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Are you visiting the UK soon and wondering what the most famous landmarks in England are?
We are here to help!
England is such a beautiful country. It’s an awesome destination for history buffs. Between the Roman and medieval heritage, you will be in for a treat!
⏱️ IN A RUSH? Here are the Top 3 Landmarks in England
1️⃣ Stonehenge
2️⃣ Big Ben
3️⃣ Hadrian’s Wall
But that’s not all! England is also home to fantastic natural landmarks including lakes, peaks and unusual structures.
So, are you ready to discover the most beautiful landmarks in England? Let’s get started!
1. Stonehenge
📍Wiltshire – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric landmarks in the world.
Located in Wiltshire, near the town of Salisbury, Stonehenge is a stone circle that was built between 3000 and 1520 BCE.
A bit like Easter Island, Stonehenge is still quite a mystery for archaeologists and historians. Nobody quite knows what it was for but it is believed to be a religious site.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and is one of the most visited places in England.
The most popular day of the year is in June. Thousands of people gather for the solstice. Watching the sun rising behind the stones is one of the best experiences you can have in England.
HOW TO VISIT: If you have a car, you can drive straight to Stonehenge. As it is in a remote location, it’s not that easy to get there with public transport.
You will need to buy a ticket. Although it is possible to buy on-site, it’s very unlikely you will manage to do so. Tickets sell out well in advance.
Make sure to book your admission ticket in advance.
If you are staying in London, you can also opt for a day tour that includes both Stonehenge and Bath.
READ MORE: 29 Famous Landmarks in Europe You Must See At Least Once in your Life
2. Big Ben, London
📍London Westminster – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. Located in London, in the city of Westminster, Big Ben is the clock tower at the end of the Palace of Westminster.
Although most people think that Big Ben refers to the tower, it is actually a nickname for the bell.
The official name is Elizabeth Tower. It was renamed as such in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
You can’t visit Big Ben however, there are quite a few places where you can enjoy the views.
If you are taking the tube, get off at Westminster Station. You will arrive right in front of the tower. You can also enjoy nice views from Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge or South Bank.
To learn more about Big Ben and the other famous landmarks in London, you can opt for a walking tour. See prices here.
READ MORE: London 2-day itinerary: Exactly How To Spend 2 Days in London
3. Hadrian’s Wall
📍North England – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most important historic landmarks in England and Scotland.
It was built in AD 122 by the Romans. Yes, the Roman Empire was going as far as Northern England. This is why you will find a lot of Roman cities in the northern part of England such as York or Manchester.
It’s 73 miles long so there is a lot to see! It stretches from coast to coast.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an excellent place to visit if you love history and the outdoors. You’ll discover a lot about the Roman Empire and there are many hiking opportunities.
HOW TO VISIT: If you wish to go hiking, you can easily drive to any of the trails and start from there.
To visit the Roman vestiges, you will need to book a ticket in advance.
If you are staying in Edinburgh, Newcastle or the Lake District, you can also opt for a day tour.
4. Tower Bridge, London
📍London – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free to walk on – Tickets to visit the towers here
Tower Bridge is by far the most iconic bridge in London. Tourists often mistake it for London Bridge but this one is the famous one. The one you find on all the postcards!
This stunning suspension bridge was built at the end of the 19th century. It was at the time, the most sophisticated bascule bridge on the planet!
It became such a strong symbol that it’s often used for celebrations. For example, that’s where the Olympic rings were suspended during the 2012 London Olympics.
As you cross the bridge, you will arrive at the Tower of London, another famous landmark.
HOW TO VISIT: You do not need to pay to go to Tower Bridge. You can walk on it as there is a pedestrian part as well as drive on it. Quite a few buses drive down that road so it’s worth taking one of them (bus 42 and 78 for example).
For epic photo shots, get there early in the morning or head to the banks. You can walk along the river between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (on both sides) and take beautiful photos from there.
If you want to visit the towers themselves, you can book a ticket here.
5. Buckingham Palace, London
📍London – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free to walk by – Tickets to visit inside here
If there is one thing England is particularly famous for, it would be its royal family.
