Best heritage sites in the United Kingdom to visit 

My idea of heaven is to visit places that are redolent with history where I can walk down paths that historical figures took. It would take a lifetime to explore all the beautiful cities and historical sites in the UK that I would like to see but I’m going to give it a try.

There are so many historic cities in the UK and medieval places of historic interest that date back millennia. These historic sites range from castles to stone monuments to battlefields, villages and cities and locations where momentous meetings and decisions were made.

Walking in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I, or Shakespeare, exploring the relationship between the French and the English, seeing where the Vikings landed or visiting WWII memorials. I just can’t get enough of Britain’s history and be able to visit a historic site that holds memories of an event that took place before Canada was even born is worth more than chocolate to me.

This is not a definitive list of historical sites in the UK but these are some of the best historical places to visit in the UK that I’ve visited when I lived here and you may be interested in.

Best heritage sites UK

It goes without saying that to list all the historical monuments in the UK would take a book and I couldn’t possibly do justice to the thousands of historical places in England alone. So here is my attempt to give you a taste of some of the best and most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom

Best historic sites in London

Tower of London a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tower of London’s lurid terrible history is a major part of my obsession with British history and I couldn’t wait to get inside.The oldest building inside the Tower of London is called the White Tower, which essentially gave the Tower of London its name. The White Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and the people of London just hated it. It became a prison in 1100. That was not its purpose though in its early days it did serve as a royal residence and had two rings of defensive walls and a moat. One of London’s great tourist destinations this is where you can see Traitor’s Gate where Anne Boleyn was brought to be executed during the Tudor period of Henry VIII.

The White Tower was the scene of one of the most infamous murder mysteries in British history. That of the Princes of the Tower and of course Shakespeare wrote about in Richard III. There is a beautifully preserved 11th-century chapel located in the tower.

Hampton Court Palace historical site 

Hampton Court Palace holds over 300 years of British History Hampton Court Palace is located on the border between London and Surrey. This Tudor Palace was built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolsey but when he fell out of favour with King Henry VIII the palace was taken from him by the King.

Henry had his architect Christopher Wren do his remodelling and brought all 6 of his wives to this Palace and made it their home. It wasn’t a happy place for the wives though as Jane Seymour died here in childbirth. Catherine Howard was arrested for treason and adultery and the legends say her ghost still walks the hallways.

Houses of Parliament

The British House of Parliament in London known as The Palace of Westminster was the first royal palace in England. The reason for the name of the Houses of Parliament is that there are two of them the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Yes, you can visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben and see this historic seat of the British government.

The first palace was built on the site in the 11th century under William II (Rufus), the son of William the Conqueror, and was completed two years later. In 1512 it was destroyed by fire and after that, it became the home of Parliament. It was Sir Charles Barry a 19th-century architect who designed the stunning gothic wonder we see today.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is just across the road from the Parliament Building and is the place where royalty gets married and buried. Westminster Abbey is where kings and queens are crowned still today and where many famous figures are buried.  Memorials to political, literary and religious figures dot the aisles, and the abbey is surrounded by beautiful gardens

St Paul’s Cathedral

The huge cathedral is one of the most recognized and visited buildings in London. From its elaborate exterior to its astonishing interior décor, you certainly do not want to miss out on visiting this beautiful and inspiring building.

Throughout its history, St. Paul’s has served as a key location for several important events in British history, such as the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981, and the funerals of Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and Margaret Thatcher.

St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed by  Sir Christopher Wren, and it is an Anglican cathedral and one of London’s most iconic buildings. It is located on top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. St Paul’s Cathedral dome is a famous lead-covered dome that is one of the world’s largest, and it was the tallest building in London until 1967.

Cutty Sark – Greenwich, London

The Cutty Sark is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, one of four UNESCO World Heritage sites in London. A collection of historic monuments also including the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House, and the National Maritime Museum. The Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship, she was one of the last tea clippers to be built, and one of the fastest. The building of Clipper ships was soon to be abandoned due to the advent of the steam engine.

Top 25 Historic sites in England

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the entire world and has been around for over 1000 years. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Today The King spends most of his private weekends at the Castle.

By 1110, Henry I had moved into the castle but it was his grandson Henry II who changed the Castle into a true Palace in the 12th century. Henry II built two sets of royal apartments within the fortified enclosure and a smaller private residence on the north side of the upper ward. He also replaced the timber walls with stone and rebuilt the Norman keep in 1177.

