Top 10 Oldest Cities in The UK
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| Top 10 oldest cities in the UK. |
What are th oldest cities in the UK?
The UK’s heritage is all around, but for those craving culture and history, the following towns boast the most.
The exact dates of the oldest continuously populated urban settlements are hard to determine, but these towns in Northern Ireland, England and Wales have solid factual evidence of inhabitation dating far back.
Here is the list oftop 10 oldest cities in the UK.
Top 10 oldest cities in the UK
10. Amesbury, Wiltshire
9. Thatcham, Berkshire
8. Abingdon, Oxfordshire
7. Carmarthen, Wales
6. Colchester, Essex
5. Ipswich, Suffolk
4. Whitby, North Yorkshire
3. Lowestoft, Suffolk
2. Selby, North Yorkshire
1. Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
Detailed info for the top 10 oldest cities in the UK
10. Amesbury, Wiltshire
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| Photo: Visit Wiltshire |
Amesbury is a town and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. It is known for the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge which is within the parish. The town is claimed to be the oldest occupied settlement in Great Britain, having been first settled around 8820 BC. The parish includes the hamlets of Ratfyn and West Amesbury, and part of Boscombe Down military airfield.
With free parking, two coach spaces, its own weekly market, a breath taking museum housing one of Britain's largest mesolithic collection and an amazing story, hotels, bed and breakfasts, independent shops, restaurants and inns - the town is a great stopping point for travellers and visitors to Stonehenge and south Wiltshire.
The town also offers one of the most convenient places to stop on the A303, being some 75 miles from London and the home of Stonehenge.
9. Thatcham, Berkshire
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| Photo: BBC |
Thatcham is an historic market town and civil parish in the English county of Berkshire, centred 3 miles (5 km) east of Newbury, 14 miles (24 km) west of Reading and 54 miles (87 km) west of London.
Thatcham is home to the beautiful Hosehill Lake which is also a local nature reserve. The path around the lake is a mile long and rustic seating and bird viewing areas at frequent intervals give the visitor time to stop and reflect.
The town also has Padworth Common situated in the heart Thatcham. The common is a rural local nature reserve ideal for those looking for a peaceful, relaxing visit. Covering 28 hectares, the site is served by a network of paths that run through a variety of habitats including heath land, woodland, ponds and wet alder-lined gullies.
8. Abingdon, Oxfordshire
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| Photo: The Guardian |
Abingdon-on-Thame, known just as Abingdon between 1974 and 2012, is a historic market town and civil parish in the ceremonial county of Oxfordshire, England, on the River Thames. Historically the county town of Berkshire, since 1974 Abingdon has been administered by the Vale of White Horse district within Oxfordshire.
Abingdon–on–Thames, a quaint, bustling market town nestled on the river Thames just waiting to be explored, 6 miles south of Oxford.
Steeped in history and dating back to the Saxon era, Abingdon-On-Thames is a rare gem. Holding claim to ‘the oldest, continuously inhabited town in England’, Abingdon is a delight to visit. Stroll around the town and soak in the wealth of architecture, historical treasures, shopping, independent stores and of course the beautiful Thames river.
Abingdon-On-Thames has an intriguing museum housed in an elegant building with stunning rooftop views looking over the Town and beyond. There are also charming places to eat, and attractions to entertain the whole family. With so many places to visit and things to do in Abingdon including; riverside parks, gardens and a choice of leisure facilities including tennis, swimming, boating, fishing, waterside pubs and a Monday farmers market, you will be spoilt for choice.
7. Carmarthen, Wales
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
The oldest town in Wales has evolved around its sturdy Roman defences with a rich blend of modernity woven into its mystical and gladiatorial heritage.
Carmarthen is the county town of Carmarthenshire and a community in Wales, lying on the River Towy. 8 miles (13 km) north of its estuary in Carmarthen Bay. The population was 14,185 in 2011, down from 15,854 in 2001, but gauged at 16,285 in 2019. It has a claim to be the oldest town in Wales – Old Carmarthen and New Carmarthen became one borough in 1546. It was the most populous borough in Wales in the 16th–18th centuries, described by William Camden as "chief citie of the country". Growth stagnated by the mid-19th century as new settlements developed in the South Wales Coalfield.
Start your history trail at the Roman Amphitheatre near Priory Street, for a rare peep at the lost civilization that first settled here, before exploring the ruins of the 12th-century castle on Notts Square, which once protected this area above Carmarthen Bay. Take a walk along Picton Terrace to see its elegant Regency houses, just one sign of how this town has prospered down the centuries. Wander around the stalls championing local produce in the striking modern Carmarthen Indoor Market before a heading to Carmarthen Park, a glorious park close to the town centre. The park opened in 1900 and boasts the very first velodrome (cycle track) built in Wales. It is one of very few to survive in working condition. There is a skateboarding area, children’s play area and a tea room.