Although the Queen owes several properties in the UK, Buckingham Palace is from far the most famous. It’s her official London Residence.
The Palace is ideally located in central London, in the city of Westminster. You can easily get there on foot from Trafalgar Square.
Fun fact about Buckingham Palace: there is a flag at the top of the roof. If it’s the Union Jack, that means that the Queen is not in the palace. If it’s the royal flag, that means she is inside.
HOW TO VISIT: There are several kind of visits you can do at Buckingham Palace.
Firstly, you may want to assist to the changing of the guard. It happens every day at 11 AM however, you will need to get there well in advance as it is the most popular event in London!
If you are getting late, head to St Jame’s Palace instead of Buckingham Palace because that’s where the guard finishes and most people don’t know about this so it’s never as busy (handy local tip here!).
You can also visit the inside of the palace. You can find more information on the official website.
You can also opt for a Royal guided tour of London which includes several royal landmarks and a visit of the palace.
6. White Cliffs of Dover
📍Kent – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
The White Cliffs of Dover are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in England.
They are located in South East England, near the ferry and Eurostar terminals.
They are entirely made of chalk and such a stunning and impressive thing to see.
They became particularly famous during World War II because they use to be Britain’s frontline.
If you take the ferry from France, that’s the first thing you will see of England! Such a symbol!
The site is now managed by the National Trust. You will find several walks in the area, perfect for outdoor lovers!
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily drive to the National Trust car park and start your visit from there.
It’s a bit more difficult with public transport as it’s a good 30 minutes walk from Dover train station.
If you are staying in London, you can also opt for a day tour which includes the white cliffs, Leeds Castle and the Canterbury Cathedral. Click here to see the latest prices.
7. Westminster Abbey, London
📍London – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free to walk by – Tickets to visit inside here
Westminster Abbey is the most famous church in England.
Located in London, it’s the site of coronations and where Royal weddings usually take place (although Princess Diana and Prince Charles got married at St Paul’s Cathedral).
All the coronations have been taking place here since 1066!
It’s also where the most famous British minds are buried.
This includes Prime Ministers, scientists, authors and plenty more!
Amongst the most famous people, you will find Charles Darwin, Mary Queen of Scots and Charles Dickens.
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily get to Westminster Abbey on foot from Buckingham Palace or with the tube (station Westminster).
You can walk around the abbey and admire the architecture from the outside, for free.
If you want to walk in, you will need to get an entrance ticket.
To learn more, you can opt for a guided tour.
8. Durdle Door, Dorset
📍Dorset – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Durdle Door is one of the most unique natural landmarks in the south of England.
Located on the beautiful Jurassic Coast of Dorset, this limestone arch has been around for thousands of years!
It will make you feel like you suddenly travelled to the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
It’s also one of the most instagrammable places in the country!
This landmark belongs to the Lulworth Estate (which is private) but is open to the public.
HOW TO VISIT: You will find a car park at Durdle Door where you can leave your car and start the walk to the beach and the arch.
There is no entry fee however you will need to pay for the car park.
It takes about 45 minutes from Bournemouth by car but you can also opt for a day tour if you don’t have a vehicle.
9. Bridge of Sighs, Oxford
📍Oxford – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
When seeing the name “Bridge of Sighs”, your mind might go straight to Venice, Italy. Yet, we are still in England here!
The beautiful town of Oxford is home to replica of the famous venetian bridge. It’s one of the most well-known landmarks in Oxford.
It’s quite a unique thing to see as it joins two parts of Hertford College.
It was originally built so students could walk from one part of the building to another without having to go out. This was quite important back in the days.
HOW TO VISIT: It’s very easy to see the Bridge of Sighs. You only need to walk to New College Lane and here it is!
As you are in the area, make sure to also visit New College. It’s one of the most famous colleges in Oxford and it’s one of the Harry Potter filming locations!
10. Mam Tor, Peak District
📍Peak District – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
If you love the outdoors, you are in for a treat with this one! Mam Tor is the most famous peak in the Peak District National Park.