Kenilworth Castle 

The original castle at Kenilworth is thought to have been a motte and bailey with wooden buildings and was established in the 1120s by Geoffrey de Clinton. Kenilworth Castle is one of the great historical sites in England. Built in the 1120s and a royal castle for most of its history, it was expanded by King John, John of Gaunt and Henry V and became a royal castle in 1173.

In 1253 Henry III granted the castle to Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. In 1361 the castle passed to John of Gaunt (son of Edward III), who developed it as more of a royal palace than a castle. It was Queen Elizabeth that gave the land and Castle back to Robert Dudley who was in love with her and one of her favourites.   

Warwick Castle 

One of Britain’s finest castles Warwick castle can be traced back to 914 AD when Alfred The Great’s daughter built a fort on the site. The original castle was built in 1068 by William The Conqueror, out of wood. In order to make room for the castle in the existing city, four houses were destroyed.

During the period from the 13th century to the 17th century, Warwick Castle survived many dramas. In 1153, the wife of the 2nd Earl of Warwick was tricked into believing her husband was dead and so handed the castle over to Henry of Anjou who was to become King Henry II. Unfortunately, when the Earl heard what his wife had done he did drop dead. 

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage of outstanding universal value. Blenheim Palace is the only building in England that is considered a Palace even though there is no Queen (or King) in residence. For some strange reason, they often call this the “real Downton Abbey“.  I’m guessing they call it that because it has inspired much of Julian Fellowes’s documentaries and work.

Blenheim Castle sits within a large walled landscape park, designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown and considered a “naturalistic Versailles”. Originally the landscape of the Blenheim Palace grounds was set out by Vanbrugh who adjusted the course of the River Glyme to suit his building. It was Capability Brown who later created the two lakes and developed what became known as the naturalistic style of landscape design. 

Whitby Abbey

Looming above Whitby stands Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire, the evocative ruin of a once-great Benedictine monastery, founded in the 11th century. These ruins stand on the site of an ancient medieval abbey founded by the Anglian princess Hild in 657. Hild was the first abbess of Whitby and she led one of the most important religious centres of the Anglo-Saxon world.

For all Dracula fans, Whitby Abbey is a place of pilgrimage as this is where it is believed that the story of Dracula began. The gothic masterpiece that is Whitby Abbey is famous throughout the world and a must-see English heritage site that is well worth exploring.

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most famous and oldest Cathedrals in the country. The Cathedral is also the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England and the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion.

One spectacular feature of the architecture of Canterbury Cathedral is the gorgeous stained glass windows. They are enclosed into stone Gothic frames which go up high, towards the arches of the ceiling. The entire interior of the cathedral is a work of art, with paintings, sculptures and statues decorating the walls. 

Coventry Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of Saint Michael is the full name for the Coventry Cathedral and the current church is the 3rd to stand in the same area. Around 700 AD St Osburga founded a convent beside the Sherbourne River, which eventually became a cathedral and the name Coventry is believed to have come from the word convent. The convent was destroyed by King Canute.

Sutton Hoo – Suffolk 

Sutton Hoo is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the UK. It gained widespread recognition for the discovery of an early medieval burial ship from the 7th century, believed to belong to an Anglo-Saxon king, possibly King Rædwald of East Anglia. The site was excavated in 1939, revealing a treasure trove of artifacts, including an ornate helmet, gold jewelry, and ceremonial weapons, offering invaluable insights into Anglo-Saxon society. Sutton Hoo became even more famous through the 2021 film The Dig, starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, which dramatized the story of its excavation and the role of archaeologist Basil Brown. 

Lincoln Cathedral – Lincoln

The Lincoln Cathedral was established in 1073 and is currently the third-largest church in England. It was originally built under the authority of Bishop Remigus. A massive earthquake in 1185 led to the renovation in 1186 under Great St. Hugh, the then Bishop. Today it stands as a prominent example of Gothic architecture in England.

The Medieval and Wren Libraries, inside the cloisters of this building, hold an impressive collection of books dating back to the 15th century. A memorial chapel inside the Cathedral grounds is dedicated to the Lincolnshire martyrs of World War 2.

