With roots stretching back more than 1,000 years to its time as a Benedictine abbey, Chester Cathedral is deeply ingrained in Chester’s history. Bounded by the city’s Roman walls and largely built between the 10th and 16th centuries, this Romanesque and neo-Gothic red sandstone church intrigues with its richly carved choir, 216-step tower, and medieval treasures.
Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches 73 miles (117 kilometers) across the north of England, all the way from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Built in AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian’s orders and finished four years later, the wall marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain.
A signature British seaside sight, Bournemouth Pier remains as lively today as it was in its 19th-century heyday. While tourists no longer arrive by steamer boat, the pier is a hub of activity with traditional beachfront offerings like a helter-skelter, eateries, and arcade games, but also attractions like rock climbing and zip lining for a modern, adventurous twist.
Dating to 1482, Sally Lunn’s Historic House is one of the oldest houses in Bath. Named after Huguenot baker Solange Luyon (aka Sally Lunn)—who invented the first Bath bun that now bears her name—the establishment still serves Sally Lunn buns and other dishes. The original kitchen is now a museum.
The Beatles Statue is exactly as the name suggests—a bronze statue of the iconic band known as the Fab Four. Erected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band’s last gig in Liverpool, it has become one of the most popular spots for fans to take selfies. Of course, Liverpool is significant as it was the birthplace of the band.
Guildhall has served as the center of government for the City of London since the Middle Ages, and it hosts banquets, ceremonies, meetings, and special events. As the only surviving secular medieval building in the City, it’s known for its Great Hall, atmospheric crypts, and the remains of a Roman amphitheater beneath it. Visitors also come to see the adjoining Guildhall Art Gallery.
Shrouded by woodland and home to ivy-covered monuments, Highgate Cemetery is an atmospheric Victorian graveyard in North London. Some of the cemetery’s most famous residents include Karl Marx, whose grave stands in the East Side of the grounds; the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams; and musician George Michael, buried in the West Side.
Home to basements so deep they're below sea level, the British Library has every book and magazine published in the UK since 1911. It boasts two copies of the Magna Carta (one burnt to a crisp); the 17th-century leather Klencke Atlas, one of the world's largest; and Shakespeare's First Folio—one of 80,000 rare manuscripts in the glass-cabineted King’s Library.
Islington is an area in north London that’s a fun place for strolling and experiencing authentic London life, where you can explore market stalls, browse independent boutiques, or eat at one of its many great pubs and restaurants. With a wide range of eateries, plus plenty of unique shops, Islington makes a welcome change from some of the city’s more typical tourist hot spots, plus you’ll spot pretty Georgian architecture while wandering its streets.
Built by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, the Mary Rose is one of Britain’s most legendary warships. The pride of the Royal Navy, the mighty vessel saw battle numerous times before finally meeting her fate in 1545. More than 400 years later, the raised wreck was returned to her birthplace in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
One of Premier League’s most storied and beautiful venues, London’s Craven Cottage is a top attraction for football (soccer) lovers. The home of Fulham Football Club for more than a century, the stadium is located on what were once royal hunting grounds. Today, the riverside venue is situated next to the scenic Bishop’s Park, right on the River Thames.
Dating back to the 12th century, Temple Church is renowned for its fascinating history: it was founded by the Knights Templar, has links to the negotiations of the Magna Carta, was bombed during the Blitz, and featured in the Da Vinci Code. Beyond its historical significance, Temple Church remains an active place of worship, hosting regular services. It’s also a big draw for architecture fans thanks to its distinctive round design, which is characteristic of Templar churches.
As Europe’s largest airport, London Heathrow (LHR) serves more than 70 million air travel passengers annually. It’s the UK’s busiest airport, serving as the gateway to London for most of the world and offering currency exchange facilities, accommodation, luggage storage, and VIP lounges.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East is a peaceful retreat hidden in the City of London, not far from London Bridge and the Tower of London. Originally built in the 12th century and later redesigned by celebrated architect Christopher Wren, the church was badly damaged during World War II. Rather than rebuilding it, the shell was transformed into a leafy public space—now a favourite local spot for reading, lunch breaks, and a pause from the city rush.
Built by the ancestors of Princess Diana, Spencer House is a lavishly decorated 18th-century townhouse in St James’s, one of London's most affluent boroughs. Decor, artwork, and furniture reflect the classical taste of Earl Spencer, who wanted the house to be a temple of hospitality, love, and the arts. Highlights include the grandiose Painted Room, the Dining Room, and the Library.