Located in North West England, Peak District was the first National Park in the UK and home to fantastic walks.
Mam Tor is only 517 m high but boasts some of the most incredible views in the country.
HOW TO VISIT: To get to the top of Mam Tor, one thing is sure it’s that you will have to walk.
If you do like hiking, you should opt for one of the fantastic hikes from Edale or Castleton.
For an easy walk, drive to the Mam Tor car park (managed by the National Trust). It’s only 20 minutes to the top.
The best way to get to Mam Tor is by car however, you can also take a train to Edale from Manchester or opt for a day tour. See prices here.
11. London Eye
📍London – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free to walk by – Tickets here
Here is another famous landmark in London.
Located on the South Bank, the London Eye is a revolving observation wheel that overlooks the Thames.
It’s one of the most visited attractions in the English capital.
The wheel is 135 m high. It was built in 1999 and was, at the time, the highest big wheel in the world!
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily get to the wheel from Waterloo train and tube station. As you walk along the Queen’s walk, you will see it very quickly.
To step into one of the capsules, you will need to buy a ticket. It’s highly recommended to buy it in advance! This is the busiest attraction in London so you won’t be able to get a ticket at the last minute.
If you want to see the wheel but don’t wish to go for a ride, make sure to head to the other side of the river. The views are incredible!
12. Tower of London
📍London – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
The Tower of London is a royal fortress located on the North bank of the River Thames.
The construction started in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. This happened just after the coronation of William the Conqueror.
It is one of the most important historical landmarks in England especially since it’s home to the Royal Mint and the jewels of the Crown.
It was used as a royal residence until the 17th century.
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily get to the Tower of London with the tube (station Tower Hill).
To visit the tower, you will need to buy a ticket in advance.
13. Manchester Town Hall, Manchester
📍Manchester – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Located in North West England, Manchester is one of the best cities to visit in the UK.
It was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and there are many landmarks to discover. Amongst the most famous ones, you will find Manchester Town Hall.
It is where you will find the Manchester City Council but it’s also an incredibly beautiful building.
It features a very unique Victorian, neo-gothic style.
HOW TO VISIT: Unfortunately, Manchester Town Hall is close to the public however, you can admire it from the outside. If you stand on Albert Square, you can truly appreciate the views.
Also, that’s where you can find one of the best Christmas Markets in Manchester. If you are visiting in winter, that’s a must-do!
14. Brighton Palace Pier
📍South England (Brighton) – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Brighton Palace Pier is one of the biggest attractions in the south of England.
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Brighton, it’s home to loads of bars, restaurants and fairground rides.
The construction started in 1881. Back then, it was called Brighton Marine Pier.
The pier was damaged in 1896 and rebuilt. It was officially inaugurated on the 20th of May 1899 as the Palace Pier.
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily reach the Palace Pier on foot from the train station. It only takes 15 minutes.
It’s free to enter the Pier and have a walk around however, you will need to pay if you want to eat in one of the restaurants or play in the arcades.
If you are visiting Brighton soon and want to learn more about its history and landmarks, you can also opt for a bike tour. It’s so much fun! See prices here.
15. York Minster
📍York – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets can be purchased on site
York Minster is one of the most famous cathedrals in England and one of the largest in Europe.
It’s located in York, one of the cutest cities in the north of England.
The construction was completed in 1472. It’s the seat of the Archbishop of York.
It features an impressive gothic architecture.
The Minster suffered a fire in 1984 which damaged part of the structure and shattered some of the glass. The renovation project was then started in 2007 and completed in 2018 which means that you can visit it and see it in all its beauty now!
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily reach the Minster from York Train Station. It’s only 15 minutes walk.
Once you get there, make sure to walk around so you can admire all the facades!
There is an admission fee of £11.50 to enter the Minster. You can buy it on site or from the visitor centre (only a couple of minutes walk from the cathedral).
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour of York which includes the entrance to the Minster. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of York (which goes back to Roman times!). Click here to see the prices.
16. Windsor Castle
📍Berkshire – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
Windsor Castle is one of the most famous castles in England. It’s particularly known for being home to the Queen.