Salisbury Cathedral – Wiltshire

Salisbury Cathedral is located in the southern English medieval town of Salisbury in Wiltshire. This stunning cathedral makes a perfect side trip for those visiting Stonehenge, as it’s only 9 miles away from the famous attraction.

The 13th-century cathedral is best known for housing one of the remaining four original copies of the Magna Carta (The Great Charter), a groundbreaking document on human rights sealed on June 15, 1215, by King John at Runnymede. Visitors to the cathedral have the opportunity to see the document in the gorgeous Chapter House.

Durham Cathedral – Durham

Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture, has been a center of pilgrimage for centuries, housing the relics of St. Cuthbert, a medieval monk and revered saint of Northumbria. His remains were brought to Durham in the 10th century, and his shrine became one of England’s most important religious sites.

The cathedral also holds the tomb of the Venerable Bede, an influential 8th-century scholar and historian. Queen Elizabeth I once visited the cathedral, acknowledging its significance in England’s religious history. With its stunning Romanesque design, breathtaking stained-glass windows, and towering columns, Durham Cathedral is a must see if  you are in the area.

Stonehenge – Wiltshire

Stonehenge the prehistoric stone monument is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Salisbury in the southwest of England. Even today the construction of this monument baffles scientists and historians. The Henge aligns with the Winter sunset solstice sun and the spring solstice sunrise. Stonehenge dates to around 3000 BC and is a masterpiece of megalithic engineering.

Avebury – Wiltshire

Avebury is the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. These two are among the most famous groups of stone circles in the world. The two areas consist of circles of menhirs (stones) arranged in a pattern whose astronomical significance is still being explored. According to UNESCO “these holy places and the nearby Neolithic sites are an incomparable testimony to prehistoric times”.

The Shambles – York, Yorkshire

The Shambles is a term used to describe a maze of narrow twisty lanes in the centre of York. At the heart of the Shambles is the actual lane called The Shambles and it is obviously the best-preserved medieval street in the world. The Domesday Book of William the Conqueror mentions the Shambles in 1086. Many of the existing buildings date back to 1350-1475 and are chock full of stories and interesting history.

Chalk Figures – Oxfordshire

The chalk figures of the UK are some of the most mysterious and striking landmarks in the country, carved into the rolling hillsides of southern England. These massive geoglyphs, created by removing the grass to reveal the white chalk beneath, date back centuries—some even to prehistoric times. Among the most famous is the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire, a 3,000-year-old stylized figure believed to have Celtic origins.

Other notable chalk figures include the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, a large and somewhat cheeky depiction of a club-wielding man, and the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex, whose origins remain debated. Many of these figures are linked to folklore, fertility rituals, and ancient religious beliefs, while others, such as the military badges carved during World War I, reflect more recent history.

Spa Town of Bath and the Roman Baths 

One of the great Spa towns of Europe the city of Bath in the South West of England sits some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.  

The baths after which the city is named are fed by a naturally heated water source deep underground and these steaming hot springs are still providing a supply to the Baths even today. 

Hadrian’s Wall – from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway

Built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to hold back the hordes of Scots, Hadrian’s Wall is a large Roman fortification that crosses the entire width of northern England, stretching for 117 kilometres between the North and Irish Seas. Built around 122 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the Wall marked the northern edge of Roman Britain and the northern boundary of the Empire. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List 1987 along with the nearby Antonine Wall, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the best-known Roman ruins still remaining in England.

Lindisfarne Priory – Northumberland

Lindisfarne was the site of the first recorded Viking raids on British soil and the beginning of the Viking invasion of Britain and should be your first stop on a Viking discovery journey.

In 635AD Saint, Aidan came from Iona and chose to found his monastery on the island of Lindisfarne. The first recorded Viking attack in history took place on Lindisfarne in 793AD.

Ancient Technology Centre – Dorset

The Ancient Technology Centre gives visitors a chance to stay overnight in a Viking longhouse where you can spend the day in authentic Viking garb making fences, tending to the animals, and doing the ancient chores of a Viking. The Centre’s 26-metre, bow-sided Viking longhouse, is constructed with traditional materials and techniques to provide a truly immersive experience.

Jurassic Coast – Dorset and East Devon

The Dorset and East Devon Coast, also known as the Jurassic Coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching for 95 miles along England’s southern coastline. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and rich fossil deposits, this area showcases 185 million years of geological history. Iconic landmarks include Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and the towering cliffs of West Bay. 

