UK Historical Sites: 67 Castles, Ruins and Landmarks to Visit
Britain is stuffed to the rafters with history. You can't drive twenty minutes without passing a castle, a ruined abbey or a lump of Roman wall, and the best of them make a cracking day out for everyone from toddlers with wooden swords to Grandad with his guidebook.
This guide covers Jamie's top 50 historic sites across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with extra battlefields, steam railways and monuments thrown in so every section is properly worth a read. Stone circles older than the pyramids, palaces where kings partied, clifftop ruins with legends attached: it's all here, grouped so you can jump straight to the kind of history you fancy.
If you love wandering cobbled streets and old town walls, our medieval towns guide is the perfect partner to this one. Now grab your coat. The past is waiting.
Castles
Big walls, tall towers and spiral staircases that make your knees ache. These are the castles worth crossing the country for.
Tower of London Nearly a thousand years of royal history on the Thames, with the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the famous ravens. Join a free tour with a Yeoman Warder, because their stories are gruesome and very funny. Arrive at opening time and head for the Jewel House first, before the queues build. See Tower of London →
Edinburgh Castle Perched on an old volcano above the city, Edinburgh Castle holds the Honours of Scotland, the tiny St Margaret's Chapel and the great Mons Meg cannon. Be there for the One O'Clock Gun, fired most days. Walk down the Royal Mile afterwards to finish at Holyroodhouse. See Edinburgh Castle →
Conwy Castle Edward I's mighty fortress still dominates Conwy, with eight huge towers and almost the whole medieval town wall circuit intact. Walk the walls for brilliant views over the estuary and harbour, then hunt down the tiny house on the quay. Llandudno's pier and promenade are just along the coast.
Windsor Castle Often described as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor is still a working royal home. See the State Apartments, St George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls' House, a tiny marvel. Check the Changing of the Guard schedule, then wander down to the Thames. See Windsor Castle →
Warwick Castle Warwick goes big on the fun side of history, with a giant trebuchet, birds of prey shows, ramparts to climb and a spooky dungeon experience. It's a real family crowd-pleaser. Book ahead for the best prices, and leave time for the riverside gardens and the town itself. See Warwick Castle →
Caernarfon Castle With its banded stone walls and many-sided towers, Caernarfon was built by Edward I to look like a palace of power. It's where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969. Climb the Eagle Tower for views of the Menai Strait, then explore the walled town. Explore Caernarfon →
Dover Castle Guarding the white cliffs for centuries, Dover Castle has a medieval Great Tower dressed as it would have been for Henry II, plus the Secret Wartime Tunnels where the Dunkirk evacuation was planned. That's two cracking days out in one. On a clear day you can see France. See Dover Castle →
Tintagel Castle Wild, windswept and wrapped in King Arthur legends, Tintagel sits on a dramatic headland on the north Cornish coast. The footbridge across the gap to the island is a thrill in itself. Look out for the bronze Gallos sculpture, and brace yourself for plenty of steps. See Tintagel Castle →
Stirling Castle Many say Stirling outshines Edinburgh. The Royal Palace has been restored to its Renaissance glory, the Great Hall glows gold, and costumed characters bring the court to life. From the walls you can see the Wallace Monument and the Bannockburn battlefield. See Stirling Castle →
Cardiff Castle Right in the city centre, Cardiff Castle mixes a Norman keep, Roman walls and a fairy-tale Victorian mansion with jaw-dropping painted rooms. The wartime shelters inside the walls are a surprise. Afterwards, it's a short stroll to the shops, Bute Park or the Principality Stadium. Explore Cardiff →
Alnwick Castle Home of the Percy family for centuries, Alnwick is famous as the place where Harry Potter learned to fly in the first film. Kids can try broomstick training in the outer bailey. The Alnwick Garden next door, with its grand cascade and Poison Garden, is well worth adding on.