6. Colchester, Essex
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Colchester is a historic market town and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester in the county of Essex, in south eastern England. Colchester occupies the site of what was Camulodunum, the first major Roman city in, and sometime capital of, Roman Britain. Colchester lays claim to be Britain's oldest recorded town. Colchester has been a military garrison since the Roman era and is currently home to the 16th Air Assault Brigade. In 2019 it had an estimated population of 138,131.
An historic Essex town, Britain's first city and former capital of Roman Britain. Its rich history dates back over 2000 years and is ripe for exploring.
But it's not all about the past. 21st Century Colchester is a thriving, modern town with first class visitor attractions, including the family favourites Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, as well as fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Beyond the historic town centre Colchester's beautiful borough includes popular destinations including Mersea Island and Constable Country in the Dedham Vale.
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5. Ipswich, Suffolk
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| Photo: Ipswich First |
Ipswich is a port town and borough in Suffolk, England, of which it is county town. The town is located in East Anglia about 10 miles (16 km) away from the mouth of the River Orwell and the North Sea. Ipswich is both on the Great Eastern Main Line railway and the A12 road, and is 67 miles (108 km) north-east of London, 45 miles (72 km) east-southeast of Cambridge, and 40 miles (64 km) south of Norwich. Ipswich is surrounded by two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); Suffolk Coast and Heaths and Dedham Vale.
Ipswich stands on the estuary of the river Orwell, about twelve miles from the sea. It is one of England’s oldest towns, with evidence of a Roman settlement in the area. Thomas Wolsey, better known as Cardinal Wolsey was born in Ipswich, before rising to power during the reign of Henry VIII. Actor Ralph Fiennes and director Trevor Nunn were also born in Ipswich.
Interestingly, Ipswich was one of the first towns in England to have gas powered street lights. In 2007 Ipswich was given the award for cleanest town.
4. Whitby, North Yorkshire
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| Photo: Britannica |
Whitby is a seaside town, port and civil parish in the Scarborough borough of North Yorkshire, England. Situated on the east coast of Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby has a maritime, mineral and tourist heritage. Its East Cliff is home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, where Cædmon, the earliest recognised English poet, lived. The fishing port emerged during the Middle Ages, supporting important herring and whaling fleets, and was where Captain Cook learned seamanship. Tourism started in Whitby during the Georgian period and developed with the arrival of the railway in 1839.
There's more to Whitby than meets the eye - with its connections to Captain Cook and Dracula, its quirky narrow streets and bustling harbour overlooked by the striking Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, Whitby is a fascinating town, unlike any other.
Enjoy the quirky fishing villages of Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay, the unspoilt sandy beaches of Sandsend and Runswick Bay, the staggering views from the clifftops at Ravenscar, and the popular seaside resorts of Saltburn and Redcar.
Enjoy the 800km of bridleways that weave through the peaceful and colourful countryside of the North York Moors National Park, which surrounds Whitby town.
3. Lowestoft, Suffolk
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Lowestoft is an English North Sea coast town and civil parish in the county of Suffolk. On the edge of The Broads, it is the most easterly UK settlement, 110 miles (177 km) north-east of London, 38 miles (61 km) north-east of Ipswich and 22 miles (35 km) south-east of Norwich. The main town in the district of East Suffolk, it has an estimated population of over 70,000 in the built-up area.
Lowestoft is home to Ness Point, the UK’s most easterly point and is one of the leading areas in the UK for renewable energy. Historically, Lowestoft was a thriving port at the centre of the fishing industry with 400 million herring landed every season at the height of the industry.
Lowestoft is the birthplace of English composer, conductor and pianist Benjamin Britten, and you can still see, and even stay in the house on Kirkley Cliff Road where he was born and spent his childhood. At the other end of the spectrum of musical genres, rock band The Darkness formed in Lowestoft when it’s members met at Kirkley High school. There is even a shout out to the school’s extra curricular activities in the song ‘Friday Night’.
The town is a favourite with families, and there's plenty to see and do; with two piers, a wildlife park, an award-winning theme park, museums and a busy theatre which is home to the Royal Philhamonic Orchestra.
2. Selby, North Yorkshire
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| Photo: iLiveHere |
Selby is a market town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, 14 miles (22.5 km) south of York on the River Ouse, with a population at the 2011 census of 14,731.
The town was historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire until 1974.
The historic town of Selby is one of Yorkshire's hidden gems. Why not head off the beaten track and explore the huge and truly breathtaking mediaeval Abbey, discover a crumbling 15th century gatehouse and then settle down for a memorable meal in one of the town's many fine restaurants. Located in picturesque Yorkshire countryside, this town is an excellent base for a short break or holiday.
1. Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
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| Photo: Culture Northern Ireland |
A 1909 report on the town’s history by Samuel McSkimin reads: “The ancient accounts of Carrickfergus present little but traditionary legends.” He quotes a source that explains the area was inhabited by Celts from northern Britain “near three centuries before the nativity of Christ”1.
However, the volume also indicates that the town was only fully established after the invasion of John deCourcy, an Anglo-Norman knight, in 1167. He later built a castle that is one of Ireland’s best-preserved Norman buildings. The 2001 Census recorded a population of around 27,000.
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