Located in Berkshire, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
It was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and has been used as a royal residence by the reigning monarch since Henry I.
It’s ideally situated on the outskirts of London. This location was originally chosen for protection and easy access to the River Thames.
HOW TO VISIT: Windsor Castle is open to the public. You can easily go there on a day trip from London.
To do so, there are 3 options. You can take a train from Waterloo station to Windsor & Eton Riverside station. See prices here.
From there, it’s only a few minutes walk to the castle. You will need to book your ticket in advance.
You can also opt for a half-day tour from London which includes transportation, guided tour and entrance ticket.
Finally, if you want to hit two birds with one stone, you can also opt for a day tour from London which includes both Windsor Castle and Stonehenge.
17. Roman Baths, Bath
📍Bath – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
A lot of cities and towns in England were founded by the Romans. Bath, in Somerset, is an excellent example of this.
The most famous landmark in Bath is the Roman Baths. They were built between 60 and 70 CE. It’s over 2,000 years of history that you can discover there!
The town of bath was called Aquae Sulis by the Romans because it’s home to three hot springs, making it the ideal place for thermal baths.
The temple where the baths are located was constructed in honour of the Roman goddess Minerva. It used to be a place of worship.
The history of the Roman baths (and Bath in general) is absolutely captivating. That’s one of the reason why it was listed by UNESCO in 1987.
HOW TO VISIT: It’s very easy to reach Bath by car or train. Most people visit it on a day trip from Bristol but you can also easily do so from London.
Over 1 million visitors go to the Roman Baths each year so it’s highly recommended to book your ticket in advance. You can do so on the official website.
To learn more about the history of Bath, you can also opt for a guided tour of the town and the Roman Baths. See prices here.
Finally, if you are staying in London, you can choose to book a day tour that includes both Stonehenge and Bath. See prices here.
18. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol
📍Bristol – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Bristol, Somerset.
It connects the neighbourhood of Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods.
It was initially designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and officially opened in 1864.
It is a toll bridge (since its opening) but also a great place to visit as a traveller. It boasts fantastic views over the River Avon and the valley.
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily reach the Clifton Suspension Bridge on foot from Clifton. It’s also possible to do so from Bristol city centre however, you need to be ready to walk uphill!
There are buses going up there and it will be more convenient. You can take the number 8 from Temple Meads for example.
The bridge is open every day of the year. Try to visit when it’s sunny as you will be able to get the best of the views.
The entrance is free for pedestrians and cyclists. If you are driving, it will cost you £1.
19. The Needles, Isle of Wight
📍Isle of Wight – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
The Needles are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in England.
Located in the south, on the Isle of Wight, the Needles are a row of stacks of chalk. They are about 30 m out of the sea.
Next to it, you’ll find the Needles Lighthouse that was built in 1859.
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily get to the Isle of Wight by train or by car.
The ferry leaves from Portsmouth but there are combined train tickets as well.
The best way to admire the Needles is to book a ticket for the Chairlift. Not only are the views fantastic but it’s also good fun!
You can also opt for The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down. It’s a National Trust walk and the views are gorgeous.
Please note that there is a fee for the car park.
20. Albert Dock, Liverpool
📍Liverpool – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Liverpool was one of the world’s major trading centres in the 18th century.
The harbour was one of the biggest in the world and has played a major role in the development of the country. That’s where the cotton (from the triangle trade) would arrive before being sent to Manchester to be manufactured.
The Royal Albert Dock is a complex of dock buildings and warehouses located in the Mercantile Maritime City of Liverpool, itself listed by the UNESCO.
When it was built, Albert Dock revolutionised the maritime industry as it was using a system of artificial tides. Between this and the secure warehouses around, the port was able to increase the speed at which the ships would unload the products.
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily walk down to Albert Dock from Liverpool City centre and Lime Street Station.
There is no entrance fee, you can walk around as much as you want!
Albert Dock is home to fantastic museums (including the Tate), other landmarks including a statue of the Beatles and loads of restaurants.
