Few countries can boast the range of historic cities that Britain can. So instead of heading abroad for your next city break, why not check out a cultured option closer to home, and delve into the past?
Durham
The Cathedral: Durham’s cathedral is arguably the finest in Britain. It’s a World Heritage-listed architectural masterpiece, dating back to 1093.
The tombs: The cathedral houses the bones of St Cuthbert, and the Venerable Bede’s tomb. It’s thanks to Bede that we know much of what we do about early Britain. He also gave us our year numbering system – so respect is due.
The Castle: A classic example of a Norman Castle, this is now a university hall. But it was built as long ago as 1072, and the chapels and creaking staircases are wonderfully preserved.
Industrial heritage: The nearby Beamish Open-Air Museum explores a different type of history – it’s all about industrial life. It’s possible to explore mines, check out early steam engines and wander round a working farm.
Stay overnight? Rooms are available at the Durham City Centre Premier Inn (0870 850 6342) for from £61 a night.
Canterbury, Kent
The Cathedral: Canterbury’s cathedral is Anglicanism’s mother church. There are plenty of royal and holy graves here – and it’s also the place where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered.
Canterbury Tales: The godfather of English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, made Canterbury the focal point of his 14th century stories. They’re explored at the hi-tech Canterbury Tales exhibition.
Winchester, Hampshire
The City Museum: Winchester dates back to Roman times, but more importantly it was the once the capital of England. Here’s where to learn about the country’s major hub in the days of Alfred The Great.
The Great Hall: The only remaining part of an 11th century castle, this is rumoured to be where King Arthur had his Round Table.
Bath
Roman Baths: The Roman Baths Museum hosts one of the best preserved Roman baths in the world. They’re almost 2,000 years old, and it’s now possible to have a go in the modern, updated version at the Thermae Bath Spa.
Georgian buildings: Royal Crescent has probably the best collection of restored 18th century buildings in Britain.
The Abbey: The first king of a united England – Edgar – was crowned in the Abbey Courtyard in 973.
Colchester, Essex
Walking tours: The city’s tourist office organises on-foot tours of Britain’s oldest recorded settlement. They’re the best way to soak up 2,500 years of history.
The Castle: Bigger than the Tower of London, Colchester Castle is Britain’s largest surviving Norman keep. It is built on Roman remains – some of which can still be seen.
Nottingham
The Caves: From the entrance inside the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, it’s possible to go on a tour round some of the hundreds of man-made medieval caves under the city. Some have been used as bars, tanneries and air raid shelters.
The Pub: Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, from 1189, is thought to be the oldest pub in Britain.
The Galleries of Justice: This excellent attraction takes visitors through the history of the British judicial system – from medieval torture to deportation to Australia.
Oxford
Christ Church: The most impressive of the Oxford colleges, if you have to pick one place to explore Britain’s oldest university, this is it. 13 British Prime Ministers, Albert Einstein and Lewis Carroll have all studied here since it was founded in 1525.
Ashmolean Museum: A huge, and rather eccentric, collection can be found in Britain’s oldest public museum.
The Castle: Tours of the 1,000-year-old castle are available, and the commentary is all fantastically grisly.
London
The British Museum: Arguably the greatest history museum anywhere in the world. And best of all, entrance is free.
The Tower of London: A fabulous mixture of the Crown Jewels and gruesome tales of rogue royals/ political dissenters being locked up and dispensed with.
Westminster Abbey: The coronation and burial place of most British kings and queens, work started on this iconic building in the 11th century.
The Barbican: The only remaining traces of Roman London can be found here.
York
Walking tours: York Walk offers various historic walks, some concentrating on the city’s various defensive walls and gates, some on Roman history.
Jorvik: York was the seat of power in Viking Britain, and this much-loved centre has plenty of interactive exhibits to keep anyone with a passing interest in longboats and horned helmets happy.
Edinburgh
The Castle: Scene of many a battle and political intrigue, Edinburgh Castle is a symbol of Scotland as a nation. 978-year-old chapels, the National War Museum of Scotland and the firing of the one o’clock gun are amongst the highlights. The Stone of Destiny is where Scottish kings were crowned in the past.
Holyroodhouse: The Queen’s official residence in Scotland is fascinating, and the perfect places to learn about the Scottish kings and queens. The highlight is probably Mary Queen of Scots’ Bed Chamber, which is connected to her husband’s room by a secret passage.