Grimspound – Devon

Grimspound, located in the rugged landscape of Dartmoor, Devon, is one of the most well-preserved and best-known prehistoric settlements in England. Dating back to the late Bronze Age (around 1300–700 BC), this ancient site consists of a large stone enclosure surrounded by a granite wall, within which lie the remains of 24 roundhouses. Believed to have been home to a small farming community, Grimspound offers a fascinating glimpse into early human life on Dartmoor. 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust – Stratford upon Avon

The Birthplace Trust takes you through 5 historic Shakespeare locations that are all in Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Mary Arden’s Tudor Farm, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s New Place and Hall’s Croft.

Winchester – Hampshire

Winchester was the seat of King Alfred the Great and the city is one of England’s most historical sites. Winchester Cathedral has a history stretching back over 900 years. 

Winchester Cathedral houses many treasures – highlights include the 12th-century marble font and an exquisitely illustrated 12th-century bible. There is also a 17th-century library containing some 2,000 rare books. Elsewhere, there are stunning medieval wall paintings, 14th-century carved wooden choir stalls and the ornately sculpted stone screen behind the high altar.

It is fitting that the author Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral – she spent much of her life living in Hampshire and fans of her novels can visit her home – now a museum – which is not far from Winchester.

Tintagel Castle

Even the name Tintagel rings with legend and mystery as this is where the great tales of King Arthur and Merlin were born. The site of Tintagel Castle has been inhabited at least since the late Roman period. In the 12th century, Tintagel gained fame when Geoffrey of Monmouth writing his History of the Kings of Britain in the 12th century named it as the place King Arthur was born.

Perched on the north Cornwall coast, Tintagel Castle is one of the most spectacular historic sites in Britain. Its history stretches back over 1500 years and historians believe it was the royal centre of the Kingdom of Dumnonia residence of the Kings of Cornwall.

The Oldest Church in England, Canterbury, Kent

The Church of St Martin in Canterbury, Kent, is the oldest church in England still in continuous use and holds immense historical and religious significance. Dating back to the late 6th century, it was the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent, a Christian Frankish princess, before St Augustine arrived in 597 AD to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. As part of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, it sits alongside Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey.

Derwent Valley Mills – Derbyshire

The Derwent Valley Mills, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution as the birthplace of the modern factory system. The valley is home to historic mill towns such as Cromford, Matlock Bath, and Belper, where visitors can explore well-preserved 18th-century mills, including Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mill. Beyond its industrial heritage, the valley offers stunning countryside, with the River Derwent winding through lush landscapes, perfect for walking and cycling. 

Leeds Castle 

The Royal Manor at Leeds was originally built in 857 AD and owned by a Saxon royal family. After the Norman Conquest, work began on building the first stone castle on the site. In 1278 the Castle became a royal palace for Edward I and his Queen, Eleanor of Castile.

Leeds Castle as we see it today is built on a small Island in the River Len and over the centuries it was usually given by the King to his Queen. It was here that King Henry VIII transformed it into a royal palace by the King so that Catherine of Aragon would be comfortable visiting the Castle.

Historic sites in Scotland

Skara Brae – Orkney Islands

Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe. inscribed on the World Heritage UNESCO data base along with the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe a chambered tomb. Dating back over 5,000 years, it predates both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

Discovered in 1850 after a storm exposed its remains, Skara Brae consists of a series of interconnected stone houses, complete with furniture such as beds, dressers, and hearths. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life, revealing how early settlers lived, cooked, and thrived in this remote coastal environment. 

Underhoull – Unst Shetland Islands

Unst is large and is one of the furthest east and the most northerly of the Shetland Islands and it is believed that this is where the Vikings first landed.

Unst is one of the richest Viking heritage sites in Europe, with over 60 longhouses you can visit that were uncovered by archaeologists at Underhoull, Belmont and Hamar. At Underhoull there are the remains of Viking longhouses which were excavated in 1960 and again in 1980. 

Stirling Castle

It was here in 1543, at the age of just nine months, that Mary Queen of Scots was crowned queen in Stirling Castle’s Chapel Royal after the death of her father, James V. She lived at the castle for most of the first five years of her life until she was moved to Dumbarton Castle and eventually to France.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is not only the oldest continuously inhabited house dating back to the 1300’s it is also the largest Castle in the Northern Scottish Highlands with 189 rooms.