Beaumaris Castle On Anglesey, Beaumaris is often called the most perfect castle never finished. Edward I's builders ran out of money, but its walls-within-walls design and water-filled moat are still a picture. It's an easy, flat wander, so ideal with younger kids. The seafront and pier are right beside it.
Carrickfergus Castle Built by the Norman knight John de Courcy in the late 1100s, this is one of Northern Ireland's best-preserved medieval castles, standing right on the shore of Belfast Lough. Cannons line the walls, and the keep is full of stories. It's an easy trip out from Belfast. Explore Carrickfergus →
Bamburgh Castle Rising from a rocky crag above miles of golden Northumberland sand, Bamburgh might be the most photogenic castle in England. Inside, the Armstrong family's restored rooms are crammed with treasures. Make a day of it with a beach walk and a boat trip from Seahouses to the Farne Islands.
Harlech Castle Another of Edward I's Welsh fortresses, Harlech sits high on a rock looking out over the sea and Snowdonia's mountains. The siege that inspired the song Men of Harlech happened here. Cross the floating footbridge to the gatehouse, then head down to the huge dune-backed beach.
Dunluce Castle Clinging to the cliffs of the Causeway Coast in County Antrim, Dunluce is one of Ireland's most dramatic ruins. Legend has it part of the kitchen fell into the sea during a storm. Combine it with the Giant's Causeway and a stop in Portrush for chips by the sea.
Raglan Castle Raglan in Monmouthshire was built more for show than war, with grand state rooms and a hexagonal Great Tower surrounded by its own moat. It was badly damaged during a Civil War siege, but the ruins are still magnificent. Pair it with Tintern Abbey for a lovely Wye Valley day.
Lochleven Castle Reached only by boat from Kinross pier, this island castle is where Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive and made a daring escape in 1568. The short crossing over Loch Leven is half the fun. Boats run seasonally, so check before you set off. Explore Kinross →
Bodiam Castle A proper storybook castle in East Sussex, Bodiam has round towers, battlements and a wide moat full of fish. Inside, the walls are a ruined shell, but you can climb to the top for countryside views. Bring a picnic for the lawns and spot the original wooden portcullis.
The Needles Old Battery A Victorian fort perched high on the western tip of the Isle of Wight, with gun emplacements, a tunnel down to a searchlight and stunning views of the Needles rocks. Walk up from Alum Bay or catch the open-top bus. It can be very windy, so wrap up. Explore the Isle of Wight →
Historic houses
Grand halls, fancy gardens and plenty of gold leaf. How the other half lived, from Tudor kings to Regency party animals.
Blenheim Palace Winston Churchill's birthplace is a baroque blockbuster near Woodstock, set in parkland shaped by Capability Brown. Explore the staterooms and the room where Churchill was born, then hop on the little train to the pleasure gardens with its maze. A World Heritage Site and a full day out. See Blenheim Palace →
Chatsworth House Home of the Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth sits in the heart of the Peak District with a famous painted hall, a sculpture gallery and the Emperor Fountain shooting high in the garden. The farmyard and adventure playground keep kids busy. Bakewell, home of the pudding, is a few miles away. See Chatsworth House →
Hampton Court Palace Henry VIII's favourite palace has Tudor kitchens big enough to feed six hundred courtiers, a haunted gallery and the oldest surviving hedge maze in Britain. Costumed characters roam the courtyards. Getting lost in the maze is compulsory. The Thames riverside walk is lovely afterwards. See Hampton Court Palace →
Palace of Holyroodhouse The King's official home in Scotland sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Tour the state apartments, then climb the narrow stair to Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, where her secretary Rizzio was murdered. The ruined abbey next door is atmospheric, and Arthur's Seat rises behind. See Palace of Holyroodhouse →
St Michael's Mount A castle on a tidal island off Marazion in Cornwall, reached on foot across a cobbled causeway at low tide or by little boat when the sea comes in. The St Aubyn family still live here. Check the tide times, and save energy for the steep climb to the top.
