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Why a historic town?

Top 10 historic towns or cities in UK and Ireland to stay with an InTuition Homestay teacher

1. Canterbury is a popular place to learn English, close to London but different.  It is home to one of England’s oldest and most stunning Cathedrals and famous for murders, mysteries and literature through the ages. Canterbury is cathedral cities– and an important destination for from around the world. The town of Canterbury is a destination for pilgrims and language students and offers charming narrow streets, medieval and early English architecture, and a broad range of cafes and pubs. To take a walk into town is to take a step back in time!
2. Bath is a great city for students - it is a safe city, and not too big to get around easily. It is known for its honey-coloured Georgian crescents, cobbled streets, outdoor cafes and bustling bars, and is seen by many as the most beautiful, vibrant city in England. Vibrant, inspiring and stunningly beautiful, you couldn't pick a better place to study English than Bath. Magical nearby you’ll find Avebury, Stonehenge and of course the town of Glastonbury, famed for both its reputation as the burial site of King Arthur and also the internationally renowned Glastonbury Music Festival. Both of these places make an excellent choice for days out. and London is just 90 minutes away by train.
3. Spa towns such as Cheltenham, Tunbridge Wells and Royal Leamington Spa are famous for its refreshing spring waters which claim to have healing properties., have wonderful architecture and excellent shopping facilities and access to wonderful local castles and Stately Homes and gardens.
4. Oxford known as ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford is most famous for its medieval university. Located only 80 kilometres north of London, there are excellent train and 24-hour coach links with the capital. The Bodleian Library, with its beautiful ceiling, is a must-visit for all lovers of literature. An open top bus tour is the best way to see the amazing architecture of the University’s colleges, most of which can be visited for free or for a small donation.
5. Stratford Upon Avon is Shakespeare’s home town and is still at the centre of English theatre in the 21st century, is an inspiring place to take a language course with so much history and culture to visit and explore. Close by is
6. Cambridge is the home of another globally renowned university, Cambridge is as much a modern tech hub as an ancient university city. Also known as ‘Silicon Fen’, the city and surrounding area host many of the UK’s hi-tech pioneer companies, building on the world-leading scientific research of the university. The ancient colleges dominate the city and are visible at every turn, most opening their doors to the public at certain times during the day – do look into the amazing King’s College Chapel, or walk around the lush courts of Christ’s College.
7. Exeter is a major cathedral city, very closely linked with the Roman period. The city has hosted a thrice-weekly market since 1213 – one of the longest-running markets in England – which continues to this day. The best way to divide the city is to see it in ‘quarters’ – for an insight into the town’s medieval history head to the West quarter, where you can walk around an old Tudor house.
8. Bristol is considered the capital city of the West Country and was voted the most vibrant city in UK in 2018. It embodies the relaxed and friendly spirit which is found throughout the region. Its skyline is dominated by the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge. The city’s distinct musical scene has produced bands such as Massive Attack and Portishead, and it is considered a cultural counterweight to London – a fact which Bristolians are justifiably proud of. The city is also the home town of the famous graffiti artist, Banksy. There is truly something for everyone in Bristol, so get ready to explore!
9. Cork and Galway. Cork in the South East of Ireland is a ‘buzzy’ Irish city full of character and things to do and see. The people are super friendly, so you will meet and talk to lots of locals. Galway, on the West Coast of Ireland, sits on the Atlantic sea. If you want a taste of real Ireland then this is the city to visit, with its traditional Irish music and culture. InTuition have some excellent teachers here. It’s the perfect place to learn and be inspired.
10. Chichester: An ancient maritime town is close to London, Winchester and hosts amazing cathedral and close to castles and great sandy Beaches.