If you want to learn more about the history of Liverpool, you may also want to consider going on a walking tour. See prices here.
21. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
📍West Midlands – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
Located in Warwickshire, Warwick Castle is an excellent place to discover if you love history.
It’s one of the most famous castles in the UK!
It was build by William the Conqueror in 1068 and is now part of the Tussauds Group.
It’s an amazing example of medieval architecture and it’s set in one of the most beautiful places in England, on the edge of the River Avon.
HOW TO VISIT: Warwick Castle is about 1 mile from the station which is very well located to Birmingham and London.
It’s also easily accessible by car.
You will need to buy an entrance ticket. See prices here.
This will give you access to the castle itself as well as some live entertainment. Perfect to discover what life was like during medieval times.
You can also visit as part of a day trip from London to Oxford and the Cotswolds. See prices here.
22. Lake Windermere, Cumbria
📍Lake District – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Lake Windermere is the most famous lake in the Lake District National Park.
Located in Northern England, a couple of hours from Manchester, Windermere is home to a lot of landmarks including the House of Beatrix Potter and many hiking trails.
It’s also worth noting that Lake Windermere is England’s largest lake (11 miles in length).
HOW TO VISIT: Lake District is easily accessible by car. If you can drive, it’s well worth it as it will allow you to discover all the quaint villages in the area.
You can also opt for a guided tour from any of the major UK cities.
23. Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset
📍Dorset – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Located in the small Dorset town of Cerne Abbas, the Cerne Abbas Giant is one of the most unique landmarks in England.
It’s a 44m high hill figure that represents a nude male. Although the origins of this landmark are still quite mysterious, it is believed to be a sign of fertility potentially representing Hercules.
HOW TO VISIT: The best way to get to Cerne Abbas is by car. It’s only 50 minutes from Bournemouth.
From there, it’s an easy 1/4 mile walk to the viewing platform. You will find many other walks in the area so it’s worth staying for the day if you are into hiking.
READ MORE: 20 Beautiful Hidden Gems in the UK waiting to be discovered
24. Durham Cathedral, Durham
📍Durham (North England) – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
Located in the northern city of Durham, the Durham Cathedral is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture.
The construction started in 1093. It’s the seat of the Bishop of Durham and was added to the UNESCO list in 1986.
HOW TO VISIT: Durham is only 30 minutes drive from Newcastle and 20 minutes by train.
From the station, it’s an easy 15 minutes walk to the Cathedral.
It’s open every day from 11am to 2pm and the entrance is free!
That said, if you want to support the cathedral, you can also leave something in the donation box.
To learn more about Durham and why the cathedral became one of the most famous landmarks in Northern England, you can also opt for a guided tour. See prices here.
25. Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
📍Portsmouth (South England) – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Tickets here
The Spinnaker Tower is a 170m high observation tower located in the seaside city of Portsmouth.
It is a fairly recent landmark compared to the others mentioned above. The construction started in 2001 and it was inaugurated in 2005.
It was part of the plan of redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour. Uniquely enough, the design was actually chosen by the residents of Portsmouth themselves. They were given a few designs to choose from.
HOW TO VISIT: The tower is ideally located only a few minutes walk from Portsmouth train station which means you can easily visit it, even on a day trip from London.
You can buy a ticket to go up to the top. The views are fantastic from up there. It’s a cool thing to do in Portsmouth.
26. Scarborough Beach Chalets
📍North Yorkshire – See on Google Maps – 🎟️ Free
England is well known for its cute beach boxes. Many seaside towns have them including Brighton but the Scarborough Beach Chalets are by far the most famous!
They are located at the very end of the North Bay Beach and can be visited every day of the year.
They face the sea and are so pretty! You’ll find pretty much all colours!
HOW TO VISIT: You can easily drive to Scarborough and park your car along the promenade. A small fee apply.
From there, you can walk on the beach or along the promenade to reach the beach chalets.
If you want to spend some time there, you may also want to consider renting one for a day!
Map of the best English Landmarks
You can find on the map below all the landmarks mentioned in this article.
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