Shakespeare's Birthplace The half-timbered house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born and grew up. Costumed actors perform scenes in the garden, and you can see the room where young Will slept. Stratford's riverside, the theatre and Anne Hathaway's Cottage make it a full day. See Shakespeare's Birthplace →
The Royal Pavilion George IV's outrageous seaside party palace, with onion domes outside and Chinese-style dragons, chandeliers and banqueting halls inside. It's bonkers and brilliant. The Music Room is a real gasp moment. Brighton's pier, Lanes and seafront are all just a few minutes' walk away. See The Royal Pavilion →
Mount Stewart On the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, Mount Stewart is famous for its gardens, packed with exotic plants that thrive in the mild climate, and stone animals on the Dodo Terrace. The house is full of family stories. A peaceful, beautiful day out from Belfast. See Mount Stewart →
Roman sites
Hadrian's Wall Built across northern England on the orders of Emperor Hadrian, the wall is best seen at Housesteads Roman Fort, perched dramatically on a ridge. Explore barracks, the commander's house and some famously well-preserved Roman toilets. Walk a stretch of the wall westwards for classic views, and wear sturdy boots. See Hadrian's Wall →
Roman Baths The best-preserved Roman bath complex in Britain, built around a natural hot spring. See the Great Bath, the temple courtyard and the gilded head of the goddess Sulis Minerva. After your visit, take tea in the elegant Pump Room above, or try the famously odd-tasting spa water. See Roman Baths →
Chedworth Roman Villa Tucked in a wooded Cotswold valley, Chedworth is one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain, with colourful mosaic floors, bathhouses and a water shrine. Raised walkways let you see the mosaics up close. It's a peaceful spot, and Cotswold villages like Bibury and Northleach are close by.
Verulamium Beneath St Albans lies the Roman city of Verulamium. Its museum shows off stunning mosaics and wall paintings, and in the park you can see a hypocaust heating system and stretches of the city wall. The remains of the Roman theatre are just across the road.
Vindolanda Roman Fort Close to Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda is where the famous writing tablets were found, including a Roman birthday party invitation. Excavations still happen every summer, so you may see archaeologists at work. The museum shows off leather shoes, textiles and everyday finds that bring Roman soldiers to life.
National Roman Legion Museum In Caerleon, near Newport, you can walk into a real Roman amphitheatre, see the only remains of a legionary barrack block on view in Europe, and visit the fortress baths. The museum lets kids try on armour. Free to visit and a smashing half day. See National Roman Legion Museum →
Archaeological sites
Stonehenge The world's most famous stone circle rises from Salisbury Plain, built in stages over many centuries. The visitor centre has recreated Neolithic houses to explore, and a shuttle takes you to the stones. Visit early or late, when the light is gorgeous and the crowds thinner. See Stonehenge →
Skara Brae A Stone Age village on Orkney that's older than the Great Pyramid. A storm uncovered it in 1850, revealing stone beds, dressers and hearths that still look ready to use. Combine it with the Ring of Brodgar standing stones nearby for a mind-blowing Orkney day. See Skara Brae →
Avebury Stone Circles Avebury is the largest stone circle in Britain, and a whole village sits inside it, pub included. Unlike Stonehenge, you can wander freely among the stones. Nearby, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow make a brilliant walk through prehistoric Wiltshire.
Jorvik Viking Centre Built on the spot where archaeologists dug up Viking York at Coppergate, Jorvik lets you glide through a recreated Viking street, complete with sounds and smells. The finds gallery shows real objects from the dig. A favourite with kids, so book a time slot in busy periods. Explore York →
Calanais Standing Stones On the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the Calanais stones form a cross shape around a central circle, around five thousand years old. Few places feel quite so ancient and mysterious. The visitor centre explains the theories, and there are smaller circles to find nearby.
