6 old towns in the UK where you can explore your roots

There are so many wonderful, historic sites in the UK that have the ability to transport modern travellers back in time to the Middle Ages and even further. There are too many of them to list, but here are six towns, some of which you may not be familiar with, that will give you an old village experience to see how your ancestors lived. 

1. Caernarfon, Wales

Located in Gwynedd in North Wales, Caernarfon is a beautiful old town surrounded by the mighty walls of Caernarfon Castle at the mouth of the Seinot River. Built by Edward I in 1283, the castle was designed to echo ancient Constantinople, with the addition of unique polygonal towers. Caernarfon is the perfect place to spend a couple of days wandering around the castle’s explansive walls and exploring the little town of 9,000 people.

2. Melrose, Scotland

Melrose is home to one of the most beautiful monastic ruins in Great Britain, Melrose Abbey. Founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks at the request of King David I of Scotland, the partially destroyed Melrose Abbey is the burial site of Alexander II and other Scottish kings and nobles. A container said to hold the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots from 1306 to 1329, was found at the site, with the rest of his body buried at a different abbey. The red walls of the ruins are a spectacular site juxtaposed against the lush, green pastures that surround it. Other popular Melrose attractions are Abbotsford House and the beautiful Eildon Hills, perfect for an extended stroll. 

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3. Dalkey, Ireland 

Dalkey is a quintessentially Irish experience, its emerald green hills and stone monuments a true likeness to the tourist brochures and postcard images. Walking along the town’s main streets, travellers will see a lovely mix of medieval brick and stone buildings, as well as shops with more modern facades. Baskets of flowers hang from the windowsills and vines cover entire building walls in some instances. Dalkey is an affluent seaside suburb of Dublin, just off the coast, founded as a Viking settlement.

4. Ipswich, England

The charm of Ipswich cannot be understated, with its Tudor-style buildings and cobbled pedestrian streets. It’s one of England’s oldest towns, if not the oldest, with the modern town taking shape in the 7th century. One of Ipswich’s most famous attractions if the New Wolsey Theatre, which has a distinct English rock ‘n’ roll vibe.Ancient house is another wonderful attraction, and you don’t even have to go inside to appreciate it. Built in the 15th century, the walls of Ancient House are covered in elaborate wood carvings depicting the Tudor impression of the world. 

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5. Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus is a quiet little town in Northern Ireland, perfect for a day trip spent at the marina, admiring the Norman-style Carrickfergus Castle. Built in 1177 and surrounded on three sides by water, the castle has been imperative in Northern Ireland’s military history. A lot of nations have given besieging Carrickfergus Castle a crack over the years, including the Scots, Irish, English and French.

6. Chester, England

Chester is a walled city in Cheshire, close to the border with Wales. Chester’s roots go back to 79AD when it was founded as a Roman Fort. One can only imagine how much culture the town has amassed over its near-2,000 years of history. Today, Chester’s streets are lined with quaint timber-cladded buildings from the Middle Ages, some of which have been wonderfully restored to their original charm, plus modern luxuries. Chester is a beautiful mix of heritage sites and modern activities and amenities such as river cruises, nature gardens and Britain’s oldest racecourse.