner of Northern Ireland. Just 80 miles west of Belfast and also a good base from which to explore neighboring Ireland, Enniskillen boasts a lovely rural setting that’s even prettier thanks to its position between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, two of the country’s largest lakes after Lough Neagh. Highlights include Enniskillen Castle, founded in the 15th century and home to the Maguire Castle Museums: The Fermanagh County Museum, which delves into the region's history and culture, and The Inniskillings Museum, which focuses on the local infantry and cavalry regiments.

Another notable destination is the Marble Arch Caves, just a short drive from Enniskillen, a UNESCO-recognized site that offers guided tours of an impressive cave network. Also, spend time exploring the downtown area, where guests receive a warm welcome in its many traditional pubs and authentic tea rooms. 

Frome, Somerset, England

One of the prettiest destinations in Somerset, Frome is an old market town perfect for those wanting to see examples of well-preserved medieval buildings, especially around its charming St. Catherine's Hill area. Frome is also known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, a highlight of which is the Black Swan Arts Center. Set in a refurbished 18th-century building, it hosts contemporary and traditional arts and crafts exhibits and workshops.

The town's old market heritage lives on with the Frome Independent Market. Held the first Sunday of each month from March to December, it’s the perfect spot to pick up some handcrafted souvenirs as you chat with friendly local vendors and artisans. Other Somerset attractions include the Frome Museum, which provides insights into the town's former wool and cloth industries, and the nearby Longleat historic home safari park. It’s also a great jumping-off place to explore the historic city of Bath, known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, and a scenic 45-minute train ride to the north.

Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland  

While one of the trickier places to get to on this list of the most welcoming places to visit in the UK, you won’t find a friendlier place than Kirkwall. The capital of the Orkney Islands, off the northeastern tip of Scotland, Kirkwall, can only be reached by ferry or flying but is well worth the effort and expense. This captivating destination embodies a unique blend of Norse and Scottish heritage, which can be experienced firsthand at Orkney attractions like St. Magnus Cathedral. Founded in 1137, this red sandstone structure is a fine example of Romanesque architecture and is notable for its striking Norse influences.

Other must-visit attractions include the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. The Earl's Palace, built in the early 17th century, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland, while the nearby ruins of the Bishop's Palace date back to the 12th century and are associated with the martyrdom of St. Magnus. The Orkney Museum in Tankerness House offers a deep dive into the archipelago’s history from prehistoric times to the Vikings and more recent history.

Kirkwall is also the gateway to other important places to visit in the Orkneys, such as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and Skara Brae, one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in the world. Enjoy a wee dram of whisky? The Highland Park Whisky Distillery was established in 1798 and is one of a handful that malt its barley and uses traditional methods, including peat cutting.

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England

You’ll find Henley-on-Thames, down in Oxfordshire, an easy one-hour train ride from Central London.  Situated along the River Thames, this picturesque English town is famous for its rowing heritage and has been the scene of the Henley Royal Regatta rowing event since 1839. Held in early July, this prestigious regatta draws crews and crowds of friendly spectators worldwide.

You can learn more about this prestigious event at the River & Rowing Museum. Afterward, catch a show at the historic Kenton Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in the UK. Travelers can also explore the Thames Path National Trail, a 185-mile-long walking route that follows the river from its source in the Cotswolds through villages and cities to the Thames Barrier and Woolwich.

Although a relatively small country, the fact that the United Kingdom is an amalgamation of four distinct and unique peoples makes it a fascinating place to visit. Whether folks are traveling through England, Scotland, Wales, or even Northern Ireland, these eight most welcoming towns in the UK will provide an authentic travel experience that will create lasting memories.