Sutton Hoo Here in Suffolk, an Anglo-Saxon king was buried in a great ship packed with treasure, including the famous helmet now in the British Museum. Climb the viewing tower over the burial mounds, explore the exhibition and see a full-size sculpture of the ship. Fans of the film The Dig will love it.
Kents Cavern In the heart of Torquay, Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave system where ancient humans and animals lived and sheltered. Guided tours lead you through atmospheric chambers full of stalagmites and stories. A brilliant rainy-day option on the English Riviera. See Kents Cavern →
Monuments and memorials
Ironbridge Gorge The world's first major iron bridge, finished in 1779, spans the River Severn in this Shropshire gorge. It's a World Heritage Site and often called the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Walk across, browse the village shops, then visit the ten Ironbridge Gorge museums nearby. Explore Telford →
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Home to HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar, plus the Victorian ironclad HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose. There's also a harbour tour and action stations for kids. A ticket often lasts a year, so you don't have to cram everything in. See Portsmouth Historic Dockyard →
The Monument to the Great Fire of London Designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, this column marks the Great Fire of 1666, which started in a bakery on nearby Pudding Lane. Climb the 311 steps to the viewing gallery and you get a certificate at the bottom. Your legs will remember it. See The Monument to the Great Fire of London →
Glenfinnan Monument At the head of Loch Shiel, this tower marks where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. The view is pure Highland magic. Walk up to the viewpoint above the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter, and wait for a steam train if you're lucky. See Glenfinnan Monument →
National Memorial Arboretum In Staffordshire, this is the UK's year-round place of remembrance, with hundreds of memorials set among growing woodland. The Armed Forces Memorial is especially moving. It's free to enter, and the land train is handy for anyone who struggles with long walks. See National Memorial Arboretum →
Battlefields
Where Britain's story turned on a single day. Walk the ground and you'll never read about these battles the same way again.
Culloden Battlefield On a bleak moor near Inverness, the last pitched battle on British soil ended the Jacobite Rising in 1746. The visitor centre's immersive battle room puts you right in the middle of it. Then walk among the clan grave markers. It's a powerful, quiet place. See Culloden Battlefield →
1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield The town of Battle grew up around the abbey William the Conqueror built on the very spot where King Harold fell. Walk the battlefield trail, stand where Harold died, and climb the gatehouse rooftop. Hastings and its seafront are a few miles down the road. See 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield →
Battle of Bannockburn In 1314, Robert the Bruce beat Edward II's army here. The visitor centre uses 3D technology to throw you into medieval combat, and the battle game is great for older kids. The Bruce statue outside is impressive, and Stirling Castle is just up the road. See Battle of Bannockburn →
Killiecrankie A wooded gorge near Pitlochry where Jacobites won a famous victory in 1689. Legend says a fleeing soldier leapt across the river at the Soldier's Leap. Today it's a gorgeous walk through woodland, with the visitor centre telling the story. See Killiecrankie →
Bosworth Battlefield In Leicestershire, Richard III lost his crown and his life in 1485, ushering in the Tudors. The heritage centre tells the story with armour, a battle trail and finds from the real battlefield. Combine it with a trip to Richard's tomb in Leicester Cathedral.
Heritage railways
Steam, smoke and a whistle up front. These lines turn a ride into a proper day out.
Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway Right on Jamie's doorstep, this little narrow gauge line puffs along the Cleethorpes seafront from Kingsway station, past the boating lake and the beach. It's a lovely gentle ride for small kids. Afterwards, hit the promenade for chips, a paddle and a go on the amusements. See Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway →
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Steam trains climb across the heather moorland between Pickering and Grosmont, with some services running on to Whitby. Goathland station played Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and Aidensfield in Heartbeat. Hop off for a moorland walk, then get back on for the next train.
