10 UK Landmarks to Visit

The UK may be small compared to other countries, but when it comes to spectacular landmarks, it certainly doesn't disappoint. From royal residences to historic castles, stunning sculptures to mediaeval marvels, we present the top 10 British landmarks to visit this summer...

Tower of London

A fortress, Royal Palace and infamous prison, the Tower of London is one of the UK's most famous landmarks and a fascinating place to spend the day. See the world-famous Crown Jewels featuring 23,578 gemstones in the year of the Platinum Jubilee, hear captivating stories on the Yeoman Warder tours and meet the ravens, known as the tower's guardians. Tickets are free for Historic Royal Palaces members or £29 for adults and £14.90 for children.

Extend your day trip to the Tower of London with an overnight stay in one of the capital's many hotels. Search Planschange for cheap hotels in London and look out for money-saving hotel deals on our hotel room resales page.

The Roman Baths

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the South West of England and perfect for a romantic weekend away. While you’re there, be sure to visit one of the UK’s iconic landmarks - the Roman Baths. Built over 2000 years ago, the Roman Baths were considered a place of worship where the people of Roman Britain would honour the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs.

Today visitors can explore the Roman Baths, tread the original Roman pavements and discover the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. In addition, there’s a fascinating museum collection to view next to the bathing complex. Don't forget to finish your Roman Baths tour in style with afternoon tea at The Pump Room!

Find ticket price information on the Roman Baths website.

Windsor Castle

For centuries, The Royal Family has played a considerable role in shaping the country, so it’s no surprise that Windsor Castle is one of the UK’s top landmarks. Just under 25 miles from central London, Windsor Castle is one of the Royal Family’s official residences and the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. But despite the Queen enjoying most of her weekends at Windsor Castle, tourists are still welcome to explore the castle and its grounds, discovering its rich history dating back to the 11th century.

Windsor Castle is open Thursdays to Mondays, with tickets available to book through the Royal Collection Trust website. During your visit, check out the castle’s chapel, the State Apartments and the Queen’s Gallery. From 7th July, there will also be a special display commemorating the Queen’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953, featuring the Coronation Dress and magnificent jewels. The price is included in Windsor Castle tickets.

Book a hotel in Windsor to make the most of your stay. You could even pair it with a trip to Legoland, which is just an 8-minute drive from the royal residence.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is not only one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks but also Europe’s best-known prehistoric monument and a place of pilgrimage for Druids worldwide.

The famous UK landmark consists of a ring of large standing stones reaching 13-feet high and weighing around 25 tonnes. Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. However, the reason for the stone’s purpose is still a mystery. Some believe it was a druid temple or a solar calendar for ancient astronomers. Others think it was a burial site. And, of course, we can’t rule out aliens!

Whatever your beliefs, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating landmark to discover how the Stonehenge builders lived and worked. Booking a time ticket in advance is essential to guarantee entry.

The Eden Project

Have you booked a staycation in Cornwall this summer? Then you’re perfectly placed to visit our next top UK attraction - The Eden Project. Located in a reclaimed quarry in Cornwall, The Eden Project is an eco visitor attraction comprising two massive futuristic-looking biomes. The first houses an eclectic mix of Rainforest plants, and the second is home to an array of Mediterranean species.

As well as these stunning displays of plant life, there are also beautiful outdoor gardens to explore, along with various arts and music events taking place throughout the year. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not book tickets for the zip wire or have a go at the aerial assault course? There’s plenty for all the family to enjoy, and it’s a place you can revisit time and time again without getting bored!

Warwick Castle

Fuse a fun family day out and an educational experience with a trip to Warwick Castle. Promising a memorable English excursion, the impressive fortress, located in the beautiful city of Warwick, offers a fascinating glimpse into mediaeval life.

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle is a truly ancient structure and a fantastic example of a British mediaeval fortress. It's also home to many other attractions, including Zog Playland, the Horrible Histories Maze, Have-a-Go Archery, and various shows throughout the year.

Make the most of your trip to Warwick Castle with an overnight stay at a nearby hotel. Search and book Warwick hotels with Planschange to get the best price.

Angel of the North

Regarded as England’s answer to the Statue of Liberty, the Angel of the North stands 20 metres high, with a wingspan similar to a Boeing 747! Built by Antony Gormley in 1998 on a panoramic hilltop overlooking an abandoned coal mine, it is the largest angel sculpture in existence and one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK.

The Angel of the North in Gateshead is located close to the A1 and is easy to reach by public transport and car. Best of all, this UK landmark is completely free to visit!

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official London residence, a working royal palace and the focus of many national celebrations, including 2022’s Platinum Jubilee. While you can catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, and if you’re lucky, the Changing the Guard ceremony, free of charge, if you want to explore the staterooms and palace gardens, you’ll need to pre-book tickets.

From 22nd July to 2nd October 2022, Buckingham Palace will feature a special exhibition, The Queen’s Accession, to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee. The collection will include portraits of The Queen taken by Dorothy Wildin, alongside pieces of Her Majesty’s jewellery worn for the portrait sittings.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Together, The Houses of Parliament (aka The Palace of Westminster) and the northern Clock Tower, known as the Elizabeth Tower, make up one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. While the Elizabeth Tower is often referred to as ‘Big Ben,’ it’s actually the nickname for the Great Bell found inside the tower...but we don’t need to get bogged down with the details! Whatever you want to call it, it’s iconic and a must-see on your next trip to the capital.

Book a guided tour of The Palace of Westminster to discover the history and heritage of the building and find out about the work of the UK Parliament. It’s worth knowing that UK residents are eligible for free guided tours, bookable through See Tickets.

You’ll note that many of the UK’s top 10 landmarks to visit are in London, so it’s wise to book a sightseeing trip and do them all in one go! Find and book a central London hotel through Planschange to save money on accommodation and be in easy reach of all of the city’s top attractions.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the UK’s top landmarks. Built 1900 years ago to guard the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire, it stretches 73 miles from coast to coast and can be accessed from multiple sites in Northumberland, Cumbria, and Tyne and Wear in Northern England.

This year marks 1900 years since the building of Hadrian’s Wall, so English Heritage and the Hadrian’s Wall partnership are hosting a year-long festival with many exciting events and exhibitions across Chesters, Housesteads, Birdoswald and Corbridge. Visit the English Heritage website to find out more and book tickets.

Book hotels near top landmarks in the UK

Planning a trip to one of Britain’s top 10 landmarks? Use Planschange to book hotels near top attractions in the UK. Find hotels using our easy online search bar or check out our resale deals to see if anyone is selling a hotel room in your chosen destination.