20 Famous Landmarks in England to Visit
England’s a proper mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping sights that’ll make any trip unforgettable. Whether you’re obsessed with Tudor kings, live for that perfect Instagram snap, or just fancy a good wander, there’s a landmark here with your name on it. At The Travel Tinker, we’ve put together our top 20 unmissable spots – think crumbling castles, futuristic skyscrapers, and everything in between. Grab a cuppa and let’s get stuck in!
1. Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament (London)
You can’t think of London without picturing that iconic clock tower (yeah, technically it’s the Elizabeth Tower – but who’s counting?). Framed by the Gothic spires of the Houses of Parliament, this riverside stunner’s a rite of passage for first-time visitors.
Fun fact: Big Ben’s bongs ring out in E-natural – and on a quiet night, you’ll hear ’em from five miles away!
2. Tower of London (London)
This place has seen it all – beheadings, jewel heists, and even a ghost or two. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels glittering in the vaults, and keep an eye out for those Beefeaters in their Tudor getup.
Spooky tidbit: They reckon Anne Boleyn’s ghost still haunts the chapel. Sleep tight!
3. Buckingham Palace (London)
Fancy a nosey at how the other half lives? Time your visit for the Changing of the Guard (11am most days) and watch the soldiers march in perfect step. Peek over the gates – with 775 rooms, even the Queen loses her keys sometimes.
Recommended Tours: Top Activities in London
Related Article: 3 Days In London Itinerary: Big Ben to Borough Market
4. Stonehenge (Wiltshire)
This ancient stone circle’s been baffling historians for centuries. How’d Neolithic folk drag 30-ton rocks 150 miles? Your guess is as good as ours.
Pro tip: Visit at sunrise for proper mystical vibes.
5. Windsor Castle (Berkshire)
The King’s weekend bolthole is the world’s oldest working castle. Wander the lavish state rooms, then nip into St George’s Chapel – it’s where Harry and Meghan said “I do”.
Survival story: The 1992 fire nearly did for it – took 15 hours to put out!
6. St Paul’s Cathedral (London)
Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece survived the Blitz and still dominates the skyline. Climb up to the Whispering Gallery – say something daft, and your mate across the dome will hear it crystal clear.
For a deeper look: Most Beautiful Castles in England
Find Your English Trip...
7. White Cliffs of Dover (Kent)
These chalky giants are Britain’s natural welcome mat. Perfect for a bracing coastal walk – just watch your step near the edge! At 350 feet tall, the views over the Channel are bonkers.
8. Hadrian’s Wall (Northern England)
The Romans weren’t messing about when they built this 73-mile border. Today, you can hike bits of it – keep an eye out for ancient loo carvings (yes, really).
9. The Shard (London)
London’s glassy skyscraper looks like it’s from the future. Head up to the viewing platform on floor 72 – on a clear day, you’ll spot six counties!
Recommended Tours & Tickets in England
10. British Museum (London)
It’s free, it’s massive, and it’s got everything from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone. You’ll need weeks to see it all – maybe start with the Elgin Marbles?
11. York Minster (York)
This Gothic beast took 250 years to build. The stained glass is mind-blowing – the Great East Window’s as big as a tennis court!
12. Stratford-upon-Avon (Warwickshire)
Shakespeare’s hometown’s like stepping into a Tudor postcard. Catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, then visit the Bard’s grave – complete with curse for anyone moving his bones!
13. Royal Albert Dock (Liverpool)
Once a crumbling warehouse district, now a buzzing hub of museums and bars. Beatlemaniacs – the Beatles Story exhibition’s an absolute must.
14. Roman Baths (Bath)
Fancy a dip in 2,000-year-old spa water? The Romans did – though today you’ll have to settle for the modern spa next door. The ancient pool’s still steamy at 46°C!
15. Durham Cathedral (Durham)
Harry Potter fans – this is where they filmed Hogwarts’ corridors! The Norman architecture’s so impressive, it’s been a UNESCO site since 1986.
Accommodation in England
16. Tower Bridge (London)
No, it’s not London Bridge! Walk the glass-floored high-level walkways for heart-in-mouth views of the Thames below.
17. Eden Project (Cornwall)
These giant alien-looking biomes house rainforests and Mediterranean gardens. Kids go mad for the canopy walkway – just don’t forget your raincoat for the Cornish weather!
18. Lake District (Cumbria)
Wordsworth’s old stomping ground is all misty lakes and craggy hills. Tackle Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak) or just stuff your face with Grasmere gingerbread.
For Your Consideration: All Our Guides to England
19. Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury)
Pilgrims have flocked here since the Middle Ages. The stained glass tells grisly tales of martyred saints – perfect for history buffs with a dark side.
20. Blackpool Tower (Blackpool)
The Brits’ answer to the Eiffel Tower, complete with a glittering ballroom and proper old-school circus. Don’t miss the Wurlitzer organ – it’s a proper blast from the past.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
From Roman ruins to space-age towers, England’s landmarks are proper crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re gawping at Windsor’s bling or hiking Hadrian’s wild north, each spot tells its own cracking story.
Your turn…
Got a favourite we’ve missed? Give us a shout in the comments – and don’t forget your camera! 🏴
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- Top 10 places to Visit in North West England (From a Local Who’s Been There!)
- 12 Natural Wonders You Need to Visit in Yorkshire
- England Unveiled: Fun Travel Facts & Surprising Stats
Recommended Websites and Resources:
FAQs (Because You’re Probably Wondering…)
What is the most famous landmark in England?
Big Ben is often considered England’s most famous landmark, thanks to its iconic clock tower and central location in London.
Which English landmark has the most visitors?
The British Museum consistently attracts the highest number of visitors, with millions exploring its historic exhibits annually.
Are there any free landmarks to visit in England?
Yes! Many, including the British Museum, Tower Bridge walkways, and the White Cliffs of Dover, are free to explore.
What is the oldest landmark in England?
Stonehenge is one of England’s oldest landmarks, dating back over 5,000 years.
What is the best time to visit these landmarks?
Spring and summer offer the best weather, but visiting in autumn or winter means fewer crowds and a different kind of charm.
Travel Planning Resources
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Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
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Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
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