Established by King James I in 1606, the Port of Dover in Kent remains one of country’s busiest and most important transit hubs. The closest port to France—located 21 miles (34 kilometers) across the English Channel—Dover in southeast England is frequented by ferries, cruise ships, and an array of cargo services.
The Charles Dickens Museum takes visitors on a journey into the life of one of the world’s greatest storytellers. Housed in the Georgian townhouse where Dickens lived in the 19th century, it’s where he wrote classics such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. Carefully preserved to resemble its appearance in the 1830s, the museum displays his personal possessions, original manuscripts, and rare editions of his novels.
One of London’s main transport hubs, Liverpool Street Station is the gateway to some of the capital’s top attractions. On one side of the 19th-century station you’ll find the medieval streets and sleek skyscrapers of the City of London. To the other, you’ll stumble into street-art filled Shoreditch. Wherever you plan to visit in London, you’ll likely pass through this Monopoly station at some point.
One of London’s most innovative entertainment venues, the ABBA Arena was purpose-built in 2022 specifically for ABBA Voyage—a live concert that features the digital avatars of Swedish pop icons ABBA, known as ABBAtars. These virtual performers are paired with the band’s original vocals and supported by a live 10-piece band. The arena holds up to 3,000 fans, and its hexagonal design ensures great views from every vantage point.
You can’t miss Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth: The sail-shaped, 560-foot (170-meter) tower swoops above the city’s low-lying historic waterfront. On clear days, vistas from the landmark's three observation decks stretch from Portsmouth Harbour to the rolling South Downs and the Isle of Wight. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or for anyone to enjoy a meal with a spectacular view.
Consistently one of Manchester’s most-visited attractions, the Lowry is a visual and performing arts center that houses three theaters, plus galleries and other public spaces. Opened in 2000 and dedicated by the Queen of England, the Lowry has played a significant role in the regeneration of the city’s Salford Quays area.
Since its debut in advance of the London 2012 Olympics, Westfield Stratford City has become a go-to shopping destination in East London, and it’s also one of the biggest urban shopping centers in the UK. The complex has more than 200 shops, 100 dining destinations, and entertainment options such as a movie theater, a bowling alley, a casino, and go-karting. It attracts more than 51 million visits from shoppers every year.
Perched on a headland above Falmouth, Pendennis Castle is one of Cornwall’s most striking landmarks. Built by Henry VIII in 1542 as a coastal stronghold and used as a secret World War II military base, the castle is a magnet for visitors, who can admire its original Tudor keep, barracks block, historical weaponry collections, and panoramic sea views.
Don’t be fooled by its name: Malham Cove isn’t a quaint seaside village, but rather a landlocked limestone amphitheater in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Geological formations of this type are rarely seen in England, making it an interesting place to visit when exploring this area.
Originally built to carry iron ore from the mines to the coast, the tiny Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has been chugging through the Lake District since 1875. Ride the railway between Dalegarth and the coastal town of Ravenglass to admire landscapes that encompass sheep-dotted pastures, woodlands, ridges, and rocky outcrops.
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s city center, the Roundhouse is an eye-catching curved Grade II–listed building that was originally built as stables and storage space for the canal network. It’s now a launch point for a variety of tours that explore the canal area, both on and off the water: stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, cycling, and walking tours. It’s also home to interesting start-ups.
The Western Approaches Museum, housed in a former World War II bunker in Liverpool, serves as both a memorial and a museum. Once the Western Approaches Command headquarters, this top-secret underground facility was crucial in the Battle of the Atlantic. Visitors can explore its labyrinth of rooms and uncover the strategies and secrets that were pivotal to the British Armed Forces' success.
At the bright and bustling Columbia Road Flower Market in East London, vendors have been selling plants and flowers for generations. You can buy everything from cut flowers to cacti here, for a much cheaper price than in London’s plant shops. And the flower market isn’t Columbia Road’s only draw; this lovely street is lined with colorful, independent boutiques selling art, jewelry, and clothing, too.
With its grand domed roof and Viennese Baroque–style architecture, Central Hall Westminster is a striking Grade II–listed multi-purpose venue in London. Once the UK headquarters of Methodism, it still acts as a Methodist church, as well as a conference center. Visitors come here for all sorts of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and even public inquiries.
Set near Cornwall’s northern coast, Newquay Zoo offers a wildlife experience that’s perfect for families. Home to over 130 species, including red pandas, penguins, meerkats, and lemurs, the zoo blends conservation efforts with interactive exhibits. Visitors can spot colorful creatures in tropical habitats, attend talks, and watch feeding sessions too, making it a must for animal lovers exploring Cornwall.
