Ever wondered why some towns just seem to have it all? From ancient history to modern culture, these UK destinations are brimming with stories that will leave you in awe. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it the proximity to France or the vibrant arts scene that makes Ramsgate, Kent, a cultural gem? Let’s dive in and find out!
Ramsgate, Kent: Why did Caesar, Saint Augustine, Hengist, and Horsa choose Ramsgate as their first port of call in England? Was it the easy landing beaches beneath the cliffs or perhaps the town’s lively arts scene? While we await new archaeological discoveries, one thing is certain: Ramsgate has always been a hub of activity. Renowned artists like Van Gogh, Turner, Pugin, Tissot, and Sambourne found inspiration in its streets. And let’s not forget Dickens, though other literary giants like Anthony Buckeridge, Russell Hoban, and Frank Muir also called it home. Sir Moses Montefiore transformed part of the town into a stunning Georgian Jewish masterpiece, and the architectural marvels don’t stop there. The harbourside Home for Smack Boys, a charitable haven for orphans and fishing apprentices, stands as one of the most remarkable churches you’ll ever see.
And this is the part most people miss... While Ramsgate experienced a cultural lull in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, it’s now roaring back to life. The arrival of a high-speed rail link in 2008 sparked a wave of gentrification, bringing a credible music venue, an amazing record store, quirky museums (think obsolete computers and pinball machines), and even book sales in shipping containers. But what truly sets Ramsgate apart is its soul and salt-infused essence. It’s a place for wild skies and big thoughts, a town I hold dear—though Broadstairs, just a short walk along the coast, might give it a run for its money with better rock pools and nicer ice cream.
Letchmore Heath, Hertfordshire: If cultural significance per square foot were the measure, this Hertfordshire village would undoubtedly top the list. With its picturesque pond, pub, and village green—often alive with morris dancers—Letchmore Heath is a stone’s throw from Elstree Studios and a favorite for film and TV shoots. Most famously, the 1960 cult sci-fi film Village of the Damned was shot here, based on John Wyndham’s The Midwich Cuckoos. The story of alien-born children with eerie blond hair and dead eyes gave the village’s charming sights a haunting twist. But fear not—the village was redeemed in 1973 when George Harrison bought the local manor house, renamed it Bhaktivedanta Manor, and donated it to the Hare Krishna movement. Today, a George Harrison Garden honors his legacy.
Falmouth, Cornwall: While St Ives might seem the obvious choice for Cornwall’s cultural crown, overtourism has turned it into a playground for the wealthy, shutting out contemporary artists. Enter Falmouth, a cobbled beauty with a rich cultural history. From the sun-drenched expressionism of 19th-century painter Henry Scott Tuke to the first-ever polytechnic society still thriving today, Falmouth is a cultural powerhouse. It was once the hub of Cornish wrestling and now hosts quirky events like the annual worm-charming championships. Festivals celebrating sea shanties, oysters, beer, and boats abound, alongside the indie music festival Wanderfal. The Cornish Bank, since 2020, has revitalized Cornwall’s touring scene and nurtured local culture, from Celtic club nights to queer events. With anarchic theatre companies, a thriving art school, and the unique pub-cum-bookshop Beerwolf, Falmouth is a town where creativity knows no bounds.
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire: Nestled where the radical magic of the Welsh borders meets the might of the Welsh valleys, Abergavenny is a town steeped in history and culture. Home to what’s believed to be the only surviving wooden Jesse figure—a 15th-century religious masterpiece carved from an oak tree—and a secret 17th-century Catholic chapel, Abergavenny has a story to tell. It schooled groundbreaking academic and novelist Raymond Williams, and its women played pivotal roles in the Greenham Common peace marches. Recent years have seen a cultural explosion, with Peak Cymru platforming up-and-coming artists, and events like the Abergavenny writing and arts festivals celebrating local creativity. Add one of the UK’s oldest amateur symphony orchestras and an award-winning brass band, and you’ve got a border-town story worth sharing.
Folkestone, Kent: Dubbed the UK’s largest open-air art gallery, Folkestone boasts 91 artworks scattered across the town, many with breathtaking views of the Channel. Yoko Ono’s lighthouse-like lamp beams “Earth peace” in Morse code toward France, while Christian Boltanski’s The Whispers plays recordings of WWI soldiers’ letters as you gaze out to sea. Commissioned by Creative Folkestone, these artworks, along with the triennial arts festival, have transformed the town. Creative Folkestone also bought up 90-odd buildings to provide affordable spaces for creatives, though not without a touch of paternalism. Unlike Bilbao or Margate, Folkestone’s art is woven into its fabric, not just draped over it. Grassroots music thrives with festivals like Compass and venues like Speedway, and there’s something for everyone, from documentary film to south-Asian zine culture.
Portobello, Edinburgh: Two decades ago, Portobello was known for its beach, pistachio-green railings, and faded Victorian charm. Today, it’s a cultural hotspot. Portobello Books, one of Scotland’s best independent bookshops, hosts legendary events featuring the likes of Ocean Vuong and Jacqueline Wilson. The newly regenerated town hall is a growing hub for events, and the council library shines during the annual Portobello book festival. The eccentric Art Walk, where residents open their homes to showcase contemporary art, is a must-see. Porty Pride is growing into a grassroots festival rivaling Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Pride events, and climate-focused community action intertwines with the burgeoning art and food scenes. And let’s not forget the wild swimmers—a culture all their own.
Halifax, West Yorkshire: Once a mill town, Halifax has transformed into a hipster haven, earning the title “the Shoreditch of the north” from BBC Radio 6 Music. The 18th-century Piece Hall is now a world-class outdoor venue hosting stars like Paul Weller, while the 19th-century Dean Clough carpet complex houses a theatre and one of the UK’s largest private art galleries. The music scene is equally impressive, from thrash metallers Paradise Lost to indie darlings the Orielles. The Grayston Unity is a key grassroots hub, and the Stone Roses’ warmup show had the Victoria theatre’s balcony literally bouncing. Halifax’s Victorian architecture and Calder valley landscapes, painted by Turner and immortalized by Ted Hughes, have become backdrops for TV series like Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack. Even the Piece Hall was fictionally blown up in Marvel’s Secret Invasion!
Now, here’s the question: Which of these towns would you crown the UK’s cultural capital? And do you think overtourism is killing the very essence of places like St Ives? Let the debate begin!
