There are many things to do in the UK, ranging from culture and history to adventure. The UK has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and visiting the country is like stepping back in time. To make sure that you get the most out of your trip and don’t miss any of its best attractions, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite UK heritage sites that are sure to impress visitors young and old!
Stonehenge
- Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury.
- It is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks. The most widely accepted theory is that it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC.
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is one of the largest and most complete cathedrals in Europe. Built over more than 500 years, it features some stunning architecture and interior decoration. The cathedral was built on the site of an ancient monastery founded in AD 674 by Saint Aidan, who later became Bishop of Lindisfarne.
The cathedral is home to a large collection of medieval stained glass windows, including some notable examples from the 13th century depicting saints such as Saint Oswald and Saint Cuthbert who were buried there before their remains were translated to Durham Cathedral in 1104 after its completion.
Durham Cathedral has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural significance and importance as a center for pilgrimage during the Middle Ages. A popular tourist attraction today, it welcomes more than half a million visitors each year from all over the world!
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle located in London, England. The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It is a royal palace and fortress that has been used for many purposes through time including as a prison, museum, and place of execution.
The White Tower was completed in 1098 and remains the most prominent feature of the Tower today with its square shape and four corner towers. It was originally built with white Caen limestone which has worn over time to give it its current appearance: grey with streaks of black mottling throughout its walls.
Hadrian’s Wall
At the very least, you’re probably familiar with Hadrian’s Wall. The iconic Roman defensive fortification stretches 73 miles across northern Britain, separating modern-day Scotland from England. Built by Emperor Hadrian in the second century AD to mark the northern boundary of his empire, it was originally constructed as nothing more than a defensive fortification but has since become one of Britain’s most important cultural sites. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to learn about its history and explore its many attractions—from museums and visitor centers to ruins that have survived for over 1,800 years!
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The Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath
The Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath
The baths were built in about 60AD by the Romans on top of a temple to the goddess Sulis Minerva. It is believed that they were used for both public bathing and religious ceremonies. In 1793, Thomas Bruce discovered the remains of a large stone building with a series of baths beneath it. Many people believe that this is where King Arthur was crowned king of Britain at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall after defeating Mordred and his Saxon allies in battle.
The structure was restored between 1971–74 by English Heritage with professional help from UNESCO which recognized its great importance as an archeological site as well as being one of England’s most visited tourist attractions. Today you can visit this historic bathhouse where you will find beautiful architecture and amazing sculptures made from stone and glass mosaics depicting scenes from classical mythology like Hercules fighting against Achelous (a river god) who appears here because he tried to drown Hercules when Hercules tricked him into getting drunk before catching him off guard during their fight!
The British Museum, London
The British Museum is the largest in the world, with a collection of over 8 million objects. The museum was founded in 1753 and has been open 365 days a year since its opening. One of its most famous exhibits is the Rosetta Stone, which was discovered by French soldiers during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign.
Stirling Castle, Stirling
Stirling Castle is a historic castle in Stirling, Scotland. The castle was built in the 15th century by King James I of Scotland. It was extended and rebuilt by Sir William Wallace during the Wars of Scottish Independence to protect the Scottish crown jewels.
Stirling Castle is a popular visitor attraction today, receiving over 360,000 visitors annually. It is one of the most important castles in Scotland and has been featured in several literary works such as Ivanhoe by Walter Scott and Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is a royal fortress located on Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic crag in the heart of Edinburgh. The castle has been continuously in use for 1000 years and is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland (formerly RCAHMS). The site offers spectacular views over Edinburgh and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Honours of Scotland. It is one of Scotland’s major tourist attractions.
The Royal Mile is the name given to the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh, stretching from St Giles Cathedral at its southern end to Holyrood Palace at its northern end. It runs along an artificially widened ridge between two valleys that were formerly densely populated with tenements. This route matches that taken by many pilgrims on their way to St Giles’ Cathedral before its destruction by King Henry VIII in 1538, thereby allowing him to build up his power base further south in London (and later moved his court there permanently).
Skara Brae and Maes Howe, Orkney Mainland
Skara Brae and Maes Howe are two of the most famous archaeological sites in the UK. Both are on Orkney Mainland, an island group that contains 25% of all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK.
Skara Brae is a Neolithic settlement that was built between 3100 and 2500 BC. It consists of eight stone houses, each with a fireplace, as well as various other structures and artifacts that were discovered during excavations. The site is open year-round except for December 24–26th, when it’s closed for Christmas Eve through Boxing Day (the day after Christmas).
Maes Howe is a chambered tomb: it was built around 5000 BC by people who lived on Orkney Island at that time; similar tombs can be found across Europe and northern Africa; they were used as burial sites for important figures or members of prehistoric communities
Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
Located on the coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The site was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and is made up of over 40,000 basalt columns that jut out from the sea into the Irish Sea. It’s also believed to be where Finn McCool (a giant from Scottish mythology) buried his defeated rival Erick Gruel.
There are some amazing places to see in the UK!
With a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years, there is no shortage of amazing places to see in the UK. Stonehenge, Durham Cathedral, The Tower of London, Hadrian’s Wall, and Roman Baths are just some of the incredible heritage sites you can explore on your trip.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit then look no further than these top picks!
If you’re looking for a holiday that has some culture, history, and adventure thrown into the mix then we think these heritage sites are perfect! Whether it’s exploring ancient artifacts or walking along Hadrian’s Wall, there will be something for everyone at these incredible places. So if you want to discover more about British history while on vacation in the United Kingdom, then make sure to check out some of our top picks below before planning your next trip.