The Castle, which resembles a French château with towering conical spires and fairytale turrets was originally a fortified stone keep sitting atop the cliff. From the 16th century, there were a series of additions and a large extension. The Castle overlooks the Moray Firth just north of Dornoch and Golspie.

Culloden

While the Battlefield of Culloden may have gained some popularity in recent years due to the TV series, Outlander, it has been long loved by history buffs worldwide.  If you’re not familiar, The Battle of Culloden is where Bonny Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Rebellion came to an end. The Scottish were defeated here by the English on April 16, 1746.

The Battlefield of Culloden itself is a sobering walk through the fields where over 1,600 men were killed. 1,500 of them were Jacobites. They have the field marked out with different coloured flags so you can see where the British and the Jacobites took their various positions. There are also markers for clans who lost their family members here.

Urquhart Castle

On the banks of the famous Loch Ness, you will find the stunning ruins of Urquhart Castle. This 1000-year-old castle saw much military action from the 1200s until its demise in 1692. Edward I of England – ‘Hammer of the Scots’ – captured the castle in 1296. The stronghold was then reclaimed by the Scots and lost to the English once more.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan Viaduct is best known these days the legion of Harry Potter fans who flock to the site daily to witness the ‘Hogwarts Express’ train crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct bridge. 

The train itself, which is a Jacobite steam train, leaves from nearby Fort William and travels to Mallaig on a 2-hour journey through Scotland’s mighty highlands. This train journey is an attraction in itself with a return journey taking roughly 6 hours. However, most people are happy just to see the train puff on by from below.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 12th century and has a long, crazy history. The castle holds the Crown Jewels of Scotland among other historic artefacts and the National War Museum of Scotland. 

Edinburgh Castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries. Queen Margaret (who was later made a saint) died here in 1093. The only King born at the Castle was James the son of Mary Queen of Scots who eventually became King of England.

The last royal person to stay at Edinburgh Castle was Charles I. He was crowned King of Scotland at 13 months old and he became the first King of Scotland and England in 1603. You can visit the room where he was born in the Castle.

Historic places in Wales

Caernarfon Castle

A  UNESCO World Heritage Site is Caernarfon Castle which has certainly made an impact on British history. The two investitures of the Prince of Wales of the 20th century occurred here including that of Prince Charles. An investiture ceremony is when someone has been rewarded an honour and receives it from the Queen or a Member of the Royal Family. In 1969 a ceremony was held to acknowledge the new Prince of Wales, Prince Charles in the manner of a coronation.

Caerphilly Castle

Neighbouring Cardiff is the town of Caerphilly, home to a great mountain and medieval castle and a gateway to the South Wales Valleys. Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in the United Kingdom, after the royal residence of Windsor Castle!

The site covers 30 acres containing towers (including the leaning tower of Wales), bridges and walls. The main fortress is surrounded by water, built purposefully for defences in the 13th century. Visits to the castle today can be explored independently or guided. Watch out for the Green Lady, a scorned woman who haunts the grounds of Caerphilly Castle.

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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal

It took 10 years from 1801 to design and build the aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in northeast Wales and it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 18-arched bridge is built of stone and cast iron over 1000 feet in length with soaring arches over 100 feet above the river. This is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. There is a very narrow walkway for pedestrians to cross but the best way to see it is by renting a canal boat to cruise the waterways.

Great Britain’s rich history is woven into the fabric of its landscapes, cities, and grand landmarks. From the opulence of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarchy, to the sobering exhibits at the Imperial War Museum and Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms, which offer a deep dive into Britain’s wartime past, the country holds centuries of fascinating stories. 

The legacy of the Tudors lives on in places like Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII once roamed, while remnants of Roman Britain can still be seen in the remarkably preserved villas and bathhouses scattered across the countryside.

Beyond these iconic sites, history lovers can find intriguing bits of trivia across Britain. The Tower of London, for instance, has served as a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo. Bath’s Roman origins are still evident in its famous thermal spas, while Hadrian’s Wall stands as a lasting reminder of Rome’s northernmost frontier.

Whether exploring medieval castles, Tudor halls, or wartime bunkers, Britain’s historic sites tell the tales of conquest, royalty, and resilience, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through time. So why not grab your walking shoes and start planning your next adventure? With so many incredible destinations on offer, you won’t be disappointed!

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