Ffestiniog Railway Starting from Porthmadog harbour, this historic narrow gauge line once carried slate from the mountains. Now little steam engines twist up through forests and past lakes to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Sit on the side facing the valley for the best views, and pack a flask. Explore Porthmadog →
Severn Valley Railway Running from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth along the River Severn, this line is steam railway heaven, with beautifully kept stations and big engines. Stop at Highley for the Engine House full of locomotives, then explore Bridgnorth's old High Town at the far end. Explore Kidderminster →
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway This Yorkshire line runs from Keighley to Oxenhope, stopping at Haworth for the Brontës and Oakworth, the star of the classic film The Railway Children. Its stations look like they've stepped out of the past. A real treat on a crisp autumn day. Explore Keighley →
Talyllyn Railway Starting from Tywyn on the Mid Wales coast, the Talyllyn was the first railway in the world to be saved by volunteers, and it inspired the Rev W Awdry's Thomas books. Ride up to Dolgoch Falls for a waterfall walk, then back down to the beach. Explore Tywyn →
Abbeys, cathedrals and churches
Soaring spires, stained glass and ruins that look like they've stepped out of a painting.
Westminster Abbey Every coronation since 1066 has happened here, and the abbey is packed with tombs of kings, queens and famous names, from Elizabeth I to Isaac Newton. Poets' Corner is a highlight. Visit, then cross over to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. See Westminster Abbey →
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Near Ripon, the huge ruins of Fountains Abbey sit beside an elegant Georgian water garden with lakes, temples and a deer park. It's a World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful walks in Yorkshire. Allow at least half a day and bring a picnic. See Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal →
Canterbury Cathedral The mother church of the Church of England, where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170. See the spot where he fell, the medieval stained glass and the Black Prince's tomb. Canterbury's old streets, river punts and city walls are all on the doorstep. See Canterbury Cathedral →
Durham Castle and Cathedral Perched together on a rocky peninsula above the River Wear, Durham's cathedral and castle form a World Heritage Site. The Norman cathedral holds the tombs of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. The castle is now part of the university, with guided tours at set times. See Durham Castle and Cathedral →
Glastonbury Abbey Steeped in legend, Glastonbury Abbey claims to be the burial place of King Arthur and Guinevere. The ruins sit in peaceful parkland in the middle of town. Afterwards, climb Glastonbury Tor for views across the Somerset Levels and explore the town's quirky shops.
York Minster One of the largest medieval cathedrals in Northern Europe, York Minster is famous for its Great East Window, a vast sweep of medieval stained glass. Climb the central tower for views across York's rooftops, then explore the Undercroft museum beneath. See York Minster →
Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury boasts Britain's tallest spire and the best-preserved original 1215 Magna Carta in its Chapter House. Tower tours take you up through the medieval roof. The cathedral close is gorgeous, and Stonehenge is only a short drive away. See Salisbury Cathedral →
Tintern Abbey In the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire, Tintern's roofless Gothic church inspired Wordsworth and Turner. The windows frame wooded hills. Walk up to the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint across the river, and finish with a drink in one of the riverside pubs.
Whitby Abbey High on the East Cliff above Whitby, these gothic ruins inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Climb the 199 steps from the old town to reach them, then enjoy sweeping sea views. Whitby's fish and chips, harbour and jet shops are waiting below. See Whitby Abbey →
Lindisfarne Priory On Holy Island, reached by a tidal causeway, these red sandstone ruins mark where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were made. Check the tide tables carefully before you drive over. Lindisfarne Castle and the island's wild beaches make it a magical day. See Lindisfarne Priory →
Planning your historic day out
Many of these places are cared for by English Heritage, the National Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw or Historic Royal Palaces. If you're planning a few visits, check whether a membership works out better for your family than paying on the door each time.
Book online for big hitters like Stonehenge, the Tower of London and Warwick Castle, especially in school holidays. Ruins and castles mean steps, uneven ground and wind, so pack sensible shoes and a waterproof. Check tide times for St Michael's Mount and Lindisfarne, and remember that many smaller sites run shorter hours in winter. Most of all, take your time: the best bits are often the quiet corners.
Comments