When we think of places we’d love to visit in our lifetime, our mind often wanders to faraway places across the globe. It’s easy to forget that we have an abundance of incredible landmarks in the UK.
Travelodge has put together the top 10 landmarks you can’t miss when visiting the UK.
Landmarks You Can’t Miss When Visiting the UK
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most impressive historical landmarks in Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland’s vibrant capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination with tales as old as time from its days as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.
If you want to learn more about the castles’ rich history, you can take a tour with the castle stewards, and if all the excitement makes you peckish, why not indulge in afternoon tea at the castles’ tea rooms? And if you’re a music-lover, head here when the castle is transformed into a concert venue in the summer. This year there’s Deacon Blue, Texas, The Script and Elbow, among other top names.
Edin Project, Cornwall
Once a former clay mine with no soil or plants, this inspirational site in Cornwall is now home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, with over 20 acres of outdoor gardens and a wild outer estate. An enjoyable and educational day for both children and adults, there’s so much to see and do at the Eden Project.
You can learn about nature, pick up inspiring ideas on caring for the planet, try zip-wiring, or rock out to world-class performances. This summer, you can see Diana Ross, Noel Gallager and My Chemical Romance, to name a few.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
With almost 1000 years worth of rich history to discover, Alnwick Castle is one of Britain’s most enchanting historical sites. It has served as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set, and a family home.
Delve into its extraordinary history and travel through the centuries with the many exciting things to see and do here. You can take a guided tour and learn about the castle’s history, including its use as a filming location for shows such as Downton Abbey. Or check out special events and performances, have a go at archery and test your abilities with a bow, or learn to fly a broomstick in the spot where Harry Potter first took flight.
Albert Docks, Liverpool
A truly iconic northern British landmark, Liverpool’s Albert Docks dominated global trade in the 19th century. Its peaceful waters stretched the size of three football pitches! Today, the Dock plays a central role in the city’s rich and varied culture.
With world-class cuisine, shopping, art, music, museums and more, the modern-day Dock is a colourful and lively place to visit with all the family. With pop-up events throughout the year, there’s always something new and exciting to see here.
Bath Abbey, Bath
Having been a place of Christian worship for over a thousand years, there is a great deal to discover within the history of this sacred place. Tales of Kings, Queens, saints and sinners are all waiting to be told here. And apart from its compelling history, the Abbey provides an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the beating heart of this lively city.
With its awe-inspiring architecture, whatever your faith, one can’t help but feel charmed by this magnificent historical landmark. So whether you come here to join a service, light a candle or listen to music, don’t miss out on visiting this majestic slice of history.
Iconic Landmarks You Need to Visit in the UK
Yorkshire Minster, York
People come from all over the world to visit this beautiful cathedral. Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the heart of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church holding daily worship and prayer.
Every aspect of this ancient building – from the exquisite, handcrafted stone to the unrivalled collection of mediaeval stained glass is a treat for the eyes. And if you want to learn more, there’s the Undercroft Museum, part of York Minster. From the remains of a Roman barracks to 1,000-year-old artefacts still found in the cathedral today, you can discover objects and stories to help you explore nearly two millennia of York’s history.
London Tower Bridge, London
The iconic Tower Bridge instantly springs to mind when anyone thinks of London. So why not visit and discover fascinating insights from one of the UK’s defining landmarks? From events that led to the Bridge’s construction, how it was built, how it lifts the road for river traffic, the Victorian engine rooms and some of the key and quirky events from the Bridge’s history. It’s also worth coming here for the stunning panoramic views from the high-level walkways and the thrill of seeing London life through the glass floor.
Blackpool Tower, Blackpool
Blackpool Tower has stood proud over the Fylde Coast for over 125 years and was coined the ‘Wonderland of the World.’ One of Britain’s best-loved landmarks and most popular attractions, the iconic venue opened in 1894, where the first visitors stood in awe of the remarkable design, immense scale and ornate decorations.
There’s more to this tower than first meets this eye too. You can take a whirl on the dance floor at the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom or enjoy afternoon tea while listening to live music. And for the kids, there’s the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, The Circus, SEA LIFE Aquarium, or Madame Tussauds, plus lots more to see and do here for all the family.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
A visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard takes you on a journey through time. Allowing you to step onboard world-famous ships, explore heroic submarines and gain compelling insights with first-hand accounts from the Royal Navy’s finest.
On a day out here you can visit the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII’s favourite ship, which sank in battle in 1545 and was raised from the sea outside the Dockyard in 1982. You can also see HMS Victory and see Nelson’s legendary warship, dive deep onboard HMS Alliance or take a Harbour Tour and discover a working naval base from the water. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the UK’s prime destination for anyone interested in maritime history.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most famous heritage sites and attracts visitors from all across the globe. Walk through its gates, and you can discover 2,000 years’ worth of history in the making. From the Roman occupation of Britain to the Norman Conquest, civil war turbulence, a Victorian transformation and even the horrors of World War 2, when the castle was even used as an air-raid shelter, these walls sure have seen it all. As well as learning about the castle’s fascinating past, many exciting family events are run throughout the year, including summer concerts and outdoor cinema screenings.
