When people picture the UK, they often envision rolling green hills, charming coastal towns, and distinctive urban centres – inhabited by a genteel and resilient population. Scattered across this varied landscape, however, are a number of towns perched high above sea level. Shaped by centuries of exposure to the country’s often harsh, wet, and windswept climate, these elevated settlements occupy some of the UK’s most dramatic and rugged terrain. From historic market towns to quiet moorland communities, they may be easily overlooked, but they possess a distinctive character and heritage. Read on to discover the 10 highest towns in England – and what makes them so remarkable.
Buxton, Derbyshire, Shining Tor
Buxton, a charming market and spa town with striking stone buildings, an opera house, and a crescent – similar to the one found in Bath – sits in the Peak District National Park.
The town claims to be the highest market town in England and, indeed, is situated near Shining Tor, a peak with an elevation of 559 metres (above sea level). One of the highest points in Cheshire, the peak offers stunning views across the surrounding countryside, and its proximity to Buxton, where convenient amenities and beautiful architecture await, makes it the ideal setting for a weekend getaway.
Marsden, West Yorkshire, Black Hill
Located near the southern edge of the Pennines, Marsden is a market town set among rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. The town provides access to the Pennine Way, a footpath that leads through the Pennine range and their villages.
At 582 metres above sea level, Black Hill boasts sweeping views of the surrounding moorland and valleys. An industrial town with a rich history, Marsden is well-stocked with local shops and cafes, making it a good base from which to explore the Pennines.
Okehampton, Devon, High Willhays
From the town of Okehampton, walkers can access Dartmoor National Park and climb its highest point, High Willhays – which rises 621 metres above sea level.
Okehampton is a historic market town, well equipped for those setting out to explore the northern edge of the national park through its abundance of accommodations, restaurants, and information points.
Ingleton, Lancashire, Gragareth
The picturesque village of Ingleton provides access to Gragareth, the highest point in Lancashire at 627 meters above sea level. Also accessible are the Three Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent, which all offer rugged yet bucolic walking and hiking trails.
The village provides further access to trails that lead to Gragareth and the surrounding areas, while offering outstanding views of the moorland and countryside. In the village itself, there is plenty of accommodation, great food, and outdoor supply shops, making it an excellent spot from which to begin your journey.
Edale, Derbyshire, Kinder Scout
Edale is a tiny village nestled among the hills of the Peak District National Park. Equipped with two pubs, a camping ground and a cafe, the village makes for a picturesque starting point for those looking to climb Kinder Scout, a moorland plateau with an elevation of 636 metres.
The scenery in this part of the world is as dramatic as it is breathtaking, with windswept moorland surrounding the impressive Kinder Scout. The peak also functions as a training site for mountaineers who are thinking about tackling taller peaks such as Ben Nevis and Snowdon.
Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, Black Mountain
Hay-on-Wye, a charming town on the English-Welsh border, not only provides access to Black Mountain – with an elevation of 811 metres – but it is also the home of a renowned book festival and many locally run bookshops.
For those hoping to combine both hiking and reading, the town has plenty of accommodation and amenities, making it the ideal destination for bookworms and mountaineers alike.
Horton in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire, Whernside
Like its neighbour, Ingleton, Horton in Ribblesdale is a popular base for those undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
The village features beautiful stone buildings, a cafe, and a train station from which you can set out to see the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Known for its welcoming locals, Horton in Ribblesdale is a charming place to visit before setting out to explore the wild moorland that surrounds it. Whernside, with an impressive elevation of 736 metres, stands as one of the most attractive natural features of the local area, attracting hikers from all over northern England.
Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, Mickle Fell
Located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Middleton-in-Teesdale is a historic market town providing access to a number of hiking trails and waterfalls, such as High Force. It is located close to Mickle Fell, which stands at an elevation of 788 metres.
Although it is not easy to access the fell itself, there is still plenty to do in and around the area, with vast rolling landscapes ready to be explored by all.
Wooler, Northumberland, The Cheviot
Wooler is a small town nestled on the edge of the Northumberland National Park. It is the closest town to The Cheviot, which stands at 815 metres above sea level.
The town boasts access to trails leading to the Cheviot Hills, and a path to the summit of The Cheviot itself. Providing all the essentials for travellers, Wooler features multiple accommodations, cafes, and shops.
Keswick, Cumbria, Scafell Pike
Keswick is the closest town to the highest mountain in England – Scafell Pike – standing at 978 metres above sea level. The peak is located in the beautiful, world renowned Lake District, home to some of Britain’s most famous poets, such as William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Keswick stands as an idyllic market town, located at the northern end of the Lake District with access to lakes, fells, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Scafell Pike is also walkable, but it is not for the faint of heart. For those brave enough to hike to the summit, there are astonishing views over the lower fells, valleys and waterways of the Lake District waiting to be discovered.
With all these picturesque towns just a short drive from many of the UK’s biggest cities, all that is left to do is lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic and get out there to experience these fantastic places for yourself.
Visiting the top 10 highest towns in England is a whimsical journey through some of the country’s best-kept secrets and well worth the effort.
