UK City Breaks

Where are the most Instagrammable historic towns in the UK? Great Britain is a nation steeped in history, boasting some of the most beautiful old towns and cities in the world. For the many visitors that flock to the UK every year, it’s the fascinating - sometimes gruesome - history of Britain's towns that intrigues them. From windy cobblestoned streets - to spectacular grand cathedrals and castles, the UK has many historical sights to explore. 

HometoGo has researched the 25 most instagrammed historical towns in the UK, so that you know where to travel to capture that perfect picture for your feed! We focused our research on towns whose origins pre-date the 17th century or earlier. This formed our final list of the most instagrammed spots, which ranges all the way from Canterbury to Carlise. 

_{Methodology: Search data was used to identify 100 historic towns in the UK whose origins pre-date the 17th Century. The top 25 are the destinations from this shortlist with the most Instagram hashtags (from all time). Data was collected on the 27th of August 2019.}

Discover the UK's Most Instagrammed Historical Cities

Edinburgh

Characterised by stone turrets, winding streets, and ancient buildings, Edinburgh is a magical maze of a city. The origins of the city date back to the early Middle Ages and it subsequently became a central stronghold for the royal charter for many years, gaining its status as the capital of Scotland in the middle of the 14th century. In the present day, Edinburgh has established itself as one of the UK’s cultural hubs-, hosting the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival every August. Its historical past has even inspired great literature -JK Rowling is said to have based Hogwarts on the historic castle. 

Bristol

Bristol’s history is underpinned by its role as a port city. In the mid-17th century, Bristol’s economy boomed because of its southwesterly geography - traders began importing tobacco and sugar from the West Indies. The city’s history went through a darker chapter in the 18th century, as Bristol was one of the key ports involved in the slave trade with Africa and North America. Nowadays, the city is a vibrant gem of the West Country, famed for its bohemian vibe, colourful architecture, and the yearly Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

York

The city of York was founded by the Romans and at that time, the city was protected by a stone wall and its inhabitants enjoyed communal bathing houses and comfortable homes. However, in the 4th-century, Roman civilization began to break down - the town was abandoned and much of it fell to ruins. It was later taken over by Viking rule, where it flourished as a centre for trade. The infamous William the Conqueror also reigned over this ancient city for a large period, cementing its position as the powerhouse of the North. Today, the castle remains where visitors pause to imagine the many grand banquets and bloody battles that once